Graceling

Cashore, K. (2008). Graceling. Orlando, FL: Harcourt.

I loved Graceling. This book was spectacular.  Katsa is a graceling, someone with a gift.  Her gift is combat, and specifically killing; she can not fail.  This is a mixed "blessing", and Katsa is forced into life as an assassin for the king.  She meets Prince Po in a secret organization, and they slowly become friends.  Po is looking for his grandfather, and he is graced in fighting.  The two are almost evenly matched, which is new for Katsa.  Though the two fall in love on their quest, Katsa refuses to marry, as she thinks women lose their independence.  They prevail against the mind-controlling evil king in the end.  I can't wait for the sequel!