This YA, science fiction novel is not at all what I would expect from the genre.  Katsa, the strong willed, ass kicking, tomboy protagonist of Graceling was born with a special power, called a Grace.  She is exceptional at killing and her uncle the King has taken advantage of this her entire life.  Katsa strikes up an unlikely friendship with Po and this is where the action of the story really flies.  This book is violent and somewhat adult like in content, but Cashore perfectly captures the voice and attitude of an adolescent who is rebelling and trying to do what is right.  Part fantasy, part love story, part story of survival…this is one of my favorite books of the year so far.