Graceling By Kristin Cashore- Revised Version

 In today's society being unique is something to worship. But is it the same everywhere? In the book Graceling by Kristin Cashore, being different isn't always a good thing. Katsa (main character) lives in a world where some people have their own ability or grace. But what makes Katsa so different from others with graces? Katsa has a killing grace, meaning she can kill anyone with her bare hands; because of this people fear her and her power. "Katsa caught the child's eyes and stared her down. The girl gasped and backed up a few steps, then turned and ran from the hall". Katsa is 11, meaning that even others her age are scared to even look at her. This leaves Katsa very lonely causing her to be very independent and refuse marriage, since they could marry at young ages. Unlike many, there are however others who trust and admire Katsa. "The women held her gaze, as no other than Raffin, Oll, or the king did". No one in the castle ever looks at Katsa; servants, guests, nobody.

Although, Katsa doesn't want to admit her loneliness, Katsa admires Helda (the women) for giving her the company and getting to know Katsa for who she is and not stories that have been told about her/ not fearing her grace like the others. Her whole life, Katsa did nothing but obey the king who is also her uncle, that all changes when Prince Po reaches the castle in search for his grandfather. He encourages Katsa to do what she wants in life and not let others control her. "Po thinks you have the courage. Pretend that you believe he's right. Believe him, for just a moment". In this moment Katsa is about to tell the king how she disobeyed his order and will leave the castle to live her own life. Po has been a good influence and a good friend to Katsa throughout his time in the castle. She has finally learned to trust him as he trusted her. Being different has its ups and downs in the world this book revolves around. Having a killing grace has changed Katsa's life forever. For most of her life she's done nothing but sit alone at her dinner table or sit in a room all by herself. You're judged by your looks and what others think or have heard about you; not who you really are as a person. Under all that power Katsa is a girl who wants to be loved, but doesn't want to believe it herself. Being unique is what makes you special. Would you stand up for yourself or hide in the shadows like everyone else? You choose...