I have just finished a book recommended by a student, Kristen Cashore's Graceling. I really enjoyed the text and highly recommend it to students who like strong female protagonists with a fantasy twist.
This may be Cashore's first novel, but the lady knows how to craft tension. As always, it seems to me it comes down to word choice. In this case, how much to reveal to the reader. Cashore understands how to reveal just a little bit of information at a time. Not to boast, but I read quite a bit. It is very hard to surprise me. I was constantly surprised by the twists in the plot development. This could have been a really bad read, but by continuing to allow her protagonist to mature on her journey instead of stagnating into the typical fantasy/teen romance pulp that is floating around right now, the author creates a dynamic character with just the right balance of "I saw that coming" with "that was from left field." The mushy stuff is predictable (follows the formula), but it takes a back burner to the main action in the plot.
I have always had a softs pot for feminist literature. While Cashore may not feel her adolescent fantasy falls into this category, her protagonist, Kasta, reminds me quite a bit of Marion Zimmer Bradley's work. Kasta is a likeable character who comes across as realistic in emotional responses and dialogue.
A caution to those who do not like to read a series. This is the first book in a series. I believe that the second book has been released, but I am not sure about others. I think as long as she keep the series short, Cashore won't lose her fanbase. I will probably read the second book just to see how the writing holds up.
