Graceling by Cashore

Graceling is Cashore's first book and it's honestly fantastic. In this fantasy world, certain individuals are graced, or given special abilities. Some may be amazing bakers. Some may hold their breath for an impossibly long time. Katsa's grace is killing. She's been able to kill a grown man with her bare hands since she was 8. Her uncle, the king, puts Katsa to work as his thug.

But Katsa is not just a killer. She and some friends create a resistance movement and fight against the stupidity and brutality of kings. Through her work for the resistance, Katsa meets Po, a graceling prince with amazing fighting abilities. The two develop a fierce friendship and eventually embark on a dangerous quest together.

All of the characters in the book are extremely well developed and believable. The action is intense, the plot enjoyable, and the themes of self-mastery and identity poignant. I was sincerely sorry to reach the last page. I hope Cashore keeps writing.