Graceling by Kristin Cashore (2008)

Born with a killing Grace, Katsa is feared across the land — until she meets someone whose power changes everything she believes about strength. Cashore’s novel is thrilling and thoughtful, full of emotional intelligence and moral weight. It’s a love story, an adventure, and a meditation on autonomy all at once.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐