Start with Graceling
Choose Graceling for the best introduction to the realm and continue in publication order.
Book Series · 2 Books
Graceling Realm Books
In order from Graceling to Bitterblue.
Kristin Cashore's connected fantasy novels follow different young women whose unusual abilities place them inside dangerous questions about power, freedom, family, and responsibility.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read the Graceling Realm Books
Each book tells its own central story, so a teen can follow the heroine or setting that interests them most. For the clearest character history and the fewest spoilers, Kristin Cashore recommends publication order: Graceling, Fire, Bitterblue, Winterkeep, then Seasparrow.
Sources: Kristin Cashore's official reading guidance, Penguin Random House series inventory.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
The books include sword fights, war, murder, captivity, injuries, grief, and rulers who abuse or control children and family members. Mind control and the lasting effects of trauma are recurring concerns.
Romance and sexual situations become more prominent in parts of the series, alongside threatened sexual violence and coercion. These are YA fantasies with mature emotional material, even though each novel has a hopeful center.
Where to start
Where Should My Teen Start?
Publication order is the simplest spoiler-safe route, but the books are more flexible than a continuous five-part quest.
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Sale price
$2974
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2008
Graceling
A deadly talent, a hidden secret, and a friendship that could change everything.
512 pages· 115,319 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
$31.30Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the Seven Kingdoms, Katsa is Graced with the lethal skill of killing, serving as the king's enforcer. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Prince Po, whose combat Grace challenges her own. As their friendship deepens, Katsa uncovers a truth about her abilities and a secret that threatens to unravel the kingdoms with mere words. Can she navigate this dangerous path and protect those she loves, or will the hidden threat consume them all? Dive into a world where power and loyalty are tested at every turn.
In reading order
Graceling Realm Series
2 books · Published 2008–2012
#1
Sale price
$2974
Graceling
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2008
A deadly talent, a hidden secret, and a friendship that could change everything.
#3
Sale price
$2584
Bitterblue
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2012
A young queen uncovers dark secrets of her father's reign, guided by mysterious thieves and hidden powers.
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Graceling Realm series?
There are 2 books in the Graceling Realm series. It began with Graceling in 2008, and the newest book, Bitterblue, was published in 2012.
What order should you read the Graceling Realm books in?
Start with Graceling and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #2.
What ages are the Graceling Realm books best for?
The series is best for ages 12–18, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
The people
The Creative Behind the Books
The people who bring Graceling Realm to life.
Keep exploring
Similar Series
Skulduggery Pleasant
Ages 10–15
Ready Player One
Ages 12–18
The Mortal Instruments
Ages 12–18
Strange the Dreamer
Ages 14–18
Renegades
Ages 12–18
The House of the Scorpion
Ages 12–18
Princess Academy
Ages 11–15
Earthsea Cycle
Ages 12–17