As promised, here is the second novel from Kristin Cashore. It had another map in the front (fantasy category, check). It felt a bit like more of the same. I can’t quite decide how I feel about it. I read it compulsively until I finished (not much of a stretch for me, but the pacing was good). The last novel from Cashore featured a female protagonist that was exceptionally brave, strong, smart, the opposite of weak. She never felt pain, or got tired, she had a strong mind and she grew as the novel progressed. The second novel features a female protagonist who is strong, beautiful, and graced with powers that help her control the minds of the people around her. She is part monster part human. Her appearance is startling. She tries to hide her beauty by covering her hair and wearing men’s clothing (as did the Katsa from Graceling). She  too, grows as the novel progresses. This novel and the first feature one character in common. Perhaps these are the reasons for the feeling of sameness?  Characters were well developed, the plot was a bit hard to follow, the pacing was good. Oh, ok so this is a bit embarrassing, I just found out that this book is a companion to Graceling. No wonder it was more of the same.