By Kristin Cashore

In Katsa's world, people born with eyes of two different colors, a sign that they will develope some form of special ability in their lives, are called Gracelings. Katsa's grace enables her to fight and kill as a superior assassin to her uncle, a bully of a king who must always have his way.

But Katsa doesn't only undertake assignments from her uncle. She is also a member and founder of a group of people called the Council, people working constantly to provide justice to those in need.

When the Council resues a kidnapped Lienid king, Katsa meets a graced fighter named Po and winds up in over her head in a battle of minds and forces with a formidable enemy.