The Graceling: A Surprising Good Young Adult Fiction

It is so rare to find something in young adult fiction that actually justifies reading it.  I've been pleasantly surprised by Graceling, and will be getting a copy for my eleven year old to read.  It doesn't have the depth of Tolkien (who does?) and some plot points needed thinking out more, but I found myself deeply caring about the main character without realizing it.  That's accomplishment enough. It's a little gory for the younger set (what am I saying?  They are all reading Twilight these days).