The Graceling Realm by Kristin Cashore

If you want fantasy, romance, and adventure these are the books for you. They’re YA novels but lean towards an older audience. You don’t need to read this series in order until you reach Book #4.

In the Seven Kingdoms, there are people called Gracelings. A Grace is a unique ability like super strength or mind reading. In some Kingdoms, Gracelings are honored. In others, they’re the property of the King. With each book, Cashore expands the world and introduces new magical capabilities. The world building is extremely well done.

#1 Graceling - Katsa can kill a man with her bare hands. She never expected to fall in love. When Katsa discovers a dangerous secret, she sets off on an adventure with Prince Po to save the Kingdom.

#2 Fire – Fire is the last remaining human monster. She can control minds. The royal family brings her to the palace to help uncover a plot against the King. Fire learns there is more to her power than she ever imagined.

#3 Bitterblue – Bitterblue is the queen of Monsea but the influence of her psychopath, violent father lives on. The only way to move forward is to reveal the truth of the past. The problem is that truthseekers often end up dead.

#4 Winterkeep – A new kingdom has been discovered. Torla is a land of miracles and telepathic creatures. When Monsea’s envoys drown under mysterious circumstances, Bitterblue sails to Torla. With the help of Giddon and Hava, she discovers a secret that threatens their lives and homeland.

#5 Seasparrow – Told entirely from the prospective of Hava directly after the events in Book #4. Read Winterkeep first.