The long-awaited companion to New York Times bestsellers Graceling and Fire Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck's reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle--disguised and alone--to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past. Two thieves, who only steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck's reign. And one of them, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn't yet identified, holds a key to her heart.
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"I loved Bitterblue! I had read and loved Cashore's earlier books, Fire and Graceling. I have really enjoyed all the main characters - royal princesses and strong women who come into their own power as well as fall in love." — Abigail (5 out of 5 stars)
"I loved Bitterblue! I had read and loved Cashore's earlier books, Fire and Graceling. I have really enjoyed all the main characters - royal princesses and strong women who come into their own power as well as fall in love."
“Some authors can tell a good story; some can write well. Cashore is one of the rare novelists who do both. Thrillingly imagined and beautifully executed, Bitterblue stands as a splendid contribution in long literary tradition.”
“Devastating and heartbreaking…those willing to take the risk will—like Bitterblue—achieve something even more precious: a hopeful beginning.”
“Readers will gallop through [Bitterblue], eager to catch up on beloved characters and hopeful that the Seven Kingdoms can at last find peace. There are astonishing and sometimes heartbreaking discoveries.”
“Cashore’s imagined world is brilliantly detailed and brimming with vibrant and dynamic characters.”
“Fans of…intricate political fantasies will relish this novel of palace intrigue.”
" hated the end of this book, but the rest was fantastic. "
" One of the most painful books that I have read. Kristin must of set a record for the number of questions that were asked in a book. The sad part is that most of the questions were not answered. While Graceling was a mediocre read, Bitterblue was definitely a step backwards. "
" Love this young adult fantasy series. I will read any additions to it, should they be published. Great character development, themes, and depth of complexity as well as insight. "
" Loved it! But warning - it deals w/ some VERY disturbing/sensitive subject matters that I feel were hinted at in Graceling, but taken to the worst possible expectation & beyond. "
" Wonderful addition to this series. As usual, I am left wanting to know more. Perhaps there will be another book set in this world. "
" Not as good as Graceling and Fire. Story dragged on at the end. "
" While the plot was a little slow, I was pleasantly surprised by the end "
" Probably the best sequel I've ever read. Very unique way to do a sequel too. I love this author and I loved this book and series. "
" Finally! The third book in the Graceling series was worth the wait. It was the best book so far, and features my favourite crotchety librarian ever written! "
" Bitterblue is much more believable as a slightly older version of herself. "
" Surprisingly good follow up to Graceling! Bitterblue is easy to sympathize with, and the twist towards the end works well. I was anxious to get back to it when other things called my attention away! "
" a little slow. a lot interesting. and full of mystery. lots of cruelty left over. PG-13 "
" I was really disappointed in this book. The last 150 pages or so were good, but the bulk of the book was so much dithering that it frustrated me to no end. I felt this book spent far too much time waffling at the expense of some strong themes. More complete review to come. "
" 4.5 stars. I love Kristin Cashore's prose and imagery as much as I loved this story. So much to take in; such a complex storyline and characters. Kept me gripped until the end. Loved it! "
" I totally stealth read this awhile ago and loved it. Almost or equal to how much I loved Graceling. This series was probably one of my top 3 discoveries for 2012. "
" DISAPPOINTED IN BIG CAPS. "
" This was my least favorite in this series. But I still enjoyed it. "
" nice storyline "
" Just read it, it's bloody good. "
Kristin Cashore is the author of the acclaimed epic fantasy novels set in the Graceling Realm: Graceling, Fire, Bitterblue, and Winterkeep. She grew up in northeast Pennsylvania and earned a master’s degree from the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature at Simmons College.
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