Bitterblue (Graceling Realm #3) by Kristin Cashore

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): 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.

Book Trailer:


Book Review:
Oh, how I have enjoyed this series! Bitterblue was no exception. While it might not be as action-packed as its predecessors, Bitterblue offers its own blend of magic, intrigue, and allure. Bitterblue is a young queen coming to terms with her past, while discovering that all she has come to know is a deception of the truth. I enjoyed the story arc of Bitterblue herself. She starts off as a coddled teen full of self-pity, then grows into a mature young lady who is willing to fight for her queendom, and right the wrongs from the past. Her quest for truth is a rocky one, filled with splendid characters...some well-known to us, such as Katsa and Po, and other's new such as Teddy and Saph. All I can say is that Cashore know how to weave on hell of a good story. I searched high and low, but couldn't find any mention of furthering the series. However, I also did not find a definitive statement claiming the series has come to an end. I do hope that Cashore keeps writing! It's worth the wait for the quality that she produces. If you haven't read this series, please so immediately! It is one of my highest recommend series of books!

Favorite Quote:

“Only a person with the true heart of a dictionary-writer would be lying in bed, three days after being stabbed in the gut, worrying about his P's.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
I love the cover of this book. The color is gorgeous. It goes along nicely with the rest of the series as well.

Rating:

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Book Summery:
Fire, Graceling's prequel-ish companion book, takes place across the mountains to the east of the seven kingdoms, in a rocky, war-torn land called the Dells. Beautiful creatures called monsters live in the Dells. Monsters have the shape of normal animals: mountain lions, dragonflies, horses, fish. But the hair or scales or feathers of monsters are gorgeously colored-- fuchsia, turquoise, sparkly bronze, iridescent green-- and their minds have the power to control the minds of humans. Seventeen-year-old Fire is the last remaining human-shaped monster in the Dells. Gorgeously monstrous in body and mind but with a human appreciation of right and wrong, she is hated and mistrusted by just about everyone, and this book is her story. -goodreads.com

Book Trailer:



Book Review:
Cashore has captured my heart with both of her books, Fire and Graceling. Fire takes place roughly about 30 years before Graceling, in a country called the Dells. I love this new world Cashore has created. The Dells boasts home to beautiful and frightening creatures known simply as monsters. They are more stunning in beauty and more vicious in their intentions. Enter our protagonist, Fire, a rare, human-monster who caries the emotions of the world in her heart. Fire is truly one-of-kind in appearance and in spirit. What I think enhances Fire's character most are her interactions with other characters, and what a beautiful and vivid cast of characters they are.

Archer has good intentions, but his emotions get the best of him at times. Brocker, the kindhearted father Fire never had, who hidess a deep secret. King Nash, a sweet, but overly emotional man. Roen, the once Queen who holds wisdom and secrets of her own. Brigan, Nash's younger brother who is intense and quiet, but wonderfully fair and kind. Cansrel, Fire's overbearing, cold-hearted father, who holds a soft spot for Fire alone. Little Hannah who is precious, but not easily deceptive. These are just a few of the vibrant characters that inhabit the Dells.

Cashore has deepened her writing in this companion novel. Fire is rich with politics, relationships, friendships, secrets, and discoveries. There is also an appearance by a sole character from Graceling, who is unmistakable in his description alone. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It truly is a novel that everyone should read at least once in their life. I plan to re-read it again in the future.

Favorite Quote:

"It did not surprise Fire that the man in the forest shot her. What surprised her was that he shot her by accident." (p. 19)

Cover Art Commentary:
I really do love the cover's of Cashore's books. I love the boldness and simplicity of the colors and the items used to represent the story. Fire looks gorgeous next to Graceling.

Overall Rating:

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Book Summery:
Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug. She never expects to fall in love with beautiful Prince Po. She never expects to learn the truth behind her Grace—or the terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. -Book Cover

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Book Review:
Words cannot express how much I loved this book. Cashore has created an enchanting world, where the unexpected arises. The main character, Katsa, is a beautifully written heroin. She is fierce, loyal, brave, and kind, as well as compelling. Po, her male counterpart is an equally lovely character. He compliments Katsa well, and adds more to character, rather than detracts. Bitterblue is a wonderful surprise. I enjoyed watching her character evolve very much. Dear Raffin is another wonderful supporting character as well. I hope we learn more about him, as well as Bitterblue in the upcoming third novel, named after the very character Bitterblue. The world that holds these characters is equally spellbinding. Cashore wrote of the atmosphere so vividly, I almost wish I could see it for myself! I will definitely re-read this book in the futures, something I rarely do. Also, I absolutely cannot wait to start Fire, the companion novel to Graceling.

Two other wonderful reviews of Graceling can be found at Jawas Read, Too! and Book Love Affair. I also highly recommend that you check out Kristen Cashore's official website.



Favorite Quote:

"Skye kissed her forehead. 'You saved my life.'

Katsa smiled. 'You Lienid are very outward in your affection.'

'I am going to name my first born child after you.'

Katsa laughed at that. 'For the child's sake, wait for a girl. Or even better, wait until all your children are older and give my name to whichever is the most trhoublesome and obstinate.' " (p. 433-434)

Cover Art Commentary:Just. Gorgeous. I can honestly say that the cover was the main reason that I picked up this novel in the first place. Simple, yet elegant, just like the story it contains. I love how you can see part of Katsa's reflection in the blade.

Overall Rating: