Bitterblue

Eight years have passed since Princess Bitterblue and her country were saved from King Leck, but the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisers believe in a forward-thinking plan to pardon all those who committed terrible acts during Leck's reign and to forget every dark event that ever happened. Bitterblue begins to realize the truth when she sneaks out of her castle to walk the streets of her own city. Two thieves hold a key to the truth of Leck's reign, and one of them possesses an unidentified Grace.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2021
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Goodreads reviewer,⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Return to the captivating world of Kristin Cashore with a heart-wrenching tale set eight years after the events of Fire.

Eight years have passed since the young Princess Bitterblue and her country were saved from the vicious King Leck. Now Bitterblue is the queen of Monsea, and her land is at peace.

But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisers, who have run the country on her behalf since Leck's death, believe in a forward-thinking plan: to pardon all of those who committed terrible acts during Leck's reign; and to forget every dark event that ever happened. Monsea's past has become shrouded in mystery, and it's only when Bitterblue begins sneaking out of her castle—curious, disguised, and alone—to walk the streets of her own city that she begins to realize the truth.

Her kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year-long spell of a madman, and now their only chance to move forward is to revisit the past.

Whatever that past holds.

Two thieves, who have sworn only to 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, who possesses an unidentified Grace, may also hold a key to her heart.

Bitterblue is a captivating tale of mystery, magic, and self-discovery. It explores the consequences of violence, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of remembering the past.

The characters in this book are well-written and relatable. Bitterblue is a strong and independent young woman who is forced to confront her own demons and the legacy of her father. Her advisers, who have been running the country on her behalf, are complex and nuanced, with their own motivations and agendas.

The appendix, written by an actual character, adds an extra layer of depth to the story. It provides insight into the characters' thoughts and feelings and adds to the overall narrative.

The cast of Bitterblue is diverse and inclusive. The majority of the characters are queer and characters of colour, reflecting the rich and complex world of Monsea. This adds to the richness and depth of the story and makes it more accessible to a wider audience.

The slow-burn mystery of Bitterblue is one of its most compelling aspects. The reader is slowly unraveling the truth about Leck's reign and the secrets that have been kept hidden for years. The pace is perfect, and the revelations are carefully plotted and executed.

The character arc of Bitterblue is also noteworthy. She starts as a young princess who is unsure of her place in the world, but through her experiences and interactions with the other characters, she grows into a strong and confident leader.

The narrative around colonialism in Bitterblue is also thought-provoking and relevant. It explores the effects of colonialism on a society and the ways in which it can be perpetuated even after the colonizers have left.

Overall, Bitterblue is a must-read for fans of fantasy and young adult literature. It is a captivating tale of mystery, magic, and self-discovery that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 130 x 199 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473233270