Series: Graceling Realm #3
Format: Paperback
Pages: 539
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
I’ve heard some negative things about this book, so I was
a literal nervous to read it. It’s easy for me to see why people would dislike
this, but I really enjoyed it. To me, this is a fantasy built on characters and
some mystery and politics instead of being action packed. And I respect the
fact that Ms. Cashore is willing to make choices you wouldn’t normally see in a
YA books even though they make me sad sometimes.
Before I get into the actual book, I want to address
things I’ve seen in reviews on all three of the Graceling books. People say
that her books are full of casual sex and she’s using them to promote some sort
of anti-marriage agenda. Now, I don’t know Ms. Cashore and maybe this is her
plan, but why does it matter? I am a hopeless romantic who believes in marriage…for
me. And it’s actually refreshing to see female characters who aren’t
hyper-focused on getting married and having babies. Diversity is a good thing
in all ways. And while there is sex I think the characters make that choice
with a great deal of thought.
OK. I’ll talk about the actual book now. I liked
Bitterblue in Graceling, but now she’s grown up and a queen. I thought she was
a great protagonist and I liked how she grew as she learned more things. It was
also nice to see Katsa, Po, and the other characters from Graceling. One of the
questions I’ve had about Prince Raffin was finally answered.
The writing is definitely on the slower side, but it’s
beautiful. Even when there wasn’t a lot of plot going on I wanted to keep
reading. I’m not sure if this will make sense, but I find it peaceful.
Fast-paced books are great, but I often feel exhausted when I finish them. My
one complaint is that the mystery was almost too mysterious. Bitterblue would be
going over things to try and get answered and I’d often get confused.
I was a little surprised when the story ended. I was
certain there was more, but no. Initially, I was a little upset, but as I’ve
sat with it, I’m ok. There’s still a lot of political things left unresolved,
but that’s normal and real. There is one plot point I wish was more resolved,
but it fits the narrative for it not to be.
I don’t know if Kristin Cashore is planning on writing
another book, but if she does I would probably check it out.
Thanks for reading!
No comments:
Post a Comment