Review: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

 

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!

Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Series: Graceling Realm Book #1

Format: Paperback

Pages: 471

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

I love Po.

Oh, did you want an actual review?

This was a re-read and I won’t lie-I was a little worried this wouldn’t be as good as I remember it. But it totally was.

I think it’s a great fantasy story that’s paced exceptionally well. It’s not all fighting and action, but the characters’ personal journey are just as good.

Katsa is a great heroine and she’s very strong. I love that she is strong, but has personality weaknesses that she struggles with. I know some people have issues with her feelings on marriage and/or children, but I think it’s just a different perspective on societal expectations for women. And she reminds me a lot of Eon from that duology by Allison Goodman. They’re both women, but aren’t traditionally feminine.

Now, it’s time for Po. I remember liking Po a lot before, but now I have a different perspective. I’ve been reading more and have learned that a good Beta is just perfect for me and this is Po. He is also a strong and intelligent person, but he never feels like he has to defend his manhood. At one point he’s talking to Katsa about her being more powerful or something and he says that it wouldn’t humiliate him, but would humble him. That’s just perfect and I feel like really sums up his character.

I picked this up to get back in this world so I can finally read Bitterblue. And that plan completely worked. I’m very excited to read about a more grown up Bitterblue and spend more time in the world and with Ms. Cashore’s writing.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly