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rhiaintheclouds's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
where do i start? I've loved Graceling from the first time I ever read it back in high school. I re-read it again once I started reading again in my adult life, and then eventually even read Fire. The world that Cashore builds is just beautiful and so so so interesting. I remember being so in awe with how the magic worked (like yes, I'm aware it probably exists elsewhere, but I really enjoyed the way Cashore wrote the magic).
I've avoided Bitterblue like a plague lol (even though I have the entire series sitting on my shelves) bc tbh, I was obsessed with Katsa and Po and their story and at the time I wasn't really interested in Bitterblue's story. but boy oh boy, not only did I get to see more Katsa and Po but I actually LOVE Bitterblue LOL? she's such a vibe. her sassiness, her silliness, her dumb decisions and how much she cares about people - like literally can related even tho I'm pretty sure she's way younger. I think I was afraid at first, but I'm absolutely going to finish the series this time around b/c I am so curious about the other kingdoms in the Graceling Realm!! definitely more of a slower book, but that's most likely b/c there's still winterkeep :)
It's also so fun seeing all the prior characters in the books ><
also???? this was a lot darker than I expected? (topics wise!!), so please be warned.
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, and Suicide attempt
aina26's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really appreciate that this book's fantasy isn't so outrageous or complicated. It still feels grounded, with just a Touch of extraordinary.
I also really appreciate that the romances in the books are not the Main Plot. The things happening around them and to them are the driving forces of the story, and the romance happens organically on the side.
It makes the characters (and repeat characters in subsequent books) feel real.
The first book really surprised me with its big twist and the climactic ending. The 2nd book provides an interesting well of knowledge that becomes relevant in this book. Like a secret you, the reader, are in on and you're waiting for Bitterblue to figure it out.
Bitterblue may be my favorite thus far, for its complexity in the truths uncovered thus far in the story. It's one big messy mystery. Even at the end, when you think you finally have all the answers, it still manages to surprise you. Emotionally charged and beautifully written, this story will stick with me for some time.
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, and Blood
nclausel25's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Grief, Gaslighting, and War
kaela35's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, and Torture
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Rape
aleyajo's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Blood, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Minor: Child death
starlightorchestra's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Trafficking, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
cicizzy's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really wanted to hug Bitterblue several times while reading the book.
Bitterblue is struggling. The people around her act in weird ways she doesn’t understand. She feels like she doesn’t know what’s going on in her kingdom. So she starts sneaking out to find answers and meets new friends. But instead of clear anders she just finds more riddles and puzzle pieces that won’t fit together. This book had more mystery and less action than the previous ones.
Moderate: Suicide and Torture
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Death of parent, Murder, and War
ecze's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse
Minor: Rape
booklifeisthelife's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Grief and Gaslighting
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Minor: Pedophilia, Rape, and Murder
lahars_little_library's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Trafficking, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Infidelity, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail