Reviews with content warning for Physical abuse - Bitterblue

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Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

56 reviews

megcrew6's review against another edition

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adventurous dark sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

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rhiaintheclouds's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

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.

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aina26's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

Just finished reading the 3rd book in Kristin Cashores Graceling series. Highly highly recommend picking up this series if you haven't (or picking it up again if you have!). The story across the first 3 books has been so interesting and captivating. The writing style is beautiful and all-consuming. I especially like that every character sounds like they are in a period setting (something that I've noticed a lot of newer fantasies set in eurocentric medieval settings struggle to achieve. Everyone sounds like they're from 2024.. )

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.

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