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A review by aina26
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
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.
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