Makes me want to reread Graceling and Fire again!

Simply astounding. Book 3 was so clever. It allowed 8 years to pass from Graceling but you felt an instant connection with the characters once again. Please please keep writing Kristen Cashore!

******************My review for SLJ******************
Eight years after the death of her despotic father, King Leck, eighteen year old Queen Bitterblue is still struggling to bring healing and peace to her people of Monsea. Leck was a Graceling able to make everyone forget their thoughts and pain, and this allowed him control and torture all Monseans. Helped by her ever-loyal cousin Prince Po and Graceling Katsa, Bitterblue is beginning to ask more questions about how her country is run than her advisors and judges want her to know. Befriending rebel truth-seekers in the city like Teddy and Graceling Sapphire puts Bitterblue in tremendous danger as she hunts for answers to why her citizens are not being taught to read and how those looking for reparations for Leck’s crimes seem to be systematically killed. Bitterblue herself is attacked several times in an attempt to stop her inquiries. The dramatic unveiling of who is behind all the violence finally gives Bitterblue a sad but honest understanding of her reign. A romance simmers between Saph and Bitterblue but at the heart of this novel is how atrocities of the past can be handled with care and compassion in the future. Bitterblue is the sequel to Graceling though readers can enjoy this one on its own. The narration is powerful with each major character having a distinct and memorable voice. This high-fantasy is a balance of adventure, mystery and romance for a young monarch bringing her country into a new era of hope and justice. Highly recommended for grades 8 and up.