Bitterblue
By Kristin Cashore
Dial Books: New York, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-837-3473-9
By Kristin Cashore
Dial Books: New York, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-837-3473-9
Eight years have passed since evil King Leck of Monsea was
assassinated, and his young daughter, Bitterblue, ascended the throne. Now the Queen of Monsea at only
eighteen, Bitterblue has the whole kingdom of Monsea to rule. Though old friends are by her side, she
is isolated by her position, restless, and buried under stacks of seemingly
useless paperwork, and she sneaks out in disguise as a commoner one night. She finds herself in a pub where true
stories are told and befriends Teddy, a printer, and Saf, a Leinid-raised
Graced Monsean. Soon she is
sneaking out most nights, both with the desire to seek out the truths of her
kingdom, and to explore her growing feelings for the irascible Saf. As she begins to uncover the difficult
truths about the 35 years of Monsean life under King Leck, she begins to
suspect her advisors are hiding things from her. When Saf is framed for a crime for which only Bitterblue can
provide an alibi, her anonymity ends, along with any feelings of safety when an
assassination attempt is foiled. Bitterblue
struggles to regain the trust of her new friends, the only people who both know
and will not cover up the truth.
A novel about healing, forgiveness, trust, and confidence, this is a
fitting addition to Cashore’s previous two works. Favorite old characters and a slow burning romance will
please fans. As a sequel of two
very popular titles, it is a strongly recommended purchase for libraries
serving patrons grades 7 and up.
