Just Arrived: ‘Bitterblue’ by Kristin Cashore
I have been too busy to do much reading lately—and a great deal too busy to report back to you on what I have been reading. I hope though, that with the first flurry of The Gathering of the Lost’s release period over, things will now get back to a more usual pace—and more “Just Arrived” and “What I’m Reading” posts will appear on the blog.
So I am delighted to tell you that a proof copy of Kristin Cashore’s Bitterblue has just arrived on my TBR table—and there is a very good chance I may even be able to bring you an interview with the author, which would be fun.
Bitterblue is the third novel in the Cashore series that began with Graceling—a novel that won the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award For Children’s/YA literature in 2009. The second novel in the series, Fire, was a prequel to Graceling chronologically but this is definitely a sequel—picking up on the character of Bitterblue from the first book and pursuing her story.
Here’s what the backcover says:
“Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run the country on her behalf since her father, King Leck, died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: to pardon all who committed terrible acts during Leck’s reign and to forget every dark event that ever happened. Monsea’s past has become shrouded in mystery, and it’s only when Bitterblue begins sneaking out of her castle—curious, disguised and alone—to walk the streets of her own city, that she begins to realise the truth. Her kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year long spell of a madman, and now their only chance to move forward is to revisit the past.
Whatever that past holds.
Two thieves, who have sworn only to steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck’s reign. And one of them, who possesses an unidentified Grace, may also hold a key to her heart…”
I appreciate Cashore’s storytelling approach, a combination of romance, adventure, and independent young women protagonists. Given the serious themes, I am looking forward to what she does with Bitterblue’s story.
And watch this space in terms of a possible interview. 😉
It does sound like an excellent story. I loved Graceling. Plus, that title is beautiful in itself. Can’t wait for this one.
Wen, I don’t think you will be disappointed. I think it may just be my favourite Kristin Cashore …