SPOILER ALERT: This is the third book in a series!Katsa and Po have killed Leck, the former king of Monsea, who was Graced with the horrible ability to influence people's minds. They all suffered horribly from his cruelty and tyranny. He killed Bitterblue's mother when they tried to escape, and did untold damage to his court and staff.
Bitterblue has taken the throne. In the eight years that have passed since, she and her advisors have tried to pick up the pieces of a broken kingdom. Bitterblue has no idea what kinds of horrible deeds were perpetrated under Leck's terrible Grace, and her own advisors seem haunted by the memories. Unable to ofter comfort, or ask them what truly happened during that time, she is frustrated.
She feels stifled by the tasks of being a ruler, stuck all day in her office signing documents. It becomes too much to bear, and she decides to sneak away from the castle. She encounters a story room, where a storyteller recounts a tale for the crowd, and is surprised to hear that they are still telling tales of Leck's arrival in Monsea, how he charmed the court and easily made his way onto the throne. While this is something she has heard before, she is captivated by the story. It holds more truth than her own memory it seems.
Part of the horror of Leck's Grace was his ability to cloud memory and judgment. Bitterblue struggles with wanting to know the past, but also wanting to put it all behind her and move on. Her advisors have encouraged her to put out a blanket pardon for all crimes committed under Leck, as there is no way to tell what was done at Leck's bidding or not. This nettles her, leaving a feeling of dissatisfaction.
On one of her increasingly common ventures into the city, Bitterblue befriends an unlikely pair: Saf and Teddy. The two are printers, but they also admit to being "treasure hunters." They attempt to locate items stolen under Leck's rule, and return them to their rightful owners. This spurs Bitterblue to examine her own policy on reparations, and an attempt on her life cements her unease. There is something going on, and her advisors aren't being completely honest with her.
She stumbles upon a few things that may help her discover the truth behind Leck's reign. Her mother embroidered a code onto her sheets and blankets that she must painstakingly decode. A secret room containing Leck's diaries is also uncovered, and the librarian is entreated to help reveal the secret. They are written in a wholely different language, one that hints at another undiscovered land.
Katsa and Po are on hand to help along the way, but they have their own issues with which to deal. Being in charge of the Council and dethroning unworthy Kings has been their work of late. Bitterblue is glad of their help countless times, and her growing friendship, especially with Saf is threatened by her lie.
Is she more like her father than she realizes? This is her biggest fear, and the challenge she must face to become a good Queen. Can she unwrap all the mystery without falling apart herself? The past threatens to swallow them all. An intricate wrap-up of the Graceling world, Cashore does a masterful job of weaving a fantasy mystery with plenty of horrors entertwined. Fans of the first book will no doubt love Bitterblue in a new setting. Highly anticipated, it may disappoint fans who expected another action story.
"LIST OF PUZZLE PIECES*Library Link*
Teddy's words. Who are my 'first men'? What did he mean by cutting and stitching? Am I in danger? Whose prey am I?
Danshol's worlds. What did he SEE? Was he complicit with Leck in some way? What was he trying to say?'
Teddy and Saf's actions. Why did they steal a gargoyle, and other things too? What does it mean to steal what's already been stolen?
Darby's records. Was he lying to me about the gargoyles never having been there?
General mysteries. Who attacked Teddy?
Things I've seen with my own eyes. Why is the east city falling apart but decorated anyway? Why was Leck so peculiar about decorating the castle?
What did Leck DO?" (Cashore pg. 100, 2012).
If you liked this, check out:
Fire by Kristin Cashore (Graceling series, Book 2)
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (Infernal Devices, Book 1)
Cashore, Kristin, Schoenherr, I., Kelly, J., & Dial Books. (2012). Bitterblue. New York, NY: Dial Books.
Good world building. Too bad the story was lacking. I literally felt that nothing of any importance happened. This book gets hopelessly lost in itself. Not for fans of plot-driven stories.
ReplyDeleteThe writing is captivating, as is the story. I could not put this book down until I had absolutely finished!
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