Bitterblue - (Graceling Realm) by Kristin Cashore (Paperback)

About the Book

The companion to the "New York Times" bestsellers "Graceling" and "Fire." Eighteen-year-old Bitterblue, queen of Monsea, realizes her heavy responsibility and the futility of relying on advisors who surround her with lies as she tries to help her people to heal from the 35-year spell cast by her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities.

Book Synopsis

Enter the Graceling Realm and let it work its magic in this unforgettable novel from New York Times bestselling author Kristin Cashore.

When Queen Bitterblue took the throne of Monsea, she was a child, and her advisers ran the kingdom for her. Now she is beginning to question their decisions, especially how they handle the legacy of her father Leck, who who ruled through his Grace--a special talent for mind-altering--and his taste for darkness and violence. Bitterblue needs to know Monsea's past to lead it into the future, so she begins exploring the city sreets at night, disguised and alone. As she does, she meets two thieves, who hold a key to the truth of Leck's reign. And one of them, with a Grace that he hasn't yet identified, holds a key to her heart.

Bitterblue is a gateway to the Graceling Realm that braids together magic, memory, and romance.

Look for Kristin Cashore's highly-anticipated return to the Graceling Realm, Winterkeep!

"Some authors can tell a good story; some can write well. Cashore is one of the rare novelists who do both. Thrillingly imagined and beautifully executed, Bitterblue stands as a splendid contribution in a long literarly tradition." --The New York Times Book Review on Bitterblue

* "Brilliantly detailed and brimming with vibrant and dynamic characters." --SLJ, starred review of Bitterblue

"There are some books that stick with you for years, and Kristen Cashore's Fire is one of them. Thoughtful, steamy and completely original, Fire is YA fantasy at its absolute best."--Sabaa Tahir, author of New York Times bestselling Ember in the Ashes on Fire

A New York Times bestseller
ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
A BCCB Blue Ribbon Title

Review Quotes

Praise for Bitterblue

A New York Times bestseller
YALSA, Best Fiction for Young Adults
ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults
A New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year
The Bulletin Best Books of the Year
A BCCB Blue Ribbon Title
A New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association Book of the Year

"Some authors can tell a good story; some can write well. Cashore is one of the rare novelists who do both. Thrillingly imagined and beautifully executed, Bitterblue stands as a splendid contribution in a long literarly tradition." --The New York Times Book Review

* "Brilliantly detailed and brimming with vibrant and dynamic characters." --SLJ, starred review

* "A story that transcends the genre with its emotional and philosophical weight." --BCCB, starred review

* "Devastating and heartbreaking." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Fans of . . .intricate political fantasies will relish this novel of palace intrigue."-- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"An exceptional book: heartbreaking, deep, and beautiful."--wandsandworlds.com

About the Author

Kristin Cashore grew up in the northeast Pennsylvania countryside as the second of four daughters. She received a bachelor's degree from Williams College and a master's from the Center for the Study of Children's Literature at Simmons College, and she has worked as a dog runner, a packer in a candy factory, an editorial assistant, a legal assistant, and a freelance writer. She has lived in many places (including Sydney, New York City, Boston, London, Austin, and Jacksonville, Florida), and she currently lives in the Boston area. Her epic fantasy novels set in the Graceling Realm--Graceling, Fire, and Bitterblue--have won many awards and much high praise, including picks as ALA Best Books for Young Adults, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, Booklist Editors Choice, and Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. In addition, Graceling was shortlisted for the William C. Morris Debut Award and Fire is an Amelia Elizabeth Walden Book Award Winner.