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1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
The long-awaited companion to New York Times bestsellers Graceling and Fire
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 things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck's reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle—disguised and alone—to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past.
Two thieves, who only 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, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn't yet identified, holds a key to her heart.
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    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from April 2, 2012
      When last seen, Bitterblue had been crowned queen of Monsea, after Katsa, the heroine of Graceling, killed her father, King Leck. (He had it coming.) Eight years have passed; Bitterblue, now 18, is in power, even as her counselors have attempted to sweep the wretched perversity of Leck’s reign under the rug. Bitterblue objects—not only because she thinks she needs to understand that history in order to lead but because she feels constrained by busy work that keeps her trapped in the castle. Spirited and frustrated, she dons a disguise, sneaks out, and quickly befriends a printer and a handsome thief. Complications, naturally, ensue. Her romance and growth into the role of queen are among the best parts of this sprawling story, which brings forward (but does not entirely resolve) plot strands from both Graceling and Fire. There are many pleasures—fans will welcome the return of Katsa and her lover, Po; Bitterblue’s court includes Death (rhymes with teeth), a dour librarian graced with the ability to read fast and remember every word. Once the narrative shifts from Bitterblue’s clandestine adventures in the city to her convalescence inside the castle, the story loses some steam, even as the sick nature of Leck’s abuses are unearthed. Nonetheless, devotees of the earlier books and fans of Megan Whalen Turner’s intricate political fantasies will relish this novel of palace intrigue. Ages 14–up. Agent: Faye Bender, Faye Bender Literary Agency.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Xanthe Elbrick reads with insight garnered from her narration of a previous book in this series (FIRE). She infuses the prologue of this installment with the confused feelings of Bitterblue's childhood, in which she was caught between her father's cruelty and mother's comfort. Her father, who is gifted with special powers, uses them to control others. He's also told marvelous stories of fantastical worlds that seem curiously real. Now 18, Bitterblue is queen of a restless kingdom who is kept busy with meaningless paperwork when she really wants to understand her people's needs. Elbrick's crisp, precise diction and sensitive tones express Bitterblue's wide-ranging emotions and struggles. As Bitterblue navigates a palace of hidden passages and puzzling personalities, the story reveals new depths in the characters fans have grown to love. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • ATOS Level:5.6
  • Lexile® Measure:790
  • Interest Level:9-12(UG)
  • Text Difficulty:3-4

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