Bitterblue

By: Kristin Cashore

Narrated by: Xanthe Elbrick

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.

Critic reviews

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

Beautiful, mesmerizing

Another perfect book with a bit of mystery and several old friends! Bitterblue comes into herself as Queen, from sheltered girl who follows her advisors, down a rabbit hole of information and misinformation. And finally to the truth.

amazing 😁

great story with twists and turns. you really have to pay attention to figure out all the puzzles in this book.

Great Story, good narrating

I had listened to Graceling a while back and loved it. I wasn't immediately interested in Bitterblue because of how much I loved the original characters. I am so glad I ended up listening to it. it was great. The author does a great job of drawing you in. I was happy the original characters were brought back in also.

My only issue was I had gotten used to the full cast audio voices from the first book and it was strange to hear the same characters with different voices and especially different accents. The narrator did a great job but it was like having new actors play your favorite characters after a whole season of a show. By halfway through the book I didn't notice the change as much and I would still definitely recommend it.

Great narrator!

Wonderful story. I could see it made into an audio theatrical performance, too. Great job!

A lovely story

When I have children this, and the other two books in the series, will be the books my children learn to fall in love with reading to.