Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Graceling sequel overlong, but strong heroine shines.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Queen Bitterblue of Monsea knows that her advisors are hiding things from her. She wants to truly know her kingdom and how it's coping after decades of her late father King Leck's tyrannical rule. So she dons a disguise and slips out at night, visiting bars where stories of her kingdom are told late into the night. She also meets a handsome thief named Saf and his friend, Teddy, who runs a printing press. The stories and her new friends have a powerful influence over her, persuading her to dig further into the horrible mysteries of Leck's rule. But it's not that easy. Leck destroyed hundreds of books -- mostly of real Monsean history -- and secret passages, locked doors, haunting art, and mazes all over the castle are guarding his secrets well. Plus people who call themselves \"truthseekers\" are being hunted down and killed just outside her castle walls. Who will do anything to keep King Leck's secrets, and why?
Is It Any Good?
Graceling was great, Fire was amazing; BITTERBLUE had a lot to live up to, and it does a pretty good job. Queen Bitterblue is another one of Kristin Cashore's fantastic heroines -- a great ruler despite unspeakable odds against her, and a knife always at the ready to defend herself (and she uses it well). But her love interest, Saf, is no Prince Po or Lord Brigan (the heroes of the earlier books). After he does too much stealing and brawling, Saf isn't even that sympathetic a character. It's almost better that the romantic story fizzles out too easily.
The pressure was on to make King Leck's big secrets truly haunting -- but since most readers will already know that Leck was a psychopath, they're not really a huge surprise. The best part of Bitterblue is the hunt for answers, through ciphers, linens, a spy's keys, a river of bones, and one very talented librarian; all of the pieces are exquisitely woven together. Also, a great twist makes a sequel a real possibility -- so bring on the next great heroine.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about fantasy heroines. What makes Bitterblue a great one? Who are your favorites?
Why was it important for the Monseans to tell stories and remember? Why is history important? How is literacy a part of that?
Which Grace would you like, and why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Dial Books
- Publication date : May 1, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 576
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate