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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
This is definitely a book by Kristen Cashore as part of the Graceling series, but it felts much more mature than her other books. The kingdom the book takes place in is new to readers of the previous books in the series, and this kingdom has some knowledge of science. Their current level of technology, and their investment in animals, reminded me a lot of [b:Leviathan|6050678|Leviathan (Leviathan, #1)|Scott Westerfeld|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1275694232l/6050678._SY75_.jpg|6226342]. I really enjoyed the telepathic animals as well.
For being part of series I considered young adult, this book had more mature themes. All the point-of-view characters are pretty horny and get into a number of sexual situations. This book also continues the series theme of abusive parental figures in a way that is more emotional and physical rather than in regards to power, like the previous books.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
For being part of series I considered young adult, this book had more mature themes. All the point-of-view characters are pretty horny and get into a number of sexual situations. This book also continues the series theme of abusive parental figures in a way that is more emotional and physical rather than in regards to power, like the previous books.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
If you want a reasonably light book for some comfortable escapism this was perfect.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, Gaslighting
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Sexual assault, Torture, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, Classism
Minor: Drug use, Infidelity, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Medical trauma, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3/5 - Disappointing compared to the first 3 books
Imagine my disappointment after reading this when the first 3 books in this series are my favourite books of all time but this one was just not comparable at all.
First of all, the recurring characters (Giddon and Bitterblue) did not feel the same as in the other books and I found them hard to like because of it. Because of that, I also was not a fan of the romance between them. Yes, during Bitterblue, it was implied that Giddon and Bitterblue might end up together in the near future due to their relationship being built on trust, but I was still team Saf. So to me, I see the Giddon-Bitterblue romance as being some sort of fanfic that I do not like. Also, I found it weird how Saf was mentioned a few times in the story but never appeared. What about Katsa and Po? Where were they during the events of this book? I might've forgotten, but yeah I definitely would've liked seeing them in this book.
I really like Lovisa. She was so sneaky and it was so fun to read but I really did not like how it took her forever to rescue Bitterblue. I almost didn't finish this book because I was so frustrated how long it took her even though she was made to be this character who wanted to know things and be a good person. I also don't know why she didn't tell Giddon and Hava about how Bitterblue was alive.... Clearly she knows that the kidnapping is wrong and that it's gonna start a war but she took so long to help.
I predicted Adventure Fox bonding with Bitterblue at the end. It just seemed like the right move for the guy. And speaking of foxes, I really did like the POV from him. We learned a lot that way. I wasn't that much a fan of the POV of that other creature, whatever it was.
It was an interesting concept between Lovisa and her parents. I mean, I did not expect that her dad would be the one behind all the evil. I mean, the plot was okay for me, I wasn't that invested in it.
Oh and I hate how open-ended the ending was. It was so frustrating but then I googled it and it turns out Cashore is gonna be writing a 5th book that immediately follows the events after Winterkeep so... Will I reread this book before the 5th one comes out? Maybe not since I really did not like Bitterblue or Giddon and even with liking Lovisa and being somewhat interested in the plot, I don't think I would subject myself to be so frustrated and disappointed again.
Imagine my disappointment after reading this when the first 3 books in this series are my favourite books of all time but this one was just not comparable at all.
First of all, the recurring characters (Giddon and Bitterblue) did not feel the same as in the other books and I found them hard to like because of it. Because of that, I also was not a fan of the romance between them. Yes, during Bitterblue, it was implied that Giddon and Bitterblue might end up together in the near future due to their relationship being built on trust, but I was still team Saf. So to me, I see the Giddon-Bitterblue romance as being some sort of fanfic that I do not like. Also, I found it weird how Saf was mentioned a few times in the story but never appeared. What about Katsa and Po? Where were they during the events of this book? I might've forgotten, but yeah I definitely would've liked seeing them in this book.
I really like Lovisa. She was so sneaky and it was so fun to read but I really did not like how it took her forever to rescue Bitterblue. I almost didn't finish this book because I was so frustrated how long it took her even though she was made to be this character who wanted to know things and be a good person. I also don't know why she didn't tell Giddon and Hava about how Bitterblue was alive.... Clearly she knows that the kidnapping is wrong and that it's gonna start a war but she took so long to help.
I predicted Adventure Fox bonding with Bitterblue at the end. It just seemed like the right move for the guy. And speaking of foxes, I really did like the POV from him. We learned a lot that way. I wasn't that much a fan of the POV of that other creature, whatever it was.
It was an interesting concept between Lovisa and her parents. I mean, I did not expect that her dad would be the one behind all the evil. I mean, the plot was okay for me, I wasn't that invested in it.
Oh and I hate how open-ended the ending was. It was so frustrating but then I googled it and it turns out Cashore is gonna be writing a 5th book that immediately follows the events after Winterkeep so... Will I reread this book before the 5th one comes out? Maybe not since I really did not like Bitterblue or Giddon and even with liking Lovisa and being somewhat interested in the plot, I don't think I would subject myself to be so frustrated and disappointed again.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Probably my least favorite in the series so far and it took a little bit of time to get into the story at the beginning. There is so much plot packed into this book that it probably needs at least 2 reads to sink in fully.
However the writing is phenomenal and the world-building is so unique in this anthology. There were so many heart-warming moments and shocks that the slog to get through the beginning is well worth the prize.
However the writing is phenomenal and the world-building is so unique in this anthology. There were so many heart-warming moments and shocks that the slog to get through the beginning is well worth the prize.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes