A review by mkcarr
Seasparrow by Kristin Cashore

adventurous dark emotional 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

4.25

I’m very passionate about Graceling and bitterblue, so the ways in which winterkeep and seasparrow are different can rub me the wrong way. I liked that this book returned to a limited perspective, but was somewhat turned off by the use of first person. (I warmed up to it in the latter half of the book.) the language has relaxed over the course of the series, which is maybe more accessible but I miss the sort of more formal language that made it feel more fantastical. 

What I liked: Hava as a protagonist, how complicated and prickly she is. The astounding way Cashore keeps unraveling the consequences of Leck’s reign, how PTSD from his actions (as well as the other harrowing things these characters have dealt with) looks different for everyone, the remarkable empathy with which each character is treated. The series has always been political, but even more acutely so in these last two novels. It can be a lot, but without a doubt Cashore is excellent at conveying the heavy responsibilities on Bitterblue’s shoulders. And I like the way this story is different in that
instead of a character stepping up to assume more responsibility, she decides to step away, because that’s the right choice for her.
the worldbuilding continues to expand and become more encompassing, and it’s always welcome to revisit it.
and wow, we’ve left our heroes in a pretty precarious situation with possible war at the borders, so even though the book felt like it ended where it should, I still want to be there and know what happens next.
I would definitely continue to read Graceling realm novels forever. 
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