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Bitterblue

Graceling Realm #3 / 6
by Kristin Cashore
Bitterblue (Graceling Realm #3) by Kristin Cashore
  ★ 7.50 / 16
1★2★3★4★15★46★37★58★9★310★

The long-awaited companion to the New York Times bestsellers Graceling and Fire

Eight years have passed since the young Princess Bitterblue, and her country, were saved from the vicious King Leck. Now Bitterblue is the queen of Monsea, and her land is at peace.

But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisers, who have run the country on her behalf since Leck's death, believe in a forward-thinking plan: to pardon all of those who committed terrible acts during Leck's reign; and to forget every dark event that ever happened.

Monsea's past has become shrouded in mystery, and it's only when Bitterblue begins sneaking out of her castle - curious, disguised and alone - to walk the streets of her own city, that she begins to realise the truth. Her kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year long spell of a madman, and now their only chance to move forward is to revisit the past.

Whatever that past holds.

Two thieves, who have sworn only to 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, who possesses an unidentified Grace, may also hold a key to her heart...

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Standard Shelves
Updated 04/08/2025
Category: Fantasy, High Fantasy, Young Adult
Release date: April 26, 2012

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Kristin Cashore

Kristin Cashore

Kristin Cashore is a writer whose work has captivated readers with its intricate world-building, fierce heroines, and explorations of power, choice, and sacrifice. Best known for her Graceling Realm series, Cashore’s stories transport readers into worlds where the stakes are as high as the emotions that drive her characters.

Born in 1976, Kristin spent her childhood surrounded by books in northeast Pennsylvania. Early on, she discovered her passion for storytelling, a love that would later guide her through an eclectic career. From working as a dog runner and candy factory packer to finding herself as an editorial assistant, Cashore’s journey into writing was anything but ordinary. She eventually earned a master’s degree in Children’s Literature from Simmons College, and soon began weaving the tales that would earn her a place among today’s most beloved fantasy authors.

Read more ...

Her debut novel, Graceling, introduced readers to a world where certain individuals, known as Gracelings, possess extraordinary powers. With strong, complex female protagonists and a plot that explores freedom and control, Graceling became an instant classic in the genre. Cashore continued her exploration of strength, vulnerability, and identity with Fire and Bitterblue, two novels that expanded the rich, interwoven world of the Graceling Realm. Her ability to craft unique characters—each one as flawed as they are strong—has earned her widespread acclaim.

Kristin’s writing is known for its emotional depth, its lyrical prose, and its ability to explore difficult themes with nuance and sensitivity. Whether tackling grief, love, or the cost of power, her work resonates with readers who crave both adventure and introspection. Her standalone novel Jane, Unlimited took a bold step in a new direction, blending mystery, magic, and choice, further cementing her reputation as a fearless storyteller.

Cashore’s most recent novel, Winterkeep, set in a world that grapples with climate change and societal divides, reveals her ever-evolving voice and desire to tackle the pressing issues of our time, while still honoring the rich fantasy roots she’s known for.

When she’s not writing, Kristin has lived in various cities—from Sydney to New York and Austin—drawing inspiration from the diverse places she’s called home. She now resides in the Boston area, where she continues to write stories that explore what it means to be human in extraordinary circumstances.

Kristin Cashore’s work is more than just fantasy; it’s a window into complex emotional landscapes, where characters face impossible choices and discover the power of their own agency. It’s no wonder that her books continue to captivate readers, young and old, around the world.

Photo: Kevin Lin

Graceling Realm

In the Graceling Realm, a world where power comes with a price, people are born with unique abilities known as Graces—gifts that can be both extraordinary and dangerous. The series invites readers into a realm where the boundaries between freedom and control, love and loyalty, strength and vulnerability are constantly shifting.

Read more ...

At the heart of this captivating world are heroines who defy convention. Katsa, with her lethal Grace of killing, is a fierce protector with a deep inner struggle, seeking both redemption and purpose. Alongside her, Fire—an extraordinary beauty with a deadly Grace of persuasion—faces her own battles, not just with others, but with her own identity and the powers she was born with. And then there’s Bitterblue, a queen who must navigate the haunting aftermath of a kingdom ruled by tyranny while seeking her place in a fractured world.

The series explores more than just battles and magical powers; it’s a journey into the complexity of human nature. As each character confronts their own limitations and choices, they reveal a tapestry of personal growth, sacrifice, and the courage it takes to stand against the world. What makes the Graceling Realm truly remarkable is its unwavering exploration of autonomy and self-determination, particularly through its female characters. The world may be filled with kings, assassins, and political intrigue, but at its core, it’s a meditation on what it means to truly be free.

With richly imagined settings, intricate character development, and an underlying sense of danger that keeps readers turning pages, the Graceling Realm is a series that doesn't just entertain—it immerses you in a world where every choice matters, and nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Each installment deepens the stakes, creating an intricate narrative that lingers long after the last page is turned.

For those who crave stories of powerful, imperfect heroes, complex worlds, and the exploration of what makes us human, Graceling Realm offers an unforgettable journey—a world where magic, love, and redemption collide.


Graceling Realm consists of five books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Graceling (Graceling Realm #1)
  ★ 8.10 / 48
Fire (Graceling Realm #2)
  ★ 8.24 / 17
Bitterblue (Graceling Realm #3)
  ★ 7.50 / 16
Winterkeep (Graceling Realm #4)
  ★ 8.50 / 4
Seasparrow (Graceling Realm #5)
  ★ 9.84 / 6
Graceling Realm Book 6 (Graceling Realm #6)
  ⧗ 9.64 / 19


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