Book Review: Bitterblue / Author: Kristen Cashore/ Publisher: Gollancz / Release Date: Out Now
Bitterblue is intended to bookend the
Kristin Cashore’s two previous novels, Graceling and Fire,
and explores one of the big unasked
questions of fantasy novels; what happens after the wicked king is deposed? Bitterblue is set in your standard world of magic and fantasy. In this world,
magic powers are in the hands of anyone with differently coloured eyes, and
it’s pretty much your standard medieval setting beyond that.
This is very much a young adult
fiction book aimed at those interested in teen adventure and romance. The crux
of the plot focuses on young Queen Bitterblue, her father an evil king who was
defeated and deposed in previous books. Rather than an epic fantasy adventure
filled in a world of adventure and excitement, what we have here is a powerful
story of a young woman finding her place in the world and healing from an
abusive past.
It doesn’t help that the main
characters aren’t terribly likeable, either being overly simplistic or more often,
plain and unsympathetic. That said, Bitterblue herself does mature as the story
continues, though I have to admit that towards the end, I didn’t really care.
The main themes felt forced rather tragic, but if I was a lot less jaded, I’d
have lapped it up.
This is a book filled with dark
secrets, shocking revelations, cyphers, secrecy and many, many lies. It’s also
long, slow and filled with a lot of emotional trauma, and could really do with
being a bit shorter. Cashore is a skilled writer and the story is compelling,
but this novel is simply too long and quite draining; those expecting the
energy and froth from previous books should look elsewhere. This is a novel
pitched at the sort of young person who likes their music sad and their
romances tragic. If you need a dose of fantasy-inspired misery, this is for
you.
