Winterkeep

"This book is a fabulous addition to the series! The writing has improved immensely, and im so glad I decided to read this series again! I don't know where the next book is going, but I can't wait to find out!"

"This is such a great book!"

"The writing changed so much and it felt weird. Still like the series tho "

"The maps I can't get enough of them. Please hear me out, the cartographer at heard I guess. In the first book Cashore gives you a narrow veiw of her country and as the story and books progress it opens into a world. So it feels like you are exploring together with the characters making new discoveries each time. Adventures are always complete when you have a map to follow along.<br/><br/>HAVA! She is my girl now. So the next book better have her beautiful normal face on it. Reading about her bluntness and no ******** attitude kept bringing back memories. Like I know her, who does she remind me of? OH ME!!!! Relatablity I found these past few months is golden and oh my could we be best frienemies. It was very illuminating and refreshing learning more about Hava and her attempts to tell the truth no matter what even forgoing pleasantries.<br/><br/>So not only did the Author add another continent she also added more critters #hellyeah. Telepathic foxes and sea creatures. Honestly it came out of left field since there is nothing remotely close to them on the other landmasses but they were integrated easily and fit very well. Honestly I could have used more chapters with these sentient beings and wouldn't have minded.<br/><br/>Always a pleasure with the Graceling series when you meet back up with old friends and meet new ones along the way. The author practically forces me to care for them. Also with the map opening up our characters have a broader horizon which leads to an even wider range of problems. The plot was adventurous and as always had a beautiful message hidden within. And I shall never forget Bitterblue drunk on rauha and yelling "KITTENS!" It had me rolling.<br/><br/>There is usually a down side too. Abuse and other things but in the end the Author gives you the tools to work past them. Not only the abused but their loved ones as well. I feel like Cashore is helping people look for the signs but also realize that everyone handles things differently and to just be there for them is sometimes all you can do. Never give up. "You are greater than how someone makes you feel." "You are stronger than your captors." and so on. These are powerful words and she is giving a gift for all who read it."

"this took me a while to read. the first half was pretty slow paced but it all came together in the end. worth a read if you enjoy politics in fantasy"

"4.5 stars It took me about a quarter to a third of the book to really get into the story, but once I did, I didn’t want to put the book down. I cried frequently towards the end and I absolutely loved the very last sentence!"

"Winterkeep is a wonderfully long book that makes the story come to life. It follows bitterblue, and many friends on a mystery adventure and has a wonderful plot that will keep you guessing untill the end. Once I picked the book up, I couldn't put it down. It's a perfect mix of adventure and a little bit of magic;) "

"I love this series so much. The characters are so real in their internal struggles while still in a fantastic setting. "

"Winterkeep has great potential. The reader is introduced to Giddon. He is smuggling a family over the border to safety because one of the daughters has come into her power. At the same time, 2 men in Bitterblue's service disappear at sea going to Winterkeep. The issue I have is that the writing is not fluid and it takes me time to decipher/envision what Cashore's writing style. Even though I find the writing style choppy the story is interesting. In this brief look provided by NetGalley several characters are introduced. Bitterblue, The Queen of Monsea . Giddon, a Duke that lost his title in his own country so is now in Monsea at service to Bitterblue. Hava, a spy for Bitterblue and also the sister. Two other characters that are off traveling. Even though this feels like a rough draft I look forward to seeing how the story unfolds."

"Another winner in the Graceling realm! Political intrigue, ambiguous characters, and Bitterblue’s unbreakable strength combined with magical telepathic animals AND a love story had me reading this way past my bedtime. "