Love anything by Kristin Cashore and was waiting with bated breath for this title - didn't disappoint

I definitely wouldn't recommend this to anyone who hasn't read already the Graceling Realm books but I would also caution fans to lower their expectations. I have no idea if this is kicking out even more books to come in this world but, despite how I feel about this one, I would still read more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for this DRC.
Bitterblue is in another high stakes adventure with kidnapping, evil scientists, and secretive telepathic foxes. I like the way this book made me feel small and intimate but also infinite like I was floating on the ocean.
#Winterkeep #NetGalley

This book is so so disappointing to me...

I went into this book so excited to be getting another book from a series that I grew up reading and loving as a kid. But this fourth installment is SO bad and something that I somewhat wish hadn't been written. I disliked our main character quite a bit and couldn't connect with her character. She was so obsessed with sex which I felt was strange and an unnecessary trait for her to have.

I disliked how much this book focuses on sex, who is sleeping with who, etc. I found it so unnecessary and gross to read about a 16 year old sleeping around so much. I know that makes me seem like a prude or something but it just came across as gross to me.

I did like the idea of telepathic foxes but the sections where we follow the foxes were weird and didn't really work for me. I also didn't like the chapters called The Keeper for various reasons that I won't get into due to spoilers.

Overall, I would say that the first three books in this series is really good and worth the time to read. But I would avoid this fourth installment if you haven't read it yet. I didn't enjoy it at all. Yikes!

I love Kristin Cashore and her books! Graceling was so good, and I loved returning to the series. Really amazing YA fantasy series that will keep readers hooked.

This book was just sadly not for me! I was hoping for something different but it turned out to be something I was not expecting, which is okay and I'm sure someone else would love it!

While I was excited for this one, my feelings by the end of it were lukewarm. There was good and bad to this reading, though I am grateful for this copy nonetheless.

What worked:
- Bitterblue continues to be a great character, who is interesting to see years after she becomes queen.
- I was glad to see how she and Giddon got along in this story, and was happy with the resolution to their storyline from the original books.
- I also enjoyed getting to see new land in this story, and seeing how different it was from some of the others we have already visited in previous books.
- Some of the writing I found to be funny, distinct, and quick to read.

What did not work:
- The "monster," the silbercows, and blue foxes all attempt to lend magic to the story, but they don't really work in the end. They felt less magical and more of a burden.
- The sex drive of many of the characters felt off and forced to me.
- Some character choices overall felt unnecessary or departed from the original series. Because of this, scenes were often hit or miss.

Absolutely adored this book if I had read this at a younger age. I think because I'm starting to grow out of YA books, I did find it a little lacking but that is purely a personal thing and not a book/writing issue. I loved how the author provided tidbit throughout the book so that I was able to immerse myself back in the world since I haven't touched the Graceling series since high school. I loved reading about the characters and getting back into the magical world. I'm super curious to see how the series continue.

My special skill is evading spoilers for books on my tbr and pleasantly surprising myself every single time. I had zero idea what Winterkeep was about, until I finally glimpsed at the synopsis on the back before I started reading.

Winterkeep was a very refreshing setting from what we've seen in the last three books. In many ways, I was reminded of Ketterdam, especially with the technology and science that plays such a huge role in the Keepish way of life. And while Bitterblue is still an important character in this book, and we get POVs from some other characters, by absolute favourite POVs were probably Giddon and Lovisa.

And yes, you heard that right. I have been converted.

I ended off my last review saying "I really hope Giddon and Bitterblue don't end up together" ... Well, I was wrong. This book changed everything when it came to Giddon's character. While we see a lot of character development in Bitterblue, Winterkeep shows us a whole other side of Giddon. Mainly his emotional (for good reason), soft-hearted, cat-loving side. And I'm sorry to say, but anyone who loves cats, and is okay with a cat falling asleep on his foot, is a keeper. And pun 100% intended. I loved how similar Bitterblue and Giddon's POVs were. Especially watching them talk to each other as they are separated and slowly coming to realize that they have feelings for each other. It was nice to see glimpses of how their relationship has developed and how close they are to each other without realizing how much they need each other. It was cute. It was soft. I almost cried when they were reunited because I was not expecting it to happen like that. And Giddon fainting after seeing Bitterblue is still alive was absolutely adorable and I really hope Katsa, Po, and Raffin make fun of him for the rest of his life.

Besides Giddon's POV, I also liked seeing his interactions with Hava. They have such a lovely relationship, full of banter, and affectionate name-calling. They work really well together, especially Hava's more direct, sometimes rude way of getting answers, compared to Giddon's more subdued methods. Also Giddon calling Hava "brat" all the time was 💯

Now, for my favourite POV. Lovisa.

I was not expecting this book to talk so much about emotional and physical abuse. Especially when it is done by a parent. It was difficult to read. Watching Lovisa struggle between wanting to go home to see her brothers and making sure that they're okay, but also wanting to protect herself. Seeing her brothers punished because of her actions. And during all of this, her dad sits back and is seen as the "good parent" since he's never directly abusing them, just letting it happen. It was difficult to read. And I could understand Lovisa's motivations and actions so well. Especially the anger that she builds up inside and that comes out in mean comments. Her need for distraction, in the form of sex, to keep the thoughts away. And the darkness that comes out from everything she has seen and experienced. This book does an incredible job of capturing what it is like to grow up in an abusive environment. And it really gets into the minds of people like Ferla and Benni, and how they justify their choices. It's creepy. Almost as creepy as Leck, but without the "magical aspect" of having a Grace. And I think this book does an excellent job of showing that you don't necessarily need a Grace to do evil.

One of my favourite moments was at the end of the book, when Katu almost tries to excuse his sister's behaviour for how she was raised/treated by their father. And Lovisa replies by saying:

<blockquote>If I have children some day, I won't expect them to blame my parents for the wrongs I do to them. They get to blame me.</blockquote>

LIKE THIS^^

I absolutely hate when people try to explain off abuse as "well they went through some rough stuff as a kid, so that's why they're this way." Yes, maybe it explains some of it, but it doesn't ever excuse a parent from harming their child. Seeing how Ferla's brain worked when it came to how to punish her children, including that awful scene where she makes one of Lovisa's brothers ask what "slut" means, was horrifying to watch. And then seeing her dad telling Lovisa that her mother will punish her brothers if she doesn't return the key to the attic... It was messed up and awful.

I think the ending was perfect in every way. Sometimes the villains deserve a nasty, painful end. But what was really hard was watching Lovisa realize who her father really is, and hearing him guilt trip and threaten her when he realizes he can't manipulate her anymore.

Honestly, I keep forgetting how dark Kristin Cashore's books can be.

Another thing I liked about Lovisa was her using sex to get what she wants. I think it's something we don't see a lot of in books, but I am 100% for using guys who are womanizers and bullies and probably have a huge list of sexual assault/abuse charges. I do think the similarity between Lovisa and her mother using sex as a distraction was very interesting. The one thing I was not really a fan of was the "friends with benefits" situation between Lovisa and Mari. I wanted them to stay as friends, without the sex part. I really enjoyed the scenes we did get of Mari trying to distract/comfort Lovisa. And how he knew the most about what she went through at home and was kind of a home away from home for her where she could feel safe. I feel like the sex ruined that a little. Lovisa and Mari truly felt like siblings to me, and I think Lovisa even admits it at once point. I am glad that her feelings for him don't develop into anything more, but at the same time, Lovisa hints that Mari may have developed feelings, which makes me feel meh. I'm just not a fan of childhood friends to lovers.

Overall, the plot for this book was faster-paced than Bitterblue, and really kept me on the edge of my seat. It was also horrifying seeing what Bitterblue (and later, Katu) went through as everyone is running around trying to connect the puzzle pieces. I really enjoyed the political aspects as well. And the commentary we get about political parties being purely self-motivated was A+

Also, the FOXES. Ad was great. Such a good boy honestly. And I love love love his story arc so much and his relationship with Bitterblue. Poor guy went through so much, but he has such a good heart and did what was right in the end. I'm still 🥺

Quona Varana does creep me out a little, with her army of foxes and cats. I mean, I'm all for living on a cliff in a mansion full of cats (and foxes), but the spying and stealing and her taking Nev's fox away was kind of sad.

Speaking of Nev. I love her and want to see more of her so badly.

Overall, 4.5/5 stars. I feel like I'm forgetting to mention somethings, but this book was just as good as the first three and I can't wait to read Seasparrow now!

I received an advanced digital copy via Netgalley though all thoughts are my own.

While this book takes place in the Graceling realm, there are is a whole new cast of characters, intrigue, creatures, and different part of the world. I think this was a great addition to this series and could be read without having read the other books in the series but would recommend reading the books in orders because it gives the storyline a better understanding.

I do like that Bitterblue is in this book who is now an adult, a Queen and has formed her own family along with being a great Monarch to her subjects and won't let her advisors tell her who she should marry or have as a lover.

I love that there are telepathic foxes in this book and one in particular has become my favorite who is full of surprises. As well as Silver Cows who are so sweet as well as telepathic and a mysterious creature that is described like an Octopus but not sure what the name is for it in this world.

I also love the friendships that develop in this series and the love story that comes to the front which had been brewing for quite some time.

Looking forward to continuing this series and highly recommend it as I love this world so much!

Trigger warnings: death, kidnapping, murder, some violence, child abuse

I absolutely love each and every one of these books and how you get diff6 perspectives and learn a little more about each of the characters the more books you decide to read. This series never disappoints

Bitterblue and her crew of courtiers embark on a journey to visit the Winterkeep continent. where blue foxes communicate with their chosen humans and a mythical sea monster guards underwater treasures. An accident and a kidnapping interrupt her diplomatic mission, however, and soon unpleasant secrets about political machinations reveal that even democracies are tough to govern. In a switch from her usual style, Cashore employs multiple narrators in this fourth volume in the Graceling series.

The land of Winterkeep is discovered to the east of Monsea and Bitterblue decides to travel there to see this miraculous democratic republic for herself. But something is not right. First, Bitterblue disappears and is feared dead on the journey. As Giddon and Hava search for answers, a young curious girl, Lovisa, who happens to be the daughter of Winterkeep's leader, is following the trail of something as well. Something nefarious is going on in Winterkeep. Will these three be able to get to the bottom of it? A fantastic addition the the Graceling universe and highly recommended for fantasy lovers.

I cannot tell y’all just how excited I was to return to the Graceling world. Six years since I last read Bitterblue, and it is still one of my favorite series. Winterkeep by Kristin Cashore picks up four years after the final battle in Bitterblue. A new land has been discovered across the seas. Winterkeep is the closest kingdom within its borders and is far more advanced than the Monsean kingdoms. When one of Bitterblue’s envoys disappears under mysterious circumstances, she, Giddon, and Hava along with her advisors travel to the new kingdom where heartache and danger await.

Can I just say how much I love Bitterblue? She has fully stepped into her role as queen with grace. Although young, she is far from naive. She carries the burdens of the kingdom on her shoulders and the sins of her father on her heart. She is learning and growing and adapting to bring the best for her people. When unforeseen circumstances see her kidnapped by an unknown foe, Bitterblue must examine what is truly important to her if she is ever to survive.

And Giddon….sweet Giddon! He still has my heart, even after all these years. I fully shipped him with Bitterblue six years ago, and I dare say that ship was well worth waiting for. When Bitterblue is kidnapped, Giddon, along with Hava and the rest of the Monsean delegates, is left to believe she is dead. Bereft and grieving a love he never acknowledged, Giddon carries on without her, determined to solve the mystery they traveled across the sea to uncover.

Then there is Lovisa Cavenda, the daughter of a powerful family in the Winterkeep government. Her father and mother are on opposing political parties and running a dangerous operation out of their home, all under Lovisa’s nose. Lovisa is young, brash, and naive. My heart ached for her as she discovers that her safe space isn’t safe, those she loves are in danger, and she must decide once and for all if she will follow her parents’ lead or stand on her own principals.

Overall, I really enjoyed Winterkeep. Like its predecessors, Cashore focuses the story around the characters as much as the political intrigue and scheming. I loved every minute returning to the Graceling world. Seeing Bitterblue as queen in her own right, Giddon finally admitting his feelings, and being introduced to a new land and new characters was amazing. If you are a fan of the Graceling series or a lover of fantasy, I highly recommend it.

So I did a whole re read of the Graveling series before diving into this one and I’m glad I did because this might have more focus on a completely different area but if I hadn’t had primary knowledge about the world and remembered who Winter and Giddon were I would have had a more difficult time following this story.

That being said, even though I know the primary focus of the book was on the new realm and a new political system and character, I was mostly reading for Winter and Giddon and found myself very annoyed that the story kept going back to Lovisa. (That’s a me problem though because it’s obvious that the story was mean to focus on Lovisa and yet I just cared about the little side romance whoops)

That being said, I think the politics were really interesting and I especially loved the magic telepathic foxes the most.

Lovina was definitely an interesting character to follow because I found myself not really liking her until maybe halfway through the book. I think what really stood out was how she slowly became her own person and started actually growing from someone silent and scared to a strong and opinionated woman.

I think the ending really made Lovisa’s character feel more interesting to me!

Now of course the highlight for me was Bitterblue and Giddon. I didn’t expect this relationship and I think it was really beautiful! I loved seeing Giddon’s emotions shine and their friendship really blossom into something pure and true!

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and I’m definitely excited to read Hava’s book that continues from this ending!

Enjoyable return to the Graceling realm, featuring new characters, new terrain, mystical sea monsters, Kitsune-esque magical foxes, and the return of beloved characters Bitterblue and Giddon. This is an ecofiction-centered story that really needs a history with the other books in the series in order to connect with Bitterblue's struggles and understand what's at stake with the political, social and environmental issues that Cashore weaves into her narrative. Recommended for fantasy readers who enjoy a grand mixture of light and dark, and uncovering the unpleasant secrets that can destroy illusions of friendship and family, ages 14 and up.

Didn't capture my attention and engagement. Interested in trying it again though and hopefully it will take.

Winterkeep (Graceling #4) by Kristin Cashore, 528 pages. Dial (Penguin), 2021. $20

Content: G (some danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Bitterblue may be the Queen of Monsea, but she is still surrounded by enemies and intrigue. Gracelings are still being exploited in other kingdoms and the discovery of more kingdoms across the seas only has compounded Blue’s problems, because her envoys to the kingdoms have disappeared. The new mineral, zilfium, seems to play an important role in the danger – someone wants control of it and is willing to kill for the privilege. I

f you still have the Graceling books in your library, you should buy the 4th in the series. If you have already weeded them, you don’t need to restock your shelves.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Set five years after Bitterblue, this story alternates between five points of view: Bitterblue the monarch, Giddon the disinherited lord, Lovisa Cavenda the eldest daughter of Keepish politicians; Adventure the telepathic blue fox; and a mysterious sea creature. When a big bang explodes under water that kills many telepathic creatures, the five characters' worlds are thrown into chaos. Bitterblue falls overboard and is assumed dead. Giddon tries to discover the roots of a conspiracy. As she tries to explore her identity and sexuality among the chaos, Lovisa realizes her parents are lying more than usual and hiding something in the attic. Adventure tries to keep his bonded human, Lovisa's mother, from hurting people.The mysterious sea creature's peace at the bottom of the ocean is violently disturbed. Can the five figure out a way to right their worlds? A complex, engaging plot that is sure to be enjoyed by older readers. The characters are engaging and well-developed, even with five different points of view. The heavy focus on themes of sex and environmentalism may be a turn off for some readers. Readers who have enjoyed Cashore's other books in the series and fantasy will want to pick up this book.

this is book 4 of the series! and the series was a solid 3 stars for me, nothing too special or extravagant, but a solid story. there’s so much potential for this story!