A review by caitless
Winterkeep by Kristin Cashore

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I absolutely loved reading this expansion on the Graceling universe!! The books begins quite a ways off from where the previous book ends, which I also enjoyed a lot. I’ve been reading these back to back so I’m definitely in it right now, but if you’re an enjoyer of YA fantasy I think this is a solid read. It’s interesting that this book is one that switches perspectives throughout- it definitely makes for a more interesting read, but I almost wish they had omitted Giddon’s POV. Maybe that’s just me, but I didn’t really enjoy reading from his POV that much. I think the conflict is really interesting and the way the story is woven keeps you on your toes! The world building of winterkeep itself is also very epic!

I will say that the age gap relationship between Giddon and Bitterblue is a tough read. Like technically there’s nothing wrong with it but it’s just hard for me to get behind it when I read the first book where Giddon was fully an adult and Bitterblue was ten. The relationship is fine, it’s whatever, just because I don’t like it doesn’t mean it’s totally bad, I just think it would have been more interesting for Bitterblue to get with Katu but what do I know.