Actual rating: 3.5 
 First line: "When he grabs Mama's wrist and yanks her toward the wall-hanging like that, it must hurt." 
 I can't believe I'm done. I've spent most of this month working my way through the Graceling world and now I'm out of books to read and I'm extremely sad about it. 
 Bitterblue adds to the expansive world that Kristin Cashore has masterfully created, and brings everything full-circle. I love how knowledge and tidbits we're fed over the course of Graceling and Fire have their significance and importance increased tenfold, with beloved - and some not so beloved - characters returning and rounding out the ensemble. 
 The one big downfall I found in this story is that there is A LOT going on. There were so many subplots being explored at the same time that I sometimes couldn't keep track, especially ones where the ciphers were concerned. Cashore, of course, has the angst amped up to ten in this installment, and while the focus of the book is supposed to be on Bitterblue and her exploration of her kingdom, I would've loved to see more of the relationship between her and Saf, as it's really only the bare bones of one. 
 If it isn't clear enough, let me say it again: I REALLY LIKE THESE BOOKS. I could read dozens more set in this realm. This has become a world that feels like home to me, and I know I'm going to be thinking about them for a long time.