Bitterblue / Kristin Cashore / 539 pages

In this sequel to Graceling and companion to Fire, we learn about the beginning of the reign of 18 year old Lady Queen Bitterblue, daughter of the evil and mind-controlling King Leck.  I think the book stands on its own and will be enjoyed by readers of character-driven fantasy.  For teens who have read the other two books, they will revel in the further tales of their favorite characters Katsa, Po, Giddon, Rand, Raffin and the others.  Cashore does a great job of showing how Bitterblue overcomes her past, comes to know her people and grows into her role as queen.  After finishing the book, I just thought...I want more, more, more stories with these characters.