Bitterblue by Kristen Cashore

This is the third tale in the Graceling Saga.

Preordered on the Kindle.

A beautiful, well written book.

Immediately swept back into the world of Bitterblue. Her life is complicated as she comes to understand her role as Queen.

Sad at times, dealing with the horror left behind by her father, King Leck.

A detailed and intiguing introduction to ciphers and codes, beautiful illustrations all make this book a treasure to keep.

Exile by Anne Osterlund

This is a Companion novel to Aurelia. Bought on the Kindle.

It was just as easy to get into and took me two evenings to read.

I will say that the romance element is still lacking. But you must remember this is a Young Adult novel, but it's still quite thin, could do with more expanding of details, imo.

I was expecting the end, to be fair with 2% left to read it was the only way it could go.

I hear there is another book to come, but no title or release date as yet.

Aurelia by Anne Osterlund

I picked this paperback up from a bookswap, it's been on my wishlist for a while. It arrived last week and the cover so pretty that I gave in to temptation and read it.

It's the first book I have been able to read in one sitting since DD arrived 18 months ago. DH distracted her for most of the day, leaving me in peace.

I was excited in the first few pages where we met the cast and started our way on the path of the plot.

I liked Aurelia immediately, she was strong minded and lived in the shadow of her step-sister, Melony. I loved this sister like relationship.

I like that you didn't need to learn an epic history of the country or characters.

I loved the little similarities to my other favourite books, like Robin McKinley's Blue Sword, Sherwood Smith's Crown & Court Duel and Emily Gee's Laurentine Spy.

I thought the plot was quite predictable, but was proved wrong.

I've picked up the next book in Kindle format, Exile, which I can't wait to get time to read.