Bitterblue discussion

SPOILER so Saf and Bitterblue ended thing off with just being friends. Which I thought was stupid! I wanted her to have a love at the end. She definately deserved it!

I'm not sure if there will possibly be another book since it ends off with Saf going off to explore the new territories. Maybe it won't end as a friendship. But, I do agree that I was disappointed with the way the relationship was left...for now at least.

I hated how they ended up! it was all this semi-romantic buildup to... a friendship.

Saf was okay not a bad guy but I do not think that he is really the right one to help Bitterblue to rebuild her kingdom. Giddon is much better. I do admit to liking him better but I also think that he is not only the better man for Bitterblue but he is better for her kingdom. As queen she needs to think about more than just her own desires. Giddon is the man who can help her lead her people into a better future not Saf. But that is just my opinion.

i was dissappointed i dont think there was enough saf in the book i think he discovered who she was too fast

2 different opinions-

one one hand, I was SUPER disappointed about how Saf and Bitterblue end up. their relationship seemed like it would be perfect if she weren't queen

BUT Saf was definitely not king material, Giddon would have been better and part of me did hope that there would have been a love triangle between the 3 of them. I just wish there was more resolution to Saf and Bitterblue's relationship. I mean, I'm happy they ... but I would have almost preferred they didn't if it ment that I got resolution to who Bitterblue ends up with.

I guess my votes on Giddon though part of me DEFINITELY wishes that Bitterblue could be with Saf

Lynn wrote: "Saf was okay not a bad guy but I do not think that he is really the right one to help Bitterblue to rebuild her kingdom. Giddon is much better. I do admit to liking him better but I also think that..."
Although... its kinda creepy that he was... well basically hitting on Katsa before.

I was really disappointed, especially as all of Cashore's other books ended with great romances. I thought she might end up with Giddon, or that something would happen between them but I was glad nothing did, it would have been weird after the Katsa-Giddon thing

Isn't Giddon a bit to old for Bitterblue?

Hannah wrote: "Isn't Giddon a bit to old for Bitterblue?"

yeah, he'd be like twice her age if he's the same age as Katsa

But remember in those days people did marry people twice as old as them... And I was also very very very disappointed that Bitterblue and Saf didn't end up together.. They were perfect for each other. And they did the deed as well and it was her first.. I think they should have abandoned the whole him being peasant/thief and her being Queen and married.

It said in the book that giddon is 10 years older, he's 28 and she's 18.

That's not too bad really, in light of the subject matter Bitterblue might as well be 50 and Giddon has always seemed young.

I don't think it would be weird with his and Katsa's history because it was entirely one-sided and it never amounted to anything.

I think it was disappointing, but it's supposed to be really. If somehow Saf had stayed with her and gone on the road toward becoming king how do you see that going? No Bitterblue, unfortunately, cannot keep him however much she want. Especially since as a character it's made VERY clear that her first motivation is her kingdom's health, this she would choose at the expense of her own happiness. Not even at her own expense really for her happiness is linked with that of her kingdom anyway. The happy-good part of the ending is supposed to be that she does right by her people and gets on a positive track.

Not all YA has to end with a perfect romance.

Exactly my opinion! I was half satisfied, half disappointed in the end of the book, satisfied because it wasn't perfect and remained consistent and realistic, but disappointed because I really do love Saf!

About Gideon; I actually never really sensed much romance in their relationship. I think they definitely could've married and been happy, but I don't think their love would be the sort of romantic love people want in a marriage.

Anyways, really enjoyed the book!

I think it would all have been to good to be true if Bitterblue and Saf got together in the end. You know, Katsa and Po and Fire and Briggan all became couples so wouldn't it have been a bit boring if Bitterblue and Saf had became one too? I think it's realistic that they didn't become a couple, but I hope they will(wich is quite weird as they do not exist so I can't possibly change their future).

I just want there to be another book to explain what happens and reveal who she ends up with. But I think it ended on a weird note between Bitterblue and Saf. Like there was more explaining that needed to be done or something. I don't think Saf is the right guy to be King and it makes sense that they didn't end up together. Hm, I don't know. But I hope there's another book :)

The book actually makes frequent reference to Bitterblue admiring Giddon's voice, his look and his way. She goes out of her way to be nosy and I suspect if he'd had a love interest she would have been jealous.

No, nothing happened between them and nothing was clearly stated but there were telling moments on both sides that suggested the other party's regard.

Not to mention circumstance. Giddon has just been rendered homeless and though he belongs to the commitee he is still quite a homebody, it would take very little to convince him to lay his head down in another kingdom.

Personally I firmly believe that even though she hasn't announced her intention Cashore left this all the way it is so she could write about it later.

But I don't think it was a weird note at all with Saf, it kinda sucked sure but I've left most of my relationships on much weirder notes :P Bitterblue should be so lucky as to have an amicable ex lol

After everything that happened I think she at least deserved love. (SPOILER) Katsa and Fire got love, so why shouldn't Bitterblue? I wish the book talked more about her going outside of the castle instead of going (very) in depth with her administration.

Yea i was pretty sad that her and saf ended but then i really liked her and Giddon together.

i stay with my opinion that she and saf should be together even if the monseans don't agree but i think that if she and saf are together she has an essencial link to the public that she would not have if she married Giddon

That's very true.

Im not sure if Im late or anything on this discussion, but I was disappointed too. Im a sucker for romance and I wanted Bitterblue and Saf to end up together

I'm back! Sorry I won't go away on any of these Bitterblue threads *blush*

I've just completed my reread and reading with Giddon in mind I found that I would quite like for them to be together. I imprint on book relationships just as bad as the next person and I blubbered through her goodbye to Saf the first time through but this second time around I saw even more between Bitterblue and Giddon than I had the first time and it's really quite sweet.

Do you guys remember when she was reading Leck's journal and Giddon got so angry and then practically begged her to stop putting herself through it? How Helda said he's been ill and lost his appetite over it?

Saf and Bitterblue had passion and a great deal of raw emotion but what Bitterblue had with Giddon was something much quieter and much more mature. Giddon learned his lesson after having to get over Katsa and I suspect that he is already in love with Bitterblue and that the situation with Saf was tearing him apart - did you notice how agressive he was against Saf? And Bitterblue herself even mused about how difficult it was to see Giddon leave though she wasn't sure why.

I can see a very good relationship developing between them and, should Saf return or Bitterblue travel to the Dells with them both, one of the most organic and least contrived love triangles in YA history might come to pass. Moreover I honestly wouldn't know which boy would be chosen even though it's always obvious when the triangle turns up.

I imagine Cashore would be loathe to follow convention and write a love triangle like everyone else but if she does you can bet it won't be like everyone else and so she just might write a 4th book about Bitterblue traveling to the Dells.

i was really really bothered but i figured it made a lot more sense given the characters' personalites. It is a perfect example of how first love might not always be the one. Not many people actually end up with their first love. i just wish i got to see who Bitterblue will end up with because i really want her to be happy and she deserves to be loved after all she went through. Too bad Saf had to leave....maybe Giddon would make a good romantic interest next?

Regina wrote: "i was really really bothered but i figured it made a lot more sense given the characters' personalites. It is a perfect example of how first love might not always be the one. Not many people actual..."

I still wish Bitterblue had ended up with Saf. Katsa and Fire got to be with their first loves, so why couldn't Bitterblue? I really hope Cashore continues the series.

Oh totally! I was so disappointed that Saf and Bitterblue were seperated. I guess what Cashore was trying to say was that Katsa and Fire had it perfect, but it isn't always that way. Though yes. Totally gutted.

Payton wrote: " SPOILER so Saf and Bitterblue ended thing off with just being friends. Which I thought was stupid! I wanted her to have a love at the end. She definately deserved it!"

I always got the feeling that they ended as extremely long distance most-likely-never-to-see-eachother-for-a-long-time lovers. Cuz she left his place *really late* the last time they saw eachother. Thats just what I always thought... I also really hope that Cashore writes a book with Hanna as the lead (And then she can continue everyone's relationship a little, you know ;)).

Maya wrote: "Regina wrote: "i was really really bothered but i figured it made a lot more sense given the characters' personalites. It is a perfect example of how first love might not always be the one. Not man..."

But wasn't Fire's first love Archer?

I really enjoyed reading all three books. I thought that each one was as good as the other. A bit disappointed with the ending concerning Saf and Bitterblue. But on the other hand, I find it was realistic... I can't imagine Giddon and Bitterblue together. He seemed more like a father figure or older brother to her. I secretly wish they would turn all three books into movies :P

I just wish they would turn three books into twently books. I could read this story for the rest of my life I think.

I fell in love with Giddon and really wanted her to end up with him, Saf annoyed the shit out of me.

I agree. i wish she could of been with Giddon because he seemed to care more than Saf. I'm glad she isn't with Saf because he was a big jerk to Bitterblue. I wanted to punched him in the face.

Samantha wrote: "I'm back! Sorry I won't go away on any of these Bitterblue threads *blush*

I've just completed my reread and reading with Giddon in mind I found that I would quite like for them to be together. I ..."

Thanks for your post Samantha! It has been a while since I finished Bitterblue and had completely forgotten about those loaded moments she had with Giddon. With your reminder I now remember keying in to those moments. I definitely like Giddon and wondered if there could be more there but at the same time I really wanted Saf to get over himself and just go to Bitterblue.

I feel like Kristin left us with a lot of unanswered questions and am hoping that she's planning to grace us with another book (no pun intended). I'd love to see more of Saf but I agree that he's not really king material (unless he were to undergo some sort of crazy transformation during their time apart). There definitely needs to be more in the Graceling, dare I call it, series. I'm constantly on the look out for indications that a fourth book is in the works. **Fingers crossed!!**

I was kind of hoping he would turn out to be a lost prince and they would get together.

We didn't get to see much of Saf's character developement in the book so he remained mildly unlikable to me after his initial reaction to discovering her identity. Calling her 'bitch' and his theft left a bad taste. I hardly felt the romance and kept feeling that Bitterblue got the short end of it all. The 'bad boy' image that the author tried to draw just didn't work. In a lot of the content, Saf's hate for BB outpowered his concern for her safety eg. Her broken arm. If there was an effort of feigned nonchalance but secretly his concern tortured him inside it would've maybe worked better. Instead Saf just appeared selfish and overly childish. I didn't mind that they their romance didn't work out in the end. He wasn't good enough for her. I just felt it was a pity she invested so much in a romance that she alone fussed over.

Meredith wrote: "I fell in love with Giddon and really wanted her to end up with him, Saf annoyed the shit out of me."

ME TOO!

Ugh! I HATED Saf! He was a little punk! I actually did think that she would end up with Giddon but maybe Kristen left that open for the next book. I mean, Bitterblue cared bout Saf, but one night together doesn't mean you actually LOVE someone. Team Giddon all the way.

Payton wrote: " SPOILER so Saf and Bitterblue ended thing off with just being friends. Which I thought was stupid! I wanted her to have a love at the end. She definately deserved it!"
totally.. Saf was disappointing though. I mean they werent around each other all that much either but i got pissed that he wanted her to step down so that they could be together. She was the queen they could work a way out despite her being queen! -.-
oh and careful about their usage of the term 'friends' i still havent figured what they mean when -.-
like Archer and Fire were friends, and lovers, she couldnt decide herself. :P

Teiamarie wrote: "Samantha wrote: "I'm back! Sorry I won't go away on any of these Bitterblue threads *blush*

I've just completed my reread and reading with Giddon in mind I found that I would quite like for them t..."

I have a theory! I follow her blog like a good little fangirl (this is my first time being a real fan of someone, it's weird.) and she was posting photos of going to visit the tall ships when they were docked in Boston (right before they came to my city, Halifax) And she had so many photos and she said she was researching and very interested.

Also she posted another time about her regrets at giving Po a magical solution to a disability, saying that the handicapped community had expressed their offense and hurt at this and she said she would try much harder in her future depictions of the character to include his limitations and challenges realistically. This she posted after Bitterblue's release.

So while she hasn't confirmed yet that this is what will happen, I feel like she's going to write another story set shortly after this one and probably on a boat, most likely featuring Midya (the Dellian naval explorer, as many others have theorized being featured in the next novel as a young woman - but maybe it'll be this way). Perhaps it will combine all the elements people are speculating about and feature Bitterblue traveling to the Dells to meet Nash by boat as captained by Midya, with Saf as part of the crew and Giddon, Po and Katsa as part of her company.

Rashika wrote: "Payton wrote: " SPOILER so Saf and Bitterblue ended thing off with just being friends. Which I thought was stupid! I wanted her to have a love at the end. She definately deserved it!"
totally.. Saf..."

Why does it have to consistently mean anything? The definition of "Friends" is up to the two involved to define, no one else.

Samantha wrote: "Rashika wrote: "Payton wrote: " SPOILER so Saf and Bitterblue ended thing off with just being friends. Which I thought was stupid! I wanted her to have a love at the end. She definately deserved it..."
yeah i guess so. :/

I was PISSED they didn't end up together. I know it was true to their character and blahblahblah but I wanted them together.
I decided to imagine my own ending for them. Do you guys want to hear it? I'm telling you anyway.

So this is maybe two years after Saf left for the Dells. Bitterblue is getting her kingdom together, healing everyone, being a badass Queen, etc. They start doing traditional Monsean festivals and it's the equinox and the whole kingdom has a massive party. Everyone's happy, glitter everywhere, kissing. Bitterblue has a late night and just falls to bed, tired and asleep. She dreams of waking up and being reunited with Saf and they're working to make things work. She wakes up, bittersweet, knowing it was a dream but a good dream, nonetheless. She looks over and Saf himself is sitting by her bed, head slumped on his chest. She realizes it isn't a dream and moves towards him. Saf wakes up with a start.
"Saf" Bitterblue says.
"Hey, Sparks. I fell asleep,"replies Saf, sheepishly. "I got back from the Dells last night. Rode through the night with Skye. Your guards let me in but I didn't want to wake you."
Bitterble is staring at him in disbelief, saying nothing. Moments pass and things start to get uncomfortable.
"Maybe I shouldn't have come. It was wrong for me to impose myself. I'll see myself out, Lady Queen." Saf moves towards the door. But Bitterblue grabs hold of his arm, yanks him towards her and they start kissing. They kiss some more. Saf pulls away and says, "I came back. To stay."
They kiss some more.
Bitterblue is happy. Saf is happy.
I'm happy they're together.
The end.

Saf got on my nerves. I hated how they kept Bitterblue in the dark with her own kingdom.

Hanna and Saf????

I loved Saf he was so right for her and they had SUCH a spark I really hope there is a sequel and Saf comes back. It is so complex with Saf's character and all but he did ask her to go with him. I am assuming that Bitterblue does not expect never to see Saf again and that when they next meet there will be more of a relationship. Bitterblue should realize that she Does need someone.

"Saf was okay not a bad guy but I do not think that he is really the right one to help Bitterblue to rebuild her kingdom. Giddon is much better. I do admit to liking him better but I also think that he is not only the better man for Bitterblue but he is better for her kingdom. As queen she needs to think about more than just her own desires. Giddon is the man who can help her lead her people into a better future not Saf."

I completely agree. Giddon deserves someone nice who wants/needs to have children and get married since that is what he wants. Katsa wasn't for him because that was never in her plans. Bitterblue and Giddon got really close in this book. The author also hinted that Bitterblue was sad when Giddon left to straighten out his property issues. I hope if/when there is a next book that Bitterblue has her HEA moment because she does definitely deserve it. Holy Cow does she deserve a man who is willing to take responsibility and be her strong anchor. I just didn't see Saf that way. He just seemed like a fling to me.

"Saf was okay not a bad guy but I do not think that he is really the right one to help Bitterblue to rebuild her kingdom. Giddon is much better. I do admit to liking him better but I also think that he is not only the better man for Bitterblue but he is better for her kingdom. As queen she needs to think about more than just her own desires. Giddon is the man who can help her lead her people into a better future not Saf."

I completely agree. Giddon deserves someone nice who wants/needs to have children and get married since that is what he wants. Katsa wasn't for him because that was never in her plans. Bitterblue and Giddon got really close in this book. The author also hinted that Bitterblue was sad when Giddon left to straighten out his property issues. I hope if/when there is a next book that Bitterblue has her HEA moment because she does definitely deserve it. Holy Cow does she deserve a man who is willing to take responsibility and be her strong anchor. I just didn't see Saf that way. He just seemed like a fling to me.

I was super disappointed by the ending. i real liked Saf but nothing happened between them in the end and Bitterblue ended up alone. Again.

Call me crazy but I almost saw a relationship brewing between Gidden and Bitterblue there.....

it was a bit disappointing...
I did also feel like Bitterblue and Giddion had some chemistry going on .

I wasn’t disappointed. Fire’s first relationship didn’t work out and he also died, Bitterblue’s first relationship just didn’t work out either but at least she will get to see him again as friends, so those two endings could have been worse. Who knows, maybe when they’re both more mature they may find each other again, but I’m shipping Giddon and Bitterblue to get together in my head. To be honest, I felt there was less focus on this book’s romance and more on creating a stronger mind character and her journey to be a great queen, that sometimes being more responsible and mature is the path some have to take and not run away with your first love.

Casey wrote: “Call me crazy but I almost saw a relationship brewing between Gidden and Bitterblue there.....”

I saw it too. In my head, those two fall in love, and that relationship works out.