Review of BITTERBLUE by Kristin Cashore

Bitterblue became queen of Monsea at age 10, when her father, the evil King Leck, was slain.  Now the queen is 18 and trying to heal a kingdom still reeling from Leck's horrid crimes.  Tired of paperwork and not trusting her advisors, she dons a disguise and ventures out into the city alone to try to discover some truths about Lecks' reign.  In the city, she befriends a handsome thief who opens her eyes and complicates her life.  The book slows greatly when she concentrates on deciphering the codes of embroidery from her mother and writings of King Leck, but picks up nicely for the conclusion.  In addition to palace intrigue, the return of Katsa and Fire from the first two books will delight fans.  Looking forward to the next book and Bitterblue's journey.  Highly Recommended - 4 Elves