Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck's reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle--disguised and alone--to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past.

Two thieves, who only steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck's reign. And one of them, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn't yet identified, holds a key to her heart.

Jillian’s Review:

I loved this story, but I had to deduct a star because of all the immorality (though not detailed, you still know what's going on), darkness, and brief swearing.

This was a great story  and the characters are true enough to life that I wish they were my friends! I loved Bitterblue in Gracelin and was disappointed that she wasn't what I remembered from the first book. I guess she needed room to grow into a strong character and I did enjoy seeing her bloom, I just think Cashore should have made her as strong, or stronger at eighteen as she was at ten.

Though this is categorized as Young Adult novel, it’s NOT for younger readers... I don't even think this should be considered YA because of its mature content.