Children’s author Kristin Cashore will publish Bitterblue, a new novel set in the universe of her debut YA novel, Graceling.

The new book stars Queen Bitterblue, a character who first appeared as a supporting character in Cashore’s fantasy novel about teenagers with remarkable abilities. Dial Books for Young Readers will release the title on May 1, 2012. Bitterblue is the second companion book to Graceling. Cashore also published the companion book, Fire, in 2009.

Editorial director Kathy Dawson had this statement: “It felt like a long waiting period but Bitterblue was worth every single minute. With every book she writes, Kristin becomes a more accomplished writer, and for this one, she learned all about codes and ciphers. She even hired a linguist to create an entire language! Bitterblue is a fascinating character because while she has no powers, as queen she has the ultimate power.”