I received this book for free from Own Copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski Series: The Winner's Trilogy #1
on July 3, 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 359
Format: E-Book
Source: Own Copy
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Winning what you want may cost you everything you love...
As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.
One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.
But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.
Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.
I came to The Winner’s Curse not really knowing what to expect. I wasn’t even sure if I would like it. To be honest, it seemed a bit strange, and dare I say it a bit boring. But then I started reading and I realised how wrong I was.
The world building in this story is vast, yet it is so natural and does not feel forced. I liked the references that were made to the Greek/Roman culture, which made, for me, the world much easier to understand and visualise. Overall it made Kestral’s home seem so real, almost like we were reading about a far a way land.
The first part of the book felt a little slow as we had to deal with Kestral’s indecisiveness (and to be honest she was a bit of a pain) and Arin (or Smith, depending on where you are in the story) behaving, well not as he should. I’m glad I didn’t have to deal with him – he is not a very good slave. And then all the events seemed a little droll, there’s lots of balls and picnics and fun to be had. I only kept going because of the offerings of tantalising clues about what was to happen.
But then the second half picks this all up and the book completely changes tone. Everything that was mysterious in the first half suddenly makes sense and the political games start.
Torn between two sides, will the right decision be made? Will Kestral and Arin finally be together? I loved that both characters were flawed in how they handled situations, despite their strengths (both have brilliant minds and are good strategists), but also they both grow and develop as the story goes on.
Pretty much everything about The Winner’s Curse is perfect and I’m intrigued to see how the next book will turn out.
Intriguing is the perfect description of this book! There were things I was not quite happy about with the story, but I am very eager to continue on with it and see what happens to the characters! And I’m looking forward to more of the romance (since it didn’t wow me as much in the first book) Great review!
Thanks. I really liked all the games they played, it felt like they were forever playing chess! Hopefully we will fine out quickly how everyone is faring and adjusting to the changes. And I agree with the romance not wowing, it sometimes felt a little predictable.
[…] In The Winner’s Curse we learnt more about Kestral and her world, here we learn about Arin’s and what his childhood was like. It is a tiny glimpse into that world but it is still pretty satisfying. The story is beautiful and captivating. And is a wonderful fairy tale. […]
[…] I saw The Midnight Lie was coming out I was super excited. I was blown away by The Winner’s Curse Trilogy and to have a new book set in that world… well, left my heart […]
[…] darker story than The Winner’s Curse, this is a book that is full of conspiracy, plots and alliances all made to be broken and […]