Wednesday, March 12, 2014

The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy #1) by Marie Rutkoski

Series: The Winner's Trilogy
355p.
Available Now
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Source: ARC from publisher for review
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.
My thoughts:
The story follows two characters from completely different backgrounds. One, Kestrel, is from a conquering nation who has enslaved the people where she resides. The other is Arin who is a member of the enslaved. An impossible romance develops and one where I couldn't see working, but wanted it to work so badly throughout the story. You just want to know if a love with people of unequal status could eventually fall in love.

You are drawn into the story from the start through Kestrel and it doesn't let up for one second. You also fall for her closest friends despite the fact they feel justified in keeping and having slaves. Arin is captivating in his terse and oppositional personality. He is strong and handsome, but you know more lurks underneath his angry demeanor. Kestrel slowly brings him out and lowers his defenses. Through lies, deception, and a lot of truth telling the couple comes together only to be torn apart once more. The ending will leave you clamoring for more.

I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling the story. I want you to experience it for yourself. It is an experience of impossible dreams and wants and it is successful in it's telling. My only complaint was the end. Yes, it ended! How dare it! The ending might kill you, but you just know it will be worth the wait for the next book. I give the book 4 1/2 stars and recommend it to those that enjoy romance.



27 comments:

  1. Oh I'm glad you enjoyed it as well, I really loved the book! It was a wonderful discovery and I can't wait for more.

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  2. YEP. The ending just about killed me too. I can't wait to see what happens next!

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  3. I have yet to find a bad review for this book so for that reason alone, I have to read it. I know some people didn't think this book had enough plot but the world building and characters sound fascinating that I don't think I would mind.

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    1. It didn't bother me. I wasn't a fan of the ending but then again... I hate endings like that. :)

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  4. So glad that you enjoyed this story! The ending nearly killed me! AHHHHH!

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  5. Stupid endings, taking us away from our beloved stories! Unfair:) SO glad you loved this one too Melissa, I'm already looking forward to re-reading even though it wasn't too long ago that I finished!

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    1. I can't reread until I know what happens next! Evil authors. :)

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  6. I've been hearing lots of things about this one, most of them good it has to be said and given your review plus the fact that I'm intrigued by the ending this is definitely one for my wish list.

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  7. I made room for this on the blog because of all the oustanding reviews I am reading. I cannot wait, though I am dreading the ending!

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    1. Yes, that ending is a killer, but I think you'll like the rest of it.

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  8. So apparently it isn't just hype. I am going to have to make some room to read this one. I actually am dying to read it. I just have some things that NEED to be read first. However, I think I'm just putting those off b/c I want to read certain other books so I guess I should read what I want.
    Yeah, that sounds like a good justification to read this one. I already hate the ending, LOL

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    1. I hope I'm not really hyping it. I did read it before most of the reviews came out. Make this book your reward! :)

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  9. wow, nice review. this does seem interesting!

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  10. Wahoo, I love your review. I have the audio and will be diving in soon!

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  11. Oh this looks interesting. New to me, and very interesting. :) Thank you!

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  12. So good, right?!? And definitely hard to review without giving anything away. NEXT ONE NOW, please!

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  13. I'm glad you loved this! I did enjoy it, but the first half was hard for me to get through. Luckily the second half captured my attention. Wonderful review!

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  14. "Yes, it ended! How dare it!" EXACTLY!

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  15. Haha, "My only complaint was the end. Yes, it ended! How dare it! " SO TRUE!! Awesome review, I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed this too. :-)

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