Published by: Bloomsbury, April 10th 2014
Genre: YA, High fantasy
Pages: 368
Format: Ebook
Source: Bloomsbury via Netgalley
Kestrel lives the lavish lifestyle of a Valorian General’s only daughter, and such riches come at a cost for Valoria’s captives – and for her. As the Herrani face death or slavery, Kestrel’s destiny is shaped by her father. He gives her two choices: join his army or get married. Desperate to realise her own future and knowing that it will invite scandal, she pays a small fortune for a handsome Herrani blacksmith at a slave auction. Arin not only plays Kestrel’s power games, he understands what she needs and soon she is torn between loyalty to her people and her feelings for him. But Arin is not all he seems and Kestrel will learn that the price she paid for him is much higher than she ever could have imagined.
The first novel in a stunning new trilogy, The Winner’s Curse is a story of romance, rumours and rebellion, where dirty secrets and careless alliances can be deadly – and everything is at stake.
Kestrel lives the lavish lifestyle of a Valorian General’s only daughter, and such riches come at a cost for Valoria’s captives – and for her. As the Herrani face death or slavery, Kestrel’s destiny is shaped by her father. He gives her two choices: join his army or get married. Desperate to realise her own future and knowing that it will invite scandal, she pays a small fortune for a handsome Herrani blacksmith at a slave auction. Arin not only plays Kestrel’s power games, he understands what she needs and soon she is torn between loyalty to her people and her feelings for him. But Arin is not all he seems and Kestrel will learn that the price she paid for him is much higher than she ever could have imagined.
The first novel in a stunning new trilogy, The Winner’s Curse is a story of romance, rumours and rebellion, where dirty secrets and careless alliances can be deadly – and everything is at stake.
I've been trying to write this review for three days and I just don't know what to say about The Winner's Curse. It is such a good book, but not only that: it raises very important questions of race, social class, and status.
I loved The Winner's Curse from start to finish. It captured my attention when Kestrel's father wanted her to join his army - equal fighting opportunities for men and women? I love you.
The romance is exquisite. There's no other word for it. Marie Rutkoski has woven a bright and emotional relationship from two people who could not be more different, nor more alike. And they fit together perfectly.
But they couldn't have ended happily in this book, could they? Of course not. I so very nearly cried, and I'm rarely moved by books. But Kestrel and Arin's strained relationship was tearing me apart.
The other thing to mention about this book is the politics - oh how wonderful and complicated the politics and rebellion of The Winner's Curse is! I loved seeing things from the different perspectives, and how Rutkoski explored the different ways manipulation and compromise plays out in negotiation and war.
A brilliant start to a series that promises to thrill and have me biting my nails. I await the next book with greedy hands.
I loved The Winner's Curse from start to finish. It captured my attention when Kestrel's father wanted her to join his army - equal fighting opportunities for men and women? I love you.
The romance is exquisite. There's no other word for it. Marie Rutkoski has woven a bright and emotional relationship from two people who could not be more different, nor more alike. And they fit together perfectly.
But they couldn't have ended happily in this book, could they? Of course not. I so very nearly cried, and I'm rarely moved by books. But Kestrel and Arin's strained relationship was tearing me apart.
The other thing to mention about this book is the politics - oh how wonderful and complicated the politics and rebellion of The Winner's Curse is! I loved seeing things from the different perspectives, and how Rutkoski explored the different ways manipulation and compromise plays out in negotiation and war.
A brilliant start to a series that promises to thrill and have me biting my nails. I await the next book with greedy hands.
Characters ★★★★★
Setting/world building ★★★★★
Writing Style ★★★★★
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