Monday, April 7, 2014

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski Review


The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, #1)


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.

I've been wondering why it took me almost three weeks to finish this book and I think I figured out why. I'm not a fan of forbidden love. I tolerate it, but when the odds seem to be 100% against the couple I find that I can't enjoy the book fully. I need some kind of hope. While reading The Winner's Curse I didn't see any hope for Kestrel and Arin. He's a slave she's the enemy, that's it. I was afraid for them. Afraid that I was going to end up loving these characters only to have my heart broken in the end. There was a point in the book where I wish I could hate them. But that was impossible.

This book made me feel confused. I knew what side (of the war, can you call it that?) I was on but I couldn't help but love and care for some of the characters in the other side. Just like Arin I fell in love with Kestrel, she was kind and real and so unlike her kind. Arin was an amazing character, as well. I also want to see more of the secondary characters in the next book, they gave this book life. Even the characters that weren't so good made this world real.

One of the things that made this book a great read was the writing. It was so beautiful! I do have to say, though, that the pace was a little slow for my taste, but it goes well with the story. I can't wait to see what happens next.

My final verdict is that this book is worth it. I started to see hope in the end and that makes me excited for the next book. That last sentence made me want to cry, it was so beautiful and to the point. I just love when books end in a powerful note.





15 comments:

  1. this is another positive review for the book, i really need to get this.

    great review
    Aparajita @Le' Grande Codex

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  2. I'm glad you liked this despite your lack of enthusiasm for forbidden love (it's not my favorite either, but I think still like it more than you do). Something about the writing and the characters really can cover a multitude of flaws. I was disappointed about it not being the traditional fantasy it was being marketed as, and forbidden love's not your thing, but we both still really it. That says a lot, I think ;) Great review!

    Jessica @ Rabid Reads

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    1. Jessica you are so right! I forgot to mention that in my review. I thought it was going to be more fantasy than what it was. I have a feeling that the next book will be more to our liking.

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  3. I felt the same way about this one, the pacing was off and the chapters ended abruptly at times but overall, this was worth the read.

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    1. The chapter thing kind of bothered me a little too. Sometimes I felt a bit lost because of it. But yeah it was worth it.

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  4. I can understand your problem with forbidden love. I loved this one but you're right it was difficult to see a happy ending for them. But I still really loved it! And I loved Krestel, she is a really smart girl. Glad you liked it too.

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  5. I definitely need to get this book. I keep seeing great reviews everywhere. I'm glad I read your review, though, because everyone just seems to give EXCELLENT reviews. It's nice to read about something that you maybe won't like. Great review!
    -Marianne

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    1. I was prepared when I started this one. I knew the romance wasn't going to be what I like but at the end it was so good. I'm glad I gave it a try.

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  6. Sounds great, I've only read wonderful reviews for this series! But I know how conflicted you must have felt for the characters.

    Jeann @ Happy Indulgence

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    1. I did feel like that. But wow! They were incredible! And so unforgettable!

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  7. *gasps* You're not a fan of forbidden romance?! What?! Lol. I, on the other hand, loves them! the only thing that sucks about this book is the wait we'll all have to endure. le sigh.

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    1. I like forbidden romance but I need to see light at the end of the tunnel! If I don't see any way around to solve their problems I start to sweat. LOL And yes, I agree about the wait! UGH!

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  8. I REALLY want to read this one!! The cover is just gorgeous and I don't mind a bit of forbidden love now and then. ;) Buuut, I do struggle with slow books. So that might be a problem for me. Eeh. Maybe I'll borrow it from the library first??

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  9. I'm so happy you ended up enjoying it! The writing was just beautiful, wasn't it? I understand why you had some mixed feelings at first if you dont' care for forbidden love (I asked Marie to write about that very topic for our blog tour stop, hah), but it's nice to see it won you over anyway.

    And I agree--such a powerful ending sentence.

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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