Suicide Reviews: The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy #2) by Marie Rutkoski

 

Synopsis: A royal wedding means one celebration after another: balls, fireworks, and revelry until dawn. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement: that she agreed to marry the crown prince in exchange for Arin's freedom. But can Kestrel trust Arin? Can she even trust herself? 

Kestrel is becoming very good at deception. She's working as a spy in the court. If caught, she'll be exposed as a traitor to her country. Yet she can't help searching for a way to change her ruthless world...and she is close to uncovering a shocking secret.

This dazzling follow-up to The Winner's Curse reveals the high price of dangerous lies and untrustworthy alliances. The truth will come out, and when it does, Kestrel and Arin will learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

Date Published: March 3, 2015

Published By: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Number of Pages: 402

Rating: 5/5

I can sum up The Winner's Crime in one word: heartbreaking.

Here's why you should read it.

Kestrel continues to be a total badass, playing dangerous political games with the Valorian emperor in order to keep Arin safe. Unfortunately, this involves deceiving Arin to such an extent that he no longer trusts her. This, of course, leads to disastrous consequences and a devastating ending. 

The political machinations in The Winner's Crime are even more intricate and compelling than they were in the first book. Kestrel navigates through the highest levels of power with a corresponding level of risk. Arin, too is involved in risky politics as the new governor of Herran. Neither Arin nor Kestrel escape unscathed as they weave through the various power plays and treachery. 

I've always been partial to forbidden love stories but the Winner's series deals with the trope in a wonderfully fresh way. Neither Kestrel nor Arin are willing to do whatever it takes to be together - they both have other things to consider, other loyalties. But they can't help but love each other and this is what makes the story so devastating - whatever they try to do to protect each other only drives them further apart. 

Fans of traditional romance novels might not care for this book - there aren't a lot of gush-worthy moments between Arin and Kestrel in this installment in the series. The romance in the Winner's trilogy has a different heart to it - it is more real and more painful but ultimately, it will resonate with readers because it is honest and deep. 

 I'm glad The Winner's Crime is not the ending to the series and I cannot wait to get my hands on the third and final book. 

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

  

Synopsis: 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 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.

Date Published: March 4, 2014

Published By: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Number of Pages: 355

Rating: 5/5

I am completely in awe of this book. It is everything I'm looking for in a romantic historical fantasy. The world-building is incredible, the characters are well-rounded and complex, and the writing is beautiful and lush.

Marie Rutkoski has managed to create a realistic fantasy world of astonishing complexity and depth. The two warring nations, the Valorians and the Herrani, each have their own separate cultures, histories, and languages. The world is so incredibly imaginative that I can feel the history lurking beneath the surface even if it isn't spelled out on the page. This is the kind of world-building that sucks you in and immerses you until you feel as if the story can't possibly be fiction - it must be based on fact. I think that's what every fantasy author strives to do and Marie Rutkoski has mastered it brilliantly - she even makes it look easy.

Kestrel might just be my new favorite heroine in YA fantasy literature. What I love most about her is that, unlike some YA heroines, she is unskilled with using weapons. She's not totally inadequate - she does know how to defend herself. But let's just say Katniss Everdeen could teach her a thing or two about how to use a bow and arrow.

Kestrel has different strengths- for one, she is incredibly smart and tactical. She assesses situations, analyzes her enemies, and uses her wits to gain the upper hand. She's not particularly romantic - which makes it so much more satisfying when she realizes that she has feelings for Arin.

The love between Arin and Kestrel is nowhere near instantaneous - Arin hates Kestrel at first, and everything she represents. Kestrel has her own prejudices about the Herrani but gradually overcomes them as she gets to know Arin. Both Arin and Kestrel are loyal to their respective tribes which makes the love between them even more devastating - they must choose between their love for each other and their loyalty to their people.

The ending is spectacular, wrapping up the first book perfectly but still leaving things open-ended enough for the sequel. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.

The Winner's Curse is perfect for fans of romantic fantasy - it's a complex, heartbreaking story that will leave you wanting more. If you loved Kristin Cashore's Graceling series, you'll love The Winner's Curse.