Book Review: The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Published: March 4th 2014 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

355 Pages

Goodreads Summary: 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.

Review: I read this book for the Reading My Library Challenge.  I had heard a lot of great things about this book so when I was looking for books to read for this challenge and spotted it on the shelves, I snatched it up quickly.  When I started reading it I was a little unsure if I was going to like it.  But as the story went on and the plot progressed I really started to enjoy it.  I kind of love the whole forbidden love aspect so I found myself constantly rooting for Kestrel and Arin to just give in to their feelings.  I loved how clever and strategic Kestrel was.  I also loved how she defied the norm for Valorian women and loved to play music and just wanted to be left to her own decisions rather than be bullied into enlisting by her father, the general.  I really liked the plot and I can’t wait to head to the library tonight to see if they have the second book in this series!  My one issue was that I wish that Kestrel and Arin’s POV narratives were in first person rather than third.   I would definitely recommend this book to family and friends.

4/5 Stars