Sunday, February 9, 2014

Review: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski


The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
Book One of the Winner's Trilogy
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (BYR)
Publication Date: March 4, 2014
Rating: 5 stars
Source: ARC borrowed from a friend (thank you, Jess!)

Summary (from Goodreads):

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.

What I Liked:

Let me be clear: I most likely will NOT be doing this book justice, with this review. I loved this book so much, and I already know that I cannot express just how much I love this book, or everything that I love about this book, in one review. But I'll try.

This is more of a fantasy novel than anything. I saw on Goodreads that there are labels such as "science fiction", "dystopia", and "historical fiction". The first two are really off, but this book does have historical elements - like, medieval elements. But it isn't set in a real historic period, if that's what people are thinking. It's fantasy - epic fantasy - like Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.

Kestrel buys a slave on a whim, and everything kind of goes downhill from there. This slave, Arin, is part of a rebellion that is trying to start a revolution. Kestrel slowly develops a bond with Arin, but she has no idea that she has been played - that Arin and his group of rebels planned everything. And the revolution is happening.

I can't really explain the plot of this book, but it is so intriguing and twisting and engaging and interesting! everything is strategic and analytic and set in the story for a reason, for a specific purpose - even if readers don't see it at first. I LOVE this type of book, because I'm the really analytic type, so I enjoy figuring out puzzles and mysteries and looking for things beyond what is told or mentioned. Fun!

The book is indirectly split into two parts: the beginning is about Kestrel and Arin - and this has very little to do with romance or chemistry. YES, in this time, they develop a strange friendship, because Kestrel insists that he be honest with her at all times. Kestrel begins to depend on him and his opinion, and takes him as her escort to many places. The first part of the book is spent building their relationship, as well as their characters. Rutkoski does this very thoroughly, in a subtle way. 

I really like Kestrel's character. She is clever, and in many ways. She has a mind for the military and political maneuverings. She is cunning and brave, even though she is not good with hand-to-hand combat and other forms of fighting. She thinks things over many times, and is rarely wrong. I like her. She is not soft, but she is kind to those she trusts and care about.

Back to the plot. The second half of the book is about the revolution. I won't be too specific, but basically, the second half of the book deals with the revolution and Kestrel's role in the revolution. I feel like we get to learn more about Arin in this section of the book, and we get to see who he really is. I find that even though he is a rebel, and on the opposite side of Kestrel, he is a good purpose. I can't see him as a villain. Rutkoski is a genius, because she has spun this story to make readers love both the heroine and the "villain".

So, I really liked Kestrel AND Arin. And I love their relationship. Rutkoski has their relationship develop differently from most YA relationships. They are only physically intimate TWICE in the whole book (i.e., the yonly kiss twice), and yet, I find the romance absolutely beautiful. This is a great example of how romance can be more sentimental or emotional, versus physical.

Of course, that's not stopping me from hoping from more steamy times in the subsequent novels.

Another thing I really liked was the writing style and the setup of the perspectives. Right from the beginning, Rutkoski demonstrates a gorgeous writing style. It was like poetry in freestyle - so lush and descriptive and BEAUTIFUL. And something that I was happy to see was that this book is in third person point-of-view, and while it is mostly limited to Kestrel's point-of-view, Rutkoski threw in Arin's point-of-view every few chapters. I like this!

Rutkoski has absolutely no mercy on her characters. She makes both of the protagonists suffer, and in different ways. Arin suffers under the guise of a slave, but he also suffers because he fell in love with a Valorian. Kestrel suffers, because she is constantly pressured to join the military or get married; to always have an escort; to give up her music; and physically, when she is hurt over and over. This is a very "real" part of the book - all the suffering that the two protagonists must endure.

The ending is not what I expected, yet, it makes perfect sense with the story. I know this is a trilogy, so I can't be disappointed. But I really cannot wait to read book two (and book three)! Because that ending... what an ending. Oh, my heart!

What I Did Not Like:

I can't think of anything at the moment - perhaps that I have to wait EVEN LONGER for the next book. That definitely has to be the one drawback.

Would I Recommend It:

Absolutely! If you love novels by Kristin Cashore and Leigh Bardugo will LOVE this novel! And even if you weren't a fan of those authors, or never read anything by them, TRUST ME - you will enjoy this book!  Give it a shot!

Rating:

5 stars. This is a 2014 novel, but it is definitely one of my favorite novels of 2013! Now, more please!


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

32 comments:

  1. This book was sort of on my radar before, but I just bumped it up about 20 places thanks to your review! I didn't realize it was fantasy. I love fantasy, and REALLY love Cashore and Bardugo's series', so this is right up my alley. Your enthusiasm for it has happily rubbed off on me! I'm really excited about this one now. Can't wait to read it!

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    1. WOOT! I'm so glad to hear that! It is a really great fantasy read, and I agree - Cashore and Bardugo's books are EPIC. I'm glad I could influence you (positively) even more in the right direction :D

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  2. :) Ooh, I've not seen anyone compare this to Shadow and Bone, but that only makes me even more excited to read it! And now I'm so excited to see Arin and Kestrel's relationship! I love the idea of it being really strong emotionally, rather than physically, since a lot of books seem to focus to heavily on the physical side without establishing the emotions first.

    And I've never mentioned this (partially because I only noticed in the past week) but I LOVE how you match your font color to the books! It's such a nice touch. :) Also, great review! :D

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    1. The two series are really different, but similar in the fantasy aspect, I suppose. And how the authors rip apart their characters. This book in general was really emotionally investing, if that makes sense.

      THANK YOU, RACHEL! I love that you said that - it's so encouraging! *squishes*

      And thank you again!

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  3. Awesome review sweetie :D Sigh. I loved this book SO MUCH as well. <3 And the relationship is so good. But that ending.. it was pretty evil. Dying for book two :)

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    1. Thank you, Carina! I know you did :D Hey, it's a series, so don't be too broken up!

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  4. OOOh nice review! Glad to finally read a more detailed one! The first two were short on details of the story! Have seen this one around a lot when everyone (it seemed) got it in the mail. Sounds like an intriguing read and the cover is positively gorgeous! Great review! (again!) :)

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    1. Whee, I'm glad you think my review is detailed! Without being spoiler-y, that is. I actually didn't get this one in the mail - well, I did, but I borrowed it from a friend who sent it through the mail. ANYWAY. It's such a fantastic read, Jessica!

      Thank you <3

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  5. I've read other glowing reviews of this book, so clearly this is going to be a must read for me. Awesome review!!

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    1. That's so great to hear! You MUST read it when you get the chance, Tammy!

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  6. It sounds challenging and intense. I look forward to reading it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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    1. Emotionally gripping, I say. It is amazing! Thank YOU, Sophia.

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  7. I am reading this book right now :D I am glad that you enjoyed it!!

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    1. I hope you love it overall, Lena! It's so awesome :D

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  8. Aww I am so excited for this book! I've seen nothing but good reviews, all commenting on how clever and feisty Kestrel is. The romance also sounds like something new because of how they rely on actual attraction instead of the physical stuff between them. Great review, Alyssa!

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    1. I'm so glad that this book is getting fantastic reviews! I really liked Kestrel, and the romance is superb. Arin and Kestrel are so great together!

      Thank you, Eileen!

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  9. OMG your review makes me SO excited to read this!!! i've had it in my pile for a while and just haven't gotten around to it. Everything about this book, down to the cover, sounds like absolute awesomeness. Especially that the romance is different and there is epicness and historical elements going on. Thanks for rekindling my excitement for this book in your review! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. YAYYYY! It is a must-read! And seriously, it really is the perfect storm of a book - and it blew me away! Hehehe, couldn't help myself with that one ;D I hope you read it soon!! Thank you <3

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  10. Wow, what a review!! I was too bloody excited to read this one, and now... NOW EVEN MORE AND I DIDN'T THINK THAT WAS POSSIBLE!!
    I'm so happy I preordered this one in hardcover so I can physical love and huge the book and then hug it when it's over...

    Great review, Alyssa!

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    1. Oh Pili, that makes me so happy to hear! I'm very happy that you pre-ordered this one, and that you are even more excited to read it. YOU WILL LOVE IT, OF THIS I AM SURE!! :D

      Thank you!!

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  11. Yay! I am so o glad this was a win for you! Fantasy can be tricky to write, so I am happy Rutkoski knocked it out of the park! Kestrel sounds great- I can't wait to meet her! And I definitely know those type of books about the romance not being prominent, but still has an impact! I'm excited to see what happens for them! Excellent review chica!

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    1. She really did though! I am so happy to have read this one! And OMG no but the romance was so fabulous, despite its role. I loved it. I loved its role. OMG. I really hope you love this one, Jess! Thank you and THANK YOU AGAIN! <3

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  12. Ahh Awesome review Alyssa now I am super excited to see if I can get my hands on this book in March I haven't read a book by either Kristin Cashore or Leigh Bardugo yet but I do love it when the author writing style is like poetry must check this out soon! thanks for sharing Alyssa

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    1. I seriously hope that you do! It's a great fantasy novel - and definitely check out Kristin Cashore's novels as well! And then Leigh Bardugo's. Yes, in that order. This author's writing style will blow you away! I loved it.

      You're very welcome - and thank YOU!

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  13. I am SO psyched for this one. I love the political aspect, and I think I'll have fun with the more analytic parts of the story too. And the fact that the characters suffer seems both scary and awesome. Great review!

    -P.E. @ The Sirenic Codex

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    1. YAY! I'm glad you're seeing this book from those angles - I really liked those aspects! I have a feeling that you will really enjoy this book :) Thank you!

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  14. As far as I have seen, there has not been a single negative review for this book. And you know what, that makes me happy. I wanted to read it before any reviews were out, but you know what, yours and all of the other reviews I have read, have just made me more anxious to read it RIGHT NOW and not have to wait until the library gets a copy. So I believe that there will be an Amazon trip in my near future. Like near as in, NOW!

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    1. I hope you read it and enjoy it ASAP! I agree - I have not seen a single negative review for this book as well. Hopefully, Amazon ships on the release day... ;)

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  15. Awesome review! I definitely want to read this now! I'm a huge historical fiction and fantasy fan so it should be perfect.

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    1. Woohoo! I've gauged that, from your comments, and that makes me happy! You'll enjoy this one, Susan ^_^

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  16. YAY!!! I only just started this, so I'm nervous. But so far I absolutely love it. I am not worried at all about the rest of this book. Sure to love it as well!

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    1. YOU WILL LOVE IT, I AM SURE! Just sit back and enjoy it. Let it wash over your skin. IT IS BEAUTIFUL :D

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