The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy Book 2)

More like a political (and romantic) drama than an action packed fantasy, but so damn addicting. Rutkoski doesn't go easy on main characters and this book definitely ripped my heart out. Beautifully written and compelling characters.

I loved The Winner's Crime! Sometimes sequels don't live up to the expectations set by the first book in the series but this one meets all expectations and then some. I loved the story and the progression. I loved the relationship dynamics presented. We get to explore more of the world as well, which is great. The story just got better and I can't wait to read the next book and see how it all ends.

Warning: This book will make you feel some feels.

Beautifully written. I could feel every emotion of our characters and could see the scenes clearly play out in my mind. But that doesn't mean I cared for these characters or scenes. I felt like this whole book was a tug-of-war of weather you love me or not. It was almost hilarious the way Kestrel and Arin acted. Almost. Majority of the characters irritated me...and that last part could have all been avoided if Tensen wouldn't have hesitated. You'll see what I mean. It was so stupid. Definitely going to read the next book. I just hope its a damn good one to redeem this filler.

4.5 Stars

A stunning and absolutely dazzling world of forbidden romance, broken countries, shattered lives, and determined and unforgettable characters, with sizzling plot twist that will have you in dire need of book three. THE WINNER'S CRIME was breathtaking and heartbreakingly wonderful!!

Beautifully, and elegantly written, THE WINNER'S CRIME enchanted me from the very beginning until the last sentence. I was dazzled by the smooth and fresh writing that flowed with ease and entranced me into a cocoon of pure bliss. In book one I swept away by the unforgettable and truly unique writing that hypnotized me and kept my heart racing until the end. And in this sequel, THE WINNER'S CRIME was no exception to the full lengths of Marie Rutkoski's brilliant writing skills. She has this spellbinding way with words and world making, and character chemistry that is beyond exceptional. She's a mastermind of a storyteller that everyone should have the honor to read!!

The romance in this book was what I had an issue with. I LOVE Kestrel and Arin. I mean, I am head over heels in love with them as a couple. I think their perfect for each other in just about every way, and bring the best out in each other, and have this electrifying chemistry that sends shock waves through me with each sentence their together.

BUT... in THE WINNER'S CRIME there is like ZERO ROMANCE!! YES, you heard that right, ZERO ROMANCE!! Well, no I'm lying, there is these really small little scene where their is some type of love between them. But it was forced and shielded by they're new places in their new life, and they were prudent in keeping their distances, even if it hurt them like hell. And it was heartbreaking to say the least, watching such pain and sorrow as they endured the heartache and loss of love! I just REALLY wanted more from their relationship. Even understanding the reasoning of why Marie Rutkoski had them at each others throat whenever they came within 5 feet of each other, but it was still heartbreaking to watch. It was literally tearing my heart and soul out just to read their harsh encounters. And that made me not enjoy this book as much as book one for that reason and that reason alone. I wanted, NO, NEED, more of Kestrel and Arin time, and if we don't get it in book three, oh well I may just have a to take this trilogy and stomp them into the ground with steel toed boats a million times just to feel better! ;)

But honestly, besides the relationship issue, I LOVED everything else. The plot was terrifyingly wonderful, and the betrayals were beyond shocking, and totally gut-wrenching to watch unfold. The world in court life was like any other political intrigue novel--lies and deception, betrayals and defiance, plotting and scheming, eager courtiers and snobby nobility, all tied up in blood and murder, and evil emperors wanting nothing more but to conquer all and destroy all who oppose him. But this book was so much fun and a huge change from THE WINNER'S CURSE book setting. And I have a feeling that book three is going to be a totally different book setting then either book one or two. And I am SOOOOOOO looking forward to relishing in the explosive finale that will either shatter the Valorians rule, or the Herrani submission, or, just maybe, maybe shatter both worlds and be something totally unpredictable!! I wouldn't put it past Rutkoski to come up with something so shocking an totally unexpected. BRING IT!!!

THE PLOT:

***KESTREL***

Engaged to the crown prince of Valoria, Kestrel should be relishing in the most desired man of all their empire, but she's not. Marrying the crown prince is actually the last thing she desires. With her heart belonging to another, but her fate promised to the Valoria empire, she has excepted her future and the sacrifice it's made for the greater good, even if it still hurts like hell...

Forced into marriage with the prince as a bargaining chip for freeing Herran from the vicious rule the emperor had on the Herrani slaves, Kestrel has finally freed them from his iron grip and malicious way of living. But payed the ultimate price with her hand in marriage. But what really weighs on her is not the loss of her hand in marriage, but her loss of her heart that is owned by Arin, the slave she bought from the slave auction so many months ago. Falling in love with him really was the winner's curse...

Now living in the imperial palace as the future Queen to the Valorian Empire, Kestrel must play the hand she dealt herself before more questions threaten to arise and shatter her already fragile world. But as also the imperial ambassador to the now independent territory of Herran, and having to work with the new territory and governor that she traded her life for, she's starting to believe she may be in way over her head.

Kestrel will have to decide just where and who her true loyalties lie, and if she's willing to lay it all on the line for the Herrani people she's already saved once. Or if she's willing to let them all crash and burn under the emperor's cruel wrath...

***ARIN***

Now the Governor to the independent territory of Herran, Arin has his work cut out for him. As a former slave to the war Generals daughter Kestrel, and the blacksmith at their estate, he and the former leader of the Herrani rebellion have taken their home territory of Herran back by force. But keeping it was the challenge, and Arin realized they were fighting a war they couldn't win. So when the imperial emperor offered Herrani their freedom as a self-governed territory with Arin as their governor, it all seem to good to be true. But of course, with no other options he agreed, and unknowingly sealed with it his beloveds fate as the future queen to the imperial empire, and lost her forever....

With the weight of the whole territory of Herran on his shoulders, and little resource or accesses to the means in keeping his new territory fed, Arin is coming to the horrifying realization of just why the emperor offered his gracious deal when he did. And unless he finds a way to feed his people and quick, they will all fall to illness and starvation, and the emperor will eliminate the whole Herrani race without even going to war. And that is something Arin cannot allow without going down fighting...

But if the emperor thinks that they'll just roll over and give up, then he has another thing coming. Arin is determined to build he's territory to it's fullest and forge alliances with the neighboring city of Dacran, in hopes of building an army strong enough to withstand the Valorian army's wrath, and finally end the Valorian rule over the Herrani people once and for all. But in Arin's world, nothing is that simple, and he will have to fight to the death if is going to survive this battle. And his love/hate relationship with Kestrel may just be his ultimate downfall...

THE WINNER'S CRIME was beautifully crafted and enchantingly wonderful!! With it's fine touch of exquisite imperial life, and it's captivating characters that would invade anyone's heart, to it's addicting plot twist and heart-pounding revelations, THE WINNER'S CRIME is a sequel NOT TO BE MISSED!!!

Overall, if your looking for heart-pounding romance like THE WINNER'S CURSE, you won't find it here. But if you want a thrilling plot, with unforgettable events, and ultimate betrayals, with shattered hearts, and races on the brink of extinction, then THE WINNER'S CRIME will definitely satisfy and some...

NOTE: I received a physical ARC from Macmillan for reviewing purposes! All opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way!

I have to say this series gets better and better. I love the politics that drives this book. It seriously makes my palms sweaty with anticipation. The stakes have definitely been raised with The Winner's Crime.

I loved the characters even more in this book. I feel that their in dangerous situations and they have even more to lose with each decision they make. I loved this. You never know what's going to happen, who they could trust, and whether Kestrel and Arin will be together. OMG! It was almost too much to take. This book is very suspenseful and meticulous. Kestrel is torn between her obvious love for Arin and betraying her people. She's caught in the middle and either choice can have dire consequences. Kestrel can trust no one as the Emperor has eyes everywhere and Arin is in a constant state of danger doing what he can to protect his people.

I can't help but love this series. Its addictive and exciting. I love that while there is a romance between Kestrel and Arin, its not necessarily the focus of this book. It is in the sense that their feelings for one another drives their actions, but the story is political in nature and strategic as Kestrel comes up with battle strategy and navigating her loyalties. I highly recommend this book.

Disappointed.........

Really, really liked the first book, and was really looking forward to this one.

Note to Publishers: Not all stories need to be told in trilogies. Some stories are better, tighter, more interesting, in just TWO books. Apparently, this is one of them.

At least 90% of this book is filler. The plot is not advanced. The characters are not developed. The relationships are not explored. We are all just treading water through page, after page, chapter, after chapter.

And then most of the conflict consists of Kestrel's "noble" lies. The lies must be told because she doesn't trust Arin to behave in a reasonable or rational way. She also doesn't respect him enough to give him the choice.....which leads inevitably to the Big Misunderstanding. The Big Misunderstanding may well be the most annoying plot device known to man. It's also fairly insulting. How dumb do we have to be not to see that 5 minutes of conversation would fix this? Ugh.

In addition to much teeth grinding (on my part) the Big Misunderstanding leads to Arin's version of the pushme/pullyou trope, wherein our hero goes back and forth: I love her, No! I hate her, No! I love her, No! I hate her, and on and on forever....or at least until I don't care anymore. In spite of the fact that I opened this book really (really, really) liking these characters, by the time I got to the end of it, I was ready for them both to just Go Away.

The reason I gave this book two stars is because I still have hope for the third book in the series, and I will be reading it. In the meantime, let me suggest that you get this book from the library. Then after you read it, make a note (a sentence?) that includes everything of value to the story and tape it either to the end of the first book, or else to the front of the third book.....but don't buy this one. You won't be wanting to reread it.

*The Winner's Crime is the second book in Rutkoski's Winner's Trilogy which begins with The Winner's Curse. As such this review contains major spoilers for book one!*

"The winner knows her whole line of play. But Kestrel saw only one move, and maybe the next."

Kestrel knew the cost would be high when she petitioned the Emperor of Valoria in an attempt to save Herrani lives. Months later outward appearances suggest that Kestrel has everything she could want. Her gambit to offer Herran independence as a colony only serves to better help Valoria while Kestrel's shrewd strategy brought her to the attention of the Emperor. Engaged to Valoria's crown prince, Kestrel is privy to countless parties and celebrations while all of Valoria admires the future Empress.

To Kestrel, it feels like nothing so much as a well appointed cage.

Kestrel longs to tell Arin the truth of her engagement. But with stakes higher on both sides, Kestrel is no longer certain she can trust Arin--if she ever could.

Arin thought his problems would end when Herran won its independence and he became governor of the new color. But independence as a reality--as more than a word--is a difficult thing. Leading an entire people is harder still. Arin buries the hurt deep, wrapping it in distrust and doubt. But once Arin thought he knew the truth in Kestrel's heart. As he learns more about the machinations at work with Valoria, he wonders if he was ever truly wrong.

Navigating the complex alliances and threats of the capital, Kestrel comes to know the ruthless nature of life at court as well as her own heart. But despite years of training and loyalty, Kestrel heart no longer belongs to Valoria. It may not even belong to herself as she sets herself on a treasonous path to save her both the country and the man that never should have captured her love.

As lies multiple and deceptions wear thin, both Kestrel and Arin will have to face shocking truths as they answer for their deceptions and crimes. For both Kestrel and Arin, the greatest of their crimes may be not knowing their own hearts in The Winner's Crime (2015) by Marie Rutkoski.

The Winner's Crime is the second book in Rutkoski's Winner's Trilogy which begins with The Winner's Curse.

This story greatly expands the fraught world of intrigue and political machinations readers explored in the first novel as Kestril and Arin move through Valoria and lands unknown. The stakes have never been higher for either Kestrel or Arin.

Although there is still abundant action, The Winner's Crime is an often introspective story as both protagonists try to make sense of their own hearts and motivations. After years of following her father and her empire without question, Kestrel begins to wonder if there might be more to honor that doing what is expected. Arin, meanwhile, stews in an untenable combination of responsibility to the Herrani and regret at having lost Kestrel.

The Winner's Crime is a brutal, emotional read as both Kestrel and Arin deal with the ramifications of their unlikely association in Herran. Rutkoski's prose continues to dazzle with rich, elegant descriptions of the decadent world of the Emperor's palace. The shifting dual perspective between Arin and Kestrel is also used to excellent effect as this book once again highlights how much can be said between two people without uttering a word.

The Winner's Crime is another stunning installment in a series that continues to impress.

Possible Pairings: The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats, Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly, Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers, A Wizard of Earth Sea by Ursula K. LeGuin, The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson, Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund, Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood, The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

*An advance copy of this book was acquired for review consideration from the publisher*

Palpitations. THAT is what this book gave me. I’m so happy I can move straight on to the third book, because I’d be SO FRUSTRATED otherwise.

Kestrel bargained for the independence of Herran giving herself up as the cost. She’s set to marry the emperor’s son, Verex, who doesn’t want the match any more than she does. But he’s been at the mercy of his insane father for his whole life, and so knows that he’s destined to be his father’s pawn. Kestrel on the other hand must get used to the idea that she’ll never be free again.

Arin believes the worst of Kestrel. She didn’t care for him after all. At the first opportunity, she’s worked the game to put her in a more powerful position—THE most powerful position, since she’ll eventually be empress, so obviously, it’s power that she wanted all along. But he can’t help how he feels about her. And he can’t seem to get her out of his head, at war with himself over whether to hate her and move on or pursue her anyway.

If you liked the first book and want to hang on for the full enchilada, then this book is worth reading. Be prepared to dive straight into the third, and be oh so on edge while reading this one. Kestrel is keeping her secrets from Arin to protect him, and dealing with her own threats from playing politics with the emperor, and it’s so frustrating seeing how much they’re both hurting because of her deception. And Kestrel is so painfully alone during this book. She’s lost her friends, who aren’t faring so well after the fallout from the last novel. She can’t tell the truth to Arin, and is isolated from him by her own doing. And her father, who she loves but can’t seem to connect with, is off fighting for the emperor because victory is more important than her. Watching Arin struggle between the story he’s been fed and what he wants to believe is pure torture, as his image of Kestrel keeps switching between the true version and the one she’s created for him to see. This book helps to clarify the enemies, and expands the world to include another kingdom. And it definitely sets you up for another novel, because this story can’t possibly be considered finished. These are not standalone novels. Be prepared to trek through to the end. Reading this one felt like watching Game of Thrones during Joffrey’s reign. It’ll keep you biting your nails, watching from Sansa’s perspective to see if Joffrey will either get the Caesar treatment or find a fun new way to torture you. I can’t say you’ll be content by the end, but you’ll certainly feel energized! It’s ok. Run a few laps and continue on to the next.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski
Book Two of The Winner's Trilogy
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Publication Date: March 3, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. 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…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

What I Liked:

It has taken me an incredibly long time to write this review. When I initially finished the book, the first thought in my head was, "I am slain." Rutkoski, you are a wonderful and terrible person. This series will probably rip my heart to shreds - and I can't say I'll enjoy the process. This book and The Winner's Curse are AMAZING novels, beautifully written and frighteningly tragic, and I can't stop reading. It's one of those times when you KNOW things are just going to go straight downhill but you can't look away...

Kestrel is preparing to marry the son of the emperor, and there is ball after dinner after celebration. Kestrel plays a dangerous game with the emperor, risking her reputation and life to help the Herrani - not that Arin knows she's helping them. Arin is in the dark about what her motives are for marrying the prince - Kestrel lets Arin believe that she wants to marry him. Meanwhile, Arin is trying to gather support for the Herrani's cause. They may be free, but they will never be quite free from the emperor. With no ally in Kestrel (or so he thinks), Arin turns to other sources for alliances, even if it will kill him.

This book hurt. It hurt to read this one, from beginning to end. So much deception, lies, false betrayal, withholding information, failed explanations, guilt, pain, sadness, resignation, pain pain pain... this is one of those books that make you FEEL, but I wouldn't necessarily say in a good way. The hurting kind of feels, where your heart cracks and your soul splits and life is sad and sadder and really sad.

Kestrel lies to Arin. Arin doesn't understand, but he knows she's lying... until she tells lie after lie and he starts to believe her. This broke my heart. I haaaate deception, especially when it comes to the two protagonists. At one point, I seriously disliked Kestrel; how dare she hurt him so?! But then, the opposite can be said, in The Winner's Curse. It's like Arin and Kestrel enjoy hurting each other - but we know that isn't the case.

I like the growth of their relationship. Arin and Kestrel don't see each other many times in this book, but their thoughts revolve around each other. When either aren't scheming, they think about each other. Even when they ARE scheming, it's usually with the other person in mind. Arin loves Kestrel, but Kestrel wants to hide her feelings for Arin, because it will get him killed by the emperor. Kestrel lies to Arin constantly (when they DO see each other), but WE know why. ARIN doesn't.

A lot of time passes in this book, and a lot happens in the story. We get to know Kestrel better, Arin better, the prince better, even the emperor and the General. The emperor is ruthless and cruel, and doesn't hesitate to use the torture of prisoners to show Kestrel exactly what he is capable of. Kestrel's wedding is very close, by the end of the book - just to give you an idea of the time covered in this book. A lot of characterization, a lot of terrible and sad events, a lot of death.

You know my thoughts on Kestrel and Arin, so that speaks for the romance in this book. The romance is there, but it's not. There aren't many purely romantic scenes in this book, but the few that are presented are beautiful and torturous. I hope Rutkoski makes up for it in the third book.

Just like in The Winner's Curse, the writing in this book is beautiful. I love Rutkoski's writing style. And the world-building is flawless. I love fantasy, and Rutkoski has a great feel for fantasy. Her idea of fantasy is truly epic and lush and majestic and cruel. The politics is an important part of this fantasy world, as there is a ton of scheming and blackmail and subterfuge going on. Love!

Overall, I loved/hated this book. Really, I loved it, but at the same time, my heart hurts so much. The ending was a huuuge cliffhanger, and nothing is resolved (yet?). If anything, it seems like everything is even more muddled and messed up and confusing. I just want things to be sorted out! Perhaps in the third. You better, Rutkoski! As I cry noisily...

What I Did Not Like:

I hate cliffhangers. And boy did this one end on one big one. Also, I love/hate this book in general... which isn't necessarily a dislike, but UGH WHY YOU GOTTA BE SO CRUEL, BOOK?! You fellow bookworms understand me (I hope).

Would I Recommend It:

Yeeeesss. Read The Winner's Curse, if you haven't already. Read this one too. This is a fabulous example of a well-written, well-structured sequel. It sets the scene for an epic showdown in book three, with seriously high stakes, plenty to be lost. I can't wait! But I can. Except I can't.

Rating:

4 stars. This one "loses" a star because the cliffhanger is complete torture and I haaate it, but waiting for new books is the best kind of torture, it seems. Meanwhile, I'll be in therapy, if anyone needs me!

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Sadly, I was not as impressed by book two as I was with book one. Boredom became my enemy as I struggled through this novel, but the last hundred pages saved it for me, to a degree.

Opening Sentence: She cut herself opening the envelope.

The Review:

Kestrel has made her choice. She has chosen her family, her people. And yet, there is a part of her that agrees with what the Herrani believes in, a part that thinks she made the wrong choice. Arin is now the governor of the Herrani people, which has become independent — but at what price? Dark secrets swirl among hidden clues and court intrigue, as Kestrel becomes a spy and Arin becomes unreachable to her.

There was a lot of lead-up to The Winner’s Crime, especially since I enjoyed the first novel so much. I knew that lots of people also liked the second, so I went into the story super excited to read it. Unfortunately, I had trouble getting through this one. I know, I know — I didn’t like The Winner’s Crime?! I’m clearly the black sheep. But, frankly, I was bored. There wasn’t a ton of action and it took awhile for the characters to realize what I would guess one hundred pages beforehand. I started months ago when I first got the ARC, before it came out. Then I stopped around 40% in. After a friend really I enjoyed it, I decided to give it a second try, getting sixty percent, then put it down for awhile more. I kept giving it extra chances — third, fourth, because I knew the enormous potential that the plotline and characters presented. Eventually, I started at eighty percent and finished the book. It took no less than four months.

So what was my massive problem with this story? Boredom. It was, simple enough, super slow paced. If you aren’t a patient reader I’m not sure I’d recommend picking this one up. In the first story there was always some subplot to fall back on when the main one began to slow, like Kestrel and Arin’s relationship. In this book, don’t expect a bunch of cutesy talks and loving kisses. Their romance makes little to no headway. I understand why, of course, the dangers of them getting involved. But it still got annoying watching them both pine over one another from a distance. In the first book, I’ll admit, stakes were lower. Still. I wish that they could have left their romance differently than how it was left at the end of book two. It was painful. Anyway, the boredom that was killing me had me poised to give the book two stars, if not for the last twenty percent. The action was more intense and there were some major revelations. It saved the book for me.

Oh, Kestrel, and oh, Arin. You are both so strong and so infuriating. Kestrel always does the best she can to keep her loved ones safe as well as liberate the ones she believes are shackled in unfair situations. I appreciated how she could keep her family and her duty as a princess separate, and could betray one while not necessarily betray the other. (I mean, I’m sure her father wouldn’t see it that way, but I did. She managed to keep the two apart: her relationship with her father, and her spying.) Arin does his best to help his country as well, even in the midst of hidden agendas and backstabbers at every turn. He goes through a lot in this novel, more than Kestrel, and I liked the range of emotions we got to see from him. We got to see him angry, and happy, and wistful, and sad, and everything in between.

Overall, my opinion on this novel is that it was too slow-paced for me to appreciate it thoroughly. The last part saved it for me, that chunk at the end where it sped up, even though it ended with a sort of cliffhanger. One thing that stayed consistent from book one to two was her writing style. It stayed just as beautiful, flowing, and poetic as the first novel, and it was hands down my favorite part. I love her writing style, the way she weaves the perfect words into these intricate phrases that are so unique and honest. Amazing job in that aspect. I hope to see book three’s cover soon enough, and I’m sure it will be just as gorgeous, considering. I hope that in the third book the plot is sped up, and I’d imagine it would be!

Notable Scene:

She wrote her reasons. She wrote her heart. Everything was inked out in quick and heavy lines. Nothing was crossed out. It looked up at her: bare, black-and-white honesty.

That was temptation. But this was reality: the fire that burned low on the grate, despite the high spring weather, despite the nearing end of spring and the climbing of days towards the Firstsummer wedding.

Reality was red. It felt hot, hungry, snapping. It ate whatever Kestrel fed it. She burned the letter.

FTC Advisory: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)/Macmillan provided me with a copy of The Winner’s Crime. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Kestrel is now having to deal with the consequences of the choice she made in the previous book, The Winner’s Curse. She bargained with the Emperor agreeing to marry his son, Verex, in exchange for letting Herran govern themselves instead of invading them and killing them all, saving Arin’s life. Arin is now the governor. He has no idea about the agreement Kestrel initiated and is devastated that Kestrel is getting married.

Arin came to the Capital as commanded to by the Emperor to celebrate the upcoming wedding. He even snuck an impromptu conversation with Kestrel where he attempts to get the truth from her about why she’s marrying the prince. A truth she wasn’t willing to give him. Kestrel’s one and only friend discovered what transpired between Kestrel and Arin, effectively ruining their friendship.

The Emperor doesn’t trust Kestrel and is keeping a close eye on her, especially where the Herrani are concerned. One false move and he will make Kestrel pay by hurting one that she loves.

This book didn’t captivate me the way the first installment of this trilogy did. A lot of the reason for that could be because Arin and Kestrel spent so much of the book apart, trying to fight their feelings for one another. But I’m hoping the third book will make up for all of that!

I felt bad for Verex. He seemed like a genuinely good guy, being forced into a marriage he didn’t want, while his heart pined for another. But he didn’t let that stop him from being a decent guy and making the best of a bad situation. He knows how his father is and knew they were helpless in the situation, but he tried to look to the future and how he and Kestrel could make things better in the future when they rule the empire.

Then there is Kestrel’s father. I have no good words for him. He always seems very cold and cruel to me, but the ending of this book only proved how heartless he truly is.

Now all ties to Kestrel’s past have officially been cut leaving things open for an epic romance to unfold, once her shining knight realizes what’s happened and comes to her rescue that is! I can’t wait to see this romance blossom, at last!

This series is everything! I downloaded it as an audio book from the library and now I know I just have to own it in physical form. This world, the plot, the characters, the writing... everything is done extremely well.

The Winner's Crime takes place not to long after the events in the first book, the Winner's Curse. Arin is back and he wants Kestrel and he wants to help his people who are still suffering under the Empire. When things go badly at court and with Kestrel Arin sets out to find allies and it's not going to well at first. Kestrel is playing a dangerous game at court with the Emperor of all people. She is spying and trying to put the clues together to a deadly plan but it's going to cost her in more ways than she can see.

I love Arin and Kestrel together, I actually think they make a good couple. Both are strong willed, brave, risk takers, a little stupid, crazy and above all good people. He is Herrani and they are known for their art (the love of it and creation of it) but he as not only that but a talent for war, where as Kestrel is Valorian and they are known for their love of fighting and war, she has the mind of a strategist but the heart of a musician. They are really good together and you can tell that they should be together but fate keeps intervening through bad circumstances and misunderstandings. It's torture seeing them not together hopefully destiny will bring these two together.

While apart they seem to be figuring more and more out about themselves. They both are being pushed to their limits and tested in ways that neither saw coming. I love how the question of morals and honor comes into play. I as a reader had to ask myself, is he/she doing the right thing and what would I do in their place. This series helps the reader see that the world isn't just black and white but also different shades of gray.

The Winner's Crime was so unbelievable good. There was, spying, mind games, battles, court intrigue, aristocrats, an evil plan, balls, heartbreak, new friendships and two star-crossed loves. I can't wait to see how it all ends, I know that the Winner's Kiss will be unbareably good.

I could make this an incredibly short review. If I did, I wouldn't tell you about the plot, the world building or the characters. I would simply write - READ THIS TRILOGY - NOW.

And that would be the end. But I'm guessing you'd like a little more. Since I don't want to disappoint, I will attempt to tell you how much love I have not only for the plot, the world building and the characters but also for Marie Rutkoski's ability to weave all of those things into an experience in reading not soon forgotten.

First - This is a trilogy with each book building on the next. You can read my review of the first book here. If you have not read the first book, be warned, there are spoilers ahead. You don't want to spoil the infinite pleasure of the first book so only read on if you have read book one.

In the first book, The Winner's Curse, Kestrel buys a slave and has no idea the events she sets in motion by bringing Arin, the slave, into her home. In The Winner's Crime, we find Arin in charge of the resistance and Kestrel living in exile, engaged to a prince. This is the one aspect of the story I wasn't crazy about - they spend much of the book apart. I understand why the plot must go in this direction and The Winner's Crime is a part of the whole, you can't read one book without the other two.

Kestrel is walking a fine line in the capital city. She is engaged to the prince but engaging in spying for the rebels. At any moment she could be accused of treason against the crown. She is desperate to see Arin, if only to assure herself that he is alright. But she must also keep up the pretense of being loyal to the crown and with the emperor keeping a close eye on his son's fiancée, Kestrel could at any moment be caught helping the rebels. The tension is such an integral part of the setting. There was more than one moment when I thought, "This is it, she's going to get caught." It was nerve-racking since I had come to like Kestrel and want her and Arin to get their HEA. Not easy to do if she's locked up for treason. She is an intelligent, strong-willed character which was infinitely thrilling to read.

Arin, oh Arin. What have you done? He was not who he claimed to be in the first book and now in this second installment I feel like I'm getting to know him much better. Which makes it so interesting to read his scenes. He is an enigma, although he wants to free his people, the Herrani, but he doesn't always show complete hatred for their conquers. He came to care deeply about Kestrel and she bought him at auction! Things are not always black and white for Arin which is why he sometimes wavers in his decisions regarding the governing of Herran. He was appointed governor by the emperor which might seem a victory but Arin knows he can not trust the emperor and must still use spies to obtain critical information.

While Kestrel and Arin are residing in different cities, they still have beautiful, if somewhat painful, moments together. Arin doesn't know that Kestrel trader her freedom for his. He sees her as the fiancée of the prince, living in luxury in the capital. While he and his people are barely surviving despite having won their freedom. He still has strong feelings for her which play havoc with his loyalty to his people. Kestrel wants only to help Arin however she can but it is dangerous spying right under the nose of the emperor.

Their romance is volatile, with outside influences creating distance, both physical and emotional, between Kestrel and Arin. The author does well in showing the struggle Kestrel and Arin go through with their feelings for each other as well as their feelings for their people. Kestrel's loyalty isn't as strong towards the empire as Arin's is towards the Herrani. When she bought Arin and came to know him, it made her see the Herrani people as more than slaves. Arin's hatred of the slave owners is a strong, burning in his gut but Kestrel shows him that not all of the Valorians are the evil conquerors he's believed they are. I think their romance, when they finally get their HEA, will be hard won and make it that much more satisfying.

The secondary characters are a variety of both cunning, evil and kind. The prince was not what I was expecting and surprisingly likable. Arin has some loyal compatriots who have his back. One such is his cousin Sarsine who is headstrong and doesn't always agree with Arin's decisions but is fiercely loyal to him. Arin also has a wise mentor in Tensen who is the contact for Arin's spy in the capital. Tensen also helped Kestrel when he could. The secondary characters keep the connection between Kestrel and Arin when it looks like they will be kept apart.

I have the third book in the trilogy, The Winner's Kiss, waiting patiently for me. I've put off reading it partly because I have other books I needed to read but also because I want to hold off on finishing this wonderful trilogy.

Rating: A-

“The winner knows her whole line of play. But Kestrel saw only one move, and maybe the next.”

I honestly feel like I can’t even properly put into words all that I’m feeling after reading this book. I have so many conflicting emotions and I feel like I’ve just been let off the longest roller coaster ride of my life. One thing I can say with absolute certainty though is that I am in awe of this series, the writing, the characters, the whole world Marie Rutkoski created. She built onto the story she created in The Winner’s Curse so beautifully. You get to experience for yourself the true savagery of the Valorian empire and you get to learn a bit more about the Herrani and their beliefs while also getting a peak at a whole different set of characters and people in a very colorful land full of tigers and miniature weapons. She also introduces some new faces in the empire, two of which I found myself pretty fond of.

I enjoyed The Winner’s Crime and it’s never ending heart break. It was torture in the best way and sunk its claw into me and wouldn’t let go. I firmly believe that any well written, great story should make the reader feel strongly; be it sadness or happiness or anger. This book succeed it making me feel all three, especially the sadness and anger. At one point I was actually in tears. Then at times I was so frustrated with what was happening to the characters and then at the character’s themselves that I wished I could jump into the story and pour some sense into them all. There was never a dull moment that’s for sure.

I really felt like at the core this book was very introspective, you experience the main characters at war with themselves as much as the world they’re in. Kestrel is trying to figure out what the right thing really is and what she’s willing or able to take to do the right thing. What consequences will hurt the ones she loves the least? I felt like Arin was really struggling with self doubt and trying to see things for what they actually are rather than what is being shown to him. Does he succeeded? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

There were some things I was rather disappointed in as well though, the friendship aspect which I won’t really go into because it holds a spoiler and the fact that it was definitely more focused on romance than I thought it would be. Romance does play a big part in these books. However, other things that play a big part in them is injustice and a corrupt empire full of people who blindingly serve a leader who is power hungry. A leader who see’s not only his own people but other’s as objects to be bought and hey if they won’t be bought ‘off with their heads’. It contains two main characters both so equally strong and weak, neither of which are perfect, and their journey and struggle to figure out not only themselves but what they’re willing to do or believe in. So don’t let the romance deter you. It’s more complex than just that.

If you’ve yet to pick the second book up get ready for a shocker of an ending, even if you see it coming it will still leave you feeling shocked. I’m still sitting here as a type this feeling baffled and saddened by it. At the same time it will leave you longing to dive back into the world because you’ll want to know what happens next. If you’ve not yet picked up this series… Do it! You won’t regret it.

The Winner’s Curse trilogy is quickly becoming my undoing! Marie Rutkoski seriously knows how to enthrall her readers. And best yet? The tragic cliffhanger that had me screaming and near tears will be avenged just as soon as I finish writing this here review! By the time it’s posted I’ll already be reading the final book! Phew!

The Winner’s Crime picks up roughly where we left off in The Winner’s Curse. Kestrel has made the ultimate sacrifice; her life and happiness with Arin forsaken if she marries the emperor’s son, Verex, and in return Arin can govern Herran and “report” to the emperor. It all seems like a fair trade, yet no one is happy. Except for the emperor. But as we already know, he’s a bit of a douche, so his happiness doesn’t count.

I will admit, this one was paced rather slow. Though it was never enough that I wanted to put it down. I had heard this one falls in middle book syndrome and it kind of does. But there’s still plenty of exciting moments splashed in between the slower ones. Kestrel is doing everything she possibly can to help Arin without the emperor knowing.

But first, there’s heartbreak and then more heartbreak to be dealt with. Arin doesn’t understand why Kestrel made the choices she did and Kestrel cannot tell Arin the truth. I get it, but then I don’t. Mostly I get it because the emperor has plenty of his own spies lurking about and really no one can be trusted. And sadly, Arin decides to leave Kestrel’s side for a great deal of the book. And in the meantime, Kestrel is playing her own game of spy by working with the Herran representative that’s visiting the emperor’s castle.

This one has far more political intrigue than its predecessor and since the book I read prior to this series was filled with it as well, I was worried I would fall into that same confusing heap I turned into beforehand. But luckily that wasn’t the case. True, all the politics sort of bogs down the story, but it does lead to new happenings and further dangerous plots.

Arin has his own plotting going on as well. But in case that treads into spoiler territory, I’m not going to mention what he was doing while he went away.

Verex was an interesting character to add to the story. I didn’t for a minute think we’d enter love triangle territory. I mean, when Kestrel basically took it upon herself to accept an arranged marriage, I pretty much knew there’d be no love between them. At first, Verex was a bit prickly. He wasn’t an easy guy to like, but eventually he and Kestrel form a friendship of sorts. They don’t love each other, in fact Verex has his own girl he loves, though that girl doesn’t know of his feelings. Verex turns out to be a decent guy and though the marriage will lack love, he thinks he and Kestrel can do right by the country once it’s their time to rule.

I’m always amazed when an author can make me hate a character. It’s seems like it’s easier to love a character than hate one. Sure we all dislike the villain. We never root for him, but to actually loathe one and detest him as soon as he comes up on the page? That takes skills! And Marie definitely has that! I hated the emperor! He was such a…you can basically choose any insulting word here and it will fit his character. I had been hoping that he would see his bloody end in this one, despite whatever fallout that might have for the characters, but alas…all good villains must stick around for the finale it seems!

And what an ending!! Oh my gosh! There were soooo many shocking reveals in this one! I didn’t think my jaw could drop any further after the first few, but man!! And then there’s all the secrets still!! So many things one character knows and not the other…that kind of thing always drives me insane!! Especially those situations that involve a doppelganger and no one knows that it’s not the real person they are dealing with! Thankfully, THAT particular situation doesn’t happen here, but there were still enough things left unsaid between certain characters that had me screaming!! Seriously glad I waited to read this trilogy because now I can happily pick up the final book and read to my heart’s content! I hope!

The Winner’s Crime was a decent follow-up to its predecessor and while it wasn’t the nonstop exciting read I was hoping for, it was still a decently paced read filled with a few heart-racing moments that made up for the areas that were lacking! I cannot wait to see how this thrilling trilogy comes to an end and at the same time fear it, because you never know when an author might decide to break your heart.

Overall Rating 3.75/5 stars—yeah that weird rating again! It was sooo close to a 4 star, but I just remembered being bogged down a bit with the pacing, though it did pick itself back up occasionally.

The Winner's Curse was my favourite read in 2014, and so I had high hopes for its sequel. Never fear - The Winner's Crime was a perfect follow up, and it was just as stunning and intense as its predecessor.

Reasons to Read:

1. An emotional roller coaster:

My heart could barely handle the events in The Winner's Curse, so you can imagine that I was already feeling a bit anxious reading The Winner's Crime. But it takes a very special story to make me feel this way, as I rarely feel as invested in the outcome of a book as I do with this one! I love these characters, and I desperately want things to turn out well for them!

2. Extra world building:

I'm a believer that a great fantasy book is built on a foundation of strong world building. In The Winner's Curse, this was well-done but we only saw the tip of the iceberg. The world is further developed in this story, as we see more of Valoria.

3. Kestrel walks a fine line:

Kestrel truly showcases her talents and intelligence as she delicately walks a fine line between two sides. She's so aware of the dilemma at hand, and how she refuses to let others control her. This puts her in a dangerous position, as she encounters other characters who may be able to outwit her careful plans. Kestrel risks so much, and for very little in return - so much of her character is revealed by her willingness to sacrifice.

ARC received from publisher for review as part of a blog tour; no other compensation was received.

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS...

I want to apologize in advance...I'm usually not this mean. But this book warrants all the vitriol and ranker that I, as a reader, can muster. What on earth was this book about? What was its purpose? It offered NO discernible value to the story's plotline (what little there is to begin with). The majority of the book is just fluffy banter that leads the reader nowhere. The characters don't grow or develop at all. Kestrel is still a spoiled, entitled brat who seems to believe that she's the only one with a brain in her head or a modicum of decency. Yet she encourages the slaughter of another race of people. And Arin! Sheesh, enough already with the love/hate/love/hate he has going on in his crazy little mind.

One of my biggest gripes with this book is the little intricacies that the author created to weave her "conspiracy." The wedding dress bet? The moth on the painting? A ship that visits a Herrani port? Each one more stupid than the last. And to get these tid-bits is oh-so-easy at every turn. There is no intrigue, no suspense, no hoops to jump through. NOTHING that makes this book salvageable. Ms. Rutkowski is obviously skilled at observation and detail in her writing, but her ability to present realistic complications for her characters is non-existent. Except when it come to the relationship between Arin and Kestrel.

Its rare that I read a book where I can't connect with at least ONE character. But congratulations Ms. Rutkowski...you did it!! The hypocrisy and flat-out idiocy of the two main characters was enough for me to give up on this series altogether. I can't image even picking up the final book without wanting to hurl it across the room.

Ugh this book was just everything. It was filled with tension, lies, secrets, loyalty, love, betrayal and heartbreak!

I think what I love about this series, is that fact that nothing is in your face. It is a slow burn story in everyway. It takes the readers on a emotional journey. A journey of two people who have fallen in love, but have no idea how much that loves has cost them, their family and their countries. It is love that seems to destroy everything around them, but it's a love that can not be denied.

Kestrel is the warrior that her father has wished her to be, but she refuses to be a puppet in the war games of the empire. Kestrel is willing to risk her life and the lost of her father to protect not only the man she loves, but innocent people. Her growth in this book was fantastic. She truly is her father's daughter, but she is not willing to bow down to the whims of the empire. She uses her powers for good.

Oh Arin, their were times I wanted to shake you in the is book. Stop wearing your emotions on your sleeve. Arin is so raw and emotional in all that he does. It serves him well in certain circumstances but betrays him in others. What I love is his unwavering love of Kestrel. That no matter what goes down or what doubts he has, he always knows the truth, even if he tries to deny it.

Kestrel and Arin love story is one of the best things I have read. Their love has completely changed Them. They are willing to fight for this love (in their own way) no matter what the cost may be. Their love is sacrificial, ugly and messy. Basically it is real and beautiful. Everything is against them but they refuse to let each other go, even if they can't be together.

I started reading this thinking it was the first in the series and was impressed by the detailed backstory the author spun......and then figured out it was the second book in this fantasy series.

Oops. But kudos to the author for making Kestrel and Arin still vibrate off the page with angst and the feelz you get when you're pretending to be someone's enemy to save their life or their people (or in Arin's case love the enemy of your people) but really you just love them. Even though you're marrying someone else. Even though even looking at the other person when the Emperor notices could mean a slash across the face or death for that which you hold most dear.

This has a dedication to Kristin Cashore at the front of the book, and if you're a Cashore fan (as I am) then this is a worthy successor if you've read straight through to Bitterblue and are floundering around for more well-developed fantasy worlds with political intrigue and plenty of heart-string tugging. But maybe you'd like to start with the first book, unlike me. (and warning, no real magic in this, just alternate-fantasy medieval Europe-esque world building)

In any case, it apparently doesn't matter. I still loved this "middle" book where Kestrel is engaged to the Emperor's son, is walking a knife-edge between helping Arin (the prince of the tributary Herrani lands) and pleasing the Emperor. There is spying and intrigue related to the Emperor's true plans for the Herrani, a water-engineer, a physician, and wars being fought on the plains. Arin must leave Kestrel with the Emperor while he goes to the East to seek out allies for Herran. And there is lots of juicy, angsty feelings from both Arin and Kestrel as she wrestles with her love for both Arin and her father (who incidentally is responsible for like killing most of Arin's people as the General of the Emperor's armies).

And there are descriptive passages like this one:
"It suddenly seemed that Kestrel had been an empty room, and that all of her wishes came crowding in. they thronged: delicate, full-skirted, their silk brushing up against each other"

and this one:
"His voice had a smoky sound, a quality that might have been love if love were like cured meat: hung, dried, and stored to be eaten a little at a time in hard conditions"

That are so blatantly image-evoking, yet full of difficult emotions, that somehow they work despite the gooshy-ness of the sentiments.

And it doesn't end well. Of course. Because it's a trilogy so there has to be untied loose ends, and boy howdy does Rutkoski leave us with some unhappy loose ends. I'm a sucker for well-written, characters overflowing with sentimental gooshiness, so I guess I"ll have to go look up the third book.

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS...

I want to apologize in advance...I'm usually not this mean. But this book warrants all the vitriol and ranker that I, as a reader, can muster. What on earth was this book about? What was its purpose? It offered NO discernible value to the story's plotline (what little there is to begin with). The majority of the book is just fluffy banter that leads the reader nowhere. The characters don't grow or develop at all. Kestrel is still a spoiled, entitled brat who seems to believe that she's the only one with a brain in her head or a modicum of decency. Yet she encourages the slaughter of another race of people. And Arin! Sheesh, enough already with the love/hate/love/hate he has going on in his crazy little mind.

One of my biggest gripes with this book is the little intricacies that the author created to weave her "conspiracy." The wedding dress bet? The moth on the painting? A ship that visits a Herrani port? Each one more stupid than the last. And to get these tid-bits is oh-so-easy at every turn. There is no intrigue, no suspense, no hoops to jump through. NOTHING that makes this book salvageable. Ms. Rutkowski is obviously skilled at observation and detail in her writing, but her ability to present realistic complications for her characters is non-existent. Except when it come to the relationship between Arin and Kestrel.

Its rare that I read a book where I can't connect with at least ONE character. But congratulations Ms. Rutkowski...you did it!! The hypocrisy and flat-out idiocy of the two main characters was enough for me to give up on this series altogether. I can't image even picking up the final book without wanting to hurl it across the room.

Ugh this book was just everything. It was filled with tension, lies, secrets, loyalty, love, betrayal and heartbreak!

I think what I love about this series, is that fact that nothing is in your face. It is a slow burn story in everyway. It takes the readers on a emotional journey. A journey of two people who have fallen in love, but have no idea how much that loves has cost them, their family and their countries. It is love that seems to destroy everything around them, but it's a love that can not be denied.

Kestrel is the warrior that her father has wished her to be, but she refuses to be a puppet in the war games of the empire. Kestrel is willing to risk her life and the lost of her father to protect not only the man she loves, but innocent people. Her growth in this book was fantastic. She truly is her father's daughter, but she is not willing to bow down to the whims of the empire. She uses her powers for good.

Oh Arin, their were times I wanted to shake you in the is book. Stop wearing your emotions on your sleeve. Arin is so raw and emotional in all that he does. It serves him well in certain circumstances but betrays him in others. What I love is his unwavering love of Kestrel. That no matter what goes down or what doubts he has, he always knows the truth, even if he tries to deny it.

Kestrel and Arin love story is one of the best things I have read. Their love has completely changed Them. They are willing to fight for this love (in their own way) no matter what the cost may be. Their love is sacrificial, ugly and messy. Basically it is real and beautiful. Everything is against them but they refuse to let each other go, even if they can't be together.

I started reading this thinking it was the first in the series and was impressed by the detailed backstory the author spun......and then figured out it was the second book in this fantasy series.

Oops. But kudos to the author for making Kestrel and Arin still vibrate off the page with angst and the feelz you get when you're pretending to be someone's enemy to save their life or their people (or in Arin's case love the enemy of your people) but really you just love them. Even though you're marrying someone else. Even though even looking at the other person when the Emperor notices could mean a slash across the face or death for that which you hold most dear.

This has a dedication to Kristin Cashore at the front of the book, and if you're a Cashore fan (as I am) then this is a worthy successor if you've read straight through to Bitterblue and are floundering around for more well-developed fantasy worlds with political intrigue and plenty of heart-string tugging. But maybe you'd like to start with the first book, unlike me. (and warning, no real magic in this, just alternate-fantasy medieval Europe-esque world building)

In any case, it apparently doesn't matter. I still loved this "middle" book where Kestrel is engaged to the Emperor's son, is walking a knife-edge between helping Arin (the prince of the tributary Herrani lands) and pleasing the Emperor. There is spying and intrigue related to the Emperor's true plans for the Herrani, a water-engineer, a physician, and wars being fought on the plains. Arin must leave Kestrel with the Emperor while he goes to the East to seek out allies for Herran. And there is lots of juicy, angsty feelings from both Arin and Kestrel as she wrestles with her love for both Arin and her father (who incidentally is responsible for like killing most of Arin's people as the General of the Emperor's armies).

And there are descriptive passages like this one:
"It suddenly seemed that Kestrel had been an empty room, and that all of her wishes came crowding in. they thronged: delicate, full-skirted, their silk brushing up against each other"

and this one:
"His voice had a smoky sound, a quality that might have been love if love were like cured meat: hung, dried, and stored to be eaten a little at a time in hard conditions"

That are so blatantly image-evoking, yet full of difficult emotions, that somehow they work despite the gooshy-ness of the sentiments.

And it doesn't end well. Of course. Because it's a trilogy so there has to be untied loose ends, and boy howdy does Rutkoski leave us with some unhappy loose ends. I'm a sucker for well-written, characters overflowing with sentimental gooshiness, so I guess I"ll have to go look up the third book.

Published: March 3rd 2015 by Farrar Straus Giroux
Genre: YA
Read: May 20, 2015
The blurb:
Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love.

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. 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... if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

My Review:
THis second book has raised the bar so much higher for the next book. This book is even more emotionally scarring than the first, if thats possible. In The Winner's Crime, i thought there was so much betrayal but that seems like childs play to the amount of traumatizing events happen in the end due to the most unexpected betrayal of all. I cannot wait for the thrid book to come out, this book is a new all time favorite. The characters develope so much and Im still rooting for that forbidden romance now more than ever. This book is a serious game changer and has the most horrific cliffhanger of all time.

This second installment was was so heartbreaking, but beautiful at the same time. Arin and Kestrel's love story has so many obstacles and struggles, and the author perfectly captures how much they mean to each other even when they are miles apart. I finished the first book only a week ago and couldn't wait to find out what happens next. Kestrel might just be the smartest heroine that I've read about in YA lit. In the midst of war, she is able to find methods that produce the least amount of bloodshed. Not that it matters of course- the cruel emperor, who is nearly (if not more so) cunning than she is, finds a way to always be two steps ahead. Arin and Kestrel didn't get anywhere near the amount of scenes together that I would have liked, yet everything they do is for each other. And that is what makes it heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. The writing style hasn't changed from the first book: it is still excellent, still captures every moment in ways that make you really feel for the two protagonists.

And in a twist of the genre: THERE IS NO LOVE TRIANGLE! *claps* (spoilers ahead): Kestrel may be engaged to the emperor's son as a show of political alliance, but it is clear that she and prince are nothing more than reluctant friends. He knows she is in love with Arin, and she knows he is in love with Risha, his childhood best friend who he grew up with.

WAITING IMPATIENTLY FOR BOOK 3.

[taken from my review at goodreads]

5 teary stars

We left Kestrel and Arin in book one with the knowledge of a treaty, a wedding and the assumption that Herran will be left alone...now in book 2 we will see how Kestrel deals with manipulation in court and a broken heart. Arin, passionate and impulsive, try to make sense of his feelings and trying his best for his country. Both of them are divided. And I believe, more than ever.

"Loyalty is the best love."

I was close to the end of this book when I read that and I thought it was interesting to see it, fitting. I kept thinking while reading that this series is more than anything, about love. All kinds of love. Love for someone, something, for dominion, for freedom, for power, for your father, your lover....and so on. I immensely enjoyed book 1, Winner's Curse. And this one too. But it was so heartbreaking! Infuriating. Frustrating. And immensely sad. I ended up, Hopeless.

Marie Rutkoski, I hope you give my brave girl and my annoying, but good boy, a happy ending. Please? After surviving this book and imagining what I fear is to come, I think they deserve it. I so hope they get it!

Well, I finally finished this book! I really enjoyed the Winner's Curse and was excited to finally be able to read The Winner's Crime. I am disappointed with this one. I had some problems with the pacing and the amount of action happening in the book but all's good! I know the Winner's Kiss is going to be an epic ending so it was all worth it! Definitely read this series if you're a fantasy lover.

The Winner's Crime is very different from The Winner's Curse. I feel as though this one was more political than the Winner's Curse, which was more of a "fighty" book. This book takes place a few months after the ending of The Winner's Curse and we pick up with Arin and Kestrel's story again. The one thing that really brought my rating down was how slow The Winner's Crime went. I just felt like nothing was happening at one point. Usually, this would only affect the rating in a small amount but the pacing was so slow to the point where I had to put the book down so I had to drop the rating a bit more than usual.

I kind of missed reading from Kestrel. I loved how smart, sneaky, and fierce she is. There wasn't many times where we could see Kestrel in action and fighting but this book did reveal the very logical and tactical side of her mind. She was able to find ways to hide her secrets and I thought the way she did that was extremely smart. Arin, of course was very interesting to read from. We get to know more about him. How he is so vulnerable at times and how his feelings just break him down. This book really revealed his emotional side and I liked that because it made my connection with him a bit stronger. Plus, we get to read more of his blacksmith skills, which is something that was super cool because his blacksmith skills get's tossed around in The Winner's Curse but we get to actually read about it in this book and it was greattt.

The plot wasn't as great as I hoped. People have really liked this book and have said this was a great sequel. I wouldn't say this was a bad sequel but it wasn't my favorite. It just got so slow and hard to read to the point where I did have to put the book down for about a month. I think this was all just due to the lack of things going on and how there was so little fighting and action in this book. In The Winner's Curse, I could easily pinpoint where the book just got 10x better than before but with this book, I can't do that. I just feel as though not much has happened in this book. I am expecting the next book will be better for me because the ending of this book was just the best thing ever and whether I mean that in a good or bad way is going to remain a mystery. It just sets the next book and I am so excited for book 3. Plus, The Winner's Kiss is supposed to be the ending of this trilogy and the last books are always so exciting so I am excited to read The Winner's Kiss.

I gave this book 3.5 stars because I liked it but I feel as though there was a lack of things going on and it did get a bit slow in the middle of the book.

Full review: http://next-page-please.blogspot.com/2015/08/lets-talk-winners-crime-by-marie.html

The Winner's Curse took me totally by surprise and made me fall in love with an amazing new world and a cast of amazing characters! Of course I was dying to get my hands on book two as soon as I could. Although it took me a little longer than I'd hoped, I finally got it on audiobook and set out straightaway to find out what happened next for Kestrel and Arin.

This book picks up very shortly after the first left off. Kestrel is preparing for her wedding (and trying as hard as she can to delay it as much as possible) while keeping her true purposes for the marriage hidden from everyone. Ari is doing his own thing as governor of Herran, all the while thinking that Kestrel has betrayed him. In The Winner's curse I really enjoyed Kestrel and loved her strong character. I also LOVED the romance between Kesterl and Arin. Unfortunately, book two let me down a little on both fronts.

Kestrel, while still a strong and capable heroine, has become overly angsty in The Winner's Crime, to the point where it was honestly kind of irritating. I understand WHY Kestrel felt like she couldn't be honest about her motivations, but it seemed to me that the deceit card was way overplayed. Arin does show up at the palace eventually and the ridiculous amount of lying or hiding of the truth between these two became annoying and unbelievable. It also really detracted from everything I loved about the first book, namely the romantic aspects. I know I've said this before, but maybe I'm just getting too old to appreciate the overly angsty angle on romance. Just say what you mean!!

That being said, this book was still really enjoyable. I loved learning more about the world that The Winner's Trilogy takes place in and I feel like this is where the series thrives! I still feel like I can't place the culture, but that's fine because it's so detailed and amazing and wholly original that I just feel like I need to go there! The palace was described beautifully. I was also really glad that the events of the book gave me a chance to explore different cultures than the Herrani and the Valorian.

I did like where the story went for the most part although I did have some issues with it, mostly what has already been stated. I wish Kestrel and Arin's relationship had been explored a little more. I didn't love how political this book was when compared to the first. But, like I've said, I did love that I was able to follow Arin to a totally new place and learn even more about him! The pace was incredibly slow when compared to the first book and that really did damage the experience for me. I was actually so bored that I took a break from this one for about a month and then came back to it.

Overall, this was not a bad book. I did enjoy it and I feel like it did explore new things that probably needed to be covered. It definitely was not as good as The Winner's Curse, though. I'm really hoping this book is just suffering from middle book syndrome and that The Winner's Kiss will wrap up the series with a bang!

Originally reviewed at http://www.shaelit.com/2015/01/review-the-winners-crime-by-marie-rutkoski/

ABANDON ALL HAPPINESS, YE WHO ENTER HERE, FOR THIS BOOK IS NOTHING BUT PAIN.

Seriously, that’s it. That’s the whole review. Pain and suffering. You thought The Winner’s Curse hurt? Oh my child, you know nothing. I think I made maybe six notes for the entire book, and at least half of those were simply to mark new names so I wouldn’t forget later. Honestly, it’s hard to write when you’re rolling around in agony.

Note: Spoilers for the first book coming up.

Here are the bare bones: Kestrel is still engaged to Verex, the prince of Valoria and heir of the emperor. The emperor is a shrewd, conniving, amoral schemer who approves of Kestrel’s mind but doesn’t trust her heart. Arin is still the governor of Herran and thinks that Kestrel ditched him to climb the social ladder. Through a series of events, Kestrel starts working with Tensen, the Herrani minister of agriculture and spymaster, to feed information from the palace to Arin, only she makes Tensen promise not to tell Arin where he’s getting the information.

The rest of the book is full of miscommuncation, misunderstandings, power plays, tricks and intrigue, deadly attacks, myths, betrayals, threats, and heartbreak. Kestrel is as fabulously tricky as ever, Arin is a stoic puppydog of heartache, Kestrel’s father is hard to pin down, and the new characters come in and muddle everything up. For instance, whose side is Verex on? Is he simply the emperor’s sad sack, milk-blooded offspring or is there more to him? What’s going on between him and Risha, the kidnapped eastern princess? What’s Tensen’s game?

Honestly, if you’re not a fan of misunderstandings propelling a plot, you may not like The Winner’s Crime. I didn’t have much of a problem, since I thought the issues in communication were understandable, given the fear of discovery on both sides. Both Arin and Kestrel have far too much at stake to be honest, even (especially!) with each other. But wow, those misunderstandings will get you in the gut.

Also, I’ve seen talk that Kestrel becomes a spy solely for the love of Arin, which is heartily untrue. As much as the romance is a major plot point, it is not Kestrel’s sole or even primary motivator. This is not the same well-meaning but naive girl that we met in TWC1. Kestrel has seen both sides of captivity now. She has seen what Valorian conquest has done to the Herrani. Her fight is for justice, not for Arin’s good. As someone who cringes every time a protagonist betrays lifelong loved ones for the sake of a love interest, I found Kestrel’s fight for what’s right to be powerful and sensical in a way that fighting for Arin alone would not have been.

… I feel like I should say more. I mean, this entire book is packed with all kinds of wriggly political intrigue, steamy scenes of longing, etc. etc. It’s all stuff I love. But wow, that ending. That ending really hurt, guys.

So, um, yeah. You guys read the book. I’m just going to sit in this nice, dark corner for a while longer. Just me and my tissues.

Points Added For: Kestrel and her trickiness, Arin and his strength of character, Verex, the myths, the loopy swirly knotted intrigues, THE PAIN.

Points Subtracted For: THE PAIN. Seriously, a laugh here or there would’ve been nice. Ow.

Good For Fans Of: The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski, The Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner, clever girls, solid world-building, political intrigue.

Notes For Parents: Torture, gore, kissing.

Note: I received a review copy of this title from the publisher for review consideration.