From the Bookshelf of Amazon Editors' YA Book Club…

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

Marie Rutkoski

Start date: October 31, 2016

Finish date: December 1, 2013

Why we're reading this: This will be a fun one for November!
[close] This will be a fun one for November!

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May 28, 2016 Kelly rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2016-read, 3-star, cover-me-pink, sci-fi-fantasy, teen-ya, hot-romance, war

This book is divided into acts:

Act I:
This is so disappointing. I'm utterly underwhelmed by the first 100 pages of this novel and very disappointed that Kristin Cashore, author of "Graceling" which I adored, recommended this. It's written so childishly that it feels like it's intended for 11-year-olds and certainly not for adult women who enjoy the YA genre. The plot progresses at a snail's crawl. The characters are flat (especially the pathetic Jess) and a more judicious editor could have easil This book is divided into acts:

Act I:
This is so disappointing. I'm utterly underwhelmed by the first 100 pages of this novel and very disappointed that Kristin Cashore, author of "Graceling" which I adored, recommended this. It's written so childishly that it feels like it's intended for 11-year-olds and certainly not for adult women who enjoy the YA genre. The plot progresses at a snail's crawl. The characters are flat (especially the pathetic Jess) and a more judicious editor could have easily hacked at some of these tediously boring Valorian social scenes.

Act II:
Somewhere after page 100, the book picks up a little bit. Finally, a plot to grasp onto! There's a little bit of intrigue! This section is all too brief as Rutkoski ushers us quickly into...

Act III:
Kestrel is held prisoner for more than 100 pages! Firstly, accepting the captivity is completely against her character. Second, months pass. Months. In which Kestrel remains trapped in her cage. During this period, she's also falling in love with Arin, but... who is Arin? Arin is no longer the same Arin from Act I or Act II. He's gentle and considerate where he has never before been.

Act IV:
The story picks up again! (view spoiler) And then, that twist at the end, that real-life game of Bite and Sting that she plays with the Emperor in which she gambles away her freedom for Arin and his people's freedom, really ups the ante! If that hadn't happened, there's no way I would even be interested in Book 2. Up until the last Act I wasn't sure, but now I'm considering going for The Winner's Crime - as long as the stupid descriptions of dresses, ballrooms, and polite society conversation are officially at an end. ...more

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Apr 02, 2014 bjneary rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Marie Rutkowski's worlds of Valoria and Herran are breathtaking, powerful, and full of a hateful history of conquering and enslaving the Herrani as slaves. Kestrel is the obstinate, defiant daughter of the most powerful general who pressures her to marry or enlist. When Kestrel purchases a slave (on a dare) she sets into motion a series of earth shattering events. Will Kestrel dare to become enamored of this slave? I could not put this book down- the characters, setting, and plot are all richly ...more

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