The Winner's Curse Author: Visit Amazon's Marie Rutkoski Page | Language: English | ISBN:
0374384673 | Format: PDF
The Winner's Curse Description
From Booklist
As 17-year-old Kestrel comes to know Arin, the Herrani slave she purchased on a whim, she puts both herself and him at risk. Arin, 19, also finds himself falling for this daughter of the Valorian general who conquered his homeland. A Herrani uprising briefly reverses their roles of owner and slave until the Valorian empire prevails, and a last-minute compromise by Kestrel may save Arin’s life—but it will make it impossible for them to be together. A refreshing change from supernatural and problem novels, this fantasy is pure romance (not sex) elevated above genre stereotypes by a talented author who understands pacing and satisfaction. Full-bodied characters explore issues of loyalty, class, and values (for example, arts versus military strengths), without sacrificing any of the relationship-related tension that is a hallmark of this kind of story. A tasty twist of an ending virtually locks readers in for subsequent entries in the series. Fans may want to revisit this one while they wait for future books; maybe get more than one copy? Grades 8-11. --Cindy Welch
Review
*"[A] spellbinding first book in a trilogy about a pair of star-crossed lovers in a society marred by class warfare....Like any epic page-turner worth its salt, Rutkoski’s richly imagined world is full of dynamic repartee, gruesome battle scenes, and shifting alliances. A high-stakes cliffhanger will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next book."--Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
*"Rich characterization, exquisite worldbuilding and rock-solid storytelling make this a fantasy of unusual intelligence and depth...Precise details and elegant prose make this world fresh and vivid. The intricate and suspenseful plot, filled with politics, intrigue and even graphic violence, features neither heroes nor villains; every character displays a complex mixture of talents, flaws and motives...Breathtaking, tragic and true." --Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
*"A forbidden romance. The romance is heartstoppingly lovely and admittedly steamy . . . but the raising of stakes and the reluctance of the couple to give up their respective cause, even as they confess their love for each other, lends their relationship a complexity not often seen in the genre . . . A last-minute compromise between the lovers secures a sequel, and fans of Kristin Cashore and Robin Lefevers will be pleased to have a new romance to follow." -- BCCB, STARRED REVIEW
“Every line in The Winner’s Curse is beautifully written. The story is masterfully plotted. The characters’ dilemmas fascinated me and tore at my heart. This book gave me a rare and special reading experience: I never knew what was going to happen next. I loved it. I want more.” —Kristin Cashore, New York Times bestselling author of the Graceling Realm books
"The Winner's Curse is breathtaking, a lyrical triumph in YA fantasy. Marie Rutkoski writes with tremendous power and has created an epic of fearless beauty. This book should not be missed."--Ann Aguirre, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of the Razorland trilogy
"The Winner's Curse is magnificent. Gorgeous writing graces every page, and the story of Kestrel and Arin unfolds with all the complexity and beauty of a sonata. I was completely transfixed by them and their world." --Sarah Beth Durst, author of Conjured
See all Editorial Reviews
- Age Range: 12 - 18 years
- Grade Level: 7 and up
- Series: Winner's Trilogy (Book 1)
- Hardcover: 368 pages
- Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (March 4, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0374384673
- ISBN-13: 978-0374384678
- Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
- Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
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: Copy 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.
Choices for Valorian women are limited. Kestrel can join the military, as her father the general plannes for Kestrel since her childhood, or she can marry. No one would ever guess the path Kestrel truly wants to take. No one could imagine another choice in an empire that glorifies war and enslaves all it conquers.
Kestrel shouldn't have been tempted at the slave auction. Certainly not by a defiant slave whose every move broadcast contempt and disdain for his surroundings. Even knowing she will pay too much--knowing it will set off a series of disasters even Kestrel can't fully predict--she buys the slave.
At first Kestrel is too busy hiding her own activities to think much of the new slave. But Arin has his secrets too. As Arin and Kestrel circle each other they will embark on a journey together that will change both them and their countries forever in The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski.
The Winner's Curse is the first book in Rutkoski's Winner's Trilogy.
Rutkoski has created a vibrant world with a heroine who is shrewd and pragmatic even as she makes terrible decisions. Kestrel is a brilliant strategist--a skill that shows throughout the novel as she negotiates various obstacles throughout the story.
Secrets and lies are key to both Kestrel and Arin's characters, creating a story that is as much about what is said as it is about subtext. This novel is brimming with non-verbal communication and other subtle cues that Rutkoski expertly manipulates as a story of love and other--somewhat darker--matters slowly unfolds.
With a fully-realized world and vibrant, flawed characters there is a lot to absorb in The Winner's Curse.
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