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ARC Book Review: The Winner’s Curse – Marie Rutkoski


thewinnerscurseThe Winner’s Curse
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Series: The Winner’s Curse #1
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Historical, Dystopia
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Publisher: Farrar Straux Giroux

Goodreads | Amazon | TBD

Summary:

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.

 
First Sentence: She shouldn’t have been tempted.

My Review:

First of all, before I start my review, I want to thank Jon from Scott Reads It for lending me his gorgeous ARC of The Winner’s Curse! I had an eARC from NetGalley before Jon lent me his physical ARC, but I didn’t have an eReader (and still don’t) so I was going to read the eARC of The Winner’s Curse on my computer (yes, I was that excited for it) until Jon saved me by lending me his physical ARC. Now, excuse me while I stare at the gorgeous cover some more…

Anyways, I’m sure as many of you guys will agree, I was dying to get my hands on The Winner’s Curse; who wasn’t? I’ve seen so many lucky people get their hands on it, read it, loved it, and fangirled all over it, making me want to read it myself and see what the hype was all about. Thank goodness Jon lent me his ARC!

The Winner’s Curse started off slowly paced for the first half of the book or so; it took awhile for things to really start. However, the first half of The Winner’s Curse had an important purpose: it introduced us to the characters, let us get to know them, and slowly built up the romance between the two main characters, Kestrel and Arin. The first half of The Winner’s Curse also introduced us to most of the world-building and all the social class conflicts, helping us understand the world of The Winner’s Curse better.

She could make him. If she sent an order, he would obey.
But she didn’t want his obedience. She wanted him to want to see her. (ARC 175)

Something I did not expect from the The Winner’s Curse was that the book was told from both Kestrel and Arin’s points of view. Most of the young adult books I read nowadays only have one narrator, which is usually a female narrator, not a male one. The summary of The Winner’s Curse also made me think that we will only read The Winner’s Curse from only Kestrel’s point of view, but alas, we did not. We get to see inside both Kestrel and Arin’s minds. I am happy about that since we get to see what Arin is thinking about during certain events and not be tortured, wondering what on earth is going on inside that guy’s mind when so and so happened.

The Winner’s Curse is made out of feels. I don’t know how else to describe it – every single page (except for the first one-third of the book or so) is made out of feels. I felt for Arin’s situation and hurt for him, but on the other hand, I also felt for Kestrel’s situation and understood her anger. One moment I was angry at one particular character and in the next moment, I felt dreadfully sad for them. The Winner’s Curse just constantly plays with all my emotions, toying with me like I was a kitten reaching for a ball of yarn constantly dangling just three inches away from me. I highly recommend you guys to watch out for the brutal ending – it tore all my feels apart and shattered it into dust.

Impossible. It was impossible to love a Valorian and also love his people.
Arin was the flaw. (ARC 237)

Unlike other books that I am currently thinking of that promised us something but did not deliver (innocently coughs), The Winner’s Curse delivered exactly what it promised. The Winner’s Curse promised us political power shifts, wicked rumors, dirty secrets, spies, forbidden love, and boy, did it deliver. It is everything it promises to be with no disappointments coming from that area.

Despite all the good parts of The Winner’s Curse, I did have this one problem with it. Just like my experience with Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry and These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, I felt like something was missing from The Winner’s Curse. After I finished reading The Winner’s Curse, I thought about it for two days, feeling…a bit empty I guess? I just knew that something was missing from The Winner’s Curse, but I didn’t know what. It might just be me, but who knows?

Why shouldn’t she go to the ball? What had she to fear?
The stares?
Let them stare. She was not defenseless, nor did she need her father’s protection, or the captain’s. (ARC 193)

Overall, does The Winner’s Curse deserve the hype it gets? After some thinking, I’ll say that yes, The Winner’s Curse does deserve the hype it gets. That’s why I’m urging you to go out and get yourself a copy, whether you have to borrow it, buy it, or even steal it (you didn’t hear about the last part from me if anyone asks), if you haven’t already. What are you waiting for? (That’s the cue for me to leave and stare at the gorgeous cover some more.)

four

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-Kelly

Posted by Kelly on 3-21-14 · 52 Comments
Categories: 2014 book, book review Tagged: 4 star

« It’s Time I Take A Hiatus
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Speak Your Mind

  1. Jules @ Jules Bookshelf says

    3-21-14 at 10:07 AM

    I’ve not read this book yet. Though I’ve seen a lot of people gush about how good it was and how gorgeous the cover is. I guess, I have to put this higher on my TBR list. BTW. I am glad to see you again Kelly!!! :D Miss your reviews and personal posts! Excited for more :D
    Jules @ Jules Bookshelf recently posted…Book Review: White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. ArmentroutMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      3-24-14 at 7:07 PM

      Jules, you will love this one! I mean, just LOOK at how gorgeous the cover is! ;DD<3
      I am definitely back now, so don't worry! More posts are definitely coming your way. ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Waiting On You – Kristan HigginsMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Isabel says

    3-21-14 at 3:52 PM

    I loved this book! I need to make sure that I review it!
    Isabel recently posted…Characterize It (11)My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      3-24-14 at 7:08 PM

      I’m glad you loved this book too Isabel! :D<3
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Waiting On You – Kristan HigginsMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Pili says

    3-21-14 at 7:51 PM

    I adored The Winner’s Curse! I had a massive book hangover when I finished it, so much I wanted to start re-reading it again!
    And the cover is the most gorgeous thing ever!! *pets pretty cover*
    Pili recently posted…Friday Reads: Landry Park by Bethany Hagen!My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      3-24-14 at 7:10 PM

      I’m with you there Pili – after I finished reading The Winner’s Curse, I immediately wanted to reread it all over again! :D
      Yes! -strokes cover and cuddles with it-
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Waiting On You – Kristan HigginsMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Mel@thedailyprophecy says

    3-22-14 at 5:36 AM

    I really like having two POV’s if it’s well-written and it’s fun that there is a guy POV too :D! It’s good to hear that this book delivers, because I’ve been a little disappointing in the books I’ve read lately. I know what you mean with that feeling that something is missing, but you just can’t pinpoint out WHAT. It’s annoying.

    *pets pretty cover* Can’t wait to start my copy!
    Mel@thedailyprophecy recently posted…Review 243. Colleen Oakes – Queen of Hearts.My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      3-24-14 at 7:15 PM

      YES! Arin’s POV was fun to read and it definitely gave us a more in depth view of the characters.
      The thing is, I feel horrible when I say that I feel something is missing, but I don’t know what’s missing. It’s just a blahhh feeling overall. ):
      I hope you’ll enjoy The Winner’s Curse Mel! :D
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Waiting On You – Kristan HigginsMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Jessica @ Rabid Reads says

    3-22-14 at 6:22 AM

    It’s really fun when you’ve read a book for yourself, but had a hard time describing some of the things you felt while you were reading it, only to find a review of said book that nails it. Made. Of. Feels. That is exactly what I couldn’t put into words. And I agree with you about it lacking whatever that necessary something is. I haven’t read either of your examples (although These Broken Stars is on my nightstand ;) ), but I am familiar with that missingness, and TWC felt that way for me too. Excellent review!
    Jessica @ Rabid Reads recently posted…Review: Skinwalker by Faith HunterMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      3-24-14 at 7:20 PM

      Ha ha, I know that “made of feels” is still a vague feeling, but that phrase does describe 85% of my feelings for The Winner’s Curse.
      Thank goodness I’m not the only one who felt like something was missing from The Winner’s Curse. I thought I was the only weird one for feeling that way. o:
      I dunno if you’ll feel the same way I did when I read These Broken Stars.
      Thank you Jessica! :D
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Waiting On You – Kristan HigginsMy Profile

      Reply
  6. Danielle @ Love at First Page says

    3-22-14 at 7:59 AM

    I still haven’t read this (soon!!), but I hope it gives me all the feels! Especially in regards to the romance – I have high expectations for this love story, even though I know to expect an upsetting ending. (Yikes.)
    Great review! I know what you mean by something is missing – that extra umph just isn’t there for you. But at least the emotions were there for you.
    Danielle @ Love at First Page recently posted…Review: See MeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      3-28-14 at 9:44 PM

      The Winner’s Curse will DEFINITELY give you ALL the feels; I guarantee it!
      Yeah, I’m really scared that the series will end badly because of the romance. Like, ahhh! -hides from life-
      Thanks Danielle! :D
      Ha ha, “umph” is a nice way of putting it! I just wish there was this PERFECT word to describe my feeling! I don’t think “umph” and “blahhhhness” will really count. :P
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Love Letters to the Dead – Ava DellairaMy Profile

      Reply
  7. Christine says

    3-22-14 at 10:21 AM

    Gaaahhh I need to read this alreadyyy! I know this will be good because as proven and tested, you recoms really suit my taste! So excited for all the “FEEEELSSS”!! :D

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      3-28-14 at 9:49 PM

      YES – you NEED this one Christine!
      Get ready for ALL THE FEELS. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Love Letters to the Dead – Ava DellairaMy Profile

      Reply
  8. Beth W says

    3-22-14 at 3:08 PM

    I cannot wait to read this one. Every trusted review I’ve read has praised this. And I could do with a book of feels right now. Mmmmmmmm……feeeeeeeeels.
    Beth W recently posted…Matchaccino > SbucksMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      3-29-14 at 1:28 PM

      Ha ha, yes, feeels! <3 -munches-
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [73]My Profile

      Reply
  9. Kharthiyaa says

    3-22-14 at 8:00 PM

    I’ve been dying to read this for such a long time! I’ve heard so many great things about this that every time I’ve read a review. Now after reading yours, I am tempted to read it even more! Awesome review and I can’t wait to pick it up myself! :D
    Kharthiyaa recently posted…My Reading Life #3My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      3-29-14 at 1:30 PM

      You definitely pick this one up Kharthiyaa! You will definitely enjoy The Winner’s Curse – I guarantee it. ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [73]My Profile

      Reply
  10. Shannon says

    3-23-14 at 12:19 AM

    Oh, I need this book! I read the sample from Amazon because I wasn’t sure about it, but I got so hooked on it that I really want to read it now. And I keep reading so many great reviews too, it makes me want to read it even more!

    Reply
  11. Stephani @ YA Review says

    3-23-14 at 2:53 AM

    There is a huge hype around this book, and I am one of those people that just has to read something to figure out what is so good about it, but by reading the summery and all that I really want to read it. It does sound like a really super cool read.
    Stephani @ YA Review recently posted…NEW Blog Giveaway * 7 YA Books * (US Only)My Profile

    Reply
  12. Lynn K. says

    3-23-14 at 7:09 AM

    Ditto to that bit of “missing-ness”. For me, I think I would have liked to see…more? It’s like all the key ingredients to an amazing book is already there but not enough time to cook. Would have loved it to be as long as one of those non YA fantasy novels.

    Reply
  13. Adelena @ A Page of Heaven says

    3-24-14 at 4:44 AM

    I’ve been long awaiting The Winner’s Curse too and can’t wait to get my hands on it! Glad to hear it lives up to its hype. As a YA fantasy novel, I might set high expectations for it (after amazing ones such as The Grisha trilogy & Throne of Glass series) and despite you mentioning it missed a certain quality, I still hope to love it! Anyway, with all the feels you’ve mentioned, that might not be a problem. Feels-inducing books have a way of tunneling into my heart, I guess. Awesome review, Kelly!
    Adelena @ A Page of Heaven recently posted…Review: The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn BarnesMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Angie @ YA Novelties says

    3-24-14 at 7:09 PM

    I’ve been considering reading The Winner’s Curse for a while. I received a copy and adore the cover, but I am slightly wary of dystopians these days since there are so many of them. However, many reviews have been giving this book positive reviews. I think after reading so many reviews, including yours, this book is worth a try. Political intrigue is always fun to read, especially when executed beautifully.

    Thank you for writing such an awesome review!

    Reply
  15. Rissi says

    3-25-14 at 3:08 PM

    Yep, as if I wasn’t convinced enough already, Kelly, this review…! Cannot wait to read this one. As you say, the cover is gorgeous, the premise sounds wonderful and all those “feels”? Must make this one a summer TBR priority. :)
    Rissi recently posted…Reality TVMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Cyn says

    3-25-14 at 11:17 PM

    Awesome review Kelly! I totally agree, the politics of the book was perfectly delivered, and seriously the second half blew me away. I’m glad that Winner’s Curse was from both point of views and that Marie mad them distinctive enough that it didn’t annoy me (that’s my usually problem with both hero/heroine’s POV in a book, and I get confused as I’m reading who is who ): )
    This was totally one of those books that I probably would have read just for the gorgeous cover haha, so I’m glad that it did basically live up to the hype!

    PS. If you’re interested, here’s my review for it (:
    Cyn recently posted…Teaser Tuesday: In the Woods & Stolen SongbirdMy Profile

    Reply
  17. Elijah Herrera says

    3-26-14 at 9:10 AM

    Great review! I need to read this book soon and thanks to your review I found 4 perfectly good reasons why I should:
    1. It has two POVs
    2. It’s a YA dystopian book
    3. It’s a trilogy
    4. The cover is so PRETTY

    By the way, Thanks for the heads-up on the brutal ending part. I will definitely watch out for it. :)

    Reply
  18. Cindy says

    3-29-14 at 8:02 PM

    i haven’t had the chance to read this book yet but omg the cover is so gorgeous btw and after read your review sound like a really good book so i will add to my tbr list haha :)

    Reply
  19. Bieke @ Istyria book blog says

    3-31-14 at 6:54 AM

    I started this book a few weeks ago when it was just released. I bought the beautiful hardback version and I put it down. I guess I felt the same as you? Like something was missing? Then again, I was in a bit of a slump so it could have just been that. =)
    Bieke @ Istyria book blog recently posted…LGBT Month: Sign Up post!My Profile

    Reply
  20. Molly@ReviewsByMolly says

    3-31-14 at 7:48 AM

    I am in love with this cover and so want to read it!! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy! Thanks for sharing your review and making me want to read it even more =)
    Molly@ReviewsByMolly recently posted…Stacking The Shelves 3-30-2014My Profile

    Reply
  21. Kim @ kimberlyfaye reads says

    3-31-14 at 8:55 AM

    I can’t wait to read this book. Your review made me want to read it that much more. You had me at “made of feels.”
    Kim @ kimberlyfaye reads recently posted…Challenge Accepted: LGBT MonthMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Kayla A says

    3-31-14 at 10:36 AM

    I didn’t know this was a trilogy! YAY, I love trilogies :) It sounds like a pretty good book, I’ll check it out :)

    Reply
  23. Krispy says

    3-31-14 at 12:09 PM

    Your review was one of the things that helped me decide to just buy The Winner’s Curse. I’d been hearing about it from everywhere, but I’m so wary when it comes to hyped books. Like you, I’ve been disappointed by unfulfilled promises. So I talked to a few people and definitely read a few reviews before purchasing. Just started it and like it so far. So thanks for the review and I’m looking forward to the rest of the book! :)
    Krispy recently posted…Life of a BloggerMy Profile

    Reply
  24. Nena says

    3-31-14 at 5:55 PM

    I’ve been wanting to read this book for a long time now, It seems great!.

    I’ve read Pushing the limits and I loved it so much, I didn’t feel like there was anything missing at all, so I am kind of curious to know what you feel is missing ( even though you don’t know haha)
    Nena recently posted…Book Haul!My Profile

    Reply
  25. Hillary R. says

    3-31-14 at 6:54 PM

    I’m hoping to get my hands on The Winner’s Curse soon! The hype about this book is just contagious and it makes me wonder why everyone loves it so much. The only way to find out why is to get my own copy and hopefully that will be soon! And that cover…I can’t help but admire it each time I see it :-D

    Reply
  26. Diana Grace says

    4-01-14 at 1:49 AM

    omg, I think that this is one of the best books I’ve read this year. I get the feeling that there is quite something that is missing but overlooking that fact, I think that this book was just incredible. I cannot wait to read the next installment. Lovely review <3
    Diana Grace recently posted…Cover Reveal: COLLIDE (The Taking #3) by Melissa West plus Excerpt & Giveaway!My Profile

    Reply
  27. Maria Medeiros says

    4-02-14 at 9:35 AM

    Lovely review. It’s so nice to see you so excited! I haven’t read the book but heard so much about it. I hope I win the giveaway so I can read it too! Lovely!
    Maria Medeiros recently posted…The Antigone Poems by Marie Slaight-ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  28. Isabel says

    4-02-14 at 11:46 AM

    I’ve been dying to read this. Sigh

    Reply
  29. Kate says

    4-03-14 at 12:51 AM

    Great review! I’ve been wanting to read this for a while now. I will try to buy it as soon as I see it. :)

    Reply
  30. Belinda @ Lil Book Owl says

    4-04-14 at 11:31 PM

    I’m currently reading this one now and I guess I did not enjoy as much as you did. Great review:) And yep this motivated me to quickly finish reading it:)
    Belinda @ Lil Book Owl recently posted…Review: Etiquette and Espionage by Gail CarrigerMy Profile

    Reply
  31. Chanpreet says

    4-04-14 at 11:44 PM

    I too got this from netgalley, but I haven’t had a chance to read it yet. I think I’ll pick it up tomorrow morning and give it a try. Hopefully I like it as much as you did.

    Reply
  32. Alyssa says

    4-05-14 at 7:48 AM

    I’m reading it right now on my Nook and so far I’m loving it. I am gradually liking Kestrel’s character. The world-building is okay for me right now. I hope this keeps up by the time I finished reading and I’m expecting an excellent plot development. Glad you liked The Winner’s Curse. I hope I do too!
    Alyssa recently posted…PhotoMy Profile

    Reply
  33. Autumnmelancholia says

    4-05-14 at 1:15 PM

    I haven’t started it yet, but the story sounds really interesting. Amazing review!
    And even if the book is not that good, it’s absolutely worth money for THAT cover. It gives me chills *sigh*

    Reply
  34. Nikki Ooi says

    4-14-14 at 5:58 AM

    Gosh more world-building! Love that! Ooo…2 POVs? Sounds so exciting. And wow, no spoilers at all huh. I love feels. I think I might pick this up when I get the chance. And OH THAT COVER! I hope they won’t redo the covers halfway like so many other series. Thanks for the review!

    Reply
  35. Natalie says

    4-16-14 at 7:54 PM

    I’m so glad you liked it! This book is beautiful and I’ve been wanting to read it FOREVER, so you recommending it is a relief!!

    Reply
  36. Ashfa says

    4-26-14 at 7:33 AM

    Wow, wow, wow!!! There’s not one single bad thing I’ve heard of this book, it sounds epic and I’m desperate to get my hands on it!!! And that cover is is just fantastic- very unusual. I really hope the double POVs is really good because I’m not that fond of it.

    Reply
  37. Isa says

    5-05-14 at 2:41 PM

    I was really excited for this book, the cover is so beautiful but I never really knew what it was about. The world sounds very interesting and I like that the author seemed detailed in explaining it. I also love that the romance is slow building. It sounds like a very intense read, I need to prepare my emotions before I dive into this one! :P
    Isa recently posted…Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-Thon 2014My Profile

    Reply
  38. Jessi Elliott says

    6-14-14 at 1:55 PM

    OMG I NEED TO READ THIS LIKE RIGHT NOW. It sounds so awesome and not like anything I’ve read before!!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. I’m Backk…With Another Cover Guessing Game! says:
    3-22-14 at 9:10 AM

    […]   I’m backk! Did you guys miss me? I’m sure you guys have figured out that I’m back as of yesterday, when I posted up my review of The Winner’s Curse. […]

    Reply
  2. Let’s Speculate: A Cover Inside A Cover (Yes, You Read That One Right) says:
    5-06-14 at 9:17 AM

    […] books that I’ll love to see using this “cover inside a cover” concept, books like The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski (wouldn’t that be amazing, especially with a cover like that?) and Paper […]

    Reply
  3. Patience My Darling: March 2015 says:
    3-01-15 at 6:12 AM

    […] Winner’s Crime by Marie Rutkoski I wasn’t all that really into The Winner’s Curse, but so many people claim that The Winner’s Crime was better than The […]

    Reply
  4. ARC Book Review: The Winner’s Crime – Marie Rutkoski says:
    3-05-15 at 9:10 AM

    […] as excited to read The Winner’s Crime as other people were. The cliffhanger ending of The Winner’s Curse did nothing for me – I didn’t feel the need to have The Winner’s Crime in my […]

    Reply
  5. The Winner’s Curse: A Book Review | Ciao Bella! says:
    4-23-15 at 5:03 AM

    […] Need more convincing? Here’s what other reviewers had to say. “The Winner’s Curse promised us political power shifts, wicked rumors, dirty secrets, spies, forbidden love, and boy, did it deliver. It is everything it promises to be with no disappointments coming from that area” {read the rest of the review at Effortlessly Reading HERE}. […]

    Reply

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