Book Review: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Book: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating:★★★★★
For: Fun
From: bought on Kindle

Short Synopsis: One day while she is out and about Kestrel ends up buying a slave boy at an auction. She ends up having him help her a lot and be her escort as she goes out and about and in the process she gets to know him as much more than a slave. Gradually we learn that her people conquered his people back in the day and that he may not be quite who she thinks he is. At any rate, she is fascinated by him which gets her into all sorts of problems. Meanwhile, he has all sorts of problems to deal with too. And getting to know Kestrel has messed it all up!

My Response: I, too, am fascinated by whole slave/love thing which was all it took for me to want to read this book. That and Kami's massive gushing! And sure enough, the whole premise is fascinating and hooked me from the start. I loved the constant back and forth between these characters as far as their place in society. And the stuff that Arin (he's the boy by the way) is involved in, it's crazy! Which leads us to the decisions they both have to make which are gut wrenching to say the least. Such a good story, this book is! With compelling characters and a fascinating chaotic world.

Bottom Line: I loved it! New author and new series to keep up an eye on for sure.

Let's Talk About: I realize that when I say I'm fascinated by the whole slave/master love thing it might sound quite bad.  The fascination comes only if it's true genuine love, not the take advantage of lust and rape that we hear about so much in the south during slave times there. Yeah, not that. So, do you know what I'm talking about here? Do you get what I mean? Do you find such stories fascinating and compelling too? Or am I totally off here?

Other Reviews:

My whole body reacted to this book. I don't know if I've had the same physical reaction to any book. My stomach was churning. I had butterflies in my stomach. My gut was wrenched. I got teary. This book was so physically emotional for me! From Kami's Library Thoughts

I want to read the rest of the story now; I don’t want to wait. I actually need more! There’s so much potential. A lot of great things have been set up for the rest of the series. From Jenni Elyse

The Winner’s Curse has intrigue and tension with political maneuvering without needing a chart to keep everything straight. It has quick pacing and memorable characters that will hang around with you long after you’ve finished the book. From Working for the Mandroid

The novel ends exactly how I wanted it to, paving the way for a sequel that is not a retread of the first book but examines Kestrel and Arin confronting the massive obstacles to their ever being together. From The Literary Omnivore