Title: The Winner’s Curse
Author: Marie Rutkoski
First published March 4, 2014
355 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9780374384685 (ISBN10: 0374384681)
Rating: 3.96
Overview
The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a tale of love and sacrifice. Kestrel, a general’s daughter in a world of war and oppression, faces a difficult decision: join the military or marry.
But Kestrel has a different plan in mind. When she buys a young slave named Arin, she discovers a kindred spirit and a love that could destroy everything she knows.
As Kestrel and Arin navigate a world where every move is a game and the stakes are life and death, they must keep their secrets hidden or risk losing everything. Rutkoski weaves a captivating story set in a richly imagined world where the price of freedom is steep and the cost of love is higher than anyone could have imagined.
About the Author
Meet Marie Rutkoski, a bestselling author known for her captivating books for children and young adults. Her latest release, THE HOLLOW HEART, is a must-read that hit bookshelves on September 14, 2021.
But that’s not all – Marie has decided to venture into the world of adult fiction with her upcoming psychological thriller, REAL EASY, set to release on January 18, 2022.
Originally from Illinois, Marie pursued her education at the University of Iowa and Harvard University, earning degrees that helped shape her writing career. Today, she’s a professor at Brooklyn College and resides in Brooklyn with her family.
You can catch a glimpse of Marie in a stunning photo captured by Beowulf Sheehan.
Editoral Review
Marie Rutkoski’s “The Winner’s Curse” is a Young Adult novel that was first published on March 4, 2014. Rutkoski is a New York Times bestselling author of several books, including the acclaimed “The Shadow Society” and “The Cabinet of Wonders.” In “The Winner’s Curse,” Rutkoski showcases her talent for writing a gripping YA fantasy and mastering audience engagement.
The novel takes place in an alternate universe and follows the story of Kestrel. She is the daughter of a general in a conquered empire, and as a member of the ruling class, Kestrel has never known hardship or the cruelty of war.
She buys a slave named Arin, who quickly becomes much more than a possession. As their bond grows, Kestrel becomes entangled in a dangerous and complicated game as the tides of war seem to shift beneath her feet.
The storyline is immersive, full of intrigue, and richly nuanced characters. Kestrel is more than just a woman playing a cruel game; she’s intelligent, strong-willed, and fiercely independent, and Rutkoski skillfully depicts Kestrel’s inner conflicts, her strengths, and her vulnerabilities.
Similarly, Arin, the enslaved love interest, has a backstory that is easy to empathize with and one that makes the reader want to root for him from the beginning. Both of these characters have an excellent, well-developed arc that keeps the reader invested in the story.
Furthermore, Rutkoski is a masterful world-builder. Her universe in “The Winner’s Curse” is inspired by Ancient Rome and Greece, and she incorporates these classical elements into the narrative to create a unique and immersive setting.
Additionally, the political intrigue, the morally ambiguous decisions of the characters, and the themes of perseverance, sacrifice and loyalty, make “The Winner’s Curse” a captivating read that transcends the YA genre.
However, the pacing of the plot could be slow-moving at times, detracting from the tension that should be building in a war-torn setting.
Further, the romance between Kestrel and Arin feels a little rushed. It’s unclear why they fall in love with each other beyond the superficiality of their physical attractiveness.
But these minor issues don’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel.
Overall, Rutkoski’s “The Winner’s Curse” is a thought-provoking, fascinating, and engaging novel, and Rutkoski’s lyrical writing style has the ability to truly pull at the reader’s emotions.
It is a remarkable blend of fantasy, action, and drama with a captivating plot, well-crafted characters, and themes that will resonate with the reader. Highly recommended for fans of YA and fantasy, and readers looking for a well-written novel that challenges their perceptions of morality, war, and love.
Score: 8.5/10.
