The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkowski Review

Monday, February 17, 2014

Title: The Winner's Curse
Author: Marie Rutkowski (Twitter)
Publisher: FSG BYR
Publish Date: March 4, 2014
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher

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.
The Winner's Curse is, perhaps, one of the most highly anticipated and touted books of the spring season around the blogosphere. And, with a stunning cover and an addictingly promising premise, how could it not be? Time and again though, we've sen this recipe for success fail, and I've kept my guard up and my extreme reservations close to the vest until I finally reached to pick up this novel. I am so excited to say that this novel defied even my reservations and is sure to be on the list of many a blogger's favorite books of this season. Rich, imaginative, colourful and wholly inviting, this novel is not only gorgeous to look at - but also gorgeous to read. 

The world within the pages of The Winner's Curse is utterly unique and original. Readers are offered a story that evokes images of a sort of historical fantasy novel, complete with generals, war heroes and slaves. However, the novel isn't exactly inspired by a specific historical time period, which makes it even more so unique. The pages spin a world that is expertly realized and comes to fruition, giving us a sort of remained sort of history that is both accessible and haunting, if only because it offers us tidbits of the familiar, as well. From the start, we're drawn into a world that is so hauntingly realistic and mesmerizing, that it's easy to forget reality and simply accept the world within the pages as our own.

The characters of The Winner's Curse well deserve the spotlight, and it's easy to access and empathize with our heroine, Kestrel. There is an innocence about Kestrel that makes her endearing, if only because it reminds us of our own humanity, as well. A general's daughter, she has two choices: join the army, or marry. Neither appeals to her, and when she finds a slave up for auction with whom she feels an innate bond, she buys him. I was wary of her though, because too often we receive self-entitled characters who are headstrong without a semblance of common sense. Kestrel, however, is observant, thoughtful and painstakingly honest, which makes it easy to relate to and bond with her. It must be said, too, that the supporting characters each play a strong and vivid role in the novel, and none seemed remotely superfluous.

One of the things about The Winner's Curse that I was most appreciative was the fact that the romance blooms slowly and carefully, unfurling like the petals of a rose. We learn about our characters before we learn about the bond between them, and we understand their motives and vulnerabilities before we see them find a common ground. Arin was a powerful character, but he was created with a careful, steady hand. There is a deep, aching pain that emanates from his being, as well as a subtle air of anger and resentment from his situation, but it's all very real, which makes the relationship between Kestrel and Arin that much stronger. 

Though I felt that the setup of The Winner's Curse took time at the start, the novel picks up speed toward the latter half, and we're offered a painstakingly beautiful novel that will inevitably have your heart in the end, as well. I give this book a 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy historical fantasy and well-crafted world building.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

25 comments:

  1. I'm so excited to read this when it comes out in a couple of weeks, Melissa. I'm a huge fan of YA historicals and this sounds like it's so well-written. Your description of the romance has me itching for this book.
    Lovely review, Melissa! I can't wait! :)

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    1. This is absolutely well done, Nick. It's historical fantasy, but it's entirely self-contained, which makes it all the more interesting! I sure hope you love it, too!

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  2. YAY!!!!! I'm so glad you loved this one too Melissa! I agree completely on the romance, the fact that it took a while to develop was one of my favorite aspects. This was a bond that needed time to form, for each of them to see that the other isn't exactly what they thought they were. I just adored the two of them and am currently dying because we have to wait so long for the rest of their story. *sobs* Gorgeous review my friend!

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    1. Thank you, Jenny! OMG I was SO scared I wasn't going to love it - thank goodness I did!

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  3. Phew, I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Melissa! It seems almost too good to be true that there isn't a single negative review of this book to be found, which makes me both excited and nervous for its release. I can't wait to read this romance which seems to be all kinds of swoon and knowing how much I love world-building, I have a feeling this novel will stick with me. Beautiful review, Melissa!

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    1. Keertana, this is exactly the kind of book I think you'd like. The setup and the characters are just so well done. I can't wait to see what you think of it!

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  4. Have your heart, indeed. I read this one super early because I am always affected negatively by hype and buzz and I wanted to get ahead of it and MAN did I love it. I can't wait for the rest of the world to get in on it and then to reread it before the next installment. THIS is what I love about fantasy books and WOW THAT COVER. Just gorgeous. So glad you enjoyed this one!

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    1. It's an AMAZING book. You will absolutely love it, Asheley!

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  5. I HIGHLY enjoyed this story and, like you, loved how the romance evolved into a strong bond and love.

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    1. I agree, Mary. It was a subtle but powerful shift that I actually felt was tangible and real. Loved it :)

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  6. Fantastic review, Melissa! I love a romance that blooms slowly, so this sounds right up my alley. Plus, you say that it's painstakingly beautiful?! You have me so excited to read this one. I can't wait.

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    1. It is absolutely stunning. I really hope you love it as much as I did, Christina! I think it's right up there with my favourites of 2014!

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  7. Ooh-review twins! I really enjoyed this book too-the romance was so well-done and almost unexpected even because who expects the mistress and the slave? Plus I knew they had so many obstacles in between them and a HEA.

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  8. This novel was so vivid and lovely - your description of the romance is spot on. The story definitely took some time to get going, but it was worth it in the end.

    Fabulous review, Melissa!

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  9. Yay! I keep hearing good things about the Winner's curse and it's making me more excited to read it for myself! Thankfully it's coming out soon and I don't have to wait that long anymore to read it.

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  10. There's so much hype surrounding this one, I'm not only excited to read it but also nervous. I hope I'll enjoy it as much as everybody else. This was a wonderful review, it really gave me a deeper insight into the book. :)

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  11. Awesome. So happy to see a book live up to the hype. It's rare. I have an early copy of this that I need to pick up. Unfortunately I have so many TBRs that I'm drowning in them and reading entirely different things instead.

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  12. Well I have yet to come across anyone that did not love this novel, and I have tried. But even the pickiest readers have had nothing but good things, great things to say. And I know what you mean about the hype, sometimes they just don't live up to it. But I'm glad to know this one did. Since I seem to be the only one in the universe that didn't get an arc or request one, I have mine preordered. :)

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  13. I am seeing this book everywhere which just makes me want it so terribly. I am so delighted to hear that the romance was gradual--because I it when that happens. I like the sound of this MC as well!

    Great review, Melissa! <33

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  14. Everyone seems to be loving this book and I'll have to get a copy for myself! I love great world building and the fact that this is historical romance instead of another NA, contemporary or dystopian. I just love the way you put the romance "the romance blooms slowly and carefully, unfurling like the petals of a rose" that's poetic justice right there. Lovely review Mel!

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  15. Woohoo! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it! I just reviewed it yesterday, and every positive review it gets makes me so happy. And yes, the hype scared me too, but I'm glad it lives up to it. I also agree on the slow beginning. But it was worth it! Lovely review, Melissa :)

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  16. I am so excited to read this! I've been eagerly counting down the days until it releases, lol. The world sounds amazing, and so do the characters. Great review :)

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  17. I'm seriously excited to hear that you enjoyed THE WINNER'S CURSE! I've been hearing such rave reviews for it, but it's always better to hear from friends that it's good. I'm happy to hear that there's solid world-building, characters and story -- and eager to start it tonight!

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