The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

Contains mild spoilers for The Winner's Curse
The Winner's Crime
The Winner's Trilogy: Book Two
The Winner's Curse Review
Written by Marie Rutkoski
Fantasy, Dystopian
Expected Publication March 1st 2015
368 Pages
Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia
Add to Goodreads
Cover not final
Lady Kestrel's engagement to Valoria's crown prince calls for great celebration, balls and performances, fireworks and revelry. But to Kestrel it means a cage of her own making. Embedded in the imperial court as a spy, she lives and breathes deceit and cannot confide in the one person she really longs to trust...

While Arin fights to keep his country's freedom from the hands of his enemy, he suspects that Kestrel knows more than she shows. As Kestrel comes closer to uncovering a shocking secret, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth.

Lies will come undone, and Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them in this second book in the breathtaking Winner's trilogy.
It's been weeks since she had last seen Arin, when Kestrel had brought the freedom for his fellow Herrani and now is bound to Prince Verex, son of the Imperial Emperor and heir to the Valorian empire. The Emperor has heard the rumours, when lady Kestrel bought a slave and took him for her lover. Now he is pushing to set a date for the wedding, a political marriage to benefit the empire, in which Kestrel is expected to inherit.

Arin has been summoned by the Emperor to join the dignitaries celebrating the the pending nuptials, and reluctantly he and trusted adviser Tensen accept. But Arin is unaware at what cost Kestral is paying for his freedom. While she has been forbidden to converse with either of the Herrani, a prisoner is locked away within the walls of the palace and tortured, as a warning to keep Kestrel docile. 

Kestrel is torn between the society her father has helped shape and the injustice of the Herrani livelihood at the hands of the Valorian empire, while Arin is determined to uncover what she is hiding. Threatened with treason and tormented with the promise of ruling the empire, Kestral will need to choose her fate. Fight for the enslaved or live a life that's not her own.

My Thoughts


The Winner's Crime is nothing short of breathtaking. Following the points of view of both Kestrel and Arin, the storyline begins shortly after Kestrel had negotiated freedom for Arin and the Herrani, but at what cost. She is now betrothed to a man she barely tolerates, and is due to marry into a family she utterly despises. Lavish parties and luxurious gowns do little to hide her inner turmoil, she still pines for Arin and is left feeling broken and despondent. Unlike The Winner's Curse, Kestrel is far from confident and is torn between the plight of the Herrani and her loyalty to the Valorians. But underneath the public facade, she's beginning to see how the political ramifications of her decision may lead to being branded treasonous, and uses her cunning to unravel the Emperor's domination.

Arin is leading his people into a new era. They've reclaimed their homes, and are expecting to trade with the Valorian Emperor. But they have no intention of honouring their agreement and still see the Herrani as merely slaves who may have claimed victory, but are a long way from winning the war.
"If you won't be my friend, you'll regret being my enemy."
The relationship between Kestrel and Arin is intense and simmering beneath the surface, but both seemingly uncertain whether the other can be trusted. I admired how the parameters of their relationship changed, although society still sees the Herrani as nothing more than servants, Kestrel treats Arin as her equal. The few all too brief stolen moments were passionate and heated, as Kestrel has been forbade to see Arin or associate with the Herrani by the Emperor.

Where The Winner's Curse was based on war, rebellion and a slow burning romance, the Winner's Crime is an intellectual read that allows for greater character development and depth. Kestrel wasn't expected to charge into every situation with guns blazing, and it demonstrated a more methodological and calculating side of Kestrel that I absolutely adored. Arin is now a leader among men, remaining detached and reserved while feeling betrayed by Kestrel, unbeknownst to her sacrifice for he and his kin. I enjoyed the slower paced storyline, it allowed for a greater insight into the characters and painted a vivid picture of the world in which they battle for supremacy.

Marie Rutkoski weaves an incredible storyline of passion and beauty, leaving you breathless and spellbound. A heart stopping conclusion is ensuring an epic series finale. That ending. Not for the faint of heart.
Thank you to the publisher who provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

27 comments

  1. So im going to have to admit to only skimming your review because ive got a copy of this one too that im dying to read but I just haven't prepared enough mentally and emotionally for it. I love that you loved this one and I cant wait to read it myself :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't wait to see what you think of it Lily. It had a much slower and softer feel than the original and Kestrel is more methodical and sneaky. The ending will just about kill you though and the wait for book three is so incredibly long!

      Delete
  2. I just skimmed because I haven't read the first book. I really want to though because I've heard great things. I'm glad to see that you loved the second one too!!

    -Lauren

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The first one is absolutely phenomenal. Probably the closest to perfect that young adult is actually. While this one is equally as incredibly, it's far more subdued and focuses more on the intellect and planning of political war, rather than rushing in all guns blazing. I'm really looking forward to seeing what you think of it Lauren.

      Delete
  3. This just sounds fantastic, Kel! Thank you for a wonderful review. :) I have a copy of this one myself, but I'm trying to hold of reading it until next year at least. I thoroughly enjoyed The Winner's Curse, thought not as much as other people did. From what I've read here, I think I'm going to enjoy this one even more. Glad this one lived up to your expectations. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did like The Winner's Curse more, but I'm completely in love with this series. It's honestly just perfection. So beautifully written and magical. I'd hold off until book three is closer to being released, or you'll have a hard time waiting after the cliffhanger. Boy, it's a doozy!

      Delete
  4. This book is one of my most anticipated for 2015. I'm glad that it's business as usual following the events of The Winner's Curse. Though I'm definitely not looking forward to that ending. Oh I don't think my heart can take it. Lol.

    Great review, Kelly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a lot slower paced than The Winner's Curse, but allows for greater character development. It actually threatened to turn into The Selection at one point, with all the ball gowns and snooty royalty, but was so thankful she reigned it in. That would have become uncomfortable really quickly.

      Delete
  5. It's so good to hear that this one is as good as (or even better than) the first! I can't wait to read this, it's definitely one of the most that I am most looking forward to next year. Thanks for sharing a brilliant review Kelly :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Poppet.

      I just don't know how I'll cope with the wait to find out what the finale brings now. I'm going to check out her other titles in the meantime and hope to surround myself with awesome books. I just can't stop thinking about that ending!

      Delete
  6. You know, I can't believe I still haven't read the first in this series! I think maybe I've been putting it off because I keep hearing such mixed things about it. But I guess I'm never going to know whether I like the books until I actually read them. The covers are simply gorgeous, though, so I need to bump the first one up my TBR list. I'm glad you enjoyed this one! Fantastic review. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mixed things? Clearly they're totally bonkers and you should pay no attention to those horrid, horrid people. It's absolutely brilliant. You know when you've just read a book that's just so perfect that you can find faults? Me either until I read The Winner's Curse. It's the closest to perfection that I've seen. The writing! Oh, I can't wait for you to read it Kara, you won't be disappointed.

      Delete
  7. I can't wait until I can get my hands on this book! I loved The Winner's Curse so much and I'm glad you loved this one as well. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's on Netgalley Laura. Go, go now! You need this in your life, I totally insist.
      Otherwise I shall nag you until you request it. I need someone to talk to about that ending.

      Ohhhh, the ENDING!

      Delete
  8. I am getting really excited about this book! I was going to download it off NetGalley except I think I'll hold off for now because I'll have to wait even LONGER for the next instalment.

    Lovely review, Kels <33

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I couldn't wait. I seen Bloomsbury Tweet out the announcement and I couldn't click quick enough. It's worth it, oh how I love this series! Going to preorder the paperback tomorrow as well if it's available yet, this is one series that I'll end up reading again and again.

      Delete
  9. I loves The Winner's Curse so much and I can't wait to read more of Kestrel and Arin! I'm glad you like this one, though I'm still scared it might not live up with my expectations!

    Algel @ Tea-rrific Reads

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It isn't as strong as book one, more subdued really. But more intellectual and passionate. The scenes between Kestrel and Arin are electric! It's actually up on Netgalley, the only downside is the long wait until book three now. It may just end me.

      Thanks for stopping by Algel.

      Delete
  10. Wow 5 stars! I am so excited to read this! I absolutely love The Winner's Curse espeially the god of lies ♥♥ So glad you really liked this! Character development is very important and I am glad that this book has it! Looking forward :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And the romance is really intense, Arin! If you didn't swoon through The Winner's Curse, you certainly will now. I loved the slow intense burn. Can't wait for you to read this one Abby.

      Delete
  11. Initially, I wasn't planning on continuing this series. But then I saw your 5 stars. And then, the review. And I must admit I am a little excited to read this one now! Definitely picking this up once it gets published. Wonderful, convincing review as always, Kelly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You didn't enjoy The Winner's Curse? Oh no! I thought it was phenomenal and was tempted even to reread as soon as I finished. This one is more subtle, but allows you to see the softer and more vulnerable side of both Kestrel and Arin. A different pace, but still so incredibly lovely.

      Delete
  12. I am so excited for this book! I loved The Winner's Curse and I can't wait for the second book!! I can't believe it doesn't come out until March! Thanks for this review! I keep looking at where I can get an ARC but I think I'll have to wait until March! I love their relationship and am super excited to see where it goes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's available on Netgalley at the moment, but think the publisher is restricting it to UK and Australian reviewers sadly. I couldn't wait, I absolutely loved The Winner's Curse too. It's one of those books that I recommend to everyone who'll listen.

      Delete
  13. Woah, this sounds like it totally develops the characters and their romance even further than the first one, which is fantastic! That is so awesome you got to review this early Kelly. I can't wait to read it now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a slower and more methodical storyline that really allowed the characters to find their own feet as well. Just superb!

      Delete
  14. HERE I AM, I'VE RUN BACK SO I CAN READ YOUR BRILLIANT THOUGHTS!

    And you are so right! It was slower paced but it was brilliantly insightful and the character development was breathtaking. The sequel blew my expectations out of the water, to be honest. And I love the prince. He reminds me of a puppy. Which is hilarious considering he has as weak spot for that puppy. Fantastic review, Kelly! I'm in awe of your ability to gush in such a concise manner <3

    ReplyDelete

© Diva Booknerd. Design by Fearne.