I know it has been several months since I’ve written a genuinely fresh post on here, but I promise I’ll explain my absence soon. I’ve just been keeping afloat with with my evil child development class (there are no words) that ends this week–Yippee! So I’ll be back at the ol’ grind soon, folks! But in the meantime, I decided to write a review for a book I finished in December and absolutely adored, because I had to give my mind a little refresher before I start the sequel this week, since I’ll finally have time. If you’re interested in checking out similar reviews like this or just enjoy booky, fangirly goodness, be sure to check out my sister Katie’s blog “Books and Wonderful Things.” She recently did a cover reveal for “Winter” by Marissa Meyer, a book we have all been anticipating for over a year but that has been pushed back to a November release when it was supposed to come out last month. Oh, the torture! And I’m not even sure how I feel about the cover after the beauty that is “Cress.” Hmm. My opinion remains to be decided until November.
https://booksandwonderfulthings.wordpress.com/
The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
*************** A MILLION STARS!
Oh. My. Sweet. Goodness.
I go through phases where I’ll read through seven incredible books in a few short weeks and fall in love with reading all over again, like a rediscovery of my passion for words each time a new book is opened. And then the inevitable drought ensues, either brought about by several horribly disappointing books in a row (and I do not throw that label around lightly) or because there just have not been any new releases that I’m interested in. It’s like struggling through the sands of the desert and being unable to see water for miles and miles around. Just ugh. This depressing cycle of lacking reading material can be hard to break.… Unless, of course, a book comes along that blows me away and renews my fervor to read.
Well, I’m happy to say that “The Winner’s Curse” is such a book.
I couldn’t put it down! Rutkoski’s writing is beautiful and poetic, slightly reminiscent of Tahereh Mafi’s poetic monologues in her “Shatter Me” trilogy, but way, WAY better and less drawn out. Her style is so engaging and fluid, and the world development in this story is absolutely impressive and fantastic. Also, Rutkoski’s “resolution” to the problem in the story is gut-wrenching and wunderbar, because it completely sets up a fascinating situation and plot for the sequel, “The Winner’s Crime.” Bravo, author. Brav-o.
The characters are fantastic, and although Kestrel is a part of the group of haughty, wealthy elite in the novel, she has a truly kind heart and has enough facets to her that I feel every type of reader can find something to like about her. It was also wonderful to watch her grow and mature into a compassionate and understanding young woman in regards to Arin’s plight.
Oh, yes. Arin. *insert dreamy sigh* Yes, he vexed me and made me smile and caused me to laugh, and there also might have been a few tears shed for him at times (piano and cards and violin!). He just—I can’t—GAH! I love to read about the kinds of characters that act tough and strong-willed, and Arin is, but you know there is so much more to the story. But you’ll have to figure out exactly what that is for yourself (amazing plot twist!). Now, if you’ll please excuse me, I have to go read “The Winner’s Crime,” because I have waited FAR too long for it. Arin, baby, here I come!