The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a novel set in an alternate world where the Valorians have conquered and enslaved the Herrani. The story revolves around Kestrel, the Valorians general's daughter, and her slave, Arin, as they navigate a growing bond amidst secrets and betrayal. The plot centers around a secret plan and uprising of slaves, with elements of politics, intrigue, and secrets intertwined with a slow-burning development and lush depictions of society life and the harsh realities of slavery.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of Slavery, War, and emotional distress due to betrayals and violent actions.
Has Romance?
The novel contains a high level of romance, with a central focus on the relationship between Kestrel and Arin.
From The Publisher:
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Winning what you want may cost you everything you love
They were never meant to be together. As a general's daughter, seventeen-year-old Kestrel enjoys an extravagant and privileged life. Arin has nothing but the clothes on his back. Then Kestrel makes an impulsive decision that binds Arin to her. Though they try to fight it, they can't help but fall in love. In order to be together, they must betray their people . . . but to be loyal to their country, they must betray each other. Set in a new world, The Winner's Curse is a story of rebellion, duels, ballroom dances, wicked rumors, dirty secrets, and games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.
Ratings (63)
Incredible (13) | |
Loved It (15) | |
Liked It (16) | |
It Was OK (14) | |
Did Not Like (5) |
Reader Stats (190):
Read It (69) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (77) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (41) |
2 comment(s)
“The Winner’s Curse is when you come out on top of the bid, but only by paying a steep price.”
Ho letto questo romanzo in due giorni. Due giorni solo perché dovevo studiare, andare all'università e fare gli allenamenti di pallavolo, altrimenti l'avrei letto in meno di 24h.
Infatti, mi ha completamente scombussolata.
Ho avvertito le stesse emozioni, delusioni, gioie, speranze e disperazione dei personaggi come se le stessi provando io. The Winner's Curse non è semplicemente la storia di un ragazzo e di una ragazza che provano dei sentimenti l'uno per l'altra e non possono stare insieme. E' una storia di guerra, di sentimento di appartenenza, di fedeltà alle proprie, di coraggio, di strategia, di amore, di passione, di amicizia, di duelli e di gossip. Qualcuno potrebbe associarla alla nota opera di Shakespeare Romeo e Giulietta, ma secondo me è molto di più. I due personaggi lottano per il proprio popolo, per le proprie vite e per quelle delle persone a loro più care, spesso anche a danno dell'altro. Quanto può essere forte un sentimento? Può superare il bene che si vuole al proprio popolo e ai propri ideali? Chi abbiamo intenzione di diventare? Cosa vogliamo dalla nostra vita? E' giusto considerare solo le proprie verità e non anche quelle degli altri?
“He knew the law of such things: people in brightly
lit places cannot see into the dark.“
Per leggere la mia recensione completa, venite sul nostro blog: www.thewanderingofreaders.blogspot.com
After reading this book, I debated for a while as to whether I would rate it 3 or four stars. I finally decided on four stars because of a few reasons.
While there wasn't nearly enough action in this book for my taste, I think the next book in the series will probably pick up the pace enough to make up for the lack of excitement in this one. I think this series has the potential to be one of my favorites, but I'll have to see how everything goes as the story progresses.
The characters were unique and interesting, and the storyline, while admittedly not the most original, didn't drag on.
What can you read after
The Winner's Curse?
About the Author:
Marie Rutkoski is the author of The Shadow Society and the Kronos Chronicles, which includes The Cabinet of Wonders. She is a professor at Brooklyn College and lives in New York City.
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