Review: The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski
Series: The Winner's Curse #2
Released: 12th March 2015
Published by: Bloomsbury
Genre: YA Historical/Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Pages: 400
My Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Goodreads | Bookworld | Book Depository

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.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

When it comes to a book like this - what can I say? It was amazing. The Winner's Crime is a must-read for fans of The Winner's Curse, with the same political intrigue, back-room deals and risky decisions. I found this an addictive read from start to finish, and now once again have been left with a need for the next book! 

The winner knows the whole line of play. But Kestrel saw only one move, and maybe the next.

All the politics from this novel's riveting predecessor come into full play in the story. The Herrani may have some more freedom, but nonetheless there are still many lives at risk as the Emperor wishes to maintain his absolute power. I love how the intricacies of the secrets and lies brewing beneath the surface of some of the most mysterious characters were revealed. There are so many tactics and conflicting motives which are so fascinating to read about. You can sense the drama all unfolding as each new development comes to light, and Kestrel is forced to choose between the duty to her father and the Valorians, and what she feels is actually right. 

There was dishonor, she decided, in accepting someone else's idea of honor without question.

Kestrel herself had to make some tough decisions in this story, and consider how her actions would have an immense impact on those around her, including the Herrani. While not all of her choices necessarily had the best outcome, it just goes to show the difficult situation she was in, playing the game required of her. I was once again drawn into the world which Marie Rutkoski had created, with the perfect balance between show-and-tell, with some rich imagery to accompany everything from Kestrel's opulent gowns to the castle's own secret passages.

Yes, stop playing Kestrel, she told herself. Clear the bets, clear the table. Walk away from the game. Now.

There was of course more to The Winner's Crime than just Kestrel though - let's not forget the other characters like Jess and Arin, who both had their own roles to play, along with some new additions. If you've read the first book, you'd know that the 'relationship' between Kestrel and Arin was already built with tension, and in this book there is even more ANGST. 

Yes, it is frustrating at times and it just felt like there were so many obstacles and moments which were emotionally charged. Getting to look at Arin's perspective in isolation as well as Kestrel's life and way of thinking was a great way of allowing us readers to understand the complexities of their relationship and the spark between them when together. I need book three for some closure on these two...

 

FINAL THOUGHTS


I was absolutely enthralled by The Winner's Crime, and didn't want it to end. Until the third book is released, I'll be waiting on the edge of my seat to see what could possibly happen next. The foundations have once again been built upon to produce another stunning novel.

On another note - what cover do you prefer: the red one or the blue?