Winning what you want may cost you everything you love…

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.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

ebook, 355 pages

Published March 4th 2014 by Farrar Straus Giroux

ISBN 0374384681 (ISBN13: 9780374384685)

While out shopping in the village, Kestrel decides to attend the slave auction and spontaneously decides to bid on one of the slaves. Kestrel is not in need of a new slave, but there is something about this boy she can’t pass up. Kestrel’s at time in her life when she must chose between joining the army or getting married, and she’s torn between the two. She cannot physically fight well and yet she’s not ready for marriage. As time passes, the slave becomes an unexpected shoulder to lean on. There is something about this boy that is not like the others.

Kestrel’s father is the general and travels a lot. When he is home, he really pressures Kestrel to make a decision. There is a rumble of discontentment among the village people and when the General has to leave for his next trip the rumblings get worse. As the tension begins to grow at home, Kestrel has to be level headed and show strength to her people.

But her friendship with Arin – the slave – becomes centre stage. The rumours grow, and he’s given more access to the mansion.

I love stories with a strong female lead. At times Kestrel shows us weakness and naivety, yet she really grows throughout this story. Even at the end, I was a little torn between which side to root for, and I kind of loved that. It really gives you a look at both sides of the story through Kestrel and Arin. Although there is some connection between the two, as they get to know each other, it’s the friendship and not the romance that takes the major role.

I am excited to see where the story goes next in The Winners Crime. I recommend this series to fantasy fans who enjoy politics, war, and the lives of those stuck in between.