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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Che finale bellissimo!
vedere arin e kestrel insieme e felici dopo tutto quello che hanno passato è una gioia grandissima. Mi mancheranno da morire.
vedere arin e kestrel insieme e felici dopo tutto quello che hanno passato è una gioia grandissima. Mi mancheranno da morire.
Good ending to the series! This was light and easy to read. I really enjoyed this trilogy.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
“You don’t need to be gifted with a blade. You are your own best weapon.”
Fantastic conclusion! I still love Kestral’s mind and how she thinks through what are really puzzles. The quote above was from Risha to Kestral and I think it sums up this series nicely. Weakest in physical strength but strong in strategy. While so much went wrong, all her efforts were not in vain. Roshar is one of my new favorite side characters. His brazen comments and snark frequently made me laugh. Arin’s patience, restraint and love were so romantic and then so satisfying when, finally, all is resolved.
Romantic Content: Fade to Black
Fantastic conclusion! I still love Kestral’s mind and how she thinks through what are really puzzles. The quote above was from Risha to Kestral and I think it sums up this series nicely. Weakest in physical strength but strong in strategy. While so much went wrong, all her efforts were not in vain. Roshar is one of my new favorite side characters. His brazen comments and snark frequently made me laugh. Arin’s patience, restraint and love were so romantic and then so satisfying when, finally, all is resolved.
Romantic Content: Fade to Black
this book was so clever and witty and sexy and passionate and romantic yet heart breaking but beautiful and fast paced and amazing and driven.
the characters were flawed, but so so so lovable and admirable and I loved them so much.
the plot and the dialogue were fabulous and I laughed out loud multiple times because of Roshar. I could never guess where he plot was going or what game Kestrel had in mind, but I enjoyed it. I never wanted the story to end, although I loved the ending with Arin and Kestrel finally singing and playing piano together. Such a beautiful scene and image to leave the reader with.
Roshar' character development began towards the end of the winner's crime. he and Arin were already friends, but seeing the teasing nature and compassion between them that developed during this book made me so happy. it make me laugh, and I reared up when he had to leave. considering that he is gay, when I first read that I thought maybe he fell in love with Arin (how could you not?) but after that point it became obvious they were friends. Not only did we see that friendship, but the one that developed between Kestrel and Roshar, while not as funny or brotp-y, it was just as fun and exciting to read.
Arin's character I felt kept the roots of his character from the early books, but he did change. He fully accepted that he was blessed by the god of death, and embraced it. which I loved. His compassion and willingness to trust could be a weakness, but like Kestroe and Roshar said, then it wouldn't be him. Seeing how he wanted to protect Kestrel and keep her in safety, worried me at times, BUT he did let her go. he let her because he knew he'd loose her if he didn't let her go. and Kestrel made a great point that she worried about him constantly and he could worry about her too. Arin still possessed a sort of confidence, but his vulnerable side was much more exposed, especially when it came to Kestrel. I loved that. I loved how he opened himself up to her, especially when she didn't exactly remember everything.
Kestrel's character changed the most, but her arc was beautiful. I loved seeing her grow to trust Sardine and Arin and Roshar. I loved that she grew close to Sardine first because I love female friendships and their friendship was beautiful and Sarsine's reaction when Kestrel finally came back home was priceless. I have good images of them talking about everything that happened. As I said earlier I loved the friendship between Roshar and Kestrel and how she always beat him at games. The most challenging thing to read was the relationship development of Arin and Kestrel. No matter how painful it was to read and experience, it felt real. It developed correctly and was rushed. I loved the scene where she saw Arin almost die and she brought him to safety and the scene when he woke up. BEAUTIFUL. It was so nice to read about them after that, and I loved it. They care SO MUCH for each other, and I love it so so so much that Arin made a wedding ring for her and that she wants to make HIM ONE. :''')
the last scene was such a good scene to end on. would I have loved to had more of it? hell yes. but I'm glad of the image it left in my mind, and i loved that we got as much of a ribbon to tie the box as we did. HOWEVER i still want a novella of their wedding, wedding night, and Roshar's commentary on both. XD
the characters were flawed, but so so so lovable and admirable and I loved them so much.
the plot and the dialogue were fabulous and I laughed out loud multiple times because of Roshar. I could never guess where he plot was going or what game Kestrel had in mind, but I enjoyed it. I never wanted the story to end, although I loved the ending with Arin and Kestrel finally singing and playing piano together. Such a beautiful scene and image to leave the reader with.
Roshar' character development began towards the end of the winner's crime. he and Arin were already friends, but seeing the teasing nature and compassion between them that developed during this book made me so happy. it make me laugh, and I reared up when he had to leave. considering that he is gay, when I first read that I thought maybe he fell in love with Arin (how could you not?) but after that point it became obvious they were friends. Not only did we see that friendship, but the one that developed between Kestrel and Roshar, while not as funny or brotp-y, it was just as fun and exciting to read.
Arin's character I felt kept the roots of his character from the early books, but he did change. He fully accepted that he was blessed by the god of death, and embraced it. which I loved. His compassion and willingness to trust could be a weakness, but like Kestroe and Roshar said, then it wouldn't be him. Seeing how he wanted to protect Kestrel and keep her in safety, worried me at times, BUT he did let her go. he let her because he knew he'd loose her if he didn't let her go. and Kestrel made a great point that she worried about him constantly and he could worry about her too. Arin still possessed a sort of confidence, but his vulnerable side was much more exposed, especially when it came to Kestrel. I loved that. I loved how he opened himself up to her, especially when she didn't exactly remember everything.
Kestrel's character changed the most, but her arc was beautiful. I loved seeing her grow to trust Sardine and Arin and Roshar. I loved that she grew close to Sardine first because I love female friendships and their friendship was beautiful and Sarsine's reaction when Kestrel finally came back home was priceless. I have good images of them talking about everything that happened. As I said earlier I loved the friendship between Roshar and Kestrel and how she always beat him at games. The most challenging thing to read was the relationship development of Arin and Kestrel. No matter how painful it was to read and experience, it felt real. It developed correctly and was rushed. I loved the scene where she saw Arin almost die and she brought him to safety and the scene when he woke up. BEAUTIFUL. It was so nice to read about them after that, and I loved it. They care SO MUCH for each other, and I love it so so so much that Arin made a wedding ring for her and that she wants to make HIM ONE. :''')
the last scene was such a good scene to end on. would I have loved to had more of it? hell yes. but I'm glad of the image it left in my mind, and i loved that we got as much of a ribbon to tie the box as we did. HOWEVER i still want a novella of their wedding, wedding night, and Roshar's commentary on both. XD
Empieza super lento y fueron 200 hojas de tortura hasta que comenzaron las estrategias de guerra xD
*4.5 stars
I did a review on my blog!Check it out to hear my thoughts: http://aideensbookobsession.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-winners-kiss-by-marie-rutkoski.html
I did a review on my blog!Check it out to hear my thoughts: http://aideensbookobsession.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-winners-kiss-by-marie-rutkoski.html
Libby/audio
I have to give this series credit for being a YA political fantasy in a time when Dystopia was the it thing. That said, this series has a lot of elements that seem to pop up out of nowhere. The first book was my favorite of the bunch. (It's simply an average series though). The end of the second book intrigued me, and this book starts out where that one left off.
Kestrel is hauled off to a prison camp. Im not sure what they are mining, but poisons are used to docile the prisoners. They work incredibly well. They are hinted at in book two in a minor role. (but in later events, I'm surprised they are not utilized. (Ie: the betrayal of the general against Kestrel, why doesn't the Emperor use it on his son, Kestrel? My only guess is that they die eventually.)
She is eventually rescued after a frankly laughable delay by Arin, but has memory loss. I enjoyed the journey back between them. And her journey to gaining her memory back.
But this brings me to a gripe i had with this book. Arin in the last book, while held prisoner in the Eastern (hostile) land kisses the Queen. At this point, Kestrel spent the entirety of last book engaged to the Prince, and repeatedly insulted/rejected him (Arin) through until the very end. He has the impression that she wants nothing to do with him. Obviously we know this is mostly untrue, and that they both obviously love each other, and she has no choice but to lie.
Needless to say, he loves her, so after this kiss, where he is trying very hard to pretend the Queen is Kestrel(and i would argue the queen is actually the aggressor/power player here) he stops it, and goes off to win a war. Circling back, he kisses this lady. Okay. That sucks. He feels guilty and he confesses. Kestrel also kissed the prince in the last book, i believe. She has no guilt. (Book 2 particularly suffers a lot on miscommunication) Anyway(sorry, squirrel! ) my point is that in this book Arin is constantly bending over backward/walking on eggshells and apologizing to Kestrel. This isn't the only subject he acts this way about. It's constant. He is always subservient to her. Let's not forget that this series starts out with him being purchased by her as her slave.
It's not that i have a problem with his attitude per se. But she is actually the one who lied, who hides things, who keeps secrets, who betrays people, who sneaks off and puts herself in danger (and has to be rescued), who makes mistakes that get people hurt, who refuses to risk herself/her feelings/her heart for Arin. She is wrong most of the time. She never apologizes or grovels. It's really irritating.
Then we have this weird god touched/god of death element that comes out of nowhere. It's convenient. For sure.
Kestrel fights in some battles, i suppose that could have been worse, considering her history and her refusal to learn to fight in book one. She does win more often than it feels like she should, but she doesn't magically know how to do a lot more than before, I suppose. Also, Arin somehow is a bit magical in his warrior fighting skills, so idk, it's just odd all around i guess.
The story i believe is written in 3rd person(i may be wrong-but it isn't 1st person) which makes the story ping pong between characters, and though that tension can be exhilarating at times, it really prevented me from being highly attached to these characters.
The best i can say is the series is okay. I don't love the world or the final outcome. I liked this book more than the second, the second left me feeling icky and uneasy, and this one at least brings the MCs back together, and moving together toward the climax. It has more action. It still left me feeling unsatisfied ultimately, and many aspects are kind of dropped. (The drugs/god-touched) i still have questions, but thankfully this is the final book, and i can move on with my life.
Overall, i guess it wasn't for me.
I have to give this series credit for being a YA political fantasy in a time when Dystopia was the it thing. That said, this series has a lot of elements that seem to pop up out of nowhere. The first book was my favorite of the bunch. (It's simply an average series though). The end of the second book intrigued me, and this book starts out where that one left off.
Kestrel is hauled off to a prison camp. Im not sure what they are mining, but poisons are used to docile the prisoners. They work incredibly well. They are hinted at in book two in a minor role. (but in later events, I'm surprised they are not utilized. (Ie: the betrayal of the general against Kestrel, why doesn't the Emperor use it on his son, Kestrel? My only guess is that they die eventually.)
She is eventually rescued after a frankly laughable delay by Arin, but has memory loss. I enjoyed the journey back between them. And her journey to gaining her memory back.
But this brings me to a gripe i had with this book. Arin in the last book, while held prisoner in the Eastern (hostile) land kisses the Queen. At this point, Kestrel spent the entirety of last book engaged to the Prince, and repeatedly insulted/rejected him (Arin) through until the very end. He has the impression that she wants nothing to do with him. Obviously we know this is mostly untrue, and that they both obviously love each other, and she has no choice but to lie.
Needless to say, he loves her, so after this kiss, where he is trying very hard to pretend the Queen is Kestrel(and i would argue the queen is actually the aggressor/power player here) he stops it, and goes off to win a war. Circling back, he kisses this lady. Okay. That sucks. He feels guilty and he confesses. Kestrel also kissed the prince in the last book, i believe. She has no guilt. (Book 2 particularly suffers a lot on miscommunication) Anyway(sorry, squirrel! ) my point is that in this book Arin is constantly bending over backward/walking on eggshells and apologizing to Kestrel. This isn't the only subject he acts this way about. It's constant. He is always subservient to her. Let's not forget that this series starts out with him being purchased by her as her slave.
It's not that i have a problem with his attitude per se. But she is actually the one who lied, who hides things, who keeps secrets, who betrays people, who sneaks off and puts herself in danger (and has to be rescued), who makes mistakes that get people hurt, who refuses to risk herself/her feelings/her heart for Arin. She is wrong most of the time. She never apologizes or grovels. It's really irritating.
Then we have this weird god touched/god of death element that comes out of nowhere. It's convenient. For sure.
Kestrel fights in some battles, i suppose that could have been worse, considering her history and her refusal to learn to fight in book one. She does win more often than it feels like she should, but she doesn't magically know how to do a lot more than before, I suppose. Also, Arin somehow is a bit magical in his warrior fighting skills, so idk, it's just odd all around i guess.
The story i believe is written in 3rd person(i may be wrong-but it isn't 1st person) which makes the story ping pong between characters, and though that tension can be exhilarating at times, it really prevented me from being highly attached to these characters.
The best i can say is the series is okay. I don't love the world or the final outcome. I liked this book more than the second, the second left me feeling icky and uneasy, and this one at least brings the MCs back together, and moving together toward the climax. It has more action. It still left me feeling unsatisfied ultimately, and many aspects are kind of dropped. (The drugs/god-touched) i still have questions, but thankfully this is the final book, and i can move on with my life.
Overall, i guess it wasn't for me.
3/5stars
I definitely think this was an instance of "it's not the book - it's me."
I had been looking forward to this finale since I finished the second book last summer. I preordered it and began reading it the second I picked it up from my mailbox.
Unfortunately, I seem to be in a YA-reading slump. For months now, I haven't seemed to be able to read YA, and everytime I do I just can't seem to enjoy what I'm reading. I thought this book, because of my huge excitement and overall love for the series, would bring me out of this weird "not able to read young adult" funk I've been in - but it didn't.
This story was definitely interesting and I really loved the direction it went it.
The writing style was BEAUTIFUL, it flowed wonderfully and was even better than I remember the first two books being!
But, having to wait so long in between books made me forget MANY details, characters and events that happened earlier in the trilogy.
I was also unable to connect at all to any of the characters or their thoughts.
I do plan on giving this entire series a marathon-reread to fully enjoy it. But for now, I'm pretty "meh" about this last book.
I definitely think this was an instance of "it's not the book - it's me."
I had been looking forward to this finale since I finished the second book last summer. I preordered it and began reading it the second I picked it up from my mailbox.
Unfortunately, I seem to be in a YA-reading slump. For months now, I haven't seemed to be able to read YA, and everytime I do I just can't seem to enjoy what I'm reading. I thought this book, because of my huge excitement and overall love for the series, would bring me out of this weird "not able to read young adult" funk I've been in - but it didn't.
This story was definitely interesting and I really loved the direction it went it.
The writing style was BEAUTIFUL, it flowed wonderfully and was even better than I remember the first two books being!
But, having to wait so long in between books made me forget MANY details, characters and events that happened earlier in the trilogy.
I was also unable to connect at all to any of the characters or their thoughts.
I do plan on giving this entire series a marathon-reread to fully enjoy it. But for now, I'm pretty "meh" about this last book.