Reviews

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

sillylittlefishey's review against another edition

4.0

I actually liked a YA book ... #mindblown ... Can't wait to read the next installment, especially after that heartbreaking ending.

caitlinvt's review against another edition

4.0

3.75⭐️

shaykelsey_98's review against another edition

5.0

This book was amazing! Based on the synopsis I didn't think I would like this book but it is incredible! A must read for anyone who enjoys Dystopian novels.
One of my favourites.

lillyvaldimarsd's review against another edition

4.0

I'm kind of conflicted about this one. I liked it, I definitely didn't hate it, but I also didn't love it. I felt the characters were a bit underdeveloped and I had a hard time connecting with them. I agree with many that think they felt a bit distant, although I have a feeling this will improve as the series continues (I find that this frequently happens with YA fantasy series). The world building and the politics were interesting. This book is also unpredictable, I did not see any of the major events coming, which I consider a great feat by the author. I found the ending to be very satisfying and it was a large contributing factor in my decision to continue with the series. I have high expectation for the next books!

thea's review against another edition

4.0

this got me out of my book slump <3

charloreadsbooks's review against another edition

adventurous dark 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? Yes

3.75

barbarina's review against another edition

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

bola28's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful 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

4.5

delita's review against another edition

4.5

después de como cinco años, volvi a releerlo😭 estoy segura de que lo lei en el 2017, pero realmente no me acuerdo muy bien. necesitaba una lectura que me enganchara para volver a mi ritmo de lectura habitual, y cumplió. esta bueno volver a leer libros después de mucho tiempo, porque podes saber si te empiezan a gustar como antes o no, y este me volvió en encantar! así que nada, seguire con la trilogía 

cassiealexandra's review

4.75

This was recommended to me by several friends and they were right that it would suit my taste. It is a fast-paced adventurous story. I was immersed in the world and clashing cultures right away. The characters were complex, a bit angsty (but I expected this with young adult fiction), and grew over time. I appreciated Kestrel’s quick wit and cleverness. I also liked that the romance was slow to build and the “enemy” factor was actual, not imagined. When one’s entire people has been overpowered by another, there is a hatred that is undeniable. Somehow, Arin and Kestrel begin to see through the generalizations they held of Herrani and Valorians and cannot deny being drawn to one another. The twist at the end made me ready to pick up book two and see how/whether these main characters and their peoples can reconcile. If there was any disconnect for me, it was with the side characters and the history/worldbuilding. I found Kestrel’s best friend pretty unlikeable and also wanted a little more background on the empire’s history and Kestrel’s family dynamics. With two more books in the trilogy, I’m sure that can be delivered.

The bottom line: This is a great, truly YA fantasy with a romance subplot full of adventure, double-crossing, and interesting characters.

— NOTES —
Genres: YA, fantasy, adventure, romance
POV: third-person
Content: death, slavery, near-assault, on-page killing
Romance: kisses only

— MY RATING CONSIDERATIONS —
(all out of 5)
Pace: 5
Enjoyment: 5
Craft: 4.5
Gut: 4.5
Total: 4.75