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magencorrie's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
My thoughts:
I enjoyed the whole concept of this book, the winner’s curse, and how Marie took that saying and turned it into a very well developed story. Marie did an amazing job creating her world and her characters. She really developed and dove deep into creating a pure culture, one that has languages, a background, beliefs, and an intense history.
That is something I just love when reading a fantasy book. And, I feel, Marie did a wonderful job at creating and developing this fictional world. It didn’t feel like a fictional world, it felt like a real place with a long and intricate history.
The characters were another element that Marie developed well. Each one was unique and had specific roles to play. The main character, Kestrel, was well developed. She also came off as feeling original in her actions and her thoughts. She’s a very smart character, with a strategic mind. She’s also not much of a physical fighter, which I found refreshing. Instant she uses her wits and ability to read people to fight.
Throughout the book, I loved watching her develop and how she is. Though she didn't always make the right moves, Kestrel did everything she did to the best of her ability. And not only is she a brilliant young adult, she is a very kind and fair character. And, yes, she has her faults, but I definitely like her character.
Then there is Arin; a slave bought by Kestrel. But he isn't all that he seems. Though I can’t go into much detail about him and his role, I will say he is another brilliant and well written character. I loved learning about him and his past and who he is now. He definitely challenged Kestrel, in good ways of course. And he also showed multiply sides of himself. He’s a diverse character, but a kind, determined and fierce character as well.
There are quite a few side characters as well in the book. Each one was well written and each played their role in the story vividly. I just can't wait to see where the story is going to go and what is going to happen to all the characters!
The only thing I do wish there was more of was the romance factor (I’m such a romantic). The attraction between Kestrel and Arin was most definitely there. And I could feel it between the characters, it was; however, a slow building romance. Fiery, but a slow burn. The book focuses more on the culture and history – which isn't a bad thing and it was something I loved, but I wanted more scenes between Arin and Kestrel.
The Winner's Curse is a beautifully written and brilliantly crafted book. A lot does happen, but the pacing was just to my liking and nothing seemed to move or happen too fast. The building of the conflict felt real and intense. And this definitely isn't a light, sweet romantic read. It’s filled with politics, betrayals, lies, hope, love, and deception. And I could not get enough of it! I definitely recommend this intense Young Adult series!
My thoughts:
I enjoyed the whole concept of this book, the winner’s curse, and how Marie took that saying and turned it into a very well developed story. Marie did an amazing job creating her world and her characters. She really developed and dove deep into creating a pure culture, one that has languages, a background, beliefs, and an intense history.
That is something I just love when reading a fantasy book. And, I feel, Marie did a wonderful job at creating and developing this fictional world. It didn’t feel like a fictional world, it felt like a real place with a long and intricate history.
The characters were another element that Marie developed well. Each one was unique and had specific roles to play. The main character, Kestrel, was well developed. She also came off as feeling original in her actions and her thoughts. She’s a very smart character, with a strategic mind. She’s also not much of a physical fighter, which I found refreshing. Instant she uses her wits and ability to read people to fight.
Throughout the book, I loved watching her develop and how she is. Though she didn't always make the right moves, Kestrel did everything she did to the best of her ability. And not only is she a brilliant young adult, she is a very kind and fair character. And, yes, she has her faults, but I definitely like her character.
Then there is Arin; a slave bought by Kestrel. But he isn't all that he seems. Though I can’t go into much detail about him and his role, I will say he is another brilliant and well written character. I loved learning about him and his past and who he is now. He definitely challenged Kestrel, in good ways of course. And he also showed multiply sides of himself. He’s a diverse character, but a kind, determined and fierce character as well.
There are quite a few side characters as well in the book. Each one was well written and each played their role in the story vividly. I just can't wait to see where the story is going to go and what is going to happen to all the characters!
The only thing I do wish there was more of was the romance factor (I’m such a romantic). The attraction between Kestrel and Arin was most definitely there. And I could feel it between the characters, it was; however, a slow building romance. Fiery, but a slow burn. The book focuses more on the culture and history – which isn't a bad thing and it was something I loved, but I wanted more scenes between Arin and Kestrel.
The Winner's Curse is a beautifully written and brilliantly crafted book. A lot does happen, but the pacing was just to my liking and nothing seemed to move or happen too fast. The building of the conflict felt real and intense. And this definitely isn't a light, sweet romantic read. It’s filled with politics, betrayals, lies, hope, love, and deception. And I could not get enough of it! I definitely recommend this intense Young Adult series!
shadeslayer327's review against another edition
5.0
Nothing like listening to the audiobook for the second read through and finding out you pronounced half the names wrong. Like, Arin is (Are-in) not (Air-in). That one kind of hurt.
Also, still love this book ❤️
Also, still love this book ❤️
beatriceb_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and War
Minor: Sexual assault
abbycree's review against another edition
1.0
This was on so many booktok peoples lists for books they wish they could read for the first time again and I have no idea why. Truly couldnt tell you anything important that happened in this book I kept hoping it would get better but it was just like ok ?? and??? I dont understand the hype
louanne73's review against another edition
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
acel96's review against another edition
5.0
Arin broke my heart :( i'm not ready to read book2 yet even though the ending felt like a cliffhanger but still, i loved it, i loved every single page of this book. The last words Arin said to Kestrel made me scream mentally "You don't, Kestrel, even though the god of lies loves you." CRIEEEEEEEZ
abbyl819's review against another edition
4.0
While I did enjoy this book overall, I had quite a few problems with it. The first of these was the pacing of the book. In the beginning, it started off very slow, speed up a bit, became slow again, and then was super fast and rushed until it just ended. I felt like a lot of ideas and plot points were missed that could have been really interesting. I also didn't really enjoy the characters. Most of them were very static, but others, such as Kestrel and Arin, switched sides so often that I am still having difficulty figuring out which side they're truly on. I also thought that it was unrealistic that a Valorian like Kestrel would just surrender and help the enemy like she did for the Herrani without a clear cut plan that would go into affect soon after that would outweigh the damage she did. I really wished that Jess and Ronan had a bigger part in the book. They were presented as very close to the main character, only to be essentially dropped for the whole rest of the book after the ball. I think, given the opportunity, they could have been awesome characters and to wish that we would have seen more of them. Lastly, I didn't like the relationship between Kestrel and Arin. It seemed like it was very forced and very much so followed along the lines of the forbidden romance trope. They also both betrayed each other so many times that I found it hard to believe that anyone would have still trusted or liked the other.
dunder_mifflin's review against another edition
4.0
At first I was sure if I liked it, but I'd heard good things so I thought I'd keep reading so I could give it a chance. And I'm glad I did. It was different from a lot of other YA books I've read, and the characters are interesting. I can't wait to read the next one.
iorangi's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5