I used to adore fantasy novels set in worlds like this one, but this is the first I've been able to really get into in a while. Though romance is what drives this book, the characters are very convincing and intriguing.

This book is set in a historical age where two houses seem to have been warring for a while. The Valorians overthrew the Herrani about ten years ago, but kept the Herrani as slaves. I found the houses to be intriguing--more so the Valorians who had a rather distinct personality and a lot of pride.

The beginning felt a little plotted, but later we see how it actually was plotted and as such became forgivable. There were quite a few intricacies working together under the plot, and I enjoyed how this wasn't a simple romance with a girl falling for her slave, but instead was much more complex.

I was a little confused as to how the city fit into the empire as this could raise a few plot holes in regards to the ending--I'd have liked to see more world building as the houses themselves were so fascinating.

I ship Arin and Kestrel so so hard, but it was quite apparent that no relationship could form easily between them. I admire the author for keeping this book plot oriented and not letting romance make it unbelievable.

It was also great that Kestrel was expected to be a soldier. I mean, what? She's not supposed to be a princess? Brilliant! Though I do love my fantasy books where girls disguise themselves as boys to train as knights, it was very refreshing to see a society where gender is irrelevant.

I feel like reading the second might hurt my soul as the final book hasn't been released yet, but there's no way I'm waiting to see what happens next!
( )

I think lately we have forgotten that a strong female character doesn't just mean that she can physically kick a lot of ass. We have a tendency to paste a label of 'damsel' on any woman who can't fight and kill men 3X they're size. We forget that intellect, being true to yourself, knowing your limitations and making difficult choices in difficult situations is also incredibly strong .

I loved Kestrel for all these reasons. In a world where you must enlist or you wed Kestrel is a generals daughter who lacks skill in combat. She prefers music and intellectual games, music which is deemed for slaves not for any high born. She is a master in planning and can easily plan how to win a battle but the battle itself is just not for her. I cannot stress how much I love this. I love diverse characters but especially diverse women. Men have owned stories for a lifetime and it is now that women get to really shine. Kestrel was beautifully written with a realism to her that made me connect. She was never written in a light of perfection, she knows her flaws but she also knows her own strengths. I think most of my love for this book comes from Kestrel's character (not saying the rest wasn't any good but she shined and I wanted more and more and more of her).

Arin was a Herrani slave bought by Kestrel in a moment of weakness to his defiant eyes. He has a mysterious background that I hope we learn more of in the forthcoming books, we got a bit but I want it all. I have back and forth feelings for Arin, on the one hand I completely understand his actions and his hatred is completely valid but on the other hand he endangers Kestrel and dude, not cool.

Overall, I really adored 'The Winner's Curse'. I was really nervous going into it because it's gotten SUCH rave reviews but to me it really lived up to them. It was so beautiful and gorgeous. It sucked me in and I hadn't even realized it. I know zero bookstores in my city have it and if it's the same for you- order it. I really don't think you'll regret it. ( )

4.5.
When I started this I want sure it would be my kind of story but before I knew it I was hooked.
Great characters, good story, good writing, intriguing love story. I want to see how it could evolve in the next installment. ( )

Solid YA fantasy (really a romantic pseudo fantasy-- there's a TV Tropes page for that now). The writing is beyond excellent for the genre. The slavery is more of an obstacle to the forbidden romance rather than treated as an actual issue, but I suspect this will change in the next book. ( )

Actual rating 4.5
There's not much to be said that hasn't already been mentioned, so I'll just give you reasons to why you need to read the winners curse.
One Krestel-she's a kick-ass heroine
Two the plot-Historical fantasy with mystery? Usually not my thing, but this worked.
Three Arin-I just can't. I mean the end. Those who read it know what I'm talking about.
Four-The writing. I really liked the writing style for this one!
Five the cover- This is seriously one of my all time favorite covers. I would definitely buy this book based off its cover. Its just gorgeous. So strokeable. *ahem* moving on.
On the other hand, things I didn't care for as much-
The pacing- I thought it dragged in the beginning, but it really picked up near the end.
The cliffhanger- asdfghjkl. I just can't.

Overall though, the winners curse is definitely a must read with its suspense, action, magic, and romance. ( )