Title: The Winner's Kiss
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Series/Standalone: The Winner's Trilogy (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 484
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Year Published: 2016
Format: Physical paperback copy
First Line: "He told himself a story."
"Wishes don't win wars.
The empire is at war and a heartbroken Arin leads his people to battle. But, he can't forget Kestrel- or how she's betrayed him. Kestrel is a sly, ruthless killer, caring more for the goly of the empire than for the lives of innocent people- and certainly more than for him.
At least, that's what he thinks.
In the frozen north, Kestrel is sentenced to life imprisonment in a brutal work camp. As she searches desperately for an escape she wishes Arin could know what she sacrificed for him. She wishes she could make the empire pay for what they've done to her.
But no one gets what they want just by wishing.
High stakes, true love and the destiny of nations come together in a heart-pounding climax to the bestselling Winner's trilogy."
My Rating: 4.5/5
So I finally finished this series and was super nervous for all my fictional babies in this book and damn Marie Rutkoski she did not disappoint. I thought that this was a marvelous conclusion to a very interesting series. The political drama continued, the romance was still swoon worthy and the characters stayed true to who I remembered them to be. That being said, I did find that the beginning of this book seemed to drag a little. I found that it was taking a little to long to get to the pieces that I was hoping would happen and for that reason I knocked off half a star. I will say that the twists and turns in this book still managed to catch me completely off guard and I was ready for the worst at almost every moment.
Marie Rutkoski you've made me laugh, cry and sigh with this trilogy and when you write more books (which you have to) I will be in line to pick them up.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
What a good way to start the reading month! Boom! I was looking forward to wrapping up this trilogy but also nervous about all my fictional loves in this book. This series had a way of tearing the reader apart... in a good way. I loved the writing of the romance and the political drama. The characters and the interesting choices that the author made to set this book apart (a girl whose power lies in her smarts, having "savages" enslave the cultured society, etc). I really enjoyed the drama in the first two books and was a little disappointed how Kestrel chose to fight physically more in this book, although it made sense.
Characters:
Kestrel: So I thought for sure when she lost her memory I was gonna hate this book, I thought that the time in the mine was slow and while the dual perspectives kept me interested it was frustrating how long it took Arin to realize what the hell had happened. None the less, I think it really worked wonders for their relationship. I also mentioned how I was unsure when she kept using physical combat during the war, but in the end, she used her strategizing to win the war for everyone. Very impressed and love her to the end.
Arin: This guy gets me. He is hot and amazing and a martyr which for some reason gets me. I really thought that it was interesting to see how he kept Kestrel at a distance and while he was heart broken after she rescued him. I thought for sure he would throw a pity party but he was patient and got her to fall for him again. Ladies and gentleman, I fell with him. I would do literally anything for him.
Roshar: He is hilarious and wonderful. I did wonder about how he used his humour so much during the war, but he kept this story light and funny. It was great, I hope that he finds love in his lands with his freaking tiger.
Risha: What a badass.
The Emporer: Perfect ending for him. I loved it! I thought that it was incredible.
Verex: The fact that he still tried to help Kestrel, even after she was a "traitor". I hope that he finds happiness with Risha.
The General: He will learn to forgive himself and her, I'm sure.
The Queen: She thought she was so smart huh? You'd get the land if your brother owned it, but your brother is even smarter. So suck it! I'm not her biggest fan... obviously.
Moments to Remember:
There were alot I didn't mark so I'm just going to put the final line.... should I end this section???
Final Line: "'Play.'"
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
