The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Marie Rutkoski has stuffed The Winner’s Curse with all the necessary elements for the perfect YA book! Intriguing characters, enthralling settings, *almost* insurmountable odds with a hint of romance and a power shift/twist to keep things interesting.
We’re first introduced to the key players in a busy marketplace. Kestrel (daughter of Valorian army general Trajan) finishes gambling with sailors and is perusing market stalls with her flighty friend Jess. (Doesn’t every YA novel have the token airhead? This book is no exception.) Jess – staying true to character – accidentally leads her friend to a slave auction. Unable to leave without causing a scene Kestrel bids on a slave that catches her eye for exhibiting defiance which is a rare attribute amongst the Herrani slaves.
And thus begins a captivating tale of cunning tactics, societal unrest, land acquisition and political manipulation and scheming. Plus did I mention this book has a healthy dose of girl power? 3 hip, hip hoorays for Kestrel’s strength, intelligence and bravery in the midst of turmoil and chaos.
Thank goodness this is only the 1st of a 3 book series because I’ve fallen in love with the characters and can’t see what they do next!
Fans of the Waterfall series will be equally enchanted with this story!