The Winner's Curse

By: Marie Rutkoski

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

A Winning Story

This is a creative and intelligent story. I think it was well worth the credit and I am looking forward to the second book. Justine Eyre has a strange intonation to the voices; breathy with a weird uptake at the end of sentences. I could not stand it initially but grew used to it. There was definitive differentiation between character's voices though despite the strange speech pattern. It helps to keep the characters straight. Marie Rutkoski's characters are interesting and engaging. The story-line is not something I've read before so it is not predictable or boring.

Really liked the story

If you could sum up The Winner's Curse in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, compelling, new

What did you like best about this story?

I like the strong heroine. The plot is a change from a lot of the current YA but is still fast-paced and compelling. Very enjoyable and I can't wait for the next one.

Which character – as performed by Justine Eyre – was your favorite?

Justin Eyre is a great narrator and when looking for new books, if I am unsure whether to try it or not, I will definitely pick it up if I see her narrating.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

So Good, So Good

Great story, very well performed. I’ve read/listened to this series a few times now and love it every time!

Read this book.

I don't give 5 star reviews often. This book is great. The characters are textured, the heroine is intelligent, emotional and brave. I think that the discussion about slavery could have been developed more fully but was handled well. I bought the sequel before I finished the first book, so I'm committed!

performance was amazing

performance drew you in. the story is fast paced and no moment or word is wasted. I loved it.