| BOOK REVIEW | THE WINNER’S KISS BY MARIE RUTKOSKI

The Winner’s Kiss
Author : Marie Rutkoski
Series : The Winner’s trilogy
Genres : Fantasy, Young Adult
Publication : March 24th 2016 by Bloomsbury Children’s

Synopsis : War has begun. Arin is in the thick of it with untrustworthy new allies and the empire as his enemy. Though he has convinced himself that he no longer loves Kestrel, Arin hasn’t forgotten her, or how she became exactly the kind of person he has always despised. She cared more for the empire than she did for the lives of innocent people—and certainly more than she did for him.

At least, that’s what he thinks.

In the frozen north, Kestrel is a prisoner in a brutal work camp. As she searches desperately for a way to 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.

As the war intensifies, both Kestrel and Arin discover that the world is changing. The East is pitted against the West, and they are caught in between. With so much to lose, can anybody really win?

It’s the final book in The Winner’s trilogy by Marie Rutkoski ! I really enjoyed this trilogy and this installment ends perfectly this incredible story ! This review will spoil you if you haven’t read the two previous books.

Plot

It starts with Kestrel imprisoned. A lot of awful things happen to her during her captivity. Arin is told the truth and decides to go and save her.

You don’t need to be gifted with a blade. You are your own best weapon.

This book was a roller coaster for my little heart ! Deception, betrayal, friendship, romance, cunning strategies etc… You can find all of these and even more into this book !
I enjoyed everything in this story : how Kestrel came back stronger than ever, the war strategies, the cultural melting pot, the writing style… Really, this book is amazing !

It’s an epic story, and I got surprised more than once while reading it ! Although I really liked the plot, I LOVED how the characters were written ! And not just Kestrel and Arin, but also the side characters !

This book was everything I could have asked for ! It was mostly action-packed, surprising and so beautifully written ! Sometimes, the last book can be a little disappointing compared to the rest of a series, but I can assure you that it wasn’t the case at all with that one ! It was an amazing read and it ended perfectly this awesome and stunning trilogy !

The reason you enjoy my company is because I look like how you feel.

Characters

• Kestrel is such an amazing character ! She is so strong despite everything that happened to her. She is fierce, and so smart, and follows her heart, no matter the consequences.
• Arin is such a babe, a swoon-worthy character ! He wears his heart on his sleeve ! Kind, honest and so desperately in love with Kestrel !
• Risha is another fierce female character ! I wish we got to read more about her !
• Roshar is such an interesting and complex character ! He is eaten alive by his guilt about his sister’s condition ! He holds Arin in high esteem but is too proud to show it.
• Verex changed so much through this trilogy. Now he fights with his weapons to protect and save the people he cares about.
• The Emperor is another interesting character. Complex and cunning, I wanted to know more about him !

If I die, you’ll survive. If you die, it will destroy me.

About the author

Marie Rutkoski is the author of the YA novel The Shadow Society and the children’s fantasy series The Kronos Chronicles, including The Cabinet of Wonders, The Celestial

Globe and The Jewel of the Kalderash. Her next project is a YA trilogy that begins with The Winner’s Curse, which is scheduled to be published in March 2014.

Marie grew up in Bolingbrook, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), as the oldest of four children. She holds a BA from the University of Iowa and a PhD from Harvard University. Marie is currently a professor at Brooklyn College, where she teaches Renaissance Drama, children’s literature and fiction writing. She lives in New York City with her husband and two sons.

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| WRAP UP & TBR | JULY 2017 WRAP UP

Hello lovelies ! It’s time for my July wrap up ! I haven’t been reading a lot lately, I’m trying to enjoy the summer as much as I can. Unfortunately it also means I haven’t been blogging a lot either.

Back to our topic ! I finished 3 books this month !

• I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson. I had a hard time getting into this book but seriously, once in, it’s impossible not to love this book ! I gave it 5 stars !
• The Winner’s Kiss by Marie Rutkoski. It’s the final book in The Winner’s trilogy. I loved this trilogy and this last installment is no exception ! I gave it 5 stars.
• Feral Sins (Trey Coleman), the first book in the Phoenix Pack (La Meute Du Phoenix) by Suzanne Wright ! 4 stars !

That’s it ! What have you read in July ?

| BOOK REVIEW | THE WINNER’S CRIME BY MARIE RUTKOSKI

The Winner’s Crime
Author : Marie Rutkoski
Series : The Winner’s Trilogy
Genres : Fantasy, Young Adult
Publication : March 12th 2015 by Bloomsbury Children’s

Synopsis : Lady Kestrel’s engagement to Valoria’s crown prince calls for great celebration: balls and performances, fireworks and revelry. But to Kestrel it means a cage of her own making. Embedded in the imperial court as a spy, she lives and breathes deceit and cannot confide in the one person she really longs to trust …

While Arin fights to keep his country’s freedom from the hands of his enemy, he suspects that Kestrel knows more than she shows. As Kestrel comes closer to uncovering a shocking secret, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth.

Lies will come undone, and Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them in this second book in the breathtaking Winner’s trilogy.

This is the second book in The Winner’s trilogy. This review will spoil you if you haven’t read the first book, The Winner’s Curse.

Plot

We follow Kestrel, this time evolving at the Emperor’s. She is now engaged to Prince Verex. This book is way more focused on the political side of the story and it’s SO interesting ! While it took me time to get into the story in the previous book, it was so easy to dive back into this world !

I don’t mind being a moth. I would probably start eating silk if it meant that I could fly.

Kestrel is playing a very dangerous game against the emperor. She is colder, hiding her true feeling behind her pretty face.
It’s very intriguing and you can’t help but but want to know what the next move will be.
There are new characters such as Tensen or Verex. I really enjoyed learning about both of these.

On Arin’s side, things aren’t simple either. He tries his best to save Herran but the treaty isn’t really helping.

I really enjoyed this book ! The plot is really fascinating and intricate ! And that plot twist, oh god ! I’m happy I didn’t have to wait for the final book to be released !
I really like the writing style !

I also enjoyed how Kestrel gets closer to her father. She was seeking a real father/daughter relationship.

Arin’s love for Kestrel is the purest form of love. It broke my heart to witness how much he suffered. Even though it was for his own good. His journey isn’t the easiest but he always finds a way to get what he wants.

The story is gripping and heart-wrenching !

Her fierce creature of a mind: sleek and sharp-clawed and utterly unwilling to be caught.

Characters

• Kestrel is way stronger and she risks a lot in this book. But by staying focused on what she had to do, she lost a lot.
• Arin is so unpredictable ! I enjoyed this side of him, and also his neverending hope that Kestrel was who he thought she was.
• Verex is a nice character. I learnt to like him and he is clever than his father thinks he is.
• Tensen is a very interesting character, dedicated to his cause, no matter what.

About the author

Marie Rutkoski is the author of the YA novel The Shadow Society and the children’s fantasy series The Kronos Chronicles, including The Cabinet of Wonders, The Celestial

Globe and The Jewel of the Kalderash. Her next project is a YA trilogy that begins with The Winner’s Curse, which is scheduled to be published in March 2014.

Marie grew up in Bolingbrook, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), as the oldest of four children. She holds a BA from the University of Iowa and a PhD from Harvard University. Marie is currently a professor at Brooklyn College, where she teaches Renaissance Drama, children’s literature and fiction writing. She lives in New York City with her husband and two sons.

| MEMES | THIS WEEK IN BOOKS #40

Hello lovelies ! It’s that time of the week ! TWIB is a weekly meme hosted by Lipsyy Lost & found ! (But you already know that, unless you’ve been living in a cave for the last months… or years haha)

Anyway, let’s start, shall we ?

I am currently reading 2 books ! First, Les Talons Hauts Rapprochent Les Filles Du Ciel by Olivier Gay. I’m a little more than 50 pages in and really liking it so far.
I also started Feral Sins (Trey Coleman), the first book in a series called Phoenix Pack (La Meute du Phoenix) by Suzanne Wright. I’m almost half way through it and also really enjoying it !

Last week I was reading The Winner’s Kiss, the final book in The Winner’s trilogy by Marie Rutkoski ! I LOVED it ! It ends perfectly this wonderful and amazing trilogy !

Next I was planning on rereading The V Girl by Mya Robarts. But I suddenly decided to go away for a few days, and I will be traveling by train for hours. So bringing physical books isn’t the most practical… I’ll probably bring my kindle. Which is why my next read will probably be one of these two e books : Le Sang Sur La Lame, the first book in a series (duology?) called Les Epées De Glace by Olivier Gay or L’Héritage Des Rois-Passeurs by Manon Fargetton ! But first, I need to finish my two current reads haha !

That’s it, what are you currently reading ??

 

| WRAP UP & TBR | JULY 2017 TBR

Hello lovelies ! We’re almost half way through July and I still haven’t posted my July TBR … Ahem.

So let’s start ! In July I plan on reading 5 books !

• Les Talons Hauts Rapprochent Les Filles Du Ciel by Olivier Gay. I met him and he gave me his first book, it really made my day ! Anyway I cannot wait to start it !
• I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson. This book has been on my TBR shelf for more than a year now…
• The Winner’s Kiss by Marie Rutkoski, final book in The Winner’s trilogy. I need to read it ASAP !!!
• The V Girl by Maya Robarts. I’ve already read this book last year but the author was kind enough to send my a physical copy and I definitively want to reread it !
• Lord Of Shadows by Cassandra Clare, the second bookin The Dark Artifices trilogy. I am both eager and afraid to read it. Because I know the last book won’t be out until 2019…

 

That’s it ! what are you planning on reading this month ?

| WRAP UP & TBR | JUNE 2017 WRAP UP

Hello lovelies ! I am sorry I have been MIA lately ! Anyway here is my June wrap up  ! I finished 4 books this month ! It haven’t happened since I moved into my own apartment !

• A Court Of Wings And Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. It’s the final book in the ACOTAR trilogy ! I really loved it even though my favorite book of this trilogy is still ACOMAF. I gave this book 5 stars.
• The Winner’s Crime by Marie Rutkoski. It’s the second book in The Winner’s trilogy. I really enjoyed this book and the cliffanger at the end nearly killed me !
• A Conjuring Of Light by V.E. Schwab. It’s the final book in the Shades Of Magic series and I LOVED LOVED it ! I was so afraid of reading it !

I also read an e book : the first book book in the Demonica series by Larissa Ione, Pleasure Unbound (Plaisir déchaîné). It was fun and super quick to read ! 4 stars !

That’s it ! What did you read in June ?

 

 

 

| MEMES | TOP TEN TUESDAY – BEST BOOKS I’VE READ IN 2017 SO FAR

Hello lovelies ! It’s time for another TTT ! Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke And The Bookish ! This is the last one until mid August !

Anyway, this week’s theme is the best books I’ve read in 2017 so far ! I haven’t read that many books these past 6 months so I’m gonna narrow it to a top 5 !

In no particular order :

• A Court Of Mist And Fury by Sarah J. Maas. It’s the second book in the A Court Of Thorns And Roses trilogy. I loved it so much and I can tell it’s my favorite read of the year ! This book is AMAZING !!
• Melody’s Key by Dallas Coryell. I realized I have only read this contemporary but I really loved it !
• A Torch Against The Night by Sabaa Tahir, sequel to An Ember In The Ashes !!! This book is fantastic !

• The Winner’s Crime by Marie Rutkoski. I finished this book last week and I really enjoyed it ! The plot is so complex and intricate ! I cannot wait the read the final ook in the Winner’s trilogy !
• A Conjuring Of Light by V.E. Schwab. It’s the final book in the Shades Of Magic trilogy ! I’m cheating a little here since I haven’t finished reading it yet, but I’m LOVING it so far and I know it totally deserves its place in my top 5 !

That’s it ! Now it’s time to say goodbye to TTT until mid August ! What are the best books you’ve read in 2017 so far ?!

| BOOK REVIEW | THE WINNER’S CURSE BY MARIE RUTKOSKI

The Winner’s Curse
Author : Marie Rutkoski
Series : The Winner’s trilogy
Genres : Fantasy, Historical fantasy, Young Adult
Publication : July 3rd 2014 by Bloomsbury Childrens Books

Synopsis : 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.

I decided to reread this book before reading the rest of the trilogy. I first read it back in 2015 ! I enjoyed this book as much as the first time I read it !

Plot

The story is very intricate. I really enjoyed the historical aspect even though I wished it had been more developed. Maybe in the sequel. The Herrani, The Valorian, it deserves more ! It’s really captivating !

The beginning is very slow paced and I had trouble getting into the story. It takes like half of the book to actually get some action ! But let me tell you, it’s worth the wait !

A thing I particularly enjoyed is how Arin and Kestrel got to know each other. Their relationship wasn’t forced on us at all ! They genuinely care for each other and they can’t bear to make the other one suffer. Yet they can’t help it. I just wished their relationship wasn’t that central.  It sometimes outshines the whole plot which is a shame because I found the plot particularly great !

Happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous.

Characters

• Kestrel could have been such a spoiled young lady ! Her father is a rich and popular general and she gets whatever she wants !
  Instead I see a strong minded young woman, fierce and who doesn’t want to be a housewife or work for her father. She is also very kind and has a special ability. A pretty interesting one !
• Arin is an enigmatic character ! He is stubborn and so withdrawn and is willing to sacrifice himself for the Herrani’s cause !
  But he softens when it comes to Kestrel !
• Jess is Kestrel’s best friend. But in my opinion, her character lacks of personality. It’s as if she’s here to make Kestrel speak her mind.
• Ronan is Jess’ brother. He loves Kestrel or at least cares enough for her… or her legacy !

Survival isn’t wrong. You can sell your honor in small ways, so long as you guard yourself. you can pour a glass of wine like it’s meant to be poured, and watch a man drink, and plot your revenge.

Overall I really enjoyed this book ! I gave it a 4.5 stars !

About the author

Marie Rutkoski is the author of the YA novel The Shadow Society and the children’s fantasy series The Kronos Chronicles, including The Cabinet of Wonders, The Celestial Globe and The Jewel of the Kalderash. Her next project is a YA trilogy that begins with The Winner’s Curse, which is scheduled to be published in March 2014.

Marie grew up in Bolingbrook, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), as the oldest of four children. She holds a BA from the University of Iowa and a PhD from Harvard University. Marie is currently a professor at Brooklyn College, where she teaches Renaissance Drama, children’s literature and fiction writing. She lives in New York City with her husband and two sons.