The Winner’s Curse is the first book in a trilogy. The book takes place in a world where the Valorians have taken over the Herrani. The Herrani used to have their own nation, but once they were conquered by the Valorians, they either were killed or sold as slaves. At the beginning of the novel, Krestel, the daughter of a Valorian general, purchases a slave for a price a lot higher than the average. Rumors soon begin to spread through the Valorian mansions. This book will interest readers who
enjoy the alliances and betrayals of politics and war and forbidden romances.
I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
****DO NOT GO FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED****
Krestel
We learn tons about her character within the first few pages of the book. The whole necklace thing immediately set her apart from the rest of the Valorians. At the slave trade it was confirmed that she’s not like others among her class. She’s not exactly a black sheep thus far, but she sympathizes with the Herrani more than “normal”. And she’s ALWAYS strategizing. Especially during the second half of the book. I thought the military part of her was really cool. I wish I could asses my surroundings and situations as well as she can.
Ronan and Jess
Jess, at least to me, seemed like an average Valorian; constantly gossiping and thinking about what dress to wear next. I loved her friendship with Krestel. It says a lot when someone chooses to save you out of a room of full of dying people. Ronan, on the other hand, was a little less traditional. Even though some people completely disagree with me, I sort of shipped him with Krestel. It would have been the safe choice for her, but book characters rarely stick with what’s safe.
Enai
Even though she wasn’t a major character, she still touched my heart. I don’t know what it was about her, but she felt like the perfect motherly figure for Krestel. Her death was so soon after we grew to love her. Oh, and I have to mention that I thought the story told in Krestel’s dream was really amazing. It wasn’t a happily-ever-after type; It felt like it came straight out of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard.”
Arin
Arin intrigued me, and I’m sure all of you too, from the second he was introduced. As soon as we were told that he was a singer, I couldn’t wait to her his voice (or rather, Krestel’s description of it). I never was able to fully understand him during the first part of the book, but by the attack I felt like I fully knew who he was. His military skills were akin to Krestel’s (*cough cough* Great Team *cough cough*).
Arin and Krestel
Now most book couples don’t bond over gambling games, but apparently it worked for these two. As I said earlier, I never really knew where Arin stood at the beginning of the book, especially when he was with Krestel. Krestel, however, I felt as if I always understood. I could sense that they were growing closer but something about them never felt right. Until that moment in the carriage….but that had to be ruined too?! I loved their small moments around what used to be Arin’s castle. And then you-know-what happened…..
Ending
The ending was hands down the most frustrating part of the book. I loved the idea of the Valorians giving the Herrani their peace and living in union with them. I did not, however, love the marriage part of the agreement Krestel made with the emperor. WHAT?! Couldn’t the emperor just leave his son out of it? And the worst part was that Arin didn’t realize it was apart of a stupid deal. That guy could decipher every move of hers, but the second she tells him about her engagement, he shuts down. That moment was one of those times when you feel like screaming at your book (which I’m sure some of you did).
Overall, I would give the writing style 4 stars and the plot line 4 1/2 stars. I hope that the next book resolves Arin and Krestel’s relationship. And let’s also hope that nothing happens with the emperor’s son….
I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
****DO NOT GO FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED****
Krestel
We learn tons about her character within the first few pages of the book. The whole necklace thing immediately set her apart from the rest of the Valorians. At the slave trade it was confirmed that she’s not like others among her class. She’s not exactly a black sheep thus far, but she sympathizes with the Herrani more than “normal”. And she’s ALWAYS strategizing. Especially during the second half of the book. I thought the military part of her was really cool. I wish I could asses my surroundings and situations as well as she can.
Ronan and Jess
Jess, at least to me, seemed like an average Valorian; constantly gossiping and thinking about what dress to wear next. I loved her friendship with Krestel. It says a lot when someone chooses to save you out of a room of full of dying people. Ronan, on the other hand, was a little less traditional. Even though some people completely disagree with me, I sort of shipped him with Krestel. It would have been the safe choice for her, but book characters rarely stick with what’s safe.
Enai
Even though she wasn’t a major character, she still touched my heart. I don’t know what it was about her, but she felt like the perfect motherly figure for Krestel. Her death was so soon after we grew to love her. Oh, and I have to mention that I thought the story told in Krestel’s dream was really amazing. It wasn’t a happily-ever-after type; It felt like it came straight out of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard.”
Arin
Arin intrigued me, and I’m sure all of you too, from the second he was introduced. As soon as we were told that he was a singer, I couldn’t wait to her his voice (or rather, Krestel’s description of it). I never was able to fully understand him during the first part of the book, but by the attack I felt like I fully knew who he was. His military skills were akin to Krestel’s (*cough cough* Great Team *cough cough*).
Arin and Krestel
Now most book couples don’t bond over gambling games, but apparently it worked for these two. As I said earlier, I never really knew where Arin stood at the beginning of the book, especially when he was with Krestel. Krestel, however, I felt as if I always understood. I could sense that they were growing closer but something about them never felt right. Until that moment in the carriage….but that had to be ruined too?! I loved their small moments around what used to be Arin’s castle. And then you-know-what happened…..
Ending
The ending was hands down the most frustrating part of the book. I loved the idea of the Valorians giving the Herrani their peace and living in union with them. I did not, however, love the marriage part of the agreement Krestel made with the emperor. WHAT?! Couldn’t the emperor just leave his son out of it? And the worst part was that Arin didn’t realize it was apart of a stupid deal. That guy could decipher every move of hers, but the second she tells him about her engagement, he shuts down. That moment was one of those times when you feel like screaming at your book (which I’m sure some of you did).
Overall, I would give the writing style 4 stars and the plot line 4 1/2 stars. I hope that the next book resolves Arin and Krestel’s relationship. And let’s also hope that nothing happens with the emperor’s son….