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yukarin's review
3.0
3.5 Stars
Okay, where do I begin. I hated the main characters friends because they only pushed her their own way and for their own convinience. I don't think Kestrel is all that intelligent and strong minded since she made quite a few stupid decisions through the story (also very thoughfull decisions but we are talking about the things that annoyed me first). Also the romance: Kestrel was loving one paragraph and hating her love interest the next one. That's not how I picture a hate-to-love relationship because there was no real progress to the loving part only a constant change in heart which annoyed me quite a lot. Because of that I found Kestrel quite indecisive and egoistic at times.
Plotwise the book was neatly done. I liked the overall story, setting the romance aside.
I hope that my problems with this first book will go away or lessen in the next books.
Okay, where do I begin. I hated the main characters friends because they only pushed her their own way and for their own convinience. I don't think Kestrel is all that intelligent and strong minded since she made quite a few stupid decisions through the story (also very thoughfull decisions but we are talking about the things that annoyed me first). Also the romance: Kestrel was loving one paragraph and hating her love interest the next one. That's not how I picture a hate-to-love relationship because there was no real progress to the loving part only a constant change in heart which annoyed me quite a lot. Because of that I found Kestrel quite indecisive and egoistic at times.
Plotwise the book was neatly done. I liked the overall story, setting the romance aside.
I hope that my problems with this first book will go away or lessen in the next books.
erikajay's review
5.0
I love the enemies to lovers trope! And it is done very well here.
The world building was great. The history is well explained and you get a real sense of the two groups of people in the city. Because of that, we’re able to understand our characters better and see both of their motivations.
Character development was also great. Both of our main characters are interesting and complex. We get both of their POV, which makes the book a lot more interesting.
The world building was great. The history is well explained and you get a real sense of the two groups of people in the city. Because of that, we’re able to understand our characters better and see both of their motivations.
Character development was also great. Both of our main characters are interesting and complex. We get both of their POV, which makes the book a lot more interesting.
bookph1le's review against another edition
1.0
Well, that was disappointing. After all the hype I've heard about it, I expected more. I am such an anomaly, apparently. I never seem to like the books everyone else raves over. And the cover? It's another girl in a princess dress. I'm bored. Complete review to come.
Full review:
I finished reading The Winner's Curse several days ago, and the more time that passes, the more inconsistencies I see in it. This book is getting a lot of attention and hype, and I admit that I do not understand why this is. The writing is pretty good, but this book suffers from so many tropes and so much nonsensical logic that I find I like it less the more distance I have from it. Since my major problem with the book stems from events in the plot, there will be some huge spoilers in this review, so don't read any further if you don't want key elements revealed to you. I prefer not to spoil things in my reviews, but in this case there's no avoiding it.
My first problem with this book is Kestral. She felt like something of an empty shell to me, probably because I never got a good feel for her psychology. My other issue with her is due to her erratic decisions and actions. One minute she's fired up about something, but the next she gives in when she shouldn't. She's also a very odd mixture of bold and feisty yet meek and submissive. I think because she seems so directionless and so unaware of her privilege I really couldn't get behind her. She also has a little of perfection about her in that, even though she has ostentatious "flaws", she's still pretty awesome in general. She doesn't really mess up much, or when she does the reader is supposed to feel sympathetic and not really blame her for it, which I found odd. She came across as a spoiled rich girl to me, and I never got the sense that she really grew, so it was hard for me to care about her. Plus, for all her supposed cleverness, she proves very thick near the end of the book, which made me shake my head in disgust.
I liked Arin better, but I didn't like the characterization of him. Look, Arin is a slave living under the thumb of an oppressive regime. He's seen his country taken from its people, pillaged by a greedy empire lacking all human empathy, and watched friends and family be killed or turned into possessions. He has every reason to be angry, to want to rebel, and to react as he does, and I find it hard to believe that readers wouldn't get this. So why does the author feel the need to provide loopholes for him? It's as if she's afraid he'll be interpreted as evil when it makes no sense at all to see him as evil, given what he and his countrymen have been through. Really, the reason this is done is so that Kestral won't hate him and will still feel angsty about him, which is just such a cop out to me. I'd have preferred for her to hate him or to have to struggle with bad feelings about him and rise above them, but all of that tension is removed.
This leads me to my biggest issue with this book. Never mind that her reputation is in tatters, something that should matter a WHOLE lot more to her than it does. When Kestral finds out that Arin has betrayed her, she's angry. That makes sense. But then, instead of doing anything about it, she pretty much submits to becoming a prisoner in his house. Sure, she makes some attempts to escape, but they're feeble at best, especially since she's supposedly such a brilliant strategist. As I said, I don't think Arin is a bad character for what he does, but it would make sense that, from Kestral's perspective, he's a bad, bad dude. She's been drinking the Kool-Aid of her empire her whole life, her father holds a prominent position in it, and a lot of Valorian civilians are slaughtered in the rebellion. Yet Kestral mopes around about how much she lurves Arin. No, just no. Her sense of betrayal should have run so deep that she'd immediately run to the emperor and tell him what happened. Instead, she hangs around in Arin's house making out with him. I could understand her having conflicted feelings, but I cannot believe that she wouldn't feel an all-consuming sense of rage and loathing when she first finds out that he was spying on her and her father and using the information he gained to help organize the rebellion. I could buy that sense cooling with time and distance, but not while she's still with Arin, especially since she still fails to really get his perspective by this late in the game. Not to mention that the two of them have only just admitted their attraction to one another and have spent precious little time together. How could she already love him enough that she wouldn't want vengeance?
And here's where the author gives Arin several outs. For one, neither Jess nor Ronan are killed by the poisoned wine, which makes no logical sense at all and is clearly done just to make sure Arin doesn't look too much like a bad guy, because then there'd be no reason at all for Kestral not to go crazy on him. That would wreck havoc with the romance, though, so we can't have that, can we? Then, the author takes Cheat and turns him into a would-be rapist, and of course Arin saves the day just in the nick of time.
Here I must pause for a moment to send a message to every author: Do NOT use rape as a plot device. Don't do it, don't do it, don't do it. It's lazy writing and it's just plain wrong. I'm not saying you can't write about rape, but if you're going to do so, it needs to be done in a thoughtful manner and NOT as a means of allowing the hero to swoop in for the rescue, thereby proving what a standup sort of guy he is. I absolutely loathe when authors or TV shows or movies or video games toss rape into the mix as a way of illustrating how awesome the hero is. It minimizes the impact that rape has on people.
When I first finished reading, I wanted to give this book two stars because the writing is solid and the world building was excellent. I had a clear sense of the world, and the author weaves a lot of politics and social structure into the novel, providing a strong sense of place. But these good qualities aren't enough to redeem the glaring flaws, flaws so glaring that they destroy the foundations of the entire book. In the end, I can only give this book one star because I can poke so many holes into it that nothing more than Swiss cheese remains.
Full review:
I finished reading The Winner's Curse several days ago, and the more time that passes, the more inconsistencies I see in it. This book is getting a lot of attention and hype, and I admit that I do not understand why this is. The writing is pretty good, but this book suffers from so many tropes and so much nonsensical logic that I find I like it less the more distance I have from it. Since my major problem with the book stems from events in the plot, there will be some huge spoilers in this review, so don't read any further if you don't want key elements revealed to you. I prefer not to spoil things in my reviews, but in this case there's no avoiding it.
My first problem with this book is Kestral. She felt like something of an empty shell to me, probably because I never got a good feel for her psychology. My other issue with her is due to her erratic decisions and actions. One minute she's fired up about something, but the next she gives in when she shouldn't. She's also a very odd mixture of bold and feisty yet meek and submissive. I think because she seems so directionless and so unaware of her privilege I really couldn't get behind her. She also has a little of perfection about her in that, even though she has ostentatious "flaws", she's still pretty awesome in general. She doesn't really mess up much, or when she does the reader is supposed to feel sympathetic and not really blame her for it, which I found odd. She came across as a spoiled rich girl to me, and I never got the sense that she really grew, so it was hard for me to care about her. Plus, for all her supposed cleverness, she proves very thick near the end of the book, which made me shake my head in disgust.
I liked Arin better, but I didn't like the characterization of him. Look, Arin is a slave living under the thumb of an oppressive regime. He's seen his country taken from its people, pillaged by a greedy empire lacking all human empathy, and watched friends and family be killed or turned into possessions. He has every reason to be angry, to want to rebel, and to react as he does, and I find it hard to believe that readers wouldn't get this. So why does the author feel the need to provide loopholes for him? It's as if she's afraid he'll be interpreted as evil when it makes no sense at all to see him as evil, given what he and his countrymen have been through. Really, the reason this is done is so that Kestral won't hate him and will still feel angsty about him, which is just such a cop out to me. I'd have preferred for her to hate him or to have to struggle with bad feelings about him and rise above them, but all of that tension is removed.
This leads me to my biggest issue with this book. Never mind that her reputation is in tatters, something that should matter a WHOLE lot more to her than it does. When Kestral finds out that Arin has betrayed her, she's angry. That makes sense. But then, instead of doing anything about it, she pretty much submits to becoming a prisoner in his house. Sure, she makes some attempts to escape, but they're feeble at best, especially since she's supposedly such a brilliant strategist. As I said, I don't think Arin is a bad character for what he does, but it would make sense that, from Kestral's perspective, he's a bad, bad dude. She's been drinking the Kool-Aid of her empire her whole life, her father holds a prominent position in it, and a lot of Valorian civilians are slaughtered in the rebellion. Yet Kestral mopes around about how much she lurves Arin. No, just no. Her sense of betrayal should have run so deep that she'd immediately run to the emperor and tell him what happened. Instead, she hangs around in Arin's house making out with him. I could understand her having conflicted feelings, but I cannot believe that she wouldn't feel an all-consuming sense of rage and loathing when she first finds out that he was spying on her and her father and using the information he gained to help organize the rebellion. I could buy that sense cooling with time and distance, but not while she's still with Arin, especially since she still fails to really get his perspective by this late in the game. Not to mention that the two of them have only just admitted their attraction to one another and have spent precious little time together. How could she already love him enough that she wouldn't want vengeance?
And here's where the author gives Arin several outs. For one, neither Jess nor Ronan are killed by the poisoned wine, which makes no logical sense at all and is clearly done just to make sure Arin doesn't look too much like a bad guy, because then there'd be no reason at all for Kestral not to go crazy on him. That would wreck havoc with the romance, though, so we can't have that, can we? Then, the author takes Cheat and turns him into a would-be rapist, and of course Arin saves the day just in the nick of time.
Here I must pause for a moment to send a message to every author: Do NOT use rape as a plot device. Don't do it, don't do it, don't do it. It's lazy writing and it's just plain wrong. I'm not saying you can't write about rape, but if you're going to do so, it needs to be done in a thoughtful manner and NOT as a means of allowing the hero to swoop in for the rescue, thereby proving what a standup sort of guy he is. I absolutely loathe when authors or TV shows or movies or video games toss rape into the mix as a way of illustrating how awesome the hero is. It minimizes the impact that rape has on people.
When I first finished reading, I wanted to give this book two stars because the writing is solid and the world building was excellent. I had a clear sense of the world, and the author weaves a lot of politics and social structure into the novel, providing a strong sense of place. But these good qualities aren't enough to redeem the glaring flaws, flaws so glaring that they destroy the foundations of the entire book. In the end, I can only give this book one star because I can poke so many holes into it that nothing more than Swiss cheese remains.
lidotchka's review against another edition
5.0
★★★★★ - Re-reading
I read this book for the first time a few years ago and I am very happy to see I still love it.
Kestrel is an amazing main character of course, as well as Arin. The plot is very interesting and something I've never seen before (very different from all these YA books which seem to all tell the exact same story).
I highly recommend this book, it's amazing.
I read this book for the first time a few years ago and I am very happy to see I still love it.
Kestrel is an amazing main character of course, as well as Arin. The plot is very interesting and something I've never seen before (very different from all these YA books which seem to all tell the exact same story).
I highly recommend this book, it's amazing.
kaulhilo's review against another edition
5.0
"You don’t, Kestrel, even though the god of lies loves you."
i swear i hate both of them i hate this book i hate it so much i want it dead
i swear i hate both of them i hate this book i hate it so much i want it dead
happyfrog56's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
0.25
blobblehead's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
letsbebookfriends's review against another edition
5.0
Stunning. So much more than I expected it to be. I loved this! LOVED IT!!!!! Worth the hype. So worth it!
magencorrie's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
My thoughts:
I enjoyed the whole concept of this book, the winner’s curse, and how Marie took that saying and turned it into a very well developed story. Marie did an amazing job creating her world and her characters. She really developed and dove deep into creating a pure culture, one that has languages, a background, beliefs, and an intense history.
That is something I just love when reading a fantasy book. And, I feel, Marie did a wonderful job at creating and developing this fictional world. It didn’t feel like a fictional world, it felt like a real place with a long and intricate history.
The characters were another element that Marie developed well. Each one was unique and had specific roles to play. The main character, Kestrel, was well developed. She also came off as feeling original in her actions and her thoughts. She’s a very smart character, with a strategic mind. She’s also not much of a physical fighter, which I found refreshing. Instant she uses her wits and ability to read people to fight.
Throughout the book, I loved watching her develop and how she is. Though she didn't always make the right moves, Kestrel did everything she did to the best of her ability. And not only is she a brilliant young adult, she is a very kind and fair character. And, yes, she has her faults, but I definitely like her character.
Then there is Arin; a slave bought by Kestrel. But he isn't all that he seems. Though I can’t go into much detail about him and his role, I will say he is another brilliant and well written character. I loved learning about him and his past and who he is now. He definitely challenged Kestrel, in good ways of course. And he also showed multiply sides of himself. He’s a diverse character, but a kind, determined and fierce character as well.
There are quite a few side characters as well in the book. Each one was well written and each played their role in the story vividly. I just can't wait to see where the story is going to go and what is going to happen to all the characters!
The only thing I do wish there was more of was the romance factor (I’m such a romantic). The attraction between Kestrel and Arin was most definitely there. And I could feel it between the characters, it was; however, a slow building romance. Fiery, but a slow burn. The book focuses more on the culture and history – which isn't a bad thing and it was something I loved, but I wanted more scenes between Arin and Kestrel.
The Winner's Curse is a beautifully written and brilliantly crafted book. A lot does happen, but the pacing was just to my liking and nothing seemed to move or happen too fast. The building of the conflict felt real and intense. And this definitely isn't a light, sweet romantic read. It’s filled with politics, betrayals, lies, hope, love, and deception. And I could not get enough of it! I definitely recommend this intense Young Adult series!
My thoughts:
I enjoyed the whole concept of this book, the winner’s curse, and how Marie took that saying and turned it into a very well developed story. Marie did an amazing job creating her world and her characters. She really developed and dove deep into creating a pure culture, one that has languages, a background, beliefs, and an intense history.
That is something I just love when reading a fantasy book. And, I feel, Marie did a wonderful job at creating and developing this fictional world. It didn’t feel like a fictional world, it felt like a real place with a long and intricate history.
The characters were another element that Marie developed well. Each one was unique and had specific roles to play. The main character, Kestrel, was well developed. She also came off as feeling original in her actions and her thoughts. She’s a very smart character, with a strategic mind. She’s also not much of a physical fighter, which I found refreshing. Instant she uses her wits and ability to read people to fight.
Throughout the book, I loved watching her develop and how she is. Though she didn't always make the right moves, Kestrel did everything she did to the best of her ability. And not only is she a brilliant young adult, she is a very kind and fair character. And, yes, she has her faults, but I definitely like her character.
Then there is Arin; a slave bought by Kestrel. But he isn't all that he seems. Though I can’t go into much detail about him and his role, I will say he is another brilliant and well written character. I loved learning about him and his past and who he is now. He definitely challenged Kestrel, in good ways of course. And he also showed multiply sides of himself. He’s a diverse character, but a kind, determined and fierce character as well.
There are quite a few side characters as well in the book. Each one was well written and each played their role in the story vividly. I just can't wait to see where the story is going to go and what is going to happen to all the characters!
The only thing I do wish there was more of was the romance factor (I’m such a romantic). The attraction between Kestrel and Arin was most definitely there. And I could feel it between the characters, it was; however, a slow building romance. Fiery, but a slow burn. The book focuses more on the culture and history – which isn't a bad thing and it was something I loved, but I wanted more scenes between Arin and Kestrel.
The Winner's Curse is a beautifully written and brilliantly crafted book. A lot does happen, but the pacing was just to my liking and nothing seemed to move or happen too fast. The building of the conflict felt real and intense. And this definitely isn't a light, sweet romantic read. It’s filled with politics, betrayals, lies, hope, love, and deception. And I could not get enough of it! I definitely recommend this intense Young Adult series!