SlowReader's Kingdom

The Winner’s Crime was one of my most anticipated book releases of this year. I absolutely loved The Winner’s Curse when I read it last year and I could not wait for the second book. I am happy to say that this book did not disappoint. It was different than the first book but it held the same charm.

I do not want to spoil anyone so I will not go into the story itself. The biggest difference between The Winner’s Curse and The Winner’s Crime is the shifted focus. While in the first book the focus lay on the love story between Kestrel and Arin with a side of political power plays and rebellion, the second books focuses on political changes, war, and scheming and plotting. We still have a little bit of that love story but it is more in the background. Depending on what you like, you will enjoy the second book more or less than the first.

If it is executed well I do not mind either, so I enjoyed this book as much as the first book. I had a little problem with Kestrel’s inconsistency. Not just her inconsistency concerning decision she made but also in her behavior. At times she was this strong and highly intelligent young woman and at other times she just seemed weak and helpless. Of course, given the circumstances and surroundings it made sense, but it drove me a little crazy to be honest.

Arin also had his bigger and lesser moments. I enjoyed it a lot where his storyline went. I feel like we get to know something new about him every time we turn a page. That is what character development means!

Additionally, Rutkoski introduces us to some new side characters that I find very interesting. Especially Risha and her family hold so much potential that I cannot wait to read more about them in the next book. As we get to learn more about new characters, we get to read less about some old ones. Kestrel has to make some big sacrifices in this book. There is so much anger and betrayal in The Winner’s Crime. And you just feel for almost everyone and understand their motivations. It is heart breaking so many times.

I absolutely loved this book. This series continues to go strong and I cannot wait for the next book. Is it 2016 already? The ending of this book had me on edge and I could not believe that there were no more pages to come. I loved it that at the end of the first book it was obvious that many things were going to change and Rutkoski managed to do this again. The next book will be so different AGAIN and I have just no idea how she is planning to wrap this series. There are so many possible ways this story could continue and all of them seem awesome. This book was so much darker with all the intrigue and revenge and betrayal going on and the next one might be even darker. I cannot wait!

Release date: March 3rd 2015 

*I want to thank Bloomsbury Publishing Plc and Netgalley for kindly providing this ARC in return for an honest review*