For What It's Worth


Monday, March 21, 2016

Review: The Winner’s Kiss (The Winner’s Trilogy, #3) by Marie Rutkoski




The Winner's Kiss (The Winner's Trilogy, #3)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? ~
Goodreads



Source: ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Review:

SPOILER FREE!

FEAR.

I always go into the ending of a trilogy with fear these days. I have been disappointed so many times that I don’t really read many series anymore.

But I’m here to tell you that you can pre-order and read this book without any fear!

First I’ll tell you what The Winner’s Kiss doesn’t do.

~It doesn’t throw in a whole new cast of characters that shove your favorites out and short change their story.

~ It doesn’t suddenly add new plot threads just to add silly twists and shock value. (although both twists and shock are in abundance – but they makes sense to everything we’ve read prior!)

The Winner’s Kiss is about consequences. If you thought The Winner’s Crime was painful…well then, hold on to that Kleenex box and blankie!

The first half is SO FREAKING INTENSE that I was yelling at my Kindle, then gasping with shock, then grabbing my husband’s arm with relief. Yeah – he was laughing at me - but what fun it was to be that invested in a story again! I haven’t felt that for a long time – maybe since I read book #2.

So the consequences…I don’t want to spoil anything about this book. Just know that everything that has happened since The Winner’s Curse comes full circle. There’s plenty of guilt and blame to go around and Rutkoski puts poor Arin and Kestrel through the wringer – both emotionally and physically. I did want to yell at them a  few times but...

But it’s all worth it.

The Winner’s Kiss was everything I had hoped it would be and I’m completely satisfied with how she tied it all together and the ending.

WHEW!

24 comments:

  1. I want to try this series now! :D Maybe I could get the library to get it ;)

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    1. I wonder if you would like this one. There are a few things in the romance department that will annoy you but I think you would like the overall world building.

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  2. Quote:
    "First I’ll tell you what The Winner’s Kiss doesn’t do."

    LOL! It's a great idea to actually put that first. Useful for people like me who want to avoid some tropes at all costs! It's nice to know that one is in a safe place, so to speak :).

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    1. Ha! So many people are afraid to read this last book because series have been ruined because of the things I mentioned. All this new stuff comes from out of left field at the last minute.

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  3. You have no idea how glad I am to have come across your review! I read the first two books a couple of weeks back and needless to say, I LOVED THEM. I've been SO anxious about the third book, but it's good to see so many readers absolutely loving it already. Great review, Karen!

    Check out my latest review here

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    1. I DO KNOW how glad you are! I was terrified to read this lol

      If you loved the first two you will love this one. And lucky you - not having to wait a year between books!

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  4. Best review I've read for this one. You've given us just enough info to squash and doubts.I'm excited to cry over this one.

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    1. Awww thanks Amber. I wanted to let people know it was ok to read it - it didn't suck lol but not spoil anything :-)

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  5. You and I have similar tastes I'm books so I'll take your word for this especially as I am not the biggest YA reader

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    1. Have you read Six of Crows?? I really think you would like that one too!

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  6. Yes very intense... I have read 1st and 2nd

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  7. Dang. I need to revisit book one. I tried on audio and maybe it was me. Fantastic review!

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    1. I think the second book was stronger if that helps...

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  8. I only read the first book and I do think I need to reread before going on with it. I cannot wait to dive into book 2 even with the warnings. Now I know I may have to bring in a comedy book or two in between these because of the intensity!

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    1. Eep! I can't wait for you to read it so we can discuss!

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  10. I have the book on its way :0) I didn't read the review even though its spoiler free :) I'm ready for my heart to be broken .

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  11. I have the book on its way :0) I didn't read the review even though its spoiler free :) I'm ready for my heart to be broken .

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  12. Ohhhh I LOVED THIS! I read it a few weeks ago and holy shit, wasn't it awesome! I loved how intense it was and deliciously frustrating because when THAT thing happened it was GLORIOUS! And absolutely brilliant review to review it without a single spoiler, no easy feat. Wonderful review and so glad you loved it as much as you'd hoped <3

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  13. I cannot believe I haven't started this series yet! And I even have the first book sitting on my shelf just waiting for me. I see so many raves about the series so I know I'm totally missing out. I really need to start this series... soon!

    Tanya @ Girl Plus Books

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    1. I hope you give it a go!

      I don't get hooked into many series these days but this is a good one.

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  14. You are so not alone in that! I'm always nervous as all heck with a series ender. So many lately have been a disappointment. I have book one of this series on the tbr pile so will keep it in mind that it'll treat me well in the end :D

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