The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love.

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

Goodreads Summary

This book definitely fits into an even darker category than "The Winner's Curse." The decisions made in book one create consequences that the characters must face and deal with in the second book, and things aren't pretty. We will see the characters struggle between following their responsibilities and going with what their hearts want.

If you are looking for romance in this book, I am sorry to say that this book will fail to come through for you. The focus is more on seeking what the characters don't have, their regrets, and the hardships that they are facing. One beautiful aspect of this book is that it will tear at every emotion that you have and leave you feeling everything. You will feel fully invested in the story and not want to leave when its over. All in all, definitely a book to go on the bookshelf and fully enjoy.

4 Stars

Reviewed by Chris

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