patchworkbunny reviewed Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski
Review of "Winner's Kiss" on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
There’s so many trilogies I’ve started over the years and never finished, it’s quite a treat to sit down with a final instalment now and then. These books have left readers yelling at the pages, can’t you see what’s right in front of your eyes?! At the start of The Winner’s Kiss, it seems the relationship is without hope, will Arin ever know the truth and will it be too late for them?
The sulphur mines do not treat Kestrel well and the prisoners are drugged to keep them working and preventing any kind of rebellion or escape. She believes she is stronger than that, but as the days go by, her freedom seems to be slipping further from her reach. Arin is still under the presumption that Kestrel doesn’t care about him or his people’s plight, which might feel like it’s been going on too long. But it’s OK, …
There’s so many trilogies I’ve started over the years and never finished, it’s quite a treat to sit down with a final instalment now and then. These books have left readers yelling at the pages, can’t you see what’s right in front of your eyes?! At the start of The Winner’s Kiss, it seems the relationship is without hope, will Arin ever know the truth and will it be too late for them?
The sulphur mines do not treat Kestrel well and the prisoners are drugged to keep them working and preventing any kind of rebellion or escape. She believes she is stronger than that, but as the days go by, her freedom seems to be slipping further from her reach. Arin is still under the presumption that Kestrel doesn’t care about him or his people’s plight, which might feel like it’s been going on too long. But it’s OK, remember that guy Kestrel gave the moth to? He does appear and we don’t have to spend the whole book willing Arin to see the light. Phew!
What happens to Kestrel in the work camp gives her and Arin a second chance, wipes the slate clean. They can get to know each other on what seems a much more equal footing. In The Winner’s Curse, Kestral was master and in The Winner’s Crime, Arin was captor, neither a particularly healthy dynamic for a romantic relationship. Here, they are two soldiers, two people desperate to free the country they both feel is theirs.
There’s a lot of tactical manoeuvring and if I’m honest, I felt the book was a little slow in places. However, Kestrel’s strategic qualities are part of what sets this story apart. She is not just a noble woman with a heart, she is the general’s daughter with a great military mind. She’s an asset to the rebellion.
As their tale comes to an end, we’re left with some unexpected friendships and a few tender moments in the face of war.
Review copy provided by publisher.
