Winner's Crime

You were probably left with your mouth hanging open at the end of The Winner’s Curse, with the realisation of what Kestrel has sacrificed and what it means for the people of Herrani. Yet freedom doesn’t come easily and now Herran is heavily taxed by the empire.

Kestrel herself is homesick, facing marriage to a stranger and pining for Arin, but knowing that she did the right thing and they can’t be together. That Arin must hate her. She really is stuck between a rock and a hard place. She doesn’t agree with what the empire, including her own father, does, but expressing her opinion would be considered treason. She can only do what she can to minimise the damage, at great risk to herself and those she speaks to.

I felt there was perhaps a little too much of the talking at cross-purposes. To start with, Kestrel hides the truth with good intentions, but only several occasions she is on the verge of confessing only for circumstances to prevent it, or the lies becoming worse in Arin’s mind. I was relieved when I thought he had worked it out for himself but this aspect just ended on a frustrating note.

There is plenty of political intrigue and loyalties at breaking point. It’s a decent middle book, which so often the flounder and never really get anywhere. This one does and has a startling ending that will make you count down the days till you can get your paws on the final instalment.

Review copy provided by publisher.