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A review by cafe_con_cass
The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski
5.0
"You don't need to be gifted with a blade. You are your own best weapon."
This book was absolutely perfect. It killed me, but not because of the author's uncanny ability to kill characters or because it killed me of its stupidity. It killed me with it's sheer fantastic ways.
Usually, all books have a short coming. If this book had one, I couldn't find it. [b:The Winner's Curse|16069030|The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, #1)|Marie Rutkoski|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1377023523s/16069030.jpg|21861552] was good, and the sequel, [b:The Winner's Crime|20443207|The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy, #2)|Marie Rutkoski|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1411741455s/20443207.jpg|31174003], was even better. But this book surpassed both of them.
Let's start with one of easier to discuss elements of this book: the plot. Usually this is the struggling aspect for me when it comes to fantasy. I'm not invested in the plot, or I've seen it a million times (such as young, ambitious youth strive to save their world from an evil government). This book's plot was inconceivable. The depiction of war was so realistic that I shivered during the gorier scenes. The melodious prose made the scenery and action even better.
An extreme strong point of this book is it's world building. Marie Rutkoski has created a fantastical world, with intricate governments and interesting countries all differing in religions, ethnicities, and mannerisms. I've read so many YA fantasy or dystopic worlds I can't count, and this one is most certainly one of the most memorable.
The best element of this novel, however, is the characters. Both Arin and Kestrel went through an almost metamorphosis during this novel, and not only did it make their relationship stronger, but it enhanced them dramatically as individuals as well. They also seemed to mature along with the novels; while this book is YA, only the first two really read like it. This one reads closer to adult fiction due to the characters growing up and the author not robbing them of it. While I adore Kestrel and Arin, I cannot lie: Roshar is one of the most enjoyable characters I've read in a long time. I loved his sarcastic quips and occasional (and usually masked in even more sarcasm) deep and loving statements. I also loved getting to see Verex again. For the son of a psychopath, he has this enchanting ability to be a precious cinnamon roll. :)
Another refreshing aspect of this book was the focus on the friendship between Roshar and Arin. Most YA series have the hilarious best friend, but few make them as complex as Roshar, or really set up how important their friendship is to the lead character. Marie Rutkoski didn't forget about that and managed to set up a friendship comparable to that of Will and Jem from The Infernal Devices or Harry, Ron, and Hermione from Harry Potter.
This is honestly a perfect finale. I have no complaints or feelings of dissatisfaction. Anyone who loves fantasy, YA, romance, or a well built world with even better characters, should pick up this series. You will be amazed. :)
This book was absolutely perfect. It killed me, but not because of the author's uncanny ability to kill characters or because it killed me of its stupidity. It killed me with it's sheer fantastic ways.
Usually, all books have a short coming. If this book had one, I couldn't find it. [b:The Winner's Curse|16069030|The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, #1)|Marie Rutkoski|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1377023523s/16069030.jpg|21861552] was good, and the sequel, [b:The Winner's Crime|20443207|The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy, #2)|Marie Rutkoski|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1411741455s/20443207.jpg|31174003], was even better. But this book surpassed both of them.
Let's start with one of easier to discuss elements of this book: the plot. Usually this is the struggling aspect for me when it comes to fantasy. I'm not invested in the plot, or I've seen it a million times (such as young, ambitious youth strive to save their world from an evil government). This book's plot was inconceivable. The depiction of war was so realistic that I shivered during the gorier scenes. The melodious prose made the scenery and action even better.
An extreme strong point of this book is it's world building. Marie Rutkoski has created a fantastical world, with intricate governments and interesting countries all differing in religions, ethnicities, and mannerisms. I've read so many YA fantasy or dystopic worlds I can't count, and this one is most certainly one of the most memorable.
The best element of this novel, however, is the characters. Both Arin and Kestrel went through an almost metamorphosis during this novel, and not only did it make their relationship stronger, but it enhanced them dramatically as individuals as well. They also seemed to mature along with the novels; while this book is YA, only the first two really read like it. This one reads closer to adult fiction due to the characters growing up and the author not robbing them of it. While I adore Kestrel and Arin, I cannot lie: Roshar is one of the most enjoyable characters I've read in a long time. I loved his sarcastic quips and occasional (and usually masked in even more sarcasm) deep and loving statements. I also loved getting to see Verex again. For the son of a psychopath, he has this enchanting ability to be a precious cinnamon roll. :)
Another refreshing aspect of this book was the focus on the friendship between Roshar and Arin. Most YA series have the hilarious best friend, but few make them as complex as Roshar, or really set up how important their friendship is to the lead character. Marie Rutkoski didn't forget about that and managed to set up a friendship comparable to that of Will and Jem from The Infernal Devices or Harry, Ron, and Hermione from Harry Potter.
This is honestly a perfect finale. I have no complaints or feelings of dissatisfaction. Anyone who loves fantasy, YA, romance, or a well built world with even better characters, should pick up this series. You will be amazed. :)