The Winner's Kiss, Marie Rutkoski

Pages: 496

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Release Date: 24^th March 2016

Edition: UK e-proof, NetGalley review copy

Other Titles by this Author: The Winner’s Curse, The Winner’s Crime

Following the intrigue and danger of The Winner’s Curse and the revolution and romance of The Winner’s Crime, Kestrel finds herself in the tundra’s mines and Arin has sailed home. The empire seems unstoppable.

Lies will come undone, and Kestrel and Arin will learn just how much their crimes will cost them in this third and final instalment in the heart-stopping Winners trilogy.

The Winner’s Curse and The Winner’s Crime have been two of my favourite books in recent years so I beside myself with excitement to finally see how it all ends for Kestrel and Arin.

We pick up pretty much where we left Arin and Kestrel: Arin is waging war to protect Harrani and Kestrel is on her way to a work camp for committing treason. The tone of The Winner’s Kiss is very different to the previous two novels, but in a good way. What Kestrel experiences in the camp changes everything between her and Arin. I loved that the changes brought doubt and a whole new dynamic between them. Nothing about them or their relationship was glossed over; it felt authentic to them and to their strange situation.

Kestrel went on a staggering journey in The Winner’s Kiss and I loved the ways in which she developed, but also the characteristics that remained. I think that because of that everything interaction between Kestrel and Arin was heightened and it all felt much more romantic and the stakes higher than ever. The Winner’s Kiss really stepped up for the finale, and as you can tell from this vague and rambling review, I loved it but I really don’t want to give anything away. You need to go in knowing nothing and then get your hearts broken and your shipping mentality ready again.

The Winner’s Kiss is an action-packed, romantic and completely satisfying ending to a wonderful trilogy. I’m so looking forward to Marie Rutkoski’s next adventure.

Thanks to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for the review copy.

Sophie