The Winner’s Crime

“I don’t mind being a moth. I would probably start eating silk if it meant that I could fly.”

Title: The Winner’s Crime
Series: The Winner’s Trilogy, #2
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Published: March 3, 2015
Edition: Hardcover
Pages: 402

Because this is the second book in this trilogy and I don’t want to spoil you, click here to go to its Goodreads page.

WARNING: THERE ARE SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!

I don’t know what the heck to think about this book. Like many books, ALL THE PROBLEMS COULD’VE BEEN SOLVED IF THE CHARACTERS COMMUNICATED! Gosh, this miscommunication troupe has been really getting to me.

Okay. Let me back up. So, Krestrel was going to marry Prince Verex, but she was still in love with Arin. And Arin hated and loved her. Depending on what he was thinking about at the moment.

Honestly, they’re both idiots. Yes, Kestrel basically sacrificed her whole life so ARian could live a better life. But she never told him because “it’s better that way”. Her words, not mine.

And Arin has anger management issues. Honestly dude, get a grip.

And then there was the emperor. He was just pure evil in a walking, talking form. There were so many times I just wanted to punch him for being so cruel and inhuman.

Other than that, I really enjoyed the book. From the tactics, the surprise information, and the world, everything else was great.

Like the ending. That. Ending. THAT ENDING! Thanks to Arin, Kestrel was sent to a brutal work camp on her 18th birthday. That’s pretty messed up. Of course, he didn’t know that. Of course, he misinterpreted everything she said to him. And everything he heard about her. He was basically the symbol of Kestrel’s demise. Everytime he was anywhere near her, something bad happens.

Plus, I really liked Prince Verex. Yes, he gave the cold-shoulder to Krestrel at first, but he had a good reason. After a while, their relationship grew, but it wasn’t really anything romantic. It was more like an unexpected friendship.

I’m glad that Kestrel decided to become the Moth (a.k.a. a secret spy) for Tensen. The Herrani would most likely be dead if it wasn’t for her.

And I know I was giving a lot of crap about Kestrel, but dang. She had it bad. The odds weren’t in her favor throughout the whole entire story, and man, I felt sorry for her at times. The emperor kept on finding ways to “test” her, and if I were in her spot, I would have broken down immediately. Props to Kestrel for staying unnaturally strong during those so-called tests.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 BBC Sherlock characters. Dang that cliffhanger. I need the next book.

 

Until next time….