The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement... if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.
As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

GOODREADS

My Review

Author: Marie Rutkoski
Date of Publication: March 3, 2015
Pages: 416
Source: Library
Book #2

I regret having decided to read this book when I did. With my mood, I couldn't at all realize from it any of the joy that the previous instalment gave me. I read it quickly and usually that would signify interest, however, I retained little and that saddens me.

The Winner's Crime was definitely a great sequel; well written and intricate. I remember being wowed by the mind games and deceptions in The Winner's Curse. My mind was so frayed whilst reading this one that I spent a lot of my time pondering if a certain passage meant what it was supposed to mean or if there was a hidden meaning behind it. I exhausted myself and I never got my answer, though the ending of the book was satisfying and well executed.

Kestrel who I adored for her wits, was a bit of a mess in The Winner's Crime. I wouldn't blame her, but feeling as lost and confused as I did in my own head whilst reading her point of view did little to make her decisions relatable. I could see her slip in her games and I cringed. The lying and withholding of information was also annoying though the climax was brilliantly done. I felt like I was there in the audience, my head turning ferociously from one character to the next to try and gauge all of their reactions at once.

Arin's chapters weren't my favourite. I like him, I do, but his storyline was slow and uninteresting. I would be lying if I didn't admit to skimming his chapters in the second half. Arin was just so blind to the truth and it infuriated me.

I don't have much else to say, I finished the book 10 minutes ago and I'm already starting to forget the details. Like I said, it's not all the book's fault as my mood was a big determinant. Even still, here is something to go by, I finished it in two days and two sittings. It's a gripping read.

P.S. I'm not giving it a pity 3 star. There was a lot of a good: well written and executed plot, interesting new characters like the King, and the Herrani minister of agriculture.  My review just explored more the dark side.

-MARI

I know this is a popular twitter meme but I thought I would move it over to the blog and give it a go every now and then when I'm reading an interesting book.

It has been a while since I've done one of these and I got to say I'm kind of excited. 

Instagram

I stayed up late last night devouring the second half of ACOTAR. Today I read the final two percent during my bus ride. As expected by literally everyone: I thought it was amazing, especially the second half. Review to come.

I started to read The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski, the sequel to one of my favourite 2014 books: The Winner's Curse. So far so good, I just wish my kobo would display the beautiful cover in colour. Alas, black and white is all I have :)

-MARI

Cover Wars is a weekly showdown of two beautiful covers. The winner, as voted by you, goes on to face a new cover, and wins bragging rights. This is basically a fun way to discuss what we like in covers.

The Heir managed a narrow victory over Crimson Bound. Girl in the pretty dress prevails! But what if we make you pick between *two* girls in pretty dresses? That's right, The Heir is up against another big gun, The Winner's Crime.

For the record, I would buy both these books based off the covers. They are exquisite and beautiful in their simplicity. This is girl with a dress done right. The Heir supplements the girl in the stunning dress, holding a tiara, with mirrors and little lights in the sky. The Winner's Crime has the badass sword and if you look very closely the patterns of the dress and the floor are both quite beautiful. There is no wrong choice. 

But we're making you choose anyway. As always, you have one week to vote. It's a hard decision, we know, but someone's gotta make it!

Let the Cover Wars begin!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

The Winner's Crime

April 21, 2015

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

Goodreads

Don't tell me you didn't see this one coming. It was so coming. I adored The Winner's Curse and did I stay royal blue is one of my favourite colours?

 What are You Waiting For?

-MARI