The Winner's Curse

Winner's Trilogy, Book 1

By: Marie Rutkoski

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love...

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him - with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

©2013 Marie Rutkoski (P)2014 Listening Library

Read this book.

I don't give 5 star reviews often. This book is great. The characters are textured, the heroine is intelligent, emotional and brave. I think that the discussion about slavery could have been developed more fully but was handled well. I bought the sequel before I finished the first book, so I'm committed!

A Winning Story

This is a creative and intelligent story. I think it was well worth the credit and I am looking forward to the second book. Justine Eyre has a strange intonation to the voices; breathy with a weird uptake at the end of sentences. I could not stand it initially but grew used to it. There was definitive differentiation between character's voices though despite the strange speech pattern. It helps to keep the characters straight. Marie Rutkoski's characters are interesting and engaging. The story-line is not something I've read before so it is not predictable or boring.

Really liked the story

If you could sum up The Winner's Curse in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, compelling, new

What did you like best about this story?

I like the strong heroine. The plot is a change from a lot of the current YA but is still fast-paced and compelling. Very enjoyable and I can't wait for the next one.

Which character – as performed by Justine Eyre – was your favorite?

Justin Eyre is a great narrator and when looking for new books, if I am unsure whether to try it or not, I will definitely pick it up if I see her narrating.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

If I could give more stars I would

The combination of story and reader made this the perfect audiobook to listen to! While I know I'd have enjoyed reading the book instead of listening to it, I wouldn't have been able to get the full effect! I can only hope the same reader has done both the second book & third one coming out end of this month. Kestrel was an enjoyable heroine, and Arin just as much fun! The amount of romantic tension was perfect, never did it get too sappy or feel too rushed. I cannot say enough good things about this book!!'

Great audio

What did you love best about The Winner's Curse?

This was a great start to a new series.

Which character – as performed by Justine Eyre – was your favorite?

This audio was perfect for my reread.

The narrator

I cant even listen to the voice, it is uncomfertable to listen to so i couldnt even finish the book. Please get someone else to read it, so I can finish it!

I liked the idea of the story

I really liked the idea of the story but felt like there was not enough back story , there really wasn't a good reason given as to why the one group of people invaded and took over the other group and enslaved them...why?? all that I can remember was that it was because they didn't like each other...dumb reason. Anyway I would have liked more history of the peoples. I also thought Kesteral and Arin's relationship could use some more dialogue and experiences to make them like each other, it just seemed like all they had was this unexplained connection.
as far as the Narrator goes, I didn't care for her voice or accents. She often sounded whiny and nasal..or like she was in pain..not the effect I think she was going for. It was hard to listen to her but I just ignored her voice and listened to the story :)

Good story line

The story line was good, but the narrator would have been better without the accent. She seemed to fall out of the accent from time to time. I will read the next story.

Beautiful story, horrible narration

I couldn't speak more highly of this story but sadly the narration is absolutely horrible.

Just could not hit pause at all!!

Such a good story. first time I've had a book draw me in this fast and hold my attention all the way through. Now looking to buy book 2 because that ending got me!