Hey lovelies! Today, we kick off the third week of the Read-along for The Winner's Crime! YAY! (If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out this post for all the deets and a super epic giveaway, which is also posted at the bottom of this post too!) I'll be discussing the ONLY chapters 21-34 of The Winner's Crime, and my thoughts. If you haven't started reading with us yet, don't worry! There's still plenty of time to catch up, so pick up your copy of The Winner's Crime and start devouring the next installment of Kestrel and Arin's story!
Another WARNING because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone..... If you have NOT read THE WINNER'S CURSE, then read NO further!!
Favorite Quote(s) from Chapters 21-34:
"I don't mind being a moth. I would probably start eating silk if it meant that I could fly."
"It had begun with her. He could swear that she was the start of it all"
"Kestrel, I know you think that you've hidden your heart where no one can see it." Verex's dark eyes held hers. "But you need to hide it better."
My Thoughts on Chapters 21-34:
Dear The Winner's Crime Part Three,
A lot was covered in this week's chapters of you, The Winner's Crime. There was separation, desperation, deception, wounds, and PUPPIES! Since yesterday was National Puppy Day, I thought it was rather important that I share that little detail. Still, your author knows how to keep me interested and begging for more, which is no surprise, to say the least. I wouldn't expect anything less from your dear author, Marie Rutkoski!
So we start off right after Arin found out about Kestrel's hand in the devastating battle in the east. It messed with my poor Arin so much that he decides to up and leave the Capital altogether, and head into the heart of a dangerous new territory, much to Tensen's dismay. Meanwhile, Tensen and Kestrel meet up and discuss some new information that Kestrel has dug up about the stupid Emperor's plans for Herran. He basically wants to jack their entire harvest, but not so fast, Mr. Emperor. Kestrel outsmarts you once again, and advises Tensen on what to do to avoid Herran's ultimate starvation. Clever girl. *slow claps* Arin still thinks Risha is the Moth, despite the numerous signs that point to Kestrel. *shakes head* But he arrives in the east, only to be imprisoned by a rather familiar and haunting face of a slave who had his ears and nose cut off. I can't help but picture a tan version of He Who Shall Not Be Named when I imagine Roshar. Arin tries to form an alliance with the Queen, but she isn't too interested in what he has to say, until he can prove himself worthy, which can be difficult when thoughts of Kestrel war throughout his mind. Back in the capital, Kestrel is up to her usual sleuthing, and trying to figure out what plan the water engineer is in cahoots with. She also has a run in with Ronan, who ends up joining the army, another face off with Jess *sad face*, and all the while trying to help her father back to health. AND SHE GETS A PUPPY! Ten points to Verex for the EPIC PUPPY GIFT! ;)
That puppy is pretty important to me, so your author better not go and do anything to it, or I will cry a million tears. Regardless of that, I know your author will make me cry a gazillion tears next week whether the puppy lives or not, because when you are Marie Rutkoski, that's just what you do to your readers. SHE FEEDS ON OUR TEARS! Hahaha. Now, bring on next week, The Winner's Crime. I need some more kissing between my OTP before my heart gets torn in two.
Love always,
Becca
ABOUT THE BOOKS
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.
Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love.
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.
The Winner's Curse Read-Along
February 3rd - Chapters 1 - 10
February 10th - Chapters 11 - 20
February 17th - Chapters 21 - 30
February 24th - Chapters 31 - 42
The Winner's Crime Read-Along
March 10th - Chapters 1 - 10
March 17th - Chapters 11 - 20
March 24th - Chapters 21 - 34
March 31st - Chapters 34 - 46
Make sure to follow the HASHTAG #TheWinnersTrilogy on twitter!
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I loved Verex in The Winner's Crime! I thought he was a great addition to Marie's cast, especially when Arin wasn't around all that much. Great read-along!
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