The Winner's Crime

Palpitations. THAT is what this book gave me. I’m so happy I can move straight on to the third book, because I’d be SO FRUSTRATED otherwise.

Kestrel bargained for the independence of Herran giving herself up as the cost. She’s set to marry the emperor’s son, Verex, who doesn’t want the match any more than she does. But he’s been at the mercy of his insane father for his whole life, and so knows that he’s destined to be his father’s pawn. Kestrel on the other hand must get used to the idea that she’ll never be free again.

Arin believes the worst of Kestrel. She didn’t care for him after all. At the first opportunity, she’s worked the game to put her in a more powerful position—THE most powerful position, since she’ll eventually be empress, so obviously, it’s power that she wanted all along. But he can’t help how he feels about her. And he can’t seem to get her out of his head, at war with himself over whether to hate her and move on or pursue her anyway.

If you liked the first book and want to hang on for the full enchilada, then this book is worth reading. Be prepared to dive straight into the third, and be oh so on edge while reading this one. Kestrel is keeping her secrets from Arin to protect him, and dealing with her own threats from playing politics with the emperor, and it’s so frustrating seeing how much they’re both hurting because of her deception. And Kestrel is so painfully alone during this book. She’s lost her friends, who aren’t faring so well after the fallout from the last novel. She can’t tell the truth to Arin, and is isolated from him by her own doing. And her father, who she loves but can’t seem to connect with, is off fighting for the emperor because victory is more important than her. Watching Arin struggle between the story he’s been fed and what he wants to believe is pure torture, as his image of Kestrel keeps switching between the true version and the one she’s created for him to see. This book helps to clarify the enemies, and expands the world to include another kingdom. And it definitely sets you up for another novel, because this story can’t possibly be considered finished. These are not standalone novels. Be prepared to trek through to the end. Reading this one felt like watching Game of Thrones during Joffrey’s reign. It’ll keep you biting your nails, watching from Sansa’s perspective to see if Joffrey will either get the Caesar treatment or find a fun new way to torture you. I can’t say you’ll be content by the end, but you’ll certainly feel energized! It’s ok. Run a few laps and continue on to the next.