The Winner's Curse {Discussion}

Hello friends! I'm so excited to get together and discuss our March book club selection. I read this book a few years ago and loved it, but I didn't remember how much until I reread it for book club. I feel like I've finally found a good work/life/book balance with my new job and my reading has felt like it's moving along nicely. Much slower than I'm used to but going along at a nice pace. I was looking forward to discussing this with Jen so much and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend this series if you love fantasy in the Game of Thrones type genre with a little romance thrown in. Now, on to the discussion! 

Our Reaction in a GIF 

Discussion Time 

Heather

March's book club selection was The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski. The last book in the series comes out March 26 so we reread the series, but for this discussion let's just focus on book 1, The Winner's Curse! So what are your thoughts on this month's pick? 

Jen

I'm really into The Winner's Curse. I loved it the first time I read it and I still love it.  I thought the fantasy part of it was on point and I actually didn't hate the forbidden love story they have going on.  But the romance is pretty tame in this book and really isn't the center of attention anyway so that probably attributes to why it didn't bother me.  To me, the book was like one big game of Bite & Sting, or maybe Chess would be a more relatable reference. haha  What are your thoughts?

Heather

I absolutely loved The Winner's Curse! After reading the second book, I got a pretty good Game of Thrones vibe, with less dragons and magic. The secret rebellion brewing and the forbidden romance were so well done and intriguing. I didn't feel like the romance was the biggest part of the story and I actually loved the way it was done. Sometimes romance in YA can be a little like instalove or unrealistic but this felt different. The romance felt like it was real and deep but also there were choices that had to be made that were bigger than love.

Jen

Oh man, I agree so hard.  We are dealing with two very loyal characters.  They are loyal to their separate countries and people but somehow they are able to remain loyal to one another and man, I just thought that was so refreshing for a YA novel.  I love that the romance was never really the center of the story.  And yea, I felt like this book/series was very well written and will remain a personal favorite of mine.  I really can't wait to see how this series ends up. I don't even have any predictions.

Heather

Arin and Kestrel are definitely loyal people and it's interesting to see them both struggle with the loyalty to their countries and families and their relationship. I like that the romance was a slow burn but there was so much else going on at the same time that it was just a part of the story, not the focus of the story. Rereading this book just solidified this series as one of my favorites, one I would be happy to revisit multiple times. I'm actually a little sad that it's only a trilogy and not longer. I don't really have any complaints for this book, it's a solid 5 stars for me. 

Jen

HAHA! I had the same thought earlier, why can't this bee a 5 or 6 book series?! I would agree. 5 stars all the way.  But for real, this series was really well written and I can't wait to see what else Marie Rutkoski has up her sleeve since I've never read anything else by her before.  But I plan to check out more of her work in the future because this book was completely my style of YA fantasy.  I have zero complaints and can honestly say I wouldn't change a thing about this book!

Heather

Same! I'm really interesting in seeing her other work because this book was close to perfection for me. No spoilers, but I think the next book is even better so it really has me excited for The Winner's Kiss on Tuesday. Definitely one of the most solid YA fantasy books I've ever read and I recommend it to everyone (which I've actually been doing IRL at work)! 

Side note, I gotta jet bestie, any last thoughts? 

Jen

Nope, you pretty much summed up my remaining thoughts.  It is going to be really hard to adult on Tuesday!