The Winner’s Trilogy, Book 3
Synopsis : War has begun. Arin is in the thick of it, with the East as his ally and the empire as his enemy. He’s finally managed to dismiss the memory of Kestrel, even if he can’t quite forget her. Kestrel turned into someone he could no longer recognize: someone who cared more for the empire than for the lives of innocent people-and certainly more than she cared for him. At least, that’s what he thinks.
But far north lies a work camp where Kestrel is a prisoner. Can she manage to escape before she loses herself? As the war intensifies, both Kestrel and Arin discover unexpected roles in battle, terrible secrets, and a fragile hope. The world is changing. The East is pitted against the West, and Kestrel and Arin are caught between. In a game like this, can anybody really win?
Review: How not to be eager to get into this third and final volume of The Winner’s Trilogy! Each volume was mastered admirably and the tumult of feelings due to the previous novel could only make us extremely curious to read it. Yes, our poor heroes went through so many difficult events and we wonder what is going to happen again. Of course, we also have the challenge of the last volume that is always very difficult to overcome, the ability to introduce a novel and especially an end to the height of what has been written before and I can tell you that Marie Rutkoski perfectly succeeded in her challenge and more than that because she takes us into her story from the first chapter and carries us along without being able to put it down. Yes, because once again the feelings are waiting for you, some very difficult indeed to the point of having tears in the eyes but also some more endearing when Arin and Kestrel are trying to rediscover each other. But you need to know one thing, it’s not an easy story, like The Winner’s Crime, the main characters are far from being well handled.
From the beginning, we discover the consequences of the Kestrel’s actions, what her father dared to do when he learned the truth about her and even if it is not death, I wonder if it is not worst. It was also very sad to see this young woman full of aggressiveness and willingness fading away despite her attempts, even to the point of not knowing who she is. It is a descent into hell that we follow but then also a hope to understand who she is and who she was. Although her strong character dominates, it broke my heart to see the person she had become after all these events. Yet we can only be happy to find Arin and to see him understand what he did and the consequences of his actions, to see that nothing is what it looked like….
But war is also raging and we see the choices of our heroes, the sacrifices they are willing to undertake to have victory on their side but again nothing is really simple. Yet, I found that the author had managed to perfectly recreate the consequences. Kestrel will also find herself in new situation, a role she did not really want and yet that will also help her to advance.
You can understand that I was carried away once more by the story and the characters. It is a real pleasure to meet them and read them. Marie Rutkoski moves us with their joys, sorrows and hopes. It’s not an easy story, but it’s something really exciting!
Braine
Wow, this series sounds good! The cover arts with the girls decked in ball gowns turned me off. I thought it’s one of those annoying YA romantic fantasies. I think you’ve changed my mind, I will look this ip
Melliane
it’s wonderful! I so love it
Kim @ BookSwoon
Melliane, I’m planning on reading the whole series back-to-back so I’m super excited that you loved the concluding book. I sounds like I better get ready for some tumultuous reads with all the feels 🙂
Melliane
yay!!! so curious to see what you think of hem
Keertana @ Ivy Book Bindings
I am so jealous you got to read this already! I am so excited for its release and need to know what happens to these characters NOW! Wonderful review!
Melliane
you’ll love it!
LilyElement
I kept seeing the cover and thinking pretty. So glad to see you enjoyed it!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I have only read the first book! I need to catch up and now I can’t wait. Yea, I know it won’t be an easy journey based on the first book, but I so want to take that journey!
Melliane
lol yes
blodeuedd
I should read this series!
Melliane
definitely
kimbacaffeinate
Alright, I need to try this trilogy again. I started book one on audio, and struggled…but I am thinking it must have been me!
Melliane
I hope it will be better if you try again
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Okay, I have hope for this trilogy again! Book two was a disappointment for me, I confess. But I am feeling a little more optimistic now. Can’t wait to read it.
Melliane
book 2 was complicated but I loved it even fi I understand too for you
LeKeisha
My precious! I’m so ready to hold this baby. I may just hold it for a while before reading it. LOL
Melliane
lol
Lola @ Hit or Miss Books
WOOT. I can’t wait to get to the conclusion of this series. I should read it soon! Fantastic review! Now I’m even more excited!
Melliane
Can’t wait you see your opinion
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
You make it sound so good. I have to get to this series!
Melliane
definitely!
Carole Rae
Awwwe! I’m glad you really liked this one! 🙂
anna@herding cats & burning soup
I’m always nervous about enders. That’s awesome it was so fantastic. I still have book one on the tbr pile. Must. Read. Faster 😉