Final books are hard. Readers dive in with so many expectations, hopes and fears, and let’s not forget the ships. I suspect it must be at least a little daunting for an author to want to give their readers everything and stay true to their story. Friends, for me, Marie Rutkoski has done just that. This story has taken me on a remarkable journey, capturing my heart and melting my emotions in one fell swoop.
The Winner’s Kiss is a perfect conclusion to an expertly crafted series. And as always there are many familiar reasons to love the final installment as much as its predecessors while containing quite a few twists that kept me anticipating the turn of each page. Our protagonists, Kestrel and Arin, experience a lot of growth as previous choices finally reach shocking, climatic consequences, many of which I was unsure how they’d move past. I definitely didn’t expect the changes Kestrel underwent; she is both the same and vastly different, exploring physical and mental strength of female characters.
You don’t need to be gifted with a blade. You are your own best weapon.
The unpredictability of this novel is its greatest weapon as Rutkoski clearly shows she’s not afraid to make you beg for your favorites’ survival. She’s heartlessly brilliant like that.
What I didn’t expect was how much I enjoyed Roshar’s character. I give his sarcastic, witty remarks an A++ and loved how he reminded me of a rougher version of Sturmhond from The Grisha series. It was smart for him to have as much page time as he did since The Winner’s Kiss contains romantic tension to the max with a few scenes causing me utter desperation—moments where I was throwing buckets of water out of my ship, lest it sink, screaming “Noooooooooo!” fiercely at my ceiling.
I still admire the writing and how it manages to convey so much more than is actually written. It’s made me re-think my stance on 3rd person narration, usually my least favorite. But the fact that I, too, now feel as though I can translate Kestrel and Arin’s Epic Starring Contests, Roshar and Arin’s Bromatic Body Language among a host of other tells, just goes to show you the quality of writing. No words are wasted, and always feel so carefully deliberate while still maintaining its raw honesty.
Perhaps what The Winner’s Kiss succeeds at the most is its ability to straddle that fine line between a character driven and plot driven novel. Neither side took over the other, out-shining or lacking in development. The relationships were given the proper amount of time and dignity. Not only is there a focus on Kestrel and Arin’s, but also of another that’s made very clear it’s just as important, and maybe even more so. And, yes, in case you were wondering, this book does indeed pass the Bechdel test, something which I’m always pleased to see in a YA novel.
The plot was excellent. Surprisingly detailed battle scenes, strategies and political maneuvers are at the front without making my eyes glaze over with confusion. And I loved that Arin’s cultural religious beliefs along side Kestrel’s disbelief was handled with a great amount of respect and love. It really highlighted an ongoing theme of tolerance and respect of others’ differences, and that is so incredibly relevant. And, of course, I really enjoyed how the novel began and ended with A Winner’s Curse, bringing the entire series full circle. Nice touch.
I am fiercely in love with all things Kestrel and Arin. Their relationship struggle in the novel was so real. Finally a YA book where it’s not the fantasy world keeping them apart, but actual real relationship bumps that plagues us all: break down of communication, acknowledgements of individual changes and growth, trust issues, accepting faults along with strengths, understanding personal struggles, guilt of hurting the one you love the most, forgiveness, and above all, mutual respect.
Favorite quote:
“He changed us both.” She seemed to struggle for words. “I think of you, all that you lost, who you were, what you were forced to be, and might have been, and I—I have become this, this person, unable to—”
She shut her mouth.
“Kestrel,” he said softly, “I love this person.”
It’s sad for me to come to the conclusion of a favorite series, one that I never expected to adore so much. But I loved every minute of this ride and can’t wait to revisit.
Highly recommending.
Excellent series is excellent.
Natalie Monroe
Love your review! The previous two books failed to blow me away (I’M SORRY), but third time lucky!
Steph Sinclair
Aww, well, I hope you enjoy this one more.
Liza Rodriguez
Shoot! I still have to read book 2 (and now three!) I will binge read as soon as I have some time! Glad you loved it Steph 🙂
Steph Sinclair
See, you were smart because book 2 has an evil cliffhanger that I had to live through. Now you can just move right on into the final book!
Sara Strauss
Oh my god, I’m so excited to read this! I keep hearing amazing things!
~Sara
Steph Sinclair
I hope you enjoy it!
Bee @ Quite the Novel Idea
WELL NOW. I have an absolutely stunning yet unread hardcover of the first book on my shelves. Yes, I do feel guilty, but the way I see it, I’ve been incredibly smart. Because the rest of the series could have been disappointing. Now that I know it’s not, I can get copies of the other two book and just binge the whole thing and it’ll be glorious. Now isn’t that smart of me?
Steph Sinclair
Yes, you are very wise. Binging the entire thing will be such a treat!
Carina Olsen
Yes yes yes. Gorgeous review Steph 😀 Oh, I am so glad you loved this book. <3 I did too. Just, gosh damn. It was the most amazing final book. SO GOOD. I just love Arin and Kestrel so much 🙂 Thrilled you love the romance as well. <3 Yesss. And aw, yay for Roshar 😀 I adored him too. Such an awesome character. I want more of him 🙂 Thank you for sharing your stunning review sweetie. <3 You are awesome.
Steph Sinclair
Wasn’t it? I just loved everything about it!
Cyn @ Book Munchies
So excited to finish this series!! Glad you loved it, I’m getting my heart ready for all the tension, haha.
Steph Sinclair
Yes, prepare yourself!
Zareena @ The Slanted Bookshelf
I am so, so glad that you thought it was a good end to the series! I haven’t read The Winner’s Kiss yet and knowing me I probably won’t for a while but it’s good to hear that even though it’s a heart-wrenching read the author did an amazing job (which isn’t very surprising!). Amazing review!
Zareena @ The Slanted Bookshelf
Steph Sinclair
Yeah, I think fans will be very satisfied with the ending.
Angela @ Angela's Library
I’m so glad to hear that The Winner’s Kiss was a fitting end to the trilogy! I’m always nervous that series enders won’t live up to my expectations; I bought a copy of The Winner’s Kiss but have been putting off reading it for that very reason. 🙂
Steph Sinclair
I know exactly what you mean, Angela! I was so nervous too because you just never know! Plus, so many people seem to get upset at end of series books. But this one totally delivered for me. I hope it does for you too!
Danielle
Love, love, LOVE this book and your review is perfect – really hits the nail on the head! Thanks for writing this. <3
Steph Sinclair
Thank you, Danielle!
Caitlyn
Please tell me you saw that Rutkoski thanked you in her acknowledgements at the end of this book!!
Steph Sinclair
I did! It was so lovely to see. 🙂
Matt
Great timing!
I was just looking for gift ideas for my sister’s birthday next week.
I think she will love this book!!!
Keep up the great reviews.