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Kestrel has two options that will decide her future - join the military or get married - and as the general's daughter in an empire that revels in conquering nations and enslaving their populations her choice is quite important. Kestrel, however, has other plans. She wants to do something entirely different with her life. Arin, a slave that she purchased at auction for a high price, appears to be a kindred spirit - his very eyes defy his new lot in life - and Kestrel soon realizes that the price she paid for him is much higher than she would have expected.
I've been told over and over that I need to read this novel and I'm glad I finally tried it on audiobook. I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, particularly Arin. I was pleased to see how both Kestrel and Arin challenge expectations that I had as a reader and within their own world. The novel is starts off slowly, but that really allows Rutkoski to introduce us to her world and characters. We have plenty of time to learn who the two leads are before things really take off. As much as I enjoyed Arin's character right away, I also grew to like Kestrel quite a bit over the course of the novel as I began to realize how well she plays to her strengths. For example, seeing Kestrel put her skills as a strategist to the test during the duel is a wonderful part that showcases her abilities and is one of the truly standout scenes. Finally, I would like to mention that the audiobook's narrator, Justine Eyre, is quite skilled and I found it easy to keep track of the characters, as well as differentiate between the different peoples.
Overall, I enjoyed finally delving into my first Marie Rutkoski novel. Honestly, I should have earlier. I will definitely be continuing this series with The Winner's Crime, especially after that gut punch of an ending.
I listened to this audiobook from August 28 - 31, 2016 and my review is also on Goodreads.
I'm glad you liked it ! This book is my favourite of the serie, it's such a good beginning ~
ReplyDeleteIt really is! I'm looking forward to the next books!
DeleteI'm so glad you liked it! Seeing Kestrel be so clever and play the games so well is one of my favorite parts of the whole series :) Lovely review, Lauren!
ReplyDeleteLaura @BlueEyeBooks
Thanks, Laura! It's a very promising start!
DeleteAhhh...Seeing your review is a huge reminder that I need to read this series! I like your idea of "reading" by audio. =) Glad you enjoyed it Lauren!
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it when you get around to it, Lonna! It's always good to have something to listen to. :)
DeleteI really want to read this book but like many others.. I have a neverending TBR :( Great Post! I have nominated you for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award and you can check out my post here: https://abookparadise.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/sisterhood-of-world-blogger-award-3.html Congrats and have a nice day :)
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly how my tbr is... :)
DeleteThanks very much for the nomination, Tanya!!
If you thought this ending was gut-wrenching, just wait until you get to the ending of book two. *evil laugh* But this is one of my favorite series, so I am so glad you enjoyed it so much! :) Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! <3
ReplyDeleteOh my! Thanks for the warning! :D
DeleteI'm glad you liked this one! I've been told a ton too that I need to read this series. One day...!
ReplyDeleteGood luck when you get to it and happy reading!
DeleteI'm so stoked you enjoyed this one. It's one of my favorite series and I love that Kestrel isn't the stereotypical badass protagonist. She is, but it a different way.
ReplyDeleteYes, that was so refreshing! :)
DeleteI've been recommended this book quite a number of times, too, enough that I actually went and bought the first book on sale at Book Outlet. I haven't read it yet, but it does sound really good!
ReplyDeleteHappy reading when you get there! Book sales are always the best!
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