The Winner's Crime- Marie Rutkoski

 

 

 

 

 

I am the minority here with this rating. I loved the first book SO much. This book was not what I expected at all and a bit of a disappointment. At the same time, it was really good plot wise. If we didn't have the failed romantic issues in this book, it would have been so much better.

 

 

In this book, Kestrel and Arin are just so frustrating. Okay, maybe just stupid. I don't know. Kestrel is supposed to be so smart and cunning but when it comes to her love life, she's the complete opposite. The lack of communication and them jumping the complete opposite conclusions ASAP, was driving me insane. That is what knocked the stars off this book. So far, what they have shown me is that they cannot communicate. At. All. That's a horrible start to any relationship. Arin's pretty stupid for trying to get her to be his, when she's engaged and going to be the next Empress. Then he doesn't take the hints she's trying to give them when he's trying to confess his love again. Instead of realizing that she's in a dangerous place that they could be overheard, he ignores all her attempts and takes it as her not wanting him. Then when he lets go of the sword. What an idiot. I would rather this book have 0 romance than this. It was just annoying.

 

 

Otherwise, the secrecy and political war that Kestrel is involved in, was fascinating. At the same time, she's not using her head and strategizing correctly! She knows how the Emperor feels about Herrani and yet goes around supporting them publicly and hanging out with them. When you already have rumors going around, you have to be smarter about that! This is what I don't understand. The whole series so far, she's being pegged as this super smart strategist but when it comes to her own life, she's clueless.

 

The best part of this book, was when Arin and Kestrel are separated. They both shined and got things done that I don't think they could do together. They made huge strides to try and protect their people.

 

Also, this book is a really slow read. Even if you are trying to get through it quickly, you won't. It was just impossible and it took more much longer than I anticipated. I don't even know why. The plot was smooth and interesting. I didn't really get bored or anything but it took me a while to get through this.

 

The cliffhanger is crazy. I can't wait to see what happens. I'm going to hope that the next book will be just as great as the first one. This book was good but I was just disappointed.

The Heir- Kiera Cass

 

 

 

 

I enjoyed the first series even though it was predictable. When I saw that this book was happening, I wasn't sure what to think. Usually, authors have a hard time knowing when they need to let a good thing alone.

 

I will say that I picked "the one" right away. It is predictable again. The only thing is that this time we have a girl in control of the selection. I kind of understand why her parents force her into it but don't. They hated it and it's one of the things they worked to get rid of. Yet, here they are forcing their own daughter. I know, I know. They want to take people's mind off the troubles and keep them calm. Well I find it hard to believe this was the only way. I also understand, that's how she gets to write more books.

 

I had a hard time liking Eadlyn. She is just so whiny and self centered. It's hard to connect with that type of character. Especially, when you just want to roll your eyes. She's the absolute spoiled princess stereotype. I think towards the end she starts to realize this and she becomes a bit more enjoyable. Maybe this whole selection process will change her into a nicer, caring person.

 

I think the parts I enjoyed the most were the parts about her parents. Throwback was more interesting than present!

 

Overall, this book was just okay. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. The cover is absolutely gorgeous for sure. I'm interested enough to see what happens, that I will continue to read the rest of this series. I just don't know what hurry I will be in.