The Winner’s Crime is the second book in it’s brilliant trilogy. I absolutely love these books and love how beautifully Rutoski writes.

This book picks up right after the ending of the Winner’s Curse. Kestrel is now engaged to the emperor’s son and is supposed to marry him on the first day of summer which is two days after her 18th birthday. She is learning of how evil the emperor is and is day dreaming of Arin.

Arin is in Harin as a governor and he feels betrayed by Kestrel.

Kestrel does not want to marry, but she feels she must to save Arin and his people.

The emperor sees how sly Kestrel can be and warns her if she crosses him then she will have serious consequences.

Kestrel works close to Tensen to tell the secrets of emperor to help protect Arin and Harin.

Arin learns that Kestrel is not the girl he fell in love with, and takes off to find allies.

This book is fast paced and thrilling. It wasn’t just about romance, but about hate, scheming, and a set-up for a war.

I was a little annoyed with how Kestrel and Arin would be like I love you, but now I hate you cycle. I honestly want them to be honest and end up together, but maybe that will happen in the next book.

The ending is a cliff-hanger that makes me want more and want answers. Such a great book and I cannot wait to read the next book.