As always, Marie Rutkoski weaves an intricate, stunning tale. I love the cultures created in these books, as well as the twists and turns to be found on each page.

The Winner's Crime is significantly slower paced than its predecessor. I found myself struggling to get through certain chapters in the middle.

The most frustrating moments for me was when the point of view would shift between Arin and Kestrel and show their blatant miscommunications. (For example, in one scene, Kestrel lifts up a hand and wishes to touch his face, and Arin interprets the gesture as her warding him away, so he recoils, and Kestrel interprets that as him being repulsed at the notion of being touched by her.) Silly miscommunications drive me mad.

However, the high society glamor and Kestrel talent of discernment are all there. I enjoyed this book almost as much as the first and will certainly be reading the next in line.