Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Reviews + Giveaway: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski & The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
Release Date: March 4, 2014 / Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I didn't know what to expect from The Winner's Curse. It wasn't originally on my radar, and I only became curious about it once I started to notice all the great reviews it was receiving. After getting the chance to read it myself, I can understand why so many are praising this book.

Kestrel, a high-class Valorian and the general's daughter, and Arin, a Herrani slave purchased by Kestrel at an auction, were the main characters. They may have grown up in different worlds, but they were similar in many ways. Both were sympathetic people, full of quiet strength and determination, wishing for the freedom to live their lives the way they wanted to. I just found it so easy to like them. I also loved how their relationship evolved. They didn't always get along, yet there was a connection between them that made them open up to one another little by little. It was precious and sweet. They each had their secrets though, and it led to devastating revelations and consequences. I have no idea how they will overcome that, but I hope that whatever happens next they are able to survive it together.

I'm so glad I took a chance and read The Winner's Curse because I was immersed in the story from the very beginning. Although it was a bit slow-going at times, it didn't stop me from enjoying it overall, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the release of the sequel.



The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina
Release Date: April 8, 2014 / Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

After reading a couple of chapters, I began to realize that I didn't find the story to be as enthralling as I had hoped. I decided to keep reading, though, just to see what happened to the characters. And I'm so happy I did because The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf ended up being a satisfying read.

To me, the beginning of the book started off as if it was a sequel, not the first book in a series, and I think that's why my feelings about it were shaky. However, flashbacks were eventually added to the mixed, and it made me see that the way the book began was necessary for all the revelations that were to come. I was hooked from that moment on! But as I mentioned before, I have the characters, especially the protagonist Ashala, to thank for being the reason why I continued reading. There wasn't anything about Ashala I disliked. I admired her courage and strength, and all I wanted was for her to survive the ordeals she faced so that she could protect her Tribe and the rest of those with special abilities. The way things went down were unexpected and shocking, and I gained even more respect for Ashala and the others who did everything they could to help her.

The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf was a story set in the future about friendship, love, and protecting the innocent. It was filled with unique mythology, consisting of people with special abilities, spirits and animals that could communicate with humans. The ending brought enough closure, but there's definitely still more to explore. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.



I'm giving away my ARCs of The Winner's Curse and The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf to one lucky winner! Giveaway is open to US residents only and ends February 28. To enter, check out my Giveaway Policy and fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

32 comments:

  1. I've heard both books are great!!

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  2. I'm really looking forward to reading both of these books!!

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  3. Great reviews. Really looking forward to reading these.

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  4. Thank you for the giveaway and review. I hadn't heard about these before but I am now looking forward to reading them!

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  5. I don't know a lot about the Interrogation of Ashala Wolf, but it sounds good. I am really excited to read The Winners Curse.

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  6. I'm really excited for the The Winner's Curse. The interrogation of Ashala Wolf I don't know that much about.

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  7. I'm so excited for The Winner's Curse- plus, the cover is fabulous! I know, I know, "don't judge a book by its cover", but who really follows that rule?

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  8. I'm really excited for The Winner's Curse because I've heard such great things about it, but I haven't heard too much about The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf, but I'm still looking forward to it :)

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  9. I am very excited for both of these books!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

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  10. Been hearing so many great things about The Winner's Curse. I'm excited to read it.

    Thanks so much for this opportunity!

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  11. I heard amazing reviews about The Winner's Curse, I hope I can read soon

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  12. These both sound fantastic! I desperately want to read The Winner's Curse, but I hadn't even heard of The Interrogation of Ashala Wolfe and now I definitely want to read that one too. Thanks for the reviews (and the giveaway of course!)

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  13. Both of these books look great. I've had my eye on The Winner's Curse for a while now and I can't wait to read it! Thanks for the chance to win :)

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  14. I'm really excited for The Winners Curse, but I have not heard of The Interrogation. They both look interesting! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  15. Yay for The Winner's Curse! I'm desperately waiting for that one; everyone said it was SO good!
    I also like the scary feeling the cover of The Interrogation of Ashala Wolfe gives us. ;D

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  16. I can't wait to read The Winner's Curse! It sounds really good and I love the cover! I haven't heard of The Interrogation of Ashala Wolfe but it sounds interesting. :)

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  17. I can't wait for TWC! It sounds so good! I don't mind the slow pace because I know I will love the world. :D

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  18. I can't wait to read these books! I read the first 5 chapters of the Winners Curse and can't wait to read the rest when it comes out!! I hadn't heard of the interrogation of ashala wolf, but thanks to this review I really want to read it!

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  19. I want to earn more entries on this giveaway, but I can't figure out how to get a link to my goodreads account!:'(

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  20. I'm so looking forward to reading The Winner's Curse. I've heard nothing but great things!

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  21. I am so excited for The Winner's Curse, thank you for the giveaway!
    Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings

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  22. I'm excited to read The Winner's Curse! I haven't heard of The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf before but it sounds really good!

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  23. They both look awesome. I am particularly excited to read The Winner's Curse. People seem to be really enjoying it.

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  24. I have been lusting after The Winner's Curse for sooo long. Thanks for a chance to win!

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  25. I'm so excited for The Winner's Curse. This book is my most anticipated read of 2014 :D

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  26. I'm looking forward to reading the winners curse

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  27. I have been wanting to read The Winner's Curse and The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is one that looks interesting and i would definitely want to read!!! Thank you for the awesome giveaway fingers crossed I win!!!

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  28. Yes, very excited. Thanks for the chance.

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  29. I haven't heard anything about The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf until now but both books look great!

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  30. I never heard about any of these books.But after reading this, I'm excited to read these.

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  31. I'm glad you liked Ashala Wolf. I've read both books in the series and I really appreciate that the author brings a lot of really different genres to the plate. There aren't many books that use Dreamtime legends in their stories, let alone incorporating a dystopian theme AND later on a science fiction theme as well.

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