The Winner’s Curse

The first book in a planned trilogy sets an age-old story of star-crossed lovers in a richly imagined new world marred by class warfare. Seventeen-year-old Kestrel doesn’t want to marry, nor does she want to join the military, but as a general’s daughter, she has few other choices. But when she purchases Arin, a slave, on an inexplicable whim, she begins to find her cause in him. Unfortunately, Arin has plans of his own. Eyre narrates this tale with a melodic and smooth voice that can be hypnotizing. As the point of view switches back and forth between the two protagonists, she captures Kestrel’s emotions and tangled thoughts. She also does well by Arin, communicating clear restraint and turmoil in him. Erye’s attention to detail helps flesh out intricacies of this unfamiliar society through tone and deliberation. Ages 12–up. An FSG hardcover. (Mar.)