The Winner's Curse

The Winner's Curse refers to one's inability to back down and lose; often in the case of a bid in which the "cursed" ends up paying for something of little value at a steep price.

Although in most cases that something doesn't turn out to be a person.

This book, though geared more towards the female gender, contains universal themes present in society.

The Herrians have been enslaved by their former trading partners, the Valorians, and have been for the past ten years. Perhaps once the strongest country in the world, Herran is now under the control of the Valorian's emperor, and the society's elite.

Once, the Herrians had considered the Valorians weak, barbaric, and admired their beauty. Now only one stands true.

Amongst these ruling elites is Krestel, the daughter to the famous Valorian general. Some would say the gods favor her, blessing her with the ability to spot any mistruth as if it were a cloud in the sky, until she meets the God of Lies himself: a slave by the name of Arin.

Drawn in by his startling gray eyes (and the fact that he is a singer) she quickly becomes enthralled in a bidding contest, purchasing him to work as a blacksmith.

He slowly begins changing her perspective of the world she lives in, yet as they grow closer, Krestel is unaware of what other changes are just around the corner.

The Herrains are planning a revolution with Arin at the head. But as he gets to know the strong willed musician, he finds that his desires, once so crisp and clear, are blurring.

The book spins a tale of judgment and betrayal. It brings into light the darker side of human nature. When the tables are turned, and the slaves become the masters, they don't hesitate in inflicting the harshest of pains, despite having been there themselves.

Revenge is extracted in the most excruciating of ways and innocents are ruled as guilty. Thousands are slaughtered in the bloody mutiny.

Yet the book also showcases human capacity for change and forgiveness.

Arin and Krestel are able to recognize the mistakes of their past and become better people. Though it takes effort, they manage to let go of their resentment of one another and find it within themselves to forgive all the wrongs that had been done to them.

Despite the obvious racism and oppression, the author demonstrates the characters' progress towards a more civilized future built upon equality and freedom.

New truces are formed and old alliances dissolved.

Scandalous plots are uncovered and faith will be tested.

And with this, the book shows that everything is more than it appears.

That sometimes... a curse can be a blessing in disguise.