The Book That Reminded Me Not Just to Look At The World, But To Truly See It.

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski kicks off a thrilling fantasy trilogy, and while the third book might be the best (seriously, it's amazing), you must start with book one. No skipping! 

Kestrel is the sharp-witted, rich daughter of a powerful general in a ruthless empire. One day, on a whim, she buys a slave named Arin at an auction. Classic story of human rights, freedom, and unethical choices? Yes. But also, so much more. You see, Arin isn't just any slave; he's a key figure in a brewing revolution that totally throws her off by surprise. What starts as a friendship turns into a tangle of secrets, rebellion, and forbidden love. Kestrel and Arin discover that the only way to save each other is through the betrayal of the other. Have you ever betrayed someone you love?  It seems as though that might be pretty hard to come back from.

The Winner's Curse serves as a reminder that power often comes at the expense of others and that true strength usually stems from compassion rather than conquest.  And even though it can be challenging to make the right decision in a morally complex world, empathy is essential to being human. Ultimately, choosing empathy, even when it's hard, defines who we truly are.

-Lauren