I have to say this series gets better and better. I love the politics that drives this book. It seriously makes my palms sweaty with anticipation. The stakes have definitely been raised with The Winner's Crime. 
 I loved the characters even more in this book. I feel that their in dangerous situations and they have even more to lose with each decision they make. I loved this. You never know what's going to happen, who they could trust, and whether Kestrel and Arin will be together. OMG! It was almost too much to take. This book is very suspenseful and meticulous. Kestrel is torn between her obvious love for Arin and betraying her people. She's caught in the middle and either choice can have dire consequences. Kestrel can trust no one as the Emperor has eyes everywhere and Arin is in a constant state of danger doing what he can to protect his people. 
 I can't help but love this series. Its addictive and exciting. I love that while there is a romance between Kestrel and Arin, its not necessarily the focus of this book. It is in the sense that their feelings for one another drives their actions, but the story is political in nature and strategic as Kestrel comes up with battle strategy and navigating her loyalties. I highly recommend this book.