I am writing this as a ghost because this book killed me. 
 I, Erica's ghost, have a lot of things to say about this but feel inadequate to verbalize my love/obsession/adoration/fascination with this spectacular story using coherent thought. Some other reviews somehow managed this, such as Nina's, Simona's, and Chantal's. 
 But I shall try. 
 To begin, I would like to say that I read this for about 7 hours straight. I ignored the existence of time to fulfill my addiction to this series, which is, honestly, my favorite series I've ever read. I cannot understand how I lived without this series and, for so long, without being a devoted reader of anything. This series embodies what truly is magical about reading. It embodies the true transformative power of a story. And embodies how a reader can fall deeply in love with fictional characters. 
 You may be saying to yourself, ghost of Erica, you're being awfully dramatic here, it can't possibly be that good. And I would say to that: First of all, 
 Second of all, no I'm not over-hyping this. 
 The Winner's Kiss was a perfect ending to a perfect series. This final installment continued with the political intrigue and overall complexity that the first two had built so well. If the author bombed after the first book, the original story would have still been great. But noooooo, she didn't stop there. She made the story absolutely fucking spectacular. 
 Oh so often authors stretch out their series by adding unnecessary drama (i.e. personal relationships or magical worlds getting in the way) but Marie Rutkoski made a story where the conflicts were, however extraordinary, ultimately understandable. I did not facepalm at events. I did not roll my eyes at people's choices. I was, at times, crushed by certain occurrences, but they were necessary events in the end. 
 The true star here was our female protagonist, Kestrel. She was spectacular. And no, she wasn't a magical assassin or the chosen one or the lost princess who possesses a legendary power, she was a dynamic, vibrant, brave, manipulative, powerful person with flaws and misjudgments and worries. And we hardly are ever told these traits, we are able to see them ourselves. Kestrel is shown to us as a complex individual whose attributes come through in her actions and thoughts, not through direct communication from the author. 
 "You don't need to be gifted with a blade. You are your own best weapon." 
 She is a beautifully crafted character. Her development over the series made me feel embarrassed that my original love for her in The Winner's Curse was so shallow. I didn't know her then. I didn't see all she could do. But I am thankful I got to see her evolution. And she's probably off doing more badass things now even though the series ended. 
 Ultimately, I think that this whole series has the overarching theme of the transformative power of love. And no, not like in typical YA novels where hot 17-year-old girl becomes transfixed with shirtless hot 17-year-old boy and they get married at the end. I mean love in all forms. The love between a father and daughter, between friends, humorous bromance, dependable allies, love that hurts but love that heals, and, lastly, romantic love. I know people often say shit like "love hurts" or "love is a battlefield" or "love is pain." And I guess I could see what they mean, relationships are difficult, they take work. Sometimes really passionate (yet unhealthy) relationships cause you immense turmoil. I've experienced it. BUT ultimately those people are being dumb. Love inherently does not hurt. When it is twisted in such a way, something you view as love feels bad when it is unrequited. Love is beautiful and feels good and lights your soul. Yes, it has trials, yes things hurt sometimes, but love is a force of good. It makes you a better person on your own, to be supported by a person who unconditionally loves you. This book knows that. It is full of prime examples of this love at work, in its many forms. And the love between Kestrel and Arin is that kind of love, the true kind. They grow together and feel together and move forward with each other's best interests at heart. 
 But the fucking suspense sometimes. Like I was pretty much internally begging the author to bring Kestrel and Arin together. 
 And none of this emotion would have been possible without the brilliant writing. Marie Rutkoski is one hell of a writer. Her writing motivates me to be a better writer AND a better reader. She masterfully constructed this story. She took a story that could eventually fall flat and made it pulse with life. Her words were poetic and beautiful and symbolic and powerful without being overwhelming. And she utilized POV changes with expertise. I especially loved when in battle she shifted from Kestrel's point of view to Arin's at the most poignant times. It hastened the plot and created that sense of urgency one (I'm guessing) would feel in battle. It conveyed the illusion that many, many things were happening at once and her narrative camera was keeping you on the edge of your seat. Even within simple conversations, her suggestion of pauses and reactions was brilliant. She makes the reader intelligent, because she forces you to think and become enraptured in this world. For example look at this: 
 "How do I look in the dark?" 
 Startled, Arin glanced at him. The question had had no edges. It wasn't sleek, either. Its soft, uncertain shape suggested that Roshar truly wanted to know. In the fired red shadows, his limbs looked lax and his mutilated face met Arin's squarely. The heavy feeling that Arin carried--that specific sadness, nestled just below his collar bone, like a pendant--lessened. He said, "Like my friend." 
 Roshar didn't smile. When he spoke, his voice matched his expression, which was rare for him. Rarer still: his tone. Quiet and true. "You do, too." 
 Like what. How does she verbalize brilliance in this way? I'm astounded. Bottom line, she's an incredible writer and I'm honored that she signed my first two books in the series (and that she's friends with Kristin Cashore whom I love). There's a particular quote that I absolutely adore that I wanted to share with you all (the bolding in this passage is my own): 
 The stained-glass window glowed, and something eased open inside Kestrel. As color seeped into the room, she felt an unexpected wish. 
 She wished her father were here. 
 You, who seek your own father's death. 
 But she didn't, she found that she couldn't, no matter how he had hurt her. She wished that he could see her play, and win. That he could see what she saw now. 
 A window is just a window. Colored glass: mere glass. But in the sun it becomes more. She would show him, and say, love should do this. 
 And you too, she would tell him, because she could no longer deny that it remained true, in spite of everything. 
 I love you, too. 
 This passage made me falter when I read it. It is so 
 beautiful 
 . And so indicative of the overarching theme of genuine love that weaves itself throughout every aspect of this story. Viewing love as the effect sunlight has on a stained glass window is something not only visually appealing, but also breathtakingly true and pure. As I said before, love should make you glow with light. 
 I could keep going. But I think you get the picture. You should prob hop on this magical, literary train. 
 It was an absolutely divine pleasure to read this series. Thank you, Marie Rutkoski. 
 ******4/9/16 addition******* 
 Sooo look I met Marie Rutkoski!