Originally posted here: 
 https://otherworldlibrary.wordpress.c... 
 The Winners Crime picks up a short month after the previous books tense gut wrenching conclusion. Kestrel is now living in the Valorian capital, preparing for her upcoming marriage and unsuccessfully trying to let go of Arin. In The Winners Curse Kestrel came to view her culture through an increasingly clear and unbiased focus, but was not in a position to change things on a grand scale. Now as all parties converge at the capital for a season of prenuptial festivities Kestrel finds herself in a position to affect real change in her society, not only does this come with great risk to her own safety, but has the potential to ruin her most important relationships. Kestrels actions are a complete betrayal to her beloved father, a man whose affections are still paramount in importance to her. She also is compelled to keep her dealings a secret from Arin (for far different reasons) and so finds herself lying to the two most relevant people in her life in order to help atone for the injustices Valoria and it Emperor has committed against its neighbors. 
 The journey is a cruel one and come the end we see all of Kestrels closest relationships take a dark turn. She is alone and betrayed, the backs of those that matter most turned against her regardless of what side of the conflict they were on. The last six chapters are a fast-paced clusterf*ck of pain and betrayal that ends with a cliff-hanger. 
 Now that I've said all that...I LOVED this!!! Though The Winners Curse was more romantic (which I missed here) and (due to the rebellion plot in the last half) more action packed, I enjoyed that this was a different kind of book. Full of espionage, court intrigue, angst, and impossible choices that cyclone around Kestel and Arin as they bludgeon their own hearts to set their worlds right. 
 While some thought this ended on a hopeless note, I did not. There was a key thing that needed to happen for Kestrel and Arin to find themselves in the same place again. It happened in this book. I could not be more encouraged or excited for where this sets things up for The Winners Kiss when its released next spring. With full on war about to break out and an inevitable reunion between Arin and Kestrel, I feel confident both action and romance will be back on the menu.