Best Selling Books by Marie Rutkoski

In the tradition of Kristin Cashore and Cassandra Clare comes The Winner''s Curse, a brilliant, unputdownable, star-crossed romance from New York Times bestselling author Marie Rutkoski. Winning what you want may cost you everything you love They were never meant to be together. As a general''s daughter, seventeen-year-old Kestrel enjoys an extravagant and privileged life. Arin has nothing but the clothes on his back. Then Kestrel makes an impulsive decision that binds Arin to her. Though they try to fight it, they can''t help but fall in love. In order to be together, they must betray their people . . . but to be loyal to their country, they must betray each other. Set in a new world, The Winner''s Curse is a story of rebellion, duels, ballroom dances, wicked rumors, dirty secrets, and games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

War has begun. Arin is in the thick of it, with the East as his ally and the empire as his enemy. He''s finally managed to dismiss the memory of Kestrel, even if he can''t quite forget her. Kestrel turned into someone he could no longer recognize: some

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria''s crown prince is the event of a lifetime, but to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making, so as she aches to tell the truth about her engagement, she becomes a skilled practitioner of deceit and as a spy passes information and gets close to uncovering a shocking secret.

Set in the world of the New York Times–bestselling Winner’s Trilogy, Marie Rutkoski''s The Midnight Lie is an epic LGBTQ romantic fantasy about learning to free ourselves from the lies others tell us—and the lies we tell ourselves. Where Nirrim lives, crime abounds, a harsh tribunal rules, and society’s pleasures are reserved for the High Kith. Life in the Ward is grim and punishing. People of her low status are forbidden from sampling sweets or wearing colors. You either follow the rules, or pay a tithe and suffer the consequences. Nirrim keeps her head down, and a dangerous secret close to her chest. But then she encounters Sid, a rakish traveler from far away, who whispers rumors that the High Kith possess magic. Sid tempts Nirrim to seek that magic for herself. But to do that, Nirrim must surrender her old life. She must place her trust in this sly stranger who asks, above all, not to be trusted.

Bringing to mind Gillian Flynn and Tana French but completely unique, Marie Rutkoski''s Real Easy is a compulsive, tenacious, and unexpectedly hopeful thriller. "[R]iveting...An adrenaline ride filled with grit and compassion." —People, Book of the Week It’s 1999 and Samantha has danced for years at the Lovely Lady strip club. She’s not used to mixing work and friendship—after all, between her jealous boyfriend and his young daughter, she has enough on her plate. But the newest dancer is so clueless that Samantha feels compelled to help her learn the hustle and drama of the club: how to sweet-talk the boss, fit in with the other women, and make good money. One night, when the new girl needs a ride home, Samantha agrees to drive: a simple decision that turns deadly. Georgia, another dancer drawn into the ensuing murder and missing person investigation, gathers information for Holly, a grieving detective determined to solve the case. Georgia just wants to help, but her involvement makes her a target. As Holly and Georgia round up their suspects, the story’s point of view shifts between dancers, detectives, children, club patrons—and the killer. Drawing on her experience as a former dancer, Marie Rutkoski immerses us in the captivating world of the club, which comes alive with complicated people trying their best to protect themselves and those they love. Character-driven and masterfully plotted, Real Easy gets to the heart of the timeless question: How do women live their lives knowing that men can hurt them?

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Winner''s Trilogy comes Marie Rutkoski''s Tor.Com Original short story, "The Bridge of Snow." Here readers are introduced to Arin during more innocent times. In his childhood, before the war, there was still time to tell stories. This story is set in the same world of the author''s stunning YA trilogy, which begins with book one, The Winner''s Curse. At the Publisher''s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Intrigue, romance, and magic abound in The Hollow Heart, the heart-stopping conclusion to Marie Rutkoski’s Forgotten Gods duology. At the end of The Midnight Lie, Nirrim offered up her heart to the god of thieves in order to restore her people’s memories of their city’s history. The Half Kith who once lived imprisoned behind the city’s wall now realize that many among them are powerful. Meanwhile, the person Nirrim once loved most, Sid, has returned to her home country of Herran, where she must navigate the politics of being a rogue princess who has finally agreed to do her duty. In the Herrani court, rumors begin to grow of a new threat rising across the sea, of magic unleashed on the world, and of a cruel, black-haired queen who can push false memories into your mind, so that you believe your dearest friends to be your enemies. Sid doesn’t know that this queen is Nirrim, who seeks her revenge against a world that has wronged her. Can Sid save Nirrim from herself? Does Nirrim even want to be saved? As blood is shed and war begins, Sid and Nirrim find that it might not matter what they want...for the gods have their own plans.

A page-turning, irresistible novel of class, ambition, and love, this is the breathtaking story of a woman risking everything for a second chance at the one who got away • “A stunning love story.” —J. Courtney Sullivan, bestselling author of The Cliffs Emily has, by all appearances, a perfect life: a townhouse on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, two healthy children, and a husband who showers her with attention. But the truth is more complicated: Emily’s marriage is in trouble, her relationship with her parents is fraught, and she is still nursing a heartbreak from long ago. When Emily runs into her high school girlfriend at a cocktail party, that heartbreak comes roaring back. But Gen Hall is no longer the lanky, hungry kid with holes in her shoes who Emily loved in her youth. Instead, Gen is now a famous Olympic athlete with sponsorship deals and a string of high-profile ex-girlfriends. Emily and Gen circle one another cautiously, drawn together by a magnetic attraction and scarred by their shared history. Once upon a time, Gen knew everything about Emily. And yet, she still abandoned her. Can Emily trust Gen again? Can they forgive each other for the mistakes they made in their past? Should Emily risk her children, her privacy, and the fragile peace she has found to be with a woman she loved long ago? A sweeping romance, Ordinary Love is the beautiful, wrenching, completely seductive story of two people trying to forge a path toward hope, bound by a love they discovered when they were too young to understand its power.

Download the first five chapters of THE WINNER''S CURSE by Marie Rutkoski! Winning what you want may cost you everything you love... As a general''s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin''s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It''s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined. Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner''s Curse is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Sixteen-year-old Darcy Jones knows little about her past except that she was abandoned outside a Chicago firehouse at age five, but when the mysterious Conn arrives at her high school she begins to discover things about her past that she is not sure she likes.

First in the Kronos Chronicles from the bestselling author: "[Readers] who enjoy literary fantasy are likely to savor Marie Rutkoski''s debut novel." — The Wall Street Journal Bank Street Best Children''s Book of the Year Petra Kronos has a simple, happy life. But it''s never been ordinary. She has a pet tin spider named Astrophil who likes to hide in her snarled hair and give her advice. Her best friend can trap lightning inside a glass sphere. Petra also has a father in faraway Prague who is able to move metal with his mind. He has been commissioned by the prince of Bohemia to build the world''s finest astronomical clock. Petra''s life is forever changed when, one day, her father returns home—blind. The prince has stolen his eyes, enchanted them, and now wears them. But why? Petra doesn''t know, but she knows this: she will go to Prague, sneak into Salamander Castle, and steal her father''s eyes back. Joining forces with Neel, whose fingers extend into invisible ghosts that pick locks and pockets, Petra finds that many people in the castle are not what they seem, and that her father''s clock has powers capable of destroying their world. "A heady mix of history and enchantment . . . Infusions of folklore (and Rutkoski''s embellishments of them) don''t slow the fast plot but more deeply entrance readers." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "For those who like their fantasy with a splash of history, or their history with a twist of magic, this book is ideal." — School Library Journal

When Prince Rodolfo''s monsters attack her, Petra Kronos is spirited away to London. As she struggles to escape, Neel and Tomik sail the high seas, in search of her. Though separated by many miles, the three friends draw closer together in this sequel to The Cabinet of Wonders, called "astonishingly accomplished" by Publishers Weekly. Readers will not be disappointed in this adventure-filled novel that includes man-made monsters, the unraveling of a murder mystery, and the hunt for the Celestial Globe, which the prince of Bohemia will do anything to own.

Upon arriving in the Romany homeland to deliver the Mercator Globes, Petra Kronos, Tomik, and Neel formulate a plan to save Petra''s father, who has been transformed into a Gray Man. But when a long-held secret is revealed, Neel finds himself bound to his country. The friends are quickly swept up in an epic battle for power. Thrones are at stake. Spies are afoot. Murder is common. Worst of all, Prince Rodolfo is close to becoming emperor, and ruling half of Europe. How much is Petra willing to sacrifice to defend the people she loves? Her search for answers will take her to castles and cities, through mountains, and even underwater as she tests her strength and gambles her life.

Few know that the Great Chicago Fire was started deliberately, as a genocide of deadly creatures called Shades. Fewer still know that they didn''t die, not quite...but one human will confront the truth when an ominous beauty makes him gamble for his life. At the Publisher''s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

This anthology includes short stories from six fierce young adult authors! Inside, you''ll find a futuristic zombie tale from Ann Aguirre, a science fiction thriller from Gennifer Albin, a nautical mermaid story from Elizabeth Fama, a story full of unicorns from Lish McBride, a postapocalyptic story from Caragh O''Brien, and a paranormal alternate future from Marie Rutkowski. This free anthology will give you an exciting taste of the fierceness of these YA authors'' novels. For more information about Fierce Reads, visit our Facebook page.

Petra Kronos has a simple, happy life. But it''s never been ordinary. She has a pet tin spider who likes to hide in her hair and give her advice. And her brilliant father has been commissioned by the prince of Bohemia to build the world''s finest astronomical clock. When the prince steals her father’s eyes to wear them as his own, Petra sets off for Prague to steal her father''s eyes back. And that is only the beginning of this series brimming with magic and adventure that Publishers Weekly called a "heady mix of history and enchantment." Includes all three books in the series, The Cabinet of Wonders, The Celestial Globe, and The Jewel of the Kalderash.

The Macmillan FIERCE READS Fall 2012 Chapter Sampler includes chapter excerpts from Crewel, Monstrous Beauty, Necromancing the Stone, The Shadow Society, Outpost, and Promised — available for free — check out the Fierce Reads website for more information about these much anticipated new YA reads.

Kestrel ist die Verlobte des Prinzen – für viele ein Traum. Aber für Kestrel fühlt es sich an wie ein Käfig, den sie selbst errichtet hat. Je näher die Hochzeit rückt, desto mehr sehnt sie sich danach, Arin die Wahrheit zu sagen: Sie hat eingewilligt, den Prinzen zu heiraten, um Arin zu schützen. Doch kann Kestrel Arin trauen? Kann sie sich selbst trauen? Andere zu täuschen fällt ihr erschreckend leicht. Sie wird zur Spionin am kaiserlichen Hof und verrät das Reich Valoria, das sie so sehr liebt. Es gibt nur eins, das sie noch mehr liebt: Arin. Noch spannender, romantischer und überraschender – Band 2 der Fantasy-Serie »Die Schatten von Valoria«. Alle Bände der international erfolgreichen Serie: Spiel der Macht (Band 1) Spiel der Ehre (Band 2) Spiel der Liebe (erscheint am 23.12.2019)

La boda de un miembro de la realeza es el sueño de muchas chicas. Implica una celebración tras otra: bailes, fuegos artificiales y diversión hasta el amanecer. Pero para Kestrel significa vivir en una jaula en la que ella misma se ha metido. A medida que se aproxima la fecha de la boda, anhela contarle a Arin la verdad sobre su compromiso: que accedió a casarse con el príncipe heredero para que él pudiera ser libre. Pero ¿puede confiar en él? ¿Acaso puede confiar en sí misma? Kestrel está convirtiéndose en una maestra del engaño. Ha empezado a hacer de espía en la corte. Si la descubren, su país la considerará una traidora. Sin embargo, debe encontrar el modo de cambiar su despiadado mundo... y, en el proceso, está a punto de descubrir un espeluznante secreto. TRILOGÍA D EL GANADOR # 2

Některá vítězství stojí víc, než jen velký balík peněz... 1. díl bestsellerové série Jako dcera generála Valoriánské říše má Kestrel dvě možnosti – přidat se k armádě, nebo se vdát. Jenže ona nechce ani jedno. Když na trhu s otroky koupí muže, jehož hrdost ji na první pohled učaruje, netuší, že následky tohoto rozmaru ji budou stát hodně. Zakázané přátelství, které mezi nimi vznikne, se stane nebezpečným pro ně i pro celou zemi. Oba se totiž stanou důležitými figurkami ve vysoké politické hře plné intrik, tajemství a zrady.

Algunos besos pueden tener un precio muy alto. La guerra ha comenzado. En el centro del conflicto, Arin se enfrenta al imperio acompañado de nuevos aliados de incierta lealtad. Aunque se ha convencido a sí mismo de que ya no ama a Kestrel, no la ha olvidado, ni tampoco cómo la chica que conocía ha acabado convirtiéndose en la clase de persona que él siempre ha despreciado. Alguien a quien le importa más el imperio que las vidas de personas inocentes... y, desde luego, más que él. Al menos, eso cree. En el norte helado, Kestrel está prisionera en un brutal campo de trabajo. Mientras busca desesperadamente la forma de escapar, anhela que Arin pudiera saber los sacrificios que hizo por él. Anhela hacerle pagar al imperio lo que le ha hecho.

Como hija del general de un gran imperio que se deleita en la guerra y en la esclavitud, Kestrel solo tiene dos opciones: unirse al ejército o casarse. Sin embargo, todo su mundo da un giro radical cuando la chica encuentra un esclavo cuyos ojos parecen desa ar al mundo entero y, siguiendo su instinto, termina comprándolo por una cantidad ridícula de dinero. Pero el joven guarda un secreto, y Kestrel aprende rápidamente que el precio que ha pagado por otro ser humano es mucho más alto de lo que podría haber imaginado. Que ganar aquello que quieres puede costar todo lo que amas. Ambientada en un mundo imaginario, La maldición del ganador es una historia de conspiraciones, rumores, secretos y rebeliones en la que todo está en juego y en la que la verdadera apuesta consiste en conservar la cabeza o seguir al corazón.

Download a FREE sneak peek of THE MIDNIGHT LIE by Marie Rutkoski. Set in the world of the New York Times–bestselling Winner’s Trilogy, The Midnight Lie is an epic LGBTQ romantic fantasy about learning to free ourselves from the lies others tell us—and the lies we tell ourselves. Where Nirrim lives, crime abounds, a harsh tribunal rules, and society’s pleasures are reserved for the High Kith. Life in the Ward is grim and punishing. People of her low status are forbidden from sampling sweets or wearing colors. You either follow the rules, or pay a tithe and suffer the consequences. Nirrim keeps her head down, and a dangerous secret close to her chest. But then she encounters Sid, a rakish traveler from far away, who whispers rumors that the High Kith possess magic. Sid tempts Nirrim to seek that magic for herself. But to do that, Nirrim must surrender her old life. She must place her trust in this sly stranger who asks, above all, not to be trusted.

Arinovy myšlenky jsou soustředěny na válku a o Kestrelině osudu nemá tušení. A ani nechce mít. Je přesvědčen, že k zásnubám s princem Valorie ji přiměla touha po moci a životy nevinných lidí ji nezajímají. Kestrel však byla odsouzena k nuceným pracím, kde jen stěží přežívá. Doufá, že Arin dostane její tajnou zprávu a konečně se dozví pravdu. Podaří se jim opět se setkat, spojit síly a vybojovat svobodu a mír nejen pro sebe, ale také pro své národy? Nejnapínavější partie Tesáků a Žihadel začala. Ani ty nejvyšší kameny však hráčům nemusí zajistit vítězství... Závěrečný díl bestsellerové trilogie.

FIlle du général le plus titré de l''Empire, Kestrel a eu la faiblesse, alors quelle réprouve l''esclavage, d''acheter dans une vente aux enchères un jeune homme du nom d''Arin. Pire encore, elle a eu la bêtise de lui permettre de devenir son ami... et de laisser la ville entière s''en émouvoir. Elle n''a compris qu''au dernier moment son erreur, en découvrant l''impensable : espion aux ordres de son peuple oppressé, les Herranis, le jeune homme était là depuis le début pour la trahir, pour renverser le pouvoir. A présent, tout a changé. Kestrel a été contrainte de lutter pour sa survie. Elle a vu ses amis tomber autour d''elle et a dû supporter la douleur de la trahison d''Arin - elle dont l''éducation entière lui souffle de tout faire pour se venger. Mais, quand il a fallu choisir son camp, elle a préféré, à son tour, l''impensable : sacrifier son bonheur pour celui des Herranis, céder à un terrible chantage qui la force à tourner le dos à Arin une bonne fois pour toutes. Elle est désormais la fiancée du fils de l''Empereur. S''ouvre, à la cour, un terrible jeu d''échec où Kestrel doit mentir à tout le monde, depuis le monarque - un homme sans pitié qui se délecte de la souffrance d''autrui - jusqu''à Arin lui-même, en passant par la masse des courtisans qui n''espèrent que sa chute. Gagner sera-t-il pour elle la pire des malédictions ? Jeux de pouvoir, coups de bluff et pièges insidieux : dans un monde nouveau, né de l''imagination d''une auteure unanimement saluée pour son talent, deux jeunes gens que tout oppose se livrent à une partie de poker menteur qui pourrait bien décider de la destinée de tout un peuple !

La guerre a éclaté. Arin se retrouve au centre des affrontements, avec l''Orient comme allié et, pour ennemi, l''Empire qui l''avait réduit en esclavage. Il est enfin parvenu à fermer son esprit au souvenir obsédant de Kestrel, même s''il ne parvient pas tout à fait à l''effacer de sa mémoire. Mais sa décision est prise : il n''a plus que faire de celle qui, le croit-il, soutient l''Empereur envers et contre tout, malgré les innocents massacrés, malgré le danger qui menace Arin et les siens... Mais la vérité est tout autre. C''est loin au nord, dans un des nombreux camps de travail impériaux, que dépérit peu à peu Kestrel, fiancée déchue de l''héritier de l''Empire. Droguée - une façon de s''assurer de son obéissance -, elle risque de perdre un peu plus chaque jour, comme les prisonniers qui l''entourent, tout souvenir de sa vie passée. Déjà, plus au sud, les combats font rage, et les vies d''Arin et de Kestrel se retrouvent prises entre le marteau et l''enclume... Pour elle comme pour lui, l''heure est venue de jouer cartes sur table. Mais quand les enjeux sont aussi élevés, est-il vraiment possible de remporter la mise ? Dans un monde nouveau, né de l''imagination d''une auteure unanimement saluée pour son talent, découvrez les jeux de pouvoir, les coups de bluff et les enjeux vertigineux de la partie de poker menteur à laquelle se livrent deux espions pris dans les nasses de deux causes ennemies !

Um noivado imperial significa uma celebração após a outra: cafés da manhã com cortesãos e dignatários influentes, bailes, fogos de artifício e festas até o amanhecer. Para Kestrel, porém, significa viver numa gaiola forjada por ela mesma. Com a aproximação do casamento, ela deseja confessar a Arin, seu ex-escravo e atual governador de Herran: só aceitou se casar com o príncipe herdeiro do império em troca da liberdade dele, Arin. Mas será que Kestrel pode confiar nele? Ou, pior: será que pode confiar em si mesma? No jogo do poder, Kestrel está se tornando perita em blefes. Age como uma espiã na corte. Se for pega, será desmascarada como traidora de seu próprio império. Ainda assim, ela não consegue deixar de buscar uma forma de mudar seu terrível mundo... e está muito perto de descobrir um segredo tenebroso. Nesta sequência fascinante e devastadora de A maldição do vencedor, Marie Rutkoski desvela o alto custo de mentiras perigosas e alianças pouco confiáveis. A revelação da verdade é iminente e, quando finalmente vier à tona, Kestrel e Arin vão descobrir o preço exato de seus crimes.

Kestrel quer ser dona do próprio destino. Alistar-se no Exército ou casar-se não fazem parte dos seus planos. Contrariando as vontades do pai – o poderoso general de Valória, reconhecido por liderar batalhas e conquistar outros povos –, a jovem insiste em sua rebeldia. Ironicamente, na busca pela própria liberdade, Kestrel acaba comprando um escravo em um leilão. O valor da compra chega a ser escandaloso, e mal sabe ela que esse ato impensado lhe custará muito mais do que moedas valorianas. O mistério em torno do escravo é hipnotizante. Os olhos de Arin escondem segredos profundos que, aos poucos, começam a emergir, mas há sempre algo que impede Kestrel de tocá-los. Dois povos inimigos, a guerra iminente e uma atração proibida... As origens que separam Kestrel de Arin são as mesmas que os obrigarão a lutarem juntos, mas por razões opostas. A maldição do vencedor é um verdadeiro triunfo lírico no universo das narrativas fantásticas. Com sua escrita poderosa, Marie Rutkoski constrói um épico de beleza indômita.

Young Adult fantasy román americké autorky o dalších osudech odvážné Kestrel a hrdého Arina. Doufali, že je čeká společná budoucnost, ale osud jejich vlasti je rozdělil. Pokud chtěla Kestrel zachránit svoji domovinu, dopřát herranskému lidu svobodu a zároveň uchránit Arina před jistou smrtí, měla jen jedinou volbu. Vrátila se zpět do Valorie, plní svoje povinnosti u dvora, snaží se před císařem skrývat svoje skutečné pohnutky, a zároveň se pokouší zapomenout na jediného muže, kterého kdy milovala. Arin se stal guvernérem, ale ztratil svoji životní lásku, zradila ho, zaslíbila se císařskému synovi. Kestrel i Arin postupně odhalují, že všichni v jejich okolí mají vlastní tajemství, a bez pomoci informátorů není možné přežít. Každý sám se snaží dosáhnout svého cíle, neprozradit příliš mnoho nespolehlivým osobám a odolat touhám svého srdce. Avšak zrada nakonec přijde z místa, kde by to nejméně čekali.