1
by Kristin Cashore
4.12008471 pages
Why you'll love it:
This fantasy shares a empowering and hopeful tone that will resonate with The Winner's Curse fans.
10 Best Books Like The Winner's Curse
If you loved The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski, here are the most similar books our readers recommend.
Quick Answer
The best books like The Winner's Curse are:
- 1Graceling by Kristin Cashore4.1
- 2The Cruel Prince by Holly Black0Series starter
- 3The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon4.5
- 4Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson4.0
- 5Twilight by Stephenie Meyer0
- 6Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor4.5
- 7The Sirens: A Novel by Emilia Hart4.1
- 8Caraval by Stephanie Garber4.3Series starter
- 9An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir4.2
- 10The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller3.8
Fantasy02014
When general's daughter Kestrel buys enslaved warrior Arin at auction, their relationship becomes complicated by rebellion, politics, and feelings that could destroy them both
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Detailed Recommendations
2
The Cruel Prince
Start of Folk Of The Air seriesby Holly Black
02018
Why you'll love it:
This fantasy shares a dark and intoxicating tone that will resonate with The Winner's Curse fans.
3
by Amy Harmon
4.52016336 pages
Why you'll love it:
This fantasy shares a melancholy but hopeful tone that will resonate with The Winner's Curse fans.
4
by Margaret Rogerson
4.02019456 pages
Why you'll love it:
This fantasy shares a whimsical yet perilous tone that will resonate with The Winner's Curse fans.
5
by Stephenie Meyer
02006
Why you'll love it:
This fantasy shares a dreamy and melodramatic tone that will resonate with The Winner's Curse fans.
6
by Laini Taylor
4.52011544 pages
Why you'll love it:
This fantasy shares a lush and melancholy tone that will resonate with The Winner's Curse fans.
7
by Emilia Hart
4.12025352 pages
Why you'll love it:
This fantasy shares a dark and haunting tone that will resonate with The Winner's Curse fans.
8
Caraval
Start of Caraval seriesby Stephanie Garber
4.32017416 pages
Why you'll love it:
This fantasy shares a dreamlike and dangerous tone that will resonate with The Winner's Curse fans.
9
by Sabaa Tahir
4.22015480 pages
Why you'll love it:
This fantasy shares a brutal but empowering tone that will resonate with The Winner's Curse fans.
10
by Tricia Levenseller
3.82020326 pages
Why you'll love it:
This fantasy shares a darkly indulgent tone that will resonate with The Winner's Curse fans.
Quick Comparison: Books Like The Winner's Curse
| Book | Author | Rating | Year | Pages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graceling | Kristin Cashore | 4.1 | 2008 | 471 | Closest match |
| The Cruel Prince📚 Series starter | Holly Black | 0 | 2018 | — | Start a new series |
| The Bird and the Sword | Amy Harmon | 4.5 | 2016 | 336 | Similar vibes |
| Sorcery of Thorns | Margaret Rogerson | 4.0 | 2019 | 456 | Similar vibes |
| Twilight | Stephenie Meyer | 0 | 2006 | — | Similar vibes |
| Daughter of Smoke and Bone📚 Series starter | Laini Taylor | 4.5 | 2011 | 544 | Start a new series |
| The Sirens: A Novel | Emilia Hart | 4.1 | 2025 | 352 | Similar vibes |
| Caraval📚 Series starter | Stephanie Garber | 4.3 | 2017 | 416 | Start a new series |
| An Ember in the Ashes📚 Series starter | Sabaa Tahir | 4.2 | 2015 | 480 | Start a new series |
| The Shadows Between Us | Tricia Levenseller | 3.8 | 2020 | 326 | Similar vibes |
Authors Who Write Like Marie Rutkoski
If you enjoy Marie Rutkoski's writing style, explore these similar authors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What books are most similar to The Winner's Curse?
The most similar books to The Winner's Curse are Graceling, The Cruel Prince, The Bird and the Sword.
What should I read after The Winner's Curse?
After finishing The Winner's Curse, readers most commonly pick up Graceling next.
Who writes books like Marie Rutkoski?
Authors similar to Marie Rutkoski include Holly Black, Leigh Bardugo.
What genre is The Winner's Curse?
The Winner's Curse is a Fantasy novel by Marie Rutkoski, published in 2014. It features elements of Enemies to Lovers, Political Intrigue, Colonialism.
How long is The Winner's Curse?
The Winner's Curse varies in length depending on edition.
Does The Winner's Curse have romance/spice?
The Winner's Curse has a spice level of 1/5. This book has light romantic elements.
About The Winner's Curse
When general's daughter Kestrel buys enslaved warrior Arin at auction, their relationship becomes complicated by rebellion, politics, and feelings that could destroy them both. Rutkoski crafts sophisticated YA fantasy that explores colonialism, resistance, and the moral complexities of war through a chess-like political game. The first in a trilogy praised for its intelligent handling of difficult themes, this novel examines themes of privilege, oppression, and moral choice while featuring enemies-to-lovers romance built on mutual respect and understanding, proving that the most compelling love stories arise from characters who challenge each other's worldviews and grow together.