<u><b>THE FIRST BOOK IN THE HEART-STOPPING WINNER¿S TRILOGY: an irresistible story of forbidden romance and class warfare</b></u><b>¿Every line in <i>The Winner''s Curse </i>is beautifully written. The story is masterfully plotted. The characters'' dilemmas fascinated me and tore at my heart¿ I loved it. I want more.¿ </b>Kristin Cashore, author of the <i>Graceling Realm</i> books<b>Winning what you want may cost you everything you love</b>.As a general''s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. Kestrel has other ideas.One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in Arin, a young slave up for auction. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him - and for a sensational price that sets the society gossips talking. 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 him is much higher than sh