Book One), Third Daughter (The Royals of Dharia

I often read book reviews as a prerequisite to reading a book. In this case I did not, and I'm rather glad that I didn't.

This is the type of book that is easy to misjudge in the opening pages---to think that it will be less than what it turns out to be. This book soon surprised, as it deepened, and it kept on surprising throughout the book.

By the time I finished it, I was already looking forward to the next book There is resolution, you aren't left hanging...except for one small detail at the end. But I enjoyed reading about the characters and was not ready to be finished with reading about them.

Third Daughter takes place in a fictitious world, but the lush descriptions brought everything to to life so beautifully. That's not to say that the story lacked action -- because it didn't! Filled with cool steampunk gadgets, intrigue and romance, this story moves along, pulling you deeper into it with each page. It's a quick, fun read with plenty of memorable characters.

Susan Kaye Quinn just gets better with each book!

Loved the world building, loved the characters , loved the love triangle. Has lots of action and moves along at a brisk pace. I didn't want to put it down .
Well done!! Recommended for any reader .

Fabulous first book of a three book series. Steampunk meets Bollywood on an alien planet. Sounds weird but it totally works and the writting and story are fabulous. True romance, not sex, with a heaping dose of political intrigue and adventure. Book ends with a cliffhanger and all tree books should be read in order.

Thoroughly enjoyable science fiction/steampunk/romance with an East Indian flavor, a kick ass heroine, plenty of action, and terrific world building. Political intrigue, family secrets, and royal obligations combine to create an exciting story against a background of steampunk technology and matriarchal society. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.

I loved this book.. but became frustrated with the main character... and don't think I can read the next one based on the description.. (can I really read a whole book where she makes silly decisions NOT to be with the one dependable person in her life!?)

3.5 stars, actually.

Could not resist a series labeled "East Indian Steampunk." And yes, despite the beginning where the only thing that can qualify as steampunk is a fencing automaton, there are steampunkery elements here including an airship and aetherorceivers, and yes there's a spunky princess and a romance, a bit of political intrigue, etc, but it didn't hook me enough to want to read the rest of the series.

I guess I've gotten a bit choosy with my steampunk. Flashy gadgets thrown in for the sake of "ooh that's cool" no longer keep me interested-- i need serious political or societal ramifications for my steampunkery.

I also am not invested in spunky princesses who, despite being given irrevocable proof that a loved one has betrayed them and doesn't have their best interests in mind, then goes to the loved one expecting comfort and understanding. There's also some handy engineers who help out the spunky princess when she's in enemy territory for no apparent reason whatsoever, so that was a bit frustrating.

On the other hand, refreshing to have a bit of matriarchal Asia in my pseudo-fantasy world.

It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so read at your own risk.

3.5 stars, actually.

Could not resist a series labeled "East Indian Steampunk." And yes, despite the beginning where the only thing that can qualify as steampunk is a fencing automaton, there are steampunkery elements here including an airship and aetherorceivers, and yes there's a spunky princess and a romance, a bit of political intrigue, etc, but it didn't hook me enough to want to read the rest of the series.

I guess I've gotten a bit choosy with my steampunk. Flashy gadgets thrown in for the sake of "ooh that's cool" no longer keep me interested-- i need serious political or societal ramifications for my steampunkery.

I also am not invested in spunky princesses who, despite being given irrevocable proof that a loved one has betrayed them and doesn't have their best interests in mind, then goes to the loved one expecting comfort and understanding. There's also some handy engineers who help out the spunky princess when she's in enemy territory for no apparent reason whatsoever, so that was a bit frustrating.

On the other hand, refreshing to have a bit of matriarchal Asia in my pseudo-fantasy world.

It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so read at your own risk.

Exciting tale of intrigue and daring in a world that is interesting and different. I so enjoyed this book. So different from many YA novels but with a love story and a plot that kept me guessing! I love an unpredictable story!

Some elements in this book were a little too obvious for me, but overall an interesting story.

Heroine is ok. She's a little...not dumb per se, but she definitely missed a lot. Naive might be a good word here.

Aniri is rebellious and defiant and strong. She's a flawed heroine that I really liked. The different creatures, the dinamic between countries and that entire world seemed interesting. Although I was a little put off by "Samirians" using slightly-Irish dialogue, I was surprised that I really enjoyed this book.

For me, this book was a fun, original, adventurous ride. It felt retro and futuristic at the same time. I felt like I had entered a new virtual reality that was intriguing yet still comfortingly familiar. The characters were interesting and well developed and their story left me wanting more.

Enjoyable read, though the reference of it being Bollywood-esque might be a reach. The author did set the tone for the trilogy of the fictional world she created. Descriptive, adventurous, and romantic, Third Daughter is extremely entertaining.