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Third Daughter (2013)

by Susan Kaye Quinn(Favorite Author)

4.17 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

1493774778 (ISBN13: 9781493774777)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

CreateSpace

series

The Dharian Affairs Trilogy

review 1: I picked this one up as part of the Steampunk bundle from StoryBundle. I really enjoyed this book. It was a wonderful adventure in an exotic locale with characters who really fit their world (as opposed to modern or conventional real-world characters dropped into a "wallpaper-fantasy" world.) The characters were engaging, the plot had me reading fast, and the fantastical elements felt perfect for their world. I forgot I was reading a book several times (not an easy feat as an author). The steampunk ethos was very well-blended with the character-driven story so that neither the fun technology nor the gripping political intrigue plot were overshadowed by the other.I wholeheartedly enjoyed the trip to a Bollywood-like setting of a fantasy world modeled with Indian sensibiliti... morees in mind (and this may just be me, but I found some similarities with Robin McKinley's "The Blue Sword" - or at least my memory of that book). I will preface this by saying that I don't know much beyond casual familiarity with Indian culture, so I can't speak to how much accuracy is reflected (such that there would be in a fantasy setting, anyway). But I can say that my introduction to "Bollypunk" in this story makes me want to go find more. I also enjoyed that I was able to become immersed in the world and determine on my own what was "exotic" and what was familiar, because the author didn't feel the need to insert a European-analogue culture for contrast.While I was riveted by a sophisticated plot, compelling characters, and a rich world, I could also pass this book to my elementary school-aged daughter with confidence. The author handled mature concepts like political intrigue, betrayal, murder, and arranged marriage with a deft hand that came across as neither preachy nor overtly provocative. And the way the author played with gendered themes made me jealous of her subtlety and skill.Who will like this book: Anyone fascinated by the steampunk genre or its attendant offshoots, readers who enjoy political intrigue that doesn't rely on sex scandals or extreme violence to create compelling political conflict, and readers who are interested in non-western or non-European cultures portrayed in a fantastical setting. Also, if you've got a younger reader around who wants a more sophisticated feel than a strictly-classified YA book, Third Daughter will fill that need.This is the rare book that will captivate a younger reader, while at the same time absorb an adult reader looking for a sophisticated read. It would not be out of place at either a public library or a middle-school or higher school library.Who will not like this book: I can't really recommend against this book for anything but the obvious--if you're looking for overtly Christian themes, look elsewhere, if you're looking for explicit sex, look elsewhere, if you're looking for historical accuracy, you probably don't want to be in the fantasy section anyway. But if you're looking for an engaging adventure with well-rounded characters, pick this one up.
review 2: Okay, I will admit that Third Daughter isn't quite as magical as Airborn (but what other book is, really?). But as a close second-favorite steampunk adventure, Quinn's book is definitely worthy of five (or six?) stars.I loved the uniqueness of Quinn's steampunk world the most. Rather than just being set in an alternative past when steam engines maintained their dominance, Third Daughter sends us to a fantasy world that is based loosely on Indian culture. The combination makes for intense world-building that is extremely vivid, from the long-range transportation using cable cars to the complex politics our heroine has to maneuver her way through.Which brings us to my more-mainstream highlight of the book --- a perfect spunky heroine. I also thoroughly enjoyed the way Quinn deals with the YA theme of choosing between two love interest. From the beginning, the author hints that the current love interest isn't quite what he seems, but we're left guessing for most of the book about which one Third Daughter should choose.This book is perma-free and ends solidly (although it will also tug you into book two), so there's no reason not to read. less

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