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mary_soon_lee's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is the book three in Sherwood Smith's fantasy tetraology, Inda. It's a long time since I have been so engrossed by a series. I am captivated by the characters, the plot, the epic sweep. I am anxious about what comes next, hoping that book four will not undo my love for these characters, nor hurt them too deeply.
Book three deepened my affection for Inda and Tau and added Signi into the fold of my favorite characters (along with Inda, Tau, Evred, Tdor, Jeje, and Hadand). A shout-out for Noddy, too, and the now-silent presence of Dun.
Book three also contains one of the most gripping war sequences I can recall: epic, heroic, brutal. In between the clashes of soldiers, the plot follows the women and elderly left behind as defenders, plus a group of small children sent away to hide, to survive. (I note that many of the women are trained fighters.)
Already, before I've even finished the tetralogy, I'm looking forward to the first time I re-read these books.
Very good indeed. Four and a half out of five mythic stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
Book three deepened my affection for Inda and Tau and added Signi into the fold of my favorite characters (along with Inda, Tau, Evred, Tdor, Jeje, and Hadand). A shout-out for Noddy, too, and the now-silent presence of Dun.
Book three also contains one of the most gripping war sequences I can recall: epic, heroic, brutal. In between the clashes of soldiers, the plot follows the women and elderly left behind as defenders, plus a group of small children sent away to hide, to survive. (I note that many of the women are trained fighters.)
Already, before I've even finished the tetralogy, I'm looking forward to the first time I re-read these books.
Very good indeed. Four and a half out of five mythic stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
the_mitch's review against another edition
3.0
In keeping with the previous books
An enjoyable read. There is another book, but most of the main plot lines get wrapped up (apparently?) in this book...
An enjoyable read. There is another book, but most of the main plot lines get wrapped up (apparently?) in this book...
altc's review
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
thebookbin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lundos's review
3.0
Well, what to say. The characters are the best part of this and therefore a lot of the story is about their actions and interactions. Unfortunately, this gives this book a broken sort of reading where the overall storyline is sort of a hindrance for the character development, since all preparations are about war like in book 1. If that makes sense.
Overall plot
I don't know if I'll bother to read the last one.
Overall plot
Spoiler
The book builds towards the big fight with the Venn. And it is big, though, the actually battle is quite a let down. The story could actually have ended now with this book, but I guess there is something regarding the Norsunder and the Dag that needs to be resolved in the last book.I don't know if I'll bother to read the last one.
eshied's review
5.0
The third book in the excellent Inda series. This book continues in the same vein of top-notch fantasy as the first two. This book focuses on war as the Venn have finally come for the Marlovans, now led by Inda's childhood best friend Evred. But Inda's home has changed in the years he's been away, while he maintains much of his childhood naivete and blind trust from when he was a boy. This trust comes into conflict with the harsh realities of war and politics, but much of this conflict between the Marlovans appears to be setup for book 4 as the Venn are the big threat of the day.
The Inda series reminds me a lot of Robin Hobb's Fitz & the Fool books, and anyone looking for a completed fantasy series focused on war, politics, and personal relationships with sprawling worldbuilding that breathes and and well-drawn characters that live need look no farther than Inda.
The Inda series reminds me a lot of Robin Hobb's Fitz & the Fool books, and anyone looking for a completed fantasy series focused on war, politics, and personal relationships with sprawling worldbuilding that breathes and and well-drawn characters that live need look no farther than Inda.
eososray's review against another edition
4.0
This is my least favorite book in the series so far.
Inda is returning home from exile to warn his country of an impending war with the Venn. He is barely given time to greet his friends or family before he's put in charge of defending the kingdom from the Venn invaders.
There was less action in this book and the pace of the story seemed to drag, especially for the first half. There was little time spent with Inda's fleet and what few tidbit's were thrown in didn't feel necessary. The interaction between Inda and his King felt awkward, which I understand was the point of the relationship but it didn't fit into the story as well as it might have.
The addition of the Venn point of view was great. While this started in the second book it was expanded in this one and is becoming very interesting. I am glad to be back amoung the Marlovans, I find them and their culture fascinating.
Once the slow start was overcome and the battles started, the story became far more engaging.
Inda is returning home from exile to warn his country of an impending war with the Venn. He is barely given time to greet his friends or family before he's put in charge of defending the kingdom from the Venn invaders.
There was less action in this book and the pace of the story seemed to drag, especially for the first half. There was little time spent with Inda's fleet and what few tidbit's were thrown in didn't feel necessary. The interaction between Inda and his King felt awkward, which I understand was the point of the relationship but it didn't fit into the story as well as it might have.
The addition of the Venn point of view was great. While this started in the second book it was expanded in this one and is becoming very interesting. I am glad to be back amoung the Marlovans, I find them and their culture fascinating.
Once the slow start was overcome and the battles started, the story became far more engaging.
akemichan's review
4.0
Mi sa che è un'opinione non troppo condivisa, ma questo secondo me è il migliore dei tre. Il punto è che finalmente ho avuto l'impressione di leggere un libro intero, che pur lasciando aperte delle trame per i seguiti, avesse un inizio, uno svolgimento e un climax finale. Inoltre, tutta la preparazione con la conoscenza della politica del regno e dei suoi personaggi ha avuto ragione di essere fino a qui.
Alcune cose si potevano fare meglio, a mio parere, però mi ha soddisfatto di più.
Alcune cose si potevano fare meglio, a mio parere, però mi ha soddisfatto di più.
fastasashark's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5