Assassins, skyships, and royal intrigue...
With plans for a second skyship exposed, Third Daughter Aniri fears her sister, Seledri, will be caught in a war between the three Queendoms. Seledri is the Second Daughter of Dharia, which means she had no choice in her arranged marriage to the First Son of Samir—a country with whom they may soon be at war. As Aniri fights to free her sister from a husband and a country she does not love, she questions her own rushed betrothal to Prince Malik, the noble barbarian who controls the skyship—and whether a love pledged in the heat of adventure can survive the looming threat of war.
Second Daughter is the second book in The Dharian Affairs trilogy (Third Daughter, Second Daughter, First Daughter). This steampunk-goes-to-Bollywood (Bollypunk!) romance takes place in an east-Indian-flavored alternate world filled with skyships, assassins, royal romance and intrigue.
From the author of the bestselling Mindjack Trilogy, The Dharian Affairs is a new series filled with equal doses of action-adventure and romance, meant to appeal to fans of Mindjack.
This is a series that I'm really excited about. The first book hooked me and I've been waiting, waiting to hear about the second book's release. I love the "east-Indian-flavored" steampunk romance. It's unique and because Susan Kaye Quinn is a gifted author, the flavor part of that statement really shines through. I always feel like I'm immersed in richness when I read her books. Especially these.
One of my favorite parts of this book was a scene where Aniri dresses up for a traditional celebration with Prince Malik's people. There is dancing with oil lamps and colorful costumes. I could see and feel everything. I really wanted to be there too.
Because this is the second book in the series, you really need to read Third Daughter first. Here we pick up right where we left off in the first book. The romance, the action and intrigue continue. It's a thrilling ride.
I love Aniri. Sometimes she makes mistakes but she has a good heart and she longs to be the kind of woman and leader others will be proud of. When Aniri does make mistakes, she tries her best to fix the situation. She owns up to her mistake and doesn't make excuses. That was one of the best standout messages for me in this book. Aniri is also fiercely loyal to those she loves. She risks her life for her sister, she defends Prince Malik to everyone and those are the things that really endear Aniri to me.
And the ending. Are you kidding me? That's where you are going to leave things? I'm not really happy about the cut-off ending. The whole bit with Prince Malik and Aniri- get my hopes up, dash them and then leave me hanging? No good, that. I'm a bit annoyed at the ending, but I guess that was the author's intent. She wants to make sure I come back for more in the next book. And I will. (but I would have anyway-even without the big cliff hanger ending) I have a feeling the third (and last) book will be my favorite, but we'll see.
You can find Second Daughter at Amazon.
You can find out more about the author and all her books at her website.
I've never heard of this series before. I can honestly say that I've never seen anything like this book.lol
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of intrigued... and in shock. I'm picturing Bride and Prejudice (my only experience in Bollywood movies) meets steampunk, and it's kind of a funny picture. I imagine it makes for a very interesting world.
Great review!
Between Bookends
It is very unique. You should try it out. Let me know how you like it! Thanks for stopping by today. :)
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