Smith, Sherwood - Inda

[oyceter]

Look! I have read an actual book that doesn't have pictures in it and isn't YA

Comments

[fiveandfour]

I've been trying to gauge whether this would be a good one to give my daughter (she's 10) as a gift for Christmas. She's reading the Narnia saga right now so clearly enjoys stories in alternate worlds - I just haven't seen anyone who wasn't a big, pre-existing Sherwood Smith fan speak about it so it's been tough to decide if I should wait a year or two on this one.

[rachelmanija]

I think ten is too young. It's pretty complex, and I think she'd get lost. Also, it has sex, though possibly that would go right over her head.

But I would definitely recommend Sherwood's Wren trilogy and Crown Duel for her if she hasn't already read them.

[oyceter]

I'd agree with Rachel and say that 10 might be too young. It's REALLY complex book, and I had a very hard time getting all the elements arranged in my head. Um, of course, this could be because my brain hasn't handled big plot lately, but this book has about twenty different things going on at once, plus complex and detailed world-building.

And if you care about that sort of thing, there is some non-graphic sex content, although I really like how it's handled, and some homosexuality, if you flag that (but again, handled well).

I'd definitely rec it for a slightly older kid though, along with Smith's other YA books.

[rachelmanija]

I am stealing this idea now.

[oyceter]

You should check it out! I also forgot to mention that there are three languages in Inda's country -- one is the peace-time language that was used by the natives of the country, one is the war-time language that was used by the conquerors of the country, and one is somewhat like an analogue to Latin (aka dead language used for scholarship, I think).

Your solution sounds good to me!

[kate_nepveu]

I bounced really hard off the opening first pages several months ago, which made me sad because I expect to like this a lot. One of these days when my brain is less tired I will try it again.

[oyceter]

The opening few pages have crazy amounts of exposition. It really does get better later, although there's still a pretty steep learning curve.

[camomiletea]

Hi! I followed your review link from Goodreads, and I pretty much agree with what you have said here. The titles were confusing, though after they switched to the wartime language, it was easier for me to distinguish who is who. I liked Inda, but not Sponge particularly. I also am not sure whether I like this book, but I think I'll try to read the next one as well.

LiveJournal Six Degrees tool indicates we are linked through ursamajor and coffeeandink... Want to be friends? If not on LJ, then on Goodreads?

[oyceter]

Hi! Cool! I'm currently trying to keep my LJ reading list short, but Goodreads works ^_^. I think I friended you already on there?