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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Sherwood Smith's Crown and Court duet will always be among my favourite books, but I have to admit that, while I love it less, Inda is a far stronger work. Smith has been writing stories set in this world since her childhood, and this shows in the level of detail and the carefully thought-out society which she portrays. Through the story of Inda, we are drawn into a world where war and politics are dominant, and magic is a minor, mysterious force. The complex network of family relationships and alliances, and the many ranks and titles assigned to characters take a while to get used to - luckily there is a glossary at the back of this volume - but everything seems to be there for a reason, and it does become clear.
Inda is a likeable protagonist, usually seeming older than his eleven (when the book opens) years. But we quickly learn that in this society, children are introduced to their military roles at a young age, which accounts for the otherwise unnatural maturity of many of the characters. Women are not excluded from this - they are expected to lead the defence of their homes, while the men take a more offensive role against enemies. Despite Inda's young age, this is definitely not a book for children; there are some truly devastating events, both physical and emotional, and sex, while never explicit, is treated frankly.
It is difficult to review this book as there is so much in it which deserves to be mentioned. The first part strongly reminded me of Robin Hobb's Shaman's Crossing in its portrayal of a brutal military school, although the larger society is very different. After a terrible betrayal, the story moves to the open seas as Inda is thrust away from all he knows and loves into an entirely new life. Both sections are convincingly drawn, and equally compelling. There are some real villains in the piece, but most characters are complex enough to prevent them from being entirely black and white. Inda is perhaps a little too good to be true, but he is thoroughly likeable throughout.
All in all, an outstanding, complex read, with three more sequels to enjoy afterwards!
Inda is a likeable protagonist, usually seeming older than his eleven (when the book opens) years. But we quickly learn that in this society, children are introduced to their military roles at a young age, which accounts for the otherwise unnatural maturity of many of the characters. Women are not excluded from this - they are expected to lead the defence of their homes, while the men take a more offensive role against enemies. Despite Inda's young age, this is definitely not a book for children; there are some truly devastating events, both physical and emotional, and sex, while never explicit, is treated frankly.
It is difficult to review this book as there is so much in it which deserves to be mentioned. The first part strongly reminded me of Robin Hobb's Shaman's Crossing in its portrayal of a brutal military school, although the larger society is very different. After a terrible betrayal, the story moves to the open seas as Inda is thrust away from all he knows and loves into an entirely new life. Both sections are convincingly drawn, and equally compelling. There are some real villains in the piece, but most characters are complex enough to prevent them from being entirely black and white. Inda is perhaps a little too good to be true, but he is thoroughly likeable throughout.
All in all, an outstanding, complex read, with three more sequels to enjoy afterwards!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Inda is a typical fantasy book in many ways. It tells the story of a Lord's young son, Inda, sent to a military training camp, having to deal with a tough regime, being bullied and making friends. This forms the first half the book and the second half shows the beginnning of Inda's life after the school. There is a lot of political maneouvering by various factions as they vye for whatever power they can get. The book is written imaginatively and well and, although there are obviously familiar themes to many other books, it does not become cliched. Characters motivations are consistent and their actions are believable.
I have only two minor complaints which stop this book from getting 5 stars.
No.1 - The names. Why give so many people such similar names and also why give them about three different names which are used at different throughout the narrative? It can get a little confusing at times.
No.2 - It can be a little disconcerting to spend half a chapter viewing things from Inda's perspective, jump into someone else's head for a paragraph to discover what they think and then jump back to Inda again. Although this can help show what other charactors think about particular things it feels a little disjointed at times.
Overall I would definately recommend this book, it has strong and interesting characters in a well imagined world. I am very suprised that it has not been promoted very much.
I have only two minor complaints which stop this book from getting 5 stars.
No.1 - The names. Why give so many people such similar names and also why give them about three different names which are used at different throughout the narrative? It can get a little confusing at times.
No.2 - It can be a little disconcerting to spend half a chapter viewing things from Inda's perspective, jump into someone else's head for a paragraph to discover what they think and then jump back to Inda again. Although this can help show what other charactors think about particular things it feels a little disjointed at times.
Overall I would definately recommend this book, it has strong and interesting characters in a well imagined world. I am very suprised that it has not been promoted very much.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
A coming of age tale set in a military society, this is one of my favourite fantasies of 2007. Fast-paced action combines with subtle characterisation. Evolving friendships combine with politics and betrayal.
This is a book of extraordinary scope. It's written in a slightly unconventional narrative style, with a roving point of view, so that you discover what each person present in a scene is thinking - a style that actually works well once you get used to it, bringing to life not only the main characters but the villains and the minor characters as well, so that you get a picture of the whole of a society dedicated to conquest.
Great writing always immerses you in another world, and here Sherwood Smith has succeeded in creating a complex and convincing world that drags you in completely. At the end of this book you may find yourself using Marlovian hand gestures and Academy slang. This is world-creation to match that of Martha Wells or Lois McMaster Bujold.
This is a book of extraordinary scope. It's written in a slightly unconventional narrative style, with a roving point of view, so that you discover what each person present in a scene is thinking - a style that actually works well once you get used to it, bringing to life not only the main characters but the villains and the minor characters as well, so that you get a picture of the whole of a society dedicated to conquest.
Great writing always immerses you in another world, and here Sherwood Smith has succeeded in creating a complex and convincing world that drags you in completely. At the end of this book you may find yourself using Marlovian hand gestures and Academy slang. This is world-creation to match that of Martha Wells or Lois McMaster Bujold.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A fine fantasy - no Harry Potter, thank goodness!
I enjoyed Inda immensely, and will be buying the sequels (and perhaps sneaking them into the to-read heap at higher than the 'just arrived' slot. Read more
Published on 10 Oct 2009 by UNCLE
A Great Read for Sherwood Smith Fans!
None of sherwood smith fans can be disappointed with this story! It is packed with action, romance and the struggle of growing up in a country where military life is the only... Read more
Published on 16 May 2007 by R. Lees
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