BOOK REVIEW- THIRD DAUGHTER

Skyships, saber duels, and lots of royal intrigue... and, of course, kissing.

The Third Daughter of the Queen wants her birthday to arrive so she'll be free to marry for love, but rumors of a new flying weapon may force her to accept a barbarian prince's proposal for a peace-brokering marriage. Desperate to marry the charming courtesan she loves, Aniri agrees to the prince's proposal as a subterfuge in order to spy on him, find the weapon, and hopefully avoid both war and an arranged marriage to a man she does not love.  
Third Daughter is the first book in the The Dharian Affairs Trilogy (Third Daughter, Second Daughter, First Daughter). This steampunk-goes-to-Bollywood (Bollypunk!) romance that takes place in an east-Indian-flavored alternate world filled with skyships, saber duels, and lots of royal intrigue. And, of course, kissing. Amazon Link

Motive, Motive, Motive.  Throughout the story, wondering what every one's motive is a very large part of the story.  Its tough for Aniri to know who to trust and if they are speaking the truth or have a hidden agenda.  There is a whole lot of two-faced people in the story.  One enemy is clear to see right away; his hatred towards royalty of any kind is clear.  You just aren't sure how and when he is going to strike.  Aniri has grown up around politics of the Queen's court but that doesn't mean she likes it.  She'd rather be fencing or climbing or stealing kisses with Devesh (the courtesan she loves).   She doesn't really think that she has what it takes to serve her country, she just wants to be free.  But she is brave, spunky and more courageous and honorable that she thinks.   Even to considering sacrificing herself for a peace keeping marriage.  She will have to give up so much and she's so close to freedom.   Loved Aniri,  and some of other people in the story too.   Aniri's maid Priya, and her bodyguard Janak just to name a few.   Loved the science, the mysteries (the many secrets) .   The building of the countries and their culture, just drew me in.
Prince Malik was someone who you wondered who is he really?   What side is he really on?  Is he as good as he appears?  Or is he really just a man with a barbarian's agenda? 
This story just flowed for me,  I just seemed to fly through the pages.  I enjoyed every minute of it.  

I received a Free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.