IndaClub Read-Along discussion

I'm at the beginning of chapter 19. The.. games (?) were just held - with the king watching and Inda's siblings participating (I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't gotten there).

While I am enjoying the book, I feel like too much is being held back. Not being able to read seems like such a dumb reason to hate someone as much as the king's heir (there's no way I can remember how to spell his proper name/title) hates his little brother. And the big I-hate-Inda's-family-just-because? I don't get it. So mostly I shrug off the bits that I hope will be explained later and enjoy the ride. And I am enjoying the ride (and can't wait to read more about this mysterious pirate ship!).

I do want to ask, though. Am I missing something with the magic system? It seems that there are dedicated mages and that they're rare.. but most (all?) women can do "little" magic?

Samantha wrote: "You definitely don't get as many details in the first book, but things do get more fully explained as it goes along. Sherwood Smith improves in that aspect in the later books in my opinion..."

Ohhhhh! Okay. That makes sense (about the magic research). I don't know why it was bothering me so much, but it was. (:

Can I just say that the King's brother is an ass? I figure we're supposed to not like him. But argh! I hate that man!

I'm further in now and am still enjoying it. Haven't read a slowish book in a long time - mostly been reading the sort of books that you fly through. It's a bit of a mind shift for me!

Just finished chapter 22. I really like Handand a lot. She is my favorite character so far. She just seems to have such a balanced view on things but isn't afraid to take risks. The scene with her and Sponge in the rain was so sweet.

Overall, I'm seeing the plot taking shape. The Sierandael is really going around the King's power and influencing the younger boys. I can definitely see him gaining more power as everyone ages and the boys look up to him. His motives are all his own.

One thing that makes me laugh is the spells for removing your waste and shaving. Hahah! Then another thing that has me scratching my head is that they have these magic devices that can send notes to people, but yet runners are so important. The note passing from distance must be really rare.

Oh, I like Barend a lot too! Him being on a boat for 2 years and coming home has been interesting.

Overall, a ton more character development by characters other than Inda, that is helping tell a more complete narrative, in these last 10 chapters.