The Sandalwood Princess by Loretta Chase

I have wanted to read this book for years but just got the chance this week thanks to ebooks. I didn't know exactly what to expect, just that it was well reviewed and not a typical regency romance.  I can honestly say that this was definitely a different read.  It was unique, surprising,  alternately fast and slow paced, and contained some of the best writing I have read...ever.  I have put off writing this review a bit because I just didn't know where to start.

First off, Ms. Chase has taken a relatively simple plot of revenge and thievery and turned it into what felt like to me, the shortest epic ever written.  When I finished I felt like I had just put down an 800 page dynasty.  The change of locations were taken with so much care that I felt like I was in India, on a ship for almost a year, and hidden away in the English countryside.  The writing was so descriptive that the scenery almost became characters themselves as they drove the story forward.  I've read a lot of books, but I have never read one transported me so completely to a ship.

Of course when you have such magnificent locations, the characters must keep up.  Phillip and Amanda are wonderful as they both alternately use and succumb to each other.  Neither is perfect or outmatched.  They both use what talents they have at their disposal to get what they want and make the tough decisions as needed.  I was continuously reminded of The Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne throughout due to the excellent prose, snappy dialogue, and fully-developed characters that made me wish they were my neighbors ( well except for the whole thievery stuff).  The roles of the servants were well-defined and they stayed true to their characters throughout.

After the twists and turns the story took, I was beginning to fear for any sort of happily ever after.  It all worked out in the end with a couple more surprises thrown into the muddy waters.  I was left with a feeling of certainty that the drama was done, but it wouldn't surprise me if the Rani Simha had a few more enemies to deal with.

I highly recommend this book with a five star rating.  It is better than anything I've read lately.  And it was only $2.99 on Kindle :)