Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #77255 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05-31
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 816 pages

Synopsis
Sold into servitude in the pagan splendour of the Night Court as a child, Phedre no Delaunay is a woman who struggles for honour and duty, whose loyalty to the land she loves will take her to the edge of despair, and beyond.

Customer Reviews

'Love as thou wilt and Elua will ever guide your steps.'
'Kushiel's Dart' tells the story of Phedre no Delaunay and the politics and challenges of her homeland Terre D'Ange with Jacqueline Carey describing all of Phedre's companions, upbringing and trials of the first twenty two years of her life in painstaking detail.
Jacqueline Carey describes Phedre's upbringing and emergence into the Arts of Namaar with vibrant descriptions. Although this chapter in Phedre's life takes up a vast quantity of the book, before all the intrigue and complexity of the plot become clear, this is not to say that it could be considered too descriptive or slow. It sets the scene perfectly, something with is essential for the rest of the book, understanding why Phedre chooses the paths she takes. Carey's characterisation establishes a strong foundation for future events, setting the scene perfectly.
Once the events begin to unfold, it becomes clear that this is more than just a life story, but a tale full of intrigue and adventure. But throughout Jacqueline Carey manages to make this story one of suspense without making it too complicated. I did not have to constantly retrace my steps, trying to recall what happened when. If anything I was just swept away with the beauty of the tale, enhanced dramatically by the characterisation.
On of the highlights for myself was the complexity of the relationships Phedre has, particularly with Joscelin. Nothing in her world is perfect. She isn't, Delaunay wasn't, Joscelin isn't, nor Hyacinthe, but never the less, Carey manages to capture what few Romance writers ever do, that Love is not simple, there are many variations of it and it does not always mean happy ever after.
Overall, I highly recommend this book, it takes you into a whole world which is at once familiar yet at the same time, wildly different to the Europe it is based around. Entertaining, humane and thrilling, well worth falling in love with!

Absorbing
I first read this book about 2 years ago when it was recommended to me by a (male) friend - I figured out what had caught his imagination fairly quickly! In common with other reviewers, I had a hard time getting through the first part of the book but about the time Phedre completes her training and starts to ply her trade, it really takes off. I like my fiction to have good chunks of history in it and I particularly like the unusual mix here of medieval history and romantic fantasy (hey, I read 'serious' books as well, you know, but we all have to have some down time!). I found the characters likeable and interesting, not at all two-dimensional as can sometimes happen in fantasy, and the plot races along at a cracking pace with some fairly unpredictable bits. The author is imaginative and has done quite a bit of research so there are interesting backdrops to the action.

I've read the rest of this trilogy (Kushiel's Chosen, Kushiel's Avatar) and the so far published books in the trilogy about Imriel (Kushiel's Scion, Kushiel's Justice). I'm not bored yet but I always find it frustrating to wait for sequels to be published so I'm hoping that Jacqueline Carey will leave these characters alone after the 6th book!

I'm possibly more impressed with this series of books because I don't normally read fantasy and have not therefore become over-exposed to the genre. It is my experience that the more you read of a genre, the less impact it has. Often, the author you first read then remains the 'best' in comparison to authors you subsequently read. Looking at the other reviews here, people who weren't impressed sometimes compared the book to other fantasy titles so maybe that's the key to how much you'll enjoy this book. I hadn't read any fantasy for years when I discovered it, so I was about ready for something different.

Difficult beginning but stick with it.
Phedre no Delaunay is sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond purchased by Anafiel Delauney (aka The Whoremaster of Spies), who recognises that the spot of blood in her eye marks her as one who is pricked by Kushiel's Dart (she experiences pain and pleasure as one - a masochist). She's trained as a courtesan, but is also taught how to observe and analyse what she sees - the tools of a spy. As Phedre's homeland of Terre d'Ange is drawn ever closer to conflict through treachery and betrayal, it will be up to Phedre to use all of the talents at her disposal to save what she holds dear.

For me this book has one of the worst beginnings I have ever read. The first time I read it I think it took me over thirty starts before I managed to get past the first page. If you can bear with it this is a story that is well worth reading. I have pin-pointed the spot where I was drawn into the story - page 11 where Phedre finally stops talking about herself. And by page 343 I am totally absorbed in the cruelty and beauty of Terre d'Ange, just in time for Jacqueline Carey to rip my heart out via my throat - metaphorically speaking.

I guess my main problem with the book is that I don't particularly like Phedre as a character. She has a severe case of Buffyitis only instead of 'I'm the slayer', it's 'I'm the anguisette'. Get over yourself already!

If you haven't read the book you may want to know that most of the love scenes are of a sado-masochistic nature, so if that's not your sort of thing perhaps you should give this one a miss. Though in my opinion these scenes are beautifully written and necessary to the plot.

This book has taught me that you don't need to love the protagonist in order to fall in love with the world she inhabits and the story she tells. Jacqueline Carey's worldbuilding is immaculate. Not only does she bring the myths, culture and beauty of Terre d'Ange to life. She takes us to the wild northern lands of Skaldia with a struggle for survival, and over the sea to the barbarian land of Alba and the battle for a stolen throne. This is an epic tale.

More than anything it is the characters surrounding Phedre who fascinate me - Alcuin, Delaunay, Joscelin, Melisande and Hyacinthe - and the history of the land that she is witness to and part of. Jacqueline Carey draws us into this world and makes it real, her storytelling has a depth and lushness that pulls you in (if you can just get past those first few pages).

Also available Kushiel's Chosen (book 2) and Kushiel's Avatar (book 3)