Book review

Kushiel’s Dart

by Jacqueline Carey

Pre-amble: First off, I’d like to say that this isn’t the first time I’ve read this book. I started the Kushiel’s Legacy series about 4-5 years ago and read books 1-3. Since all 6 books are out in the series now, I bought the missing ones at the border’s closing sale, and it’s been so long since reading the 3rd book, during the hurricane Irene power outage I thought, “eh what the hell?” I’d like to also say that I am a big supporter of rereading books. I know that in a world so full of books, and with a book shelf like mine that’s stuffed which ones I’ve not read it seems a little like a waste of time but if it’s a good enough book then it’s never a waste. I was actually surprised by the different reaction I had to the book during the second reading. The only explanation I can think of is that I’m in a very different place in my life from where I was when I first picked it up.

Genre: The series is epic fantasy romance. Basically, take your normal trashy, Fabio covered, romance novel, give it some steroids, insert an actual plot line, strong helping of intrigue, dash of adventure, and a smidgen of humor and you’ve got something very worth reading.

Setting: The series is set in a alternate history version of Europe after the fall of Rome but in a world where Christianity never spread. Instead the religion is based around the teachings of Yeshua’s (Jesus’) son, Elua, who preaches “Love as thou wilt”. He and 7 follows wandered the world spreading this practice and are worshipped as gods for it. The concept I find to be very interesting and I was very intrigued to find that many of the place names were derived from pre-Roman tribal names for regions.

Plot: The story follows a girl by the name of Phedra, who starts her life as a “whore’s unwanted git” and is sold to one of the courtesan houses in the city of Elua. However, her beauty is ‘flawed’ and she has no place among the 13 houses. Until one day a man, by the name of Delaunay, sees her for what she is, buys her indenture, and at the age of 10 begins to train her to become more than just a courtesan. Intrigue and betrayal send Phedra and her oath sworn protector to distant lands of ice and snow. Once regaining the City of Elua the two are joined by Phedra’s friend, Hyacinthe, on an equally perilous journey for the Queen on a bid that might save the realm from invasion.

Years later I still love this book. It’s still as thrilling and mind reeling as the first time I read it. The book comes with a map and a cast of characters list that come in very handy and are referred to often during readings. The writing is very powerful, even on the second time round when I had a vague idea of remembered events I still found myself nervous and at times in tears. As a courtesan Phedra leads a rather arousing life style. I knew this going into it, though I was surprised to find myself, after a certain point in the book, to disagree with some of her practices. I mean, I know it’s fiction, I was just a bit surprised at my slight objections to some things, where as before they never phased me. I just chalked it up to being in a different stage of life and continued to gorge myself on the pages. Still an amazing read and something I highly recommend if you’re looking for something to fill the void left by Game of Thrones or the Sookie Stackhouse novels. 😉