By Jacqueline Carey Kushiel's Dart (Kushiel's Legacy) [Paperback]

Great epic fantasy is successful when it takes you to places you have never entered before.Authors like George Martin,China Mieville, Robin Hobb, Steven Erikson and Goodkind are examples now add Jacqueline Carey name to this esteem list. "When Love cast me out,it was Cruelty who took pity upon me." These words help start up this dark erotic epic fantasy that will take you to the kingdom of Terre d'Ange, a country born of angels where prostitution is a holy act and court intrigue is most lethal.You will see this through the eyes of unforgettable heroine,Phedre who is sold to the engimatic Delaunay to be trained as a courtesan and schooled in foreign languages and is to become Delaunay's spy.She will learn her nation's darkest secrets and deadiliest conspiracies.Phedre's adventures will take her to the beds of her country's most powerful men, to be sold to slavery to a barbarian king and savior of her homeland from a brutal invasion! This lavish epic fantasy is filled with scenes of disturbing sexuality as Phedre who gets sexual pleasure through use of pain, court intrigue as she uncovers a treasonous plots to overthrow the king.This novel also boasts casts of characters like the warrior priest,Joscelin who vows to protect Phedre as he loses his heart toward her.The Noble Anafiel Delaunay, Phedre's owner who teaches her to become a master spy for his agendas.Hyacinthe,Phedre's kind-hearted friend who is the prince of travelers and to save his homeland will make a heartbreaking sacrifice and the power hungry Skaldian warlord, Waldemar who seeks to conquer Terre d'ange and the brilliant but utterly ruthless villianess, Melisandre who use machivellian manuvers in quest for ultimate power.Carey has the ability to tell scenes of disturbing sensuality and sweeping battle scenes.Carey's world-building abilities are excellent.So pick up this book and enter Phedre's world of dark desire and darker intrigue.You will never forget the journey!

this series and it's sequel's were astounding in the depth of character, world building, scope, imagination and purely lyrical use of language and style. enjoyed every book in this series that should be recommended reading for everyone.

In Terre d'Ange, physical perfection means freedom and anything less denotes some form of bondage. Phedre no Delaunay is born with a red speck on her left eye, which means a life of slavery. Because of he "scarlet letter" on her eye, as a child, she is sold to eventually work as a servant of Naamah, providing pleasures to the free people of Terre d'Ange.

However, unlike the rest of the free masses, noble freethinker Anafiel Delaunay, upon seeing the red spot, feels Phedre's mar is not a flaw. He believes it represents a greater perfection. He buys Phedre's marque and begins to educate her for more than the art of pleasure. She begins to spy for him, but soon becomes embroiled in a dastardly plot to dethrone the King, in which she struggles to warn His Highness before doomsday arrives.

KUSHIEL'S DART is a powerful, extraordinary exotic political fantasy that never slows down yet fully develops the key cast and the culture. The epic fantasy story line is loaded with action that flows due to the characters seeming genuine while providing a deep look into a different culture and way of life. No one will believe that this is Jacqueline Carey's debut because her first published novel has to have come from someone with at least a five-book resume.

Harriet Klausner

Phedre no Delauney knows from a young age that the scarlet fleck in her eye marks has as different and will set her on a path other than the life she was born to in the Night Court. The mark, known as Kushiel's Dart, means that she experiences pain and pleasure as one and makes her a valuable commodity as a courtesan. Sold into indentured servitude to a master, Delauney, she learns to perfect her skills, both in the bedchamber and as a spy, gathering political information. This is a dangerous game however, and Phedre becomes entangled in politics and intrigues that will take her far away from her homeland and all that is familiar to her.

This is a fantastic start to what looks to be an interesting series filled with passion, intrigue, and adventure. Phedre is a remarkable character that knows how to use both her brain and her feminine wiles to get the information she needs. Her guard, Joscelin, is an interesting character as well; a warrior priest conflicted between his vows and his feelings. It will be worth watching to see what develops between him and Phedre. The novel doesn't focus entirely on interpersonal relationships however, and the battle scenes and travel descriptions are written very well. I particularly enjoyed how Jacqueline Carey has used the base of Europe to develop her world, including both the landscape and the customs of the people that inhabit this world. I'm looking forward to Kushiel's Chosen and hope that it is as good as this first novel.

The lead character in this epic novel uses the above line to describe her own lot in life. Phedre is an apparently cursed orphan who is adopted by a mysterious nobleman and trained to be an erotic spy, gleaning empire-shaking intelligence as she services the wealthy and powerful of a renaissance kingdom. Jacqueline Carey has created a rather imaginative setting for this epic - a medieval Europe enveloped in an alternate history in which the far-flung cultural influence is Celtic and Gothic rather than Roman, while Christianity has followed a different course and developed into a set of sensual and erotic oath-making. Phedre is a very impressively well-drawn heroine, and Carey obviously put a lot of work into the creation of this deep and complex character. Phedre's two closest companions are equally interesting - the valiant but confused bodyguard Joscelin, and the mischievous but perceptive gypsy traveler Hyacinthe.
Sadly, the fascinating backdrop and intriguing lead characters are often lost under wave upon wave of unnecessarily complex writing. The story is centered in a France-like kingdom full of unbelievably beautiful noblemen and duchesses, surrounded by realms of crude barbarians, all of which are predictable fantasy stereotypes. Political shenanigans are enacted by far too many minor characters who blend together into sameness. As the story (very) slowly unfolds, Phedre works her way through repetitive palace intrigues and political treachery, while later she embarks on an adventure through a never-ending succession of exotic locations and strange foreign peoples. This is all mostly much ado about nothing, and only illustrates an author's exercises in impressively intricate writing, but without much reward to the reader as the plotline is stretched out to interminable lengths. The valiant war of freedom at the height of the novel offers much page-turning action, only to devolve into even more unnecessary palace intrigue at the close.
This is a highly intriguing novel that is fascinating at the surface, though with far too much detail that adds little to the overall plot and theme. Also watch out for the graphic descriptions of Phedre's assignations on the job, if you don't happen to be turned on by large amounts of masochism and bondage. But this epic is still recommended because of the great lead character of Phedre, who is surely a heroine complex enough to inspire many large literary epics.

After reading the summary at the back cover, I decided to buy it. From the first page I was hooked. Not a boring moment despite the political intrigues and the building up of the alternate world, Terre D'Ange (situated about France nowadays). The culture society is described well, given little by little along the way, not in a full history lesson, except for explaining the religion foundation of The Blessed Elua and His Companions. The story about who was Elua itself is a new thing for me and close related with crucifixion tale.

Against the strong religion and political background, Phaedré, a whore's unwanted get, adopted by Anafiel Delaunay and raised as the rarest scion of Kushiel, in other word, an anguisette, the right hand of the Punisher Angel and also as a spy. In the end of her lessons, she found herself in the mist of political turmoil, with the Princes of Blood trying to take the throne from a very old King and his young granddaughter by way of marriage or force.

Who was Anafiel? Why was he so interested in political game and using Phaedre and Alcuin, his other student, both as pawn and spy? Befriended from childhood by Hyacinthe, a Tsingano boy who could see the future, Phaedre tried to find out the truth which only made her rue the day she found it out.

Spiced with 'chaste' romantic relationship between Phaedre and a Cassiline brother (though I'm sure will develop in the next book), this dark romance novel is a hard-put to be put down. A sensually engrossing story.

Kushiel's Dart is actually an intense, intricate novel that has a potentially good storyline. The cast of characters are enjoyable, except for the patrons of Terre d' Ange who kept me wondering how Phedre could think their nation blessed. There were some gruesome, overblown details and scenes that are, in my opinion, humiliating and repulsive. Although, it just may be the author's way of portraying D'Angelline society and religious ethics/morals.

Phedre's character in the beginning of the novel is a little too bold and sometimes, eager. I think being a young female myself, I really couldn't understand the foundation of Phedre's logic. However, her ability to spy, analyze, and translate added purpose and depth to her character. Towards the end of the novel, Phedre's character becomes more likable as she demonstrates her loyalty and love to her country by sacrificing everything she is. Beneath her anguisette exterior beats the heart of a courageous loyalist whose judgment/actions are questionable when it concerns Melisande Shahrizai (whom I absolutely hate). I kept feeling sorry for Hyacinthe and Joscelin especially; they always become entangled in Phedre's life-threatening schemes.

I cannot help but feel sorry for Joscelin whose Caselline moral of "Protecting and Serving" only brings him heartache and danger. His character is extremely loyal making him at times, too deserving of Phedre. However, his Caselline vows make their whole relationship more complicated than ever.

Overall, Kushiel's Dart is an interesting novel, but the sexual encounters/scenes and the heroine's cursedness of enjoying/wanting all that her profession entails, overshadows the plotline. I would not recommend this novel to judgmental or conservative readers because some parts may be hard to stomach.

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This is probably one of the best fantasy stories I've ever read. Kushiel's Dart was a beautiful and powerful story set in an alternate world. The world building was so detailed and well thought out, complete with a unique culture, religion, and rich history. There were layers upon layers of subplot, interesting characters, and court intrigue. There were no wasted details. Every word the author wrote made an impact. Like an intricate web, all the strands (words) were tied together once the big picture became clear. There were erotic and alternate sexuality elements - read that as KINKY! Oh yes! I loved that these elements were so well integrated and moved the story forward. There was adventure! A strong female lead. Heartbreak and loss, offset by true loyalty, sacrifice, and sweetened with romance. And it was deep with some very valuable insights into human nature. It had every ingredient I would want in an amazing book.

I will warn you, the first few pages drag a little because of all the backstory and world building set up. Power through it because, as soon as you get past that first intro, it will grab and hold your attention until the end.

Warning: If you're a single girl and, erm, frustrated, take heed. This book is quite explicit. Amazingly, I didn't feel like I was reading Penthouse Letters. Carey words these scenes in a very poetic way, but, well, they're still explicit.

That aside, this isn't your usual fantasy novel. There's no dragons, or anything really magical (well, at least in the first book). It is filled with, however, political intrigue, romance, and even a smattering of biblical and European history.

We follow Phedre from being really nothing to working her way up the societal latter. She's got the mark of Kushiel, which basically means she likes pain. Really likes it. As a courtesan, this makes her particularly special, and people pay a lot of money for someone who likes to be beaten. Thats the blunt way of describing it, but Carey makes this interesting trait sound much more romantic.

I don't need to give you a synopsis, since those are already available to you, but I can give you my opinion. This trilogy is amazing. You will fall in love with the characters (in fact, a friend of mine would just love to name her first-born after Phedre's love interest, because he's simply that amazing), and the plot is filled with adventure.

I used to only recommend this book to girls, simply because of its explicit nature, but suprise, a lot of men enjoy this too. You don't have to be a fantasy fan to read this, honestly. Just try it- you won't be disappointed.

Heroics, desire, despair, torture, violence and tenderness. These are just some of the elements you will find contained within Kushiel's Dart. I picked this novel up on a whim, as I am forever in search of good fantasy fiction, especially those with strong flawed female heroines.
Phedre is a magnificant heroine. She is flawed, tormented by her God's mark to forver receive pleasure from pain, and yet seeking to do good. Her mentor, who bought her when she was but a girl uses her for her special gift and makes her a spy. Phedre and the other characters in this novel are as three dimensional and complex as the novel itself.
Jacqueline Carey takes the story of Jesus Christ and transforms it into the story of Emanuel and his followers. The people that inhabit Phedre's world are descendant from Angels, and these Angels play a heavy hand in their life and culture. Phedre herself has been pierced by Kushiel, a mark visible to all because of the red mote in her left eye.
Phedre's journey is only beginning in this novel that is full of court intrigue, deception, and betrayal. But even within these cruel elements there is love and tenderness, for sometimes even Phedre herself must use deception and betray those she cares for in order to what must be done.
This novel is not for the faint of heart, as it is 800 plus pages. Length alone is not the only challenge this book presents, but the sheer complexity of the story requires excellent attention to detail. For those of you in the market for good fantasy fiction and enjoy reading the time will fly by, too quickly. I finished this novel in a one day power session, it took me a few hours, but it was well worth it.

Carey's writing is both painfully immature and lifeless. This reads like the lowest caliber of teen fantasty, and despite this and the "scandalous" content, I found myself rereading the same pages over and over and over without processing them because it was so dull. Couldn't even make it through Chapter 4.

This is one of my all-time favourite fantasy series! Once I got into it, I couldn't put the books down. I have never read for so many consecutive hours in a row - my longest run was 5 hours straight (which cut 3 hours into my bedtime!). I've recommended this series to many people and they all enjoyed it as much as I did. It's one of those rare series that I know I will re-read several times over my life.

I am a lifelong fantasy reader and as I've gotten older and more "experienced" in the fantasy genre, I appreciate books with a truly unique story and a more subtle fantasy aspect to them. And these books definitely fall into that category. If you're looking for something a little different, darker, and somewhat "kinkier" than your usual read, give these a try - you won't be disappointed.

The most controversial aspect of this novel, and what will most likely determine whether somebody enjoys it, is the main character's sexuality. The red mote in her eye, Kushiel's Dart, marks her in her people's mythos as a born masochist. Sold into indentured servitude at a young age, she grows up to become a beautiful spy-courtesan whose kinkiness gives her access to the top political figures of the country.
The concept may sound somewhat tawdry, but Carey takes the story very seriously and the heroine, Phedre, turns out to be a very believable character. For that matter, all the other characters are credible as well, from the warrior-monk Joscelin who provides a foil for Phedre to her mentor Delaunay and her friend Hyacinthe.
Where the novel falls short is its plot and the depth of the writing. The character conflicts that develop between Phedre and the others are a little predictable and mechanical. The epic part of the epic fantasy is fine stuff, but Phedre often seems too removed from it. Carey obviously wrestled with the problem of how to involve Phedre more directly in the plot, given that she is eternally a noncombatant. (To her credit, the author does not make Phedre a credible warrioress in addition to her other talents.) An expected confrontation between the heroine and her nemesis never occurs, too transparently postponed until a sequel. Put simply, Phedre's life doesn't seem in very much danger most of the time.
This seems a bit odd, given Phedre's nature. Even the sex / s&m scenes seem a bit uninvolved; though Carey seems always conscious of Phedre's masochism, she doesn't delve very much into it. Honestly, she could have told exactly the same story but just making Phedre really good in bed. In this sense, the s&m elements seem a bit artificial.
The bottom line is that Jacqueline Carey has some strong characters and an effective setting (a reimagined Europe with just a hint of the fantastic), as well as the willingness to tell a serious story with a controversial edge to it. However, it seems that I will have to wait at least until the second novel to see what she can do with these elements.

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 9/10

PROS:
- The world-building is incredible, with a mythology that has parallels to those of various existing belief systems but is unique overall, and the plot is intricate and fast-paced, even during phases when Phèdre spends her time in seemingly idle study and extended periods of time are passing.
- Carey's descriptive language is varied and beautiful, bringing to life both magnificent and horrifying settings in equal splendor. This is one of the first descriptions that caught my attention: "The adepts of Cereus House followed them, a white-and-silver fantasia of creatures and wintery spirits; I lost count, with the froths of silk and gossamer and silver piping, horned and hooded and masked."
- I've read quite a few books that contain characters with masochistic tendencies, and this is the best I've encountered at describing the physical melding of pleasure and pain as well as the psychological longing for the release brought about by that pain.
- The number of three-dimensional characters here is astonishing. Even those who play only minor roles in the story have well-formed backgrounds and intricate personalities with complex motivations for their actions. Phèdre is as strong and admirable a female character as any I have ever seen portrayed, and the other primary characters--both friend and foe--are worthy of their positions across from and alongside of her.

CON:
- There are so many characters and place names, many of which have a foreign sound and are thus difficult to distinguish from one another, that I had to consult the map and the list of "dramatis personae" at the start of the book a great many times to keep them all even remotely straight in my head. In some instances, this task became quite onerous given how many characters are mentioned in such quick succession. (Here's an example: "His blood-father had been among them, slain at the hands of the Tarbh Cró. Maelcon's mother, Foclaidha, was of the Brugantii, who followed the Red Bull; it was her kin who came, overrunning Bryn Gorrydum, starting the bloodbath.")

Overall comments: This is an excellent choice for fans of fantasy romance. The characters are well-formed, the plot is gripping, and the writing is good. It may not be for everyone, with its descriptions that detail Phèdre's love of erotic pain, but I enjoyed it very much.

This book .. and series, is a gift. It is one of those amazing reads that gets to your soul. Epic and Lush.. A world you can't help but revisit again and again and again. Jacqueline is master of a story that is far beyond just the words on the pages... passion, pain, heartbreak, loyalty, devotion, joy and love beyond measure. Phedre is a the heroin that all others should be measured by.. Insanely good !

A little too long generally, the beginning is too dense especially with regard to the world building in the beginning. But after the beginning and aside from the length, I loved this book. It is beautifully written, the main character is inspiring, the side characters are fun to read about, the romance is very sweet, the world created is enormous and creative. I love how the author pushes beyond what is comfortable for many people in terms of relationships and sexuality. Unlike other reviews I have read, I disagree that this involves children employed in sex labor or child abuse. I understand where their percetpion comes from and respect it, I just disagree.

this book about about a girl who was born with the mark of a god on her and the story basically follows her life and the trouble she faces because of this mark.

the girl is intelligent and she uses her intellect as her weapon. i'd classify this series as an adventure, but phedre doesn't 'fight'. in fact when she's in physical trouble someone has to go save her and she can't really help herself, but that's not to say that she's a wilting heroine. she earns her own respect by acting on her own and overcomes situations by using her brain. quite the odd heroine by the norm's standards.

the author's pretty good with words and has done a bit of research (winning combination). many things in the novel have a real world reference.

it's adventurous, erotic and suspenseful, and i'd say one of those stories you'd call epic. it's around 900 pages, but you'll get through it and be grateful you went through the trek. when i first bought this book i delayed reading it. i didn't think it'd be that good and it was close to 900 pages, but i finally bit the bullet and got into it, and i don't regret readng a single page! this is a book that should be experienced!

This ambitious novel blends the erotic and sadomasochistic with a tale of political intrigue and for the most part handles all three well. Carey's imaginary world is well thought out and amazingly complex, filled with intricately described plots and settings, a feature common to many fantasy novels published today. The religion of Elua, who preaches "love as thou wilt," provides an interesting view of sexual morality that makes Phèdre's occupation as a courtesan seem a natural part of her world.
Courtesan here, of course, is another word for sex slave, which despite all the rationalizations provided, Phèdre quite clearly is for most of the book, whether in the cultured world of Terre d'Ange or as a captive in the hands of her enemies. That she enjoys pain is an interesting idea that brings to mind Anne Rice's "Beauty" Trilogy or Pauline Reage's "The Story of O." As a feature of Phèdre's character this would be interesting to explore further, but it is decidedly a secondary feature of the plot.
There are two reasons this book rates four stars rather than five. First, it is so complex that the political machinations are nearly impossible to follow; Carey's skill as a writer makes it an enjoyable read nonetheless, but to be honest I was lost as to who was who and what they were doing almost from the beginning. A second and more serious flaw is the book's length. At 901 pages it tries too hard to do too much, and the ending, by the time you get there, is so long and drawn out that it becomes anticlimactic. I was left wondering if this wasn't a marketing ploy, with the idea that people would be more likely to buy a thick fantasy novel than a thin one.

This is the best fantasy book I've read in a long time, hands down -- although calling it a fantasy is a bit of a stretch at times. There's very little magic involved and it reads more as an alternate history. So, it kept my attention with a strong narrative and highly interesting characters.
The main character, Phedre, who tells the story, is a complex character not always happy (but quite often so) with her lot in life, that of a courtesan who enjoys sex no matter what the circumstances, including extreme pain. Once this "gift" is recognized as a young girl, she's raised to take advantage of it to get information out of high-ranking officials, while enjoying herself in the process.
The story winds into many places, eventually taking her all over the known world. But the journey doesn't detract from the story, but rather adds facets to Phedre's personality, also enabling her to make many friends and enemies who enrich the story.
I'm sure this story isn't for everyone. The sex is explicit and often violent. While it's more character-driven than plot-driven, there's a definite goal and resolution to the story. I'm very much looking forward to future books from this author and I want to thank her for writing a book I'm not going to have to wait for a year or more for a resolution to.

What an epic adventure! This book starts out slow and I was tempted to stop reading it often during the first 300 pages.
It is a hard book to read. There is a six page Dramatis Personae that lists the major characters and it can be very confusing at times. The second half is easier as less characters are introduced and the action kicks in big time.
The author sets up an alternative historical France that she calls Terre D'Ange, the Land of Angels, at around the time 800CE. There is a whole alternate theology based on the son of Jesus (Yeshua in the book) and the Magdalene.
The book reminds me of The Hobbit in the sense of it being an epic adventure through many lands and past many challenges, but the hero is a woman and a masochistic prostitute at that. The book is more sensual than explicit with a free love theology as a theme. However, the emphasis is on the machinations of courtly politics and war.
Once the action starts, it is hard to put down.

Jacqueline Carey is by far my favorite author. I was given this book by a friend years ago and urged to read it. After reading the synopsis I figured it was just another one of those romance novels with a lot of sex. It was not. This book is amazing! It has sophistication when it comes to sex/romance where other novels do not. You fall in love with each character and struggle with them through the journey. Phedre is an amazing character and she deals with so much and still she goes on. Kushiel's Dart also has a lot of political intrigue. I'm usually not a fan of political stuff, but Jacqueline Carey makes it great!

Phedre was sold into servitude by her mother because she thought she was flawed. Phedre had a red mote in one of her eyes. But Anafiel recognizes what she is and she is a rare thing indeed. She is marked by Kushiel and will forever feel pleasure with pain. Anafiel makes her a force to be reckoned with. She is turned into the perfect spy. So she is trained in the arts of the bed chamber as well making her unstoppable.

The words that Jacqueline writes flow smoothly along with the eyes and you don't realize how many pages you've read of this book until you finally turn the last one. This is a series I highly recommend to all of my friends. Carey has made this into a trilogy and there are two more trilogies after this. So if you're looking for characters that will stay with you for a while. Read this series!!!

A beautifully written fantasy novel set in what appears to be a fictional France. The prose is wonderful, the tension is delightful and as you follow Phedre's journey, you'll fall in love. I loved how original this story was, the fiery, passionate scenes and, of course, the terrible ones. Pleasure and pain are to be enjoyed as one for our heroine and as far as courtesan's go... she is the best. No-one can do plots of such an intricate nature as well as Ms. Carey. Amazing read from start to finish.

This is the first of three large volumes telling story of Phedre ne Delauney, a courtesan, sexual masochist, and spy living in the fictional kingdom of Terre de Ange which, in Carey's imaginary setting, can be considered roughly equivalent to France. It's an amazing story, as are the sequals. Although I haven't yet finished the final volume, I already feel fairly safe in making a flat statement: this is the best fantasy trilogy I have ever read, including Tolkien.

Carey has set her story in a setting fairly close to France at roughly the time of the troubador era of the early Renaissance. But she has varied the historical setting to suit her needs; countries have been renamed and the equivalents for Germany and Great Britain are still barbaric lands from the Roman era rather than the Middle Ages. In Carey's Europa, Christ's successors never preached the Gospel to gentiles; as a result Europa remained a pagan culture and the only people to accept Christianity were the Jews. (The 'Yeshuite' minority is only vaguely mentioned in this book but plays a major role in the sequels.)

The story isn't quite a fantasy in the traditional sense; there are no wizards, orcs, or dragons. Rather than a traditional fantasy, you might think of it as alternate history, with a few fantasy elements. There is one character of mysterious origins who has magical control over what we know as the British Channel, and with that control has reduced contact between the islands and the continent to a minimal level. This is crucial to the plot, since Phedre eventually needs to undertake a mission to Alba (Britain) and will have to meet the price he requires for her party's passage. There are some characters with limited ability to see the future, and the heroine is given one special ability: she can recover quite rapidly from injuries, a useful talent given her profession and tastes.

Phedre has been marked by Kushiel, the deity who in Terre de Ange theology punishes souls in Purgatory until they are sufficiently cleansed to move into paradise. Her mark, a mote in one eye, means that she experiences pain as pleasure. The significance of the mark is first noticed by Anafiel Delauney, a poet and nobleman with a mysterious background who purchases Phedre and trains her, along with Alcuin, an attractive albino boy, in languages, spying, and sexual artistry. Shortly after Phedre begins her career as an expensive courtesan hired out to court figures, Delauney and Alcuin are murdered. Phedre and her priest bodyguard Joscelyn are sold into slavery in Skaldia (Germany), launching a series of perilous adventures in which Phedre and Joscelyn struggle both to survive and to thwart a planned invasion of Terre de Ange.

Such journeys and adventures can be found in many similar books; what sets Carey above the rest is her complex characters, interesting historical/cultural background, and skillful writing. Major and minor characters are consistently interesting and believable. The story gets off to a rather slow start while Carey fills in the background and describes Phedre's childhood, but the quality of the writing makes this section as enjoyable as the later action passages.

The many references to prostitution, homosexuality, and sadism make the book inappropriate for some readers. But the content isn't as shocking as it could easily be under the circumstances; Carey uses elegant and delicate language to describe the extremely indelicate acts of Phedre's clients. The book is intensely erotic but not pornographic.

I picked up Kushiel's Dart in the bookstore one day and flipped it open to a sex scene that made me . . . decide not to buy it. A few months later I learned that the book won the Locus Award for Best First Novel. That got my attention. So I got Kushiel's Dart (at my library) and was very pleasantly surprised. Not by the BDSM scenes (if you don't know what BDSM is, ask someone to spank you), but by the excellent writing style -- it is much superior to a lot of what I pick up in the fantasy aisle. What a pleasure to read! No clunky phrasing or bad mechanics. No fluff. She doesn't tell me what I'm supposed to be thinking and she doesn't over-explain. It was extremely well-written, especially for a first novel. The first few paragraphs had me hooked:

"Lest anyone should suppose that I am a cuckoo's child, got on the wrong side of the blanket by lusty peasant stock and sold into indenture in a shortfallen season, I may say that I am House-born and reared in the Night Court proper, for all the good it did me. It is hard for me to resent my parents, although I envy them their naïveté. No one even told them, when I was born, that they gifted me with an ill-luck name. Phèdre, they called me, neither one knowing that it is a Hellene name, and cursed.

When I was born, I daresay they still had reason for hope. My eyes, scarce open, were yet of indeterminate color, and the appearance of a newborn babe is a fluid thing, changing from week to week. Blonde wisps may give way to curls of jet, the pallor of birth deepen to a richness like amber, and so on. But when my series of amniotic sea-changes were done, the thing was obvious. I was flawed."

BRAVO! Beautiful! As you see, Ms. Carey writes in the first person, and it was mostly effective here. However, occasionally I felt as though I didn't understand Phédre as well as I understood some of the other characters -- maybe I just couldn't relate. But I fell in love with Joscelin (she did a great job with him), and she's got some very appealing villains, too (I love very appealing villians -- is that so wrong?). Her plots move along at just the right pace for me. Her world is complex, but not as highly textured as Kate Elliott's, which is so complex that it moves (as my grandmother, who's from Alabama, says) like molasses in January.

Besides the BDSM and bisexuality, Phédre's religious beliefs may be an obstacle for some readers. As a Christian, I would rather read about completely made up gods and religions (since we're in a fantasy world, right?) than bastardized (literally) Christianity. Her version made me uncomfortable. But, I'm willing to overlook that because her characters are so compelling and the writing is so beautiful.

Let me first say that "Kushiel's Dart" is my favorite book ever. When I first saw this on my recommendations, I wrote it off as another generic fantasy novella, and thought more of it. Thank heavens I had better sense while browsing around a bookstore one day and decided to buy it.

Phedre no Delaunay, the book's heroine, is wonderful. She avoids falling into the trap of being a flat, paper character thanks to Carey's magnificent writing style. Although she may look perfect-gorgeous, intelligent, submissive and persevering-Phedre also has all-too-human flaws. Readers will find themselves loving her because of these flaws, rather than in spite of them.

The plot is nothing short of an epic. With an alternative religion, a reworked globe, and a unique society, Carey weaves a spellbinding world of intrigue and lust. Trained as a spy, Phedre wins her patrons' hearts, and with it, their secrets. With one patron in particular, she got more than she bargained for.

Betrayed into slavery, her adopted family brutally slain, Phedre is desperate. Using her wiles and cunning intelligence, she learns of a diabolical plot to invade her homeland, the country she loves more than life itself. With her companion at her side, she battles her way through blizzards and mountains, intrigue and treachery, to try to save the only home she's ever known.

With "Kushiel's Dart," Carey takes up a very ambitious role for a green writer. She more than exceeds expectations. This book is one meant to be read over and over, as it never gets old. Long after you've finished the book, you will find yourself imagining the characters playing out scenes in your head. And that is truly a sign of a magnificent book.

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)

This series is my all time favorite. I cannot say enough good things about this book. An incredibly interesting backstory, likeable characters (even the bad ones), sex, violence- what's not to love? More importantly though is the authors incredible writing- the first time I read this I literally couldn't put it down, and the plot twists blew my mind. This is one of my favorite books to re-read, and I'm normally the person that doesn't re-read series often.

Overall this was a good and entertaining book. It has lots of political intrigue, so if you enjoy that, you will probably enjoy this story. I felt that at the beginning it was quite cumbersome to learn and remember all the different characters. I kept forgetting who was who, and who was related to who. Carey drops little hints through the observations of her main character, but most of the time I was unable to pick up on them simply because I couldn't remember who everyone was or where they were from. Towards the end of the book this obviously got easier as she narrowed down her character cast, and also made them a direct part of the story, rather than having passing comments about them.

My favorite character in this book was Joscelin. The main character, Phedre, is interesting, but I felt I enjoyed the characters that were around her more than I enjoyed her.

There is some strong sexual content in this book, though I think it is more prevalent and in more detail at the beginning of the book then the end. It might be offensive to some people, but check out some of these other reviews to see if this book is for you.

For the most part the writing style is good and keeps you hooked. The only thing that bothered me were the constant one liners for dramatic effect. For example:

"...We raced desperatly across the ruined earth, my lungs burning for air, each step an agony of blossoming pain.

That's when the skies lit on fire.

From atop the battlements..."

This seems to be a favorite literary device of hers, and for me it got old by the end. Thankfully it didn't ruin the story. I did enjoy this book and plan to continue on in the series.

I must admit that I didn't start off as a believer. I was browsing in my local bookstore when I happened across this title, and the blurb at the back of the book is a big repelling factor. It makes it sound like it's going to be mostly painful (both for the character involved and the reader to `view) sex.

When I stumbled across the title in my local library therefore, I was predisposed to hate it, so it turned out a surprise when I actually really enjoyed it!

All the previous reviews have explained the plot out several times previously, so I won't waste any reader's time regurgitating it in my review.

Sure there's a lot of painful sex, but it's done in a strangely tasteful way and it all adds in meaningful ways to the plot, unlike other fantasy authors who simply use it as an obligatory scene to spice up a dull area in the book. The blend of mythic traditions (Norse, Pictish, Celtic) had the potential to turn very, very nasty, but Carey handled them with care and respect, and they've rewarded her by blending seamlessly into the storyline. Some of her new elements, such as the novel `night court' sub-society, I predict are soon going to be picked up and reused by other authors as being far too good to leave well enough alone.

The wanderings of the central character are compelling, the detail is believable, and the writing itself is polished and fluid. If you liked `Daughter of the Forest' then this is the next book on your reading list.

At first, I thought I'd never be able to get into Kushiel's Dart. There were far too many characters, strange geographical names and areas, and exotic social castes to follow. But I immediately fell in love with the heroine, Phedre, and eventually was grateful I stuck with this book.
Once I started to become familiar with the intriguing new world Carey had created, I was consumed by it. Phedre, along with the massive cast of secondary characters, is vividly portrayed, pouring from the intoxicating words like a real-life person. I laughed, cried and suffered with her through all the events in her life, whether they were great or small.
The plot is full of political intrigue, at once both intimate and grand, sweeping across countries and seas and leading to a deadly war in which Phedre finds herself caught in the thick of it. Carey portrays it all with a lyrical, mesmerizing voice. Even violent, savage acts are written with beautiful luxuriance, making the heart ache fiercely.
Throughout this sweeping saga, Phedre deals with many hardships, dedicating and sacrificing herself all in the name of her love for her Gods and her country. And this, I think, is the greatest part of the book. Phedre is a strong, brave heroine whose tenacity astounds me at its greatest heights. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see what adventures Phedre will encounter next.

Rather a good find, especially for a first novel...
I picked up this novel on a sort of whim, it looked detailed and filled with shallow intrigues, the kind of thing I like for light reading. Carey takes her time in establishing the setting, and at first I wondered if I had picked up a piece of erotica masquerading as fantasy. I read with trepidation through the first 200 pages or so, noting how the author was taking her time and setting up what seemed like several plot strands, prepared to groan when she did not develop them completely. But, much to my pleasant surprise, I was disappointed in that expectation.
The plot follows Phedre, an indentured slave and courtesan, through her training and into the polite society of the D'Angeline court (which claims its bloodlines from the descent of angels), where she becomes embroiled in intrigues while following her own path, that of an anguissette-- one born to the spiritual line of Kushiel, her patron god, and one destined to find pleasure in pain. This is the first part of the novel, and I would definitely point out that a large portion of it is set in a boudoir, or "pleasure chamber"-- not to the point of being tasteless, but I was at times speculative as to whether or not there was some larger plot at work at all.
But then, somewhat abruptly, there was, and that is where the novel proved interesting, when those intrigues Phedre had been somewhat unwittingly involved in become larger concerns and she is forced to survive and engage herself in a much larger game.
Though the novel is engaging and I recommend it, I will note that one of the most annoying aspects of it is that it is told by Phedre herself, from the vantage point of a later date. Her commentary as a narrator tends to the dramatic and highly romantic-- which can be annoying, but as the reader comes to know Phedre through the story, it actually becomes rather endearing. From the comments of other characters we come to realize we are perhaps not the only ones annoyed and amused by her dramatics.
Don't go into this book expecting anything radically different in terms of plot. Yes, there are interesting and unique elements here, particularly the acclaimed celestial heritage of the book's people, and interesting depictions of religion and culture.
I recommend it highly to those who enjoy high fantasy, meaning fantasy including the likes of princes, priests, and courtesans. There is little overt magic in these books, which I missed, but there is ample mythology and intrigue. The structure of the book is solid, and once you get past the first 200 pages or so, it's nearly impossible to put down-- each time I got even slightly bored or thought of stopping, something dramatic or particularly twisted would happen and I would be forced to keep on reading-- forcing a couple of very late nights, which is always a good sign of a book's enjoyability.
Enjoy!

This book was pretty good! I found the story line interesting and I'm glad I purchased the book. The back cover sounded a bit more erotic than the book was in actuality, but the story was well written and complex. Once I got into it (it took me a couple of chapters), I had trouble putting it down. Its a thick book and I managed to get through it in a few days. Another thing I will mention is that its not a romantic "feel good" book... just as bad things happen to good people in real life, Kushiel's Dart runs the gamut of positive and negative emotions... its very telling that I was pulled into the story so much that I was disappointed when negative things happened to the characters (Sorry, can't be specific or I'll ruin the plot).

I don't give out five stars lightly, but I really enjoyed this book and I'm glad I have two sequels to read. This way I won't miss Phedre. I'll see her in the next book.

One thing I liked almost immediately is that some of the main characters die. It seems odd to say, but think about it. Who dies in Lord of the Rings? Against all odds, nearly every major character survives. You have no guarantees here. Your favorite character may be killed. So you have an appropriate sense of danger and uncertainty.

It reminds me of the game Dungeons and Dragons, in which your personal character could well be killed, and if he or she is ... then sayonara, make another one, that one is kaput, and it gives more meaning to the game.

The book's hero is the most unlikely one I've ever come across. It's rare enough that the hero is a woman, but this one is a prostitute, and if that isn't enough of a surprise for you, she is an intensely masochistic one.

Your first reaction may be similar to mine. Madonna performed a song about spankings and had a major hit with it, so a little masochism is mainstream, and what is so special about Phedre's masochism? It's an accepted form of foreplay these days.

But in Phedre's case, the intensity of pain that pleases her is far beyond Madonna. No, you probably have never met an "anguisette" like Phedre.

Now that we are given an extremely erotic leading character, a second surprise is that the story is not porn. It is about war and politics, about love and loyalty, with just a bit of sex thrown in. It's not a sex book masquerading as sci fi fantasy.

I think my biggest complaint with the writing is that some of the characters don't stand out for me. There are a lot of somewhat royal characters, or "peers", and I sometimes have trouble attaching an individual character to them. Who was Barquiel again? What did he do?

There is a pretty picture of our darling and heroic Phedre on the paperback cover, and there is a list of the main characters in the front, as Tolstoy includes in War and Peace. What I really would have appreciated is a drawing of many of the main characters, so I could attach a face, a uniform, something, to each of these people, instead of just a name, because there are really a lot of names to keep track of.

In this Republican era of ours, nobody is going to turn this into a movie, or a trilogy of movies. That's our loss. I'd love to see the movie.

One of the things I like best about this book is its free attitude towards sexuality. Bisexuality is the norm, and isn't even frowned upon. Good. Although I'm not gay, some of my friends are, and they are as good as anyone else. I like the respect that their lifestyle is given in this book. Nothing to be ashamed of. If you disagree, you are an ignorant bigot, and that's that. It's not an issue to debate. It's a right vs. wrong issue, as direct as two plus two.

The Nazis would have a hard time with this book, because their favorite victims, Jews, gypsies, and homosexuals, are all treated with kindness by the author. But this book is much too Francophile. The French, here called D'Angelines, are really just too smug about their good looks. They are so superior. Come to think of it, that's a weakness of the book.

We even have a French version of a Shaolin monk as one of the stars of the story. In the Shaolin tradition of the fighting monk, we have Joscelin, the samurai superstar with swordplay, the Musashi of France, practicing his katas every morning and nearly unbeatable against multiple opponents.

The author had to wrestle with the problem of what a "happy ending" would be for our darling Phedre. Should she get married to her true love? But she is so promiscuous, so masochistic, and her true love is not the Marquis de Sade. She'd be bored and frustrated with him, no?

Well, I'll start on the next book and see what happens to my Phedre. See you soon, honey.

I generally read books that can be consumed in a few short hours. I tend to avoid anything involved, involving a language, a people, or species with which I am unfamiliar. The Kushiel series came highly recommended to me, so I purchased them years ago. I tried a few times to read Kushiel's Dart, but was unable to put the time and effort into it, and would give in easily and set it aside. I finally picked it up a couple of months ago, and determined that even if it took me a year, I would finish the book. Despite not having more time to read than the 20 minutes a day, I FINALLY made my way deep enough into this book that I understood the heart of it, and aligned myself with the characters. I was hooked, and anxious for my next few moments of stolen reading time.

I cannot express enough how lovely and absorbing this book becomes, how much you'll want to walk beside Phèdre nó Delaunay in her journey, or watch the morning routine of Joscelin Verreuil, or witness the contagious smile of Hyacinthe.

Fantasy is not my genre, but I am hooked. I have to read three other books for my book club selections, but I will be reading Kushiel's Chosen (book 2) very soon!

I debated for months as to whether to buy this - especially as it hasn't been released in the UK yet - but i decided i had to read it the moment i saw the cover art... absolutely stunning. I finished it today, and i can say it just restored my faith in the fantasy genre.
As far as characters go, Phedre is intriguing. I loved that nothing in her life is ever simple; that she can accept what she is, and yet hate herself for it, whilst acknowledging that it is a weapon she can use effectively. She gets read-out-loud dialogue, and the kind of self-confidence that drags the reader right in alongside. I got lost at times - i got completely confused as to which noble was which, and what they were doing - but in the end, it doesn't matter. Political intrigue never really grabs my attention, but so long as the characters do, all is forgiven. It isn't fantasy in the usual sense, although there are fantastic elements; i suppose it's really alternate history, although i usually steer clear of that. I wouldn't call it a romance, though. The romantic elements are no more pronounced than in many fantasy books i've read, and i can't stand slush. While i suppose you could term the sex element romance, i really don't think it applies...
I've been trying to describe it to people ever since i started reading, but i wouldn't wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. The sex scenes are integral to the plot, and to the characters, and i can think of a lot of people who won't like that. Some of the reviews here have said as much, but you need to be in the right frame of mind to appreciate exactly what is going on. None of it is gratuitous, exactly - Phedre uses her gifts and her training to gather information, and as bargaining currency, and boy, is she confident that everyone in the entire world wants her in their bed. Usually they do, of course, cos she's the heroine. It's only fair. It reminded me in many ways of Laurell K Hamilton's 'Kiss of Shadows', except far less supernatural stuff. Lots of similar elements; infact, for anyone who's read LKH's work, i'd say this is the direction she's going in. As far as the Tanith Lee comparisons go, this is far more accessable than her similar works, in my opinion.
Highest praise? I turned the last page, and wanted to start writing myself. Only very bad or very good books make me want to do that, and this was very, very good. It has a cliff-hanger that you can live with, and i just found out there's a trilogy planned. Not sure how that's gonna work out, but on the evidence here, it should be good!

This is Ms. C's finest series to date and launches her into the stratosphere among the likes of George R.R. Martin, Terry Goodkind, Anne Bishop, Jim Butcher and his amazing "Furies" series, oh and let me not forget the newest to join these Titans of Magestic Literary Fantasy, Patrick Rothfuss.
Arguably there are several if not a Bakers Dozen at least who should be amongst those mentioned, but this is about J.Carey and her amazing continuum from this first book through her newest with Naamah's return along with Kushiels name in the title. Her books immerse you and keep your firmly entrenched within her surreal but realistic and delicious worlds regardless of where or what your body and grey matter are currently invovled in and when the book is done it is like it must be for an addict to go into painful withdrawls. Keep these delightful books coming Ms. C. As I am a fan for life. To all others, do not let her series, in all of their glory and heartbreak go unread by thine eyes. Her "world" is much too sublime.

I read this book almost two years ago and boy was I in awe of the storyline, characters and world that Carey created! I can't get it out of my mind! I really liked the Skaldi! A jovial, but hard people-modeled after the gallant Vikings of the past-that were an honorable and ruthless band of warriors.

My only criticism of the book was that it took all too long for the action to come together. The book should have been edited down by some 100-150 pages. Despite this, the action came together and culminated in an exciting battle! Boy was I enthralled! I can't wait to read more of Jacqueline Carey's series!

A. Nathaniel Wallace, Jr.

I inadvertently started reading the second book before I knew that it belonged to a trilogy, and had to backtrack to read Kushiel'd Dart before I could finish. The world Carey has created -- an alternate-reality of the middle-european Renaissance (sort of) -- is detailed and full of interesting cultural conventions and social rules. Without being overbearing and obvious, she builds the rules of this world through the observations of Phedre, the spy-cum-courtesan who drives the convoluted but well-mapped plot.
This is primarily the story of political intrigue in the class of a good Ludlum or leCarre novel -- just enough twists and turns to be very interesting, yet not require re-reading to figure out all the puzzles. Setting the novel in this mythic world populated by the offspring of fallen angels and other christian icons lends a lush feel to the novel that Carey pulls off without being corny.
I literally could not put this one down, and moved from the end of Dart to the second book, Kushiel's Chosen, in one sitting. It is, obviously, for mature readers -- a masochistic courtesan is the main character -- and not for the easily shocked or overly religious, I think. All in all, worth every minute.

I was leery of this book at first, but I was soon surprised. Not only is Carey's novel imaginative and fresh additional to a sometimes forumlaic genre, but it's also well plotted with excellent characterization. This book is low fantasy but epic, set in a world resembling Renassaince Europe. The heroine is a courtesean and spy and the novel follows her growth from an abandoned child to a highly prized lady of the night to an ambassador for the queen.

I wouldn't recommend this book to people who are squeamish about sex; the main character is a prostitute after all, and she had an affinity for pain. The sex scenes are well-written and erotic though, and they avoid romance novel cliches. The novel also contains several homosexual characters (in Carey's world homosexuality is not frowned upon), which might bother some readers also. I would also tell impaitent readers to leave it on the shelf; the plot is excellent but takes time to develop and the main character's development is subtle enough to seem slow in places.

Overall I would highly recommend this book to any lover of fantasy, historical or speculative fiction. It's engrossing enough to keep you up all night.

I'm going to start by saying that pain ain't my thing. This means that the central premise for much of the sex in Kushiel's Dart isn't going to connect with me. Fortunately, there's more to this novel than just sadomasochism, though that seems to be what a lot of people want to dwell on when they talk about it. It's also got a lot of complex political maneuvering, and some good characters. I particularly liked old Delaunay, even though he has some really twisted morals; maybe that's what made him so interesting.

The writing is good, in sharp contrast to the other and earlier famous fantasy series about sadomasochism, the Gor series. But ultimately, the end of Kushiel's Dart just takes too long to happen. For all practical purposes, the story is over after the battle at Troyes-Le-Mont, but it just keeps going and going after this. I suspect this is because fantasy novels today are expected to be super-long, and because Carey wanted to set up her sequels. Unfortunately, it undermines this book, and when I looked at the sequels, I wasn't impressed, so I have to say the effort wasn't worthwhile.

I am a lover of fantasy and an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction alike. About this book, all I can say is:
Oh
My
Goodness!
The other reviews will give you a sense of the book. I would agree that the first 100 or so pages in this book was a wee bit tedious to get through, but Ms. Carey is laying the foundation for an amazing trilogy, so the reading time is WELL worth it.
Ms. Carey's inner world must be phenomenal to give birth to such a story. And I can only begin to imagine the joys and difficulties that writing such a trilogy would offer the writer.
So - on behalf of fantasy lovers everywhere - thank you, Ms. Carey for bringing forth this trilogy

I chose this book based on the reviews and several listmania lists that convinced me to at least give it a shot. Not normally the type to pick up a fantasy novel, and especially not one where there's a half naked woman on the cover (I admit, I'm a book snob), I was wary.
And very pleasantly surprised.
Carey puts together a story over the 904 pages that absolutely draws you in. The mystery of who her master really is and what his purpose is draws you in...you hope for Phedre to find happiness somehow, with her master, her friend, her protector, or her housemate, anyone. Even though this world is not ours and definitely a well thought out one, you believe in it.
My only complaint is actually minimal. I didn't like the religon of the book...to me it somehow seemed too corny...a man who walks around singing and says "love as thou wilt" just annoys me. But there are only a few pages directed to him, even though everyone runs around saying "blessed Elua".
I will definitely be buying the sequels, and I've heard even more good things about them.
Great book.

This book is an amazingly different take on the Fantasy genre. It's richly detailed, erotic without being pornographic, and just plain too-good-to-put-down. Set in an alternate land similar to Europe, where the only divine precept is "love as thou wilt", the heroine is beautiful, strong, sensual, and clever.
There is treachery, intrigue, love and war, and high adventure through barbaric lands. In fact, there is so much to this novel, it's hard to believe it all gets packed into one book. And then the best part is, there are two more novels after this one (five if you count the second trilogy.....)

Did I mention that I love the Kushiel series? Everything about this series of books is well-done--characters, dialog, the world, the alternate reality/history. It's very unique. I think that most people who don't like this series have trouble with the idea of a masochist as a protagonist. Yep, that's dark and twisted. I think it's treated very tastefully in this series though. I think the other thing folks might have problems with is that these books are very sexy. I wouldn't recommend this series to just anyone, but to those who are OK with the two caveats I just mentioned, you'll love this series. It's one of the best fantasy series I've ever read.

I had seen this book in the Science Fiction section of the bookstores for several years and always passed it by. I think I picked it up a few times because the cover reminded me of the Marion Zimmer Bradley Mists of Avalon cover, but then I'd read the description on the back of the book always thought, "No, doesn't sound very interesting at all." Huge mistake!

I finally bought Kushiel's Dart this past fall after several people recommended it. This book does start a bit slow. There are a lot of pages dedicating to establishing the world that Carey created. It's slow, but still quite entertaining. A slow book to me is one that I don't feel the need to stay up way too late to finish just "one more chapter." Once I got about a third of the way through, I couldn't put the book down.

The world Carey has created is complex but believable. Her characters grow and mature during the course of the book. And, like one of my other favorite authors, George RR Martin, Carey does not shy away from killing off main characters. A good realistic touch to her novel that I really enjoyed was that not all the important people make it through battles. I've read some other books recently that want to make the reader believe that if you're important, you will survive any battle.

I couldn't recommend this book and the rest of the books in this series more!

I first saw this book as I stood in line at the local (bookstore) and the cover immediately caught my eye. Having an interest in architechture, any book with columns on the cover automatically interest me and the striking figure of the nude woman with a beautiful tattoo didn't hurt the appeal either. But the blurb on the inside cover about Phedre, a courtesan with a heart of gold had me rolling my eyes thinking it was another book selling sex rather than substance.
So imagine my surprise when I finally picked up the book six months later and discovered that the plot and characters drove the book not kinky sex. Phedre was born with a red speck in her left eye. This made unsuitable to be an adept of the Night Court, which is comprised of thirteen houses of prostitution each catering to a special taste. In the alternate history of this world, the citizens of Terre d'Ange believe in an offshot of chirstianity that worships Elua the child that sprung from mother earth when Mary Magdalene's tears mixed with Christ's blood. Elua preached free love and with the eight angles that were his followers he settled in the country of Terre d'Ange, our present day France.
Phedre grows up being the outsider in the Night Court until one day a nobleman named Delaunay recognizes the red speck as Kushiel's dart, a sign that she has been chosen by Kushiel, the angle that inflicts pain on sinners. As such Phedre derives pleasure from pain. Delaunay buys Phedre and trains her to be a spy while making her the most expensive courtesan in history. In her dealing with her clients she learns a secret that threatens her country and before she could inform the King she was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Skaldia. The rest of story deals with her journey back to Terre d'Ange and her role in saving her country. Along the way she relies on the help of her bodyguard a Cassiline priest-warrior, a gypsy like Tsingani, and warriors from Alba (England) and Eire (Ireland).
The atmosphere of the court is suitably Machiavellian, the villian and villianess multidimensional, and the customs rich and complex. I could wish the author go a bit lighter on the foreshadowing, since it gives away a lot of surprising turns in the story. Phedre is an intriguing heroine that defies classification. Her story is poigant without being mushy.
It is her interesting tastes in sex that provide the book with its graphic moments. There are s&m scenes that might offend some people, but they are well done and not overly graphic.
The book is great as a stand alone but the author has plans for a trilogy. The second book Kushiel's Chosen will be out in Apirl 2002 and she is doing research on Egypt for the third book. I know I'll be waiting eagerly for the second installment.

I ran across this book at the library one day while browsing the sci-fi/fantasy section and checked it out on a whim. I had no inkling of what I was getting into. That was a few months ago; I've since bought it and read it twice more, along with the sequels, and I'm now reading the series for the fourth time thanks to the recent release of the fifth book ("Kushiel's Justice").

This is one of those rare books that causes me to miss my bus stop even on re-reads. The world Carey has imagined is just fascinating, and I couldn't help but love the characters who populate it. I suppose you could call this book a romance or a fantasy, but it's so much more than the labels suggest. It's got all of the above and more: sex (duh, the main character is a courtesan), intrigue, adventure, friendship, politics, culture clashes, battles, religion ... I still struggle to describe it, and usually just give up trying and insist that people read it so they can see for themselves.

I'm not really a big fan of the "romance" or "fantasy" genres in general -- or any genre, now that I think of it. I am a fan of creative stories with interesting, believable characters and gripping plots, whether they are set in 14th-century alternate-universe France (which this one might be?) or World War II England or 40th century Mars.

I can't say enough good things about this series. Give it a try. You will almost certainly be glad you did.

I am desperately in love with this book. It is intoxicating, intriguing, and intricate. The plot involves sometimes very confusing political and social twists and turns. It is certainly not an easy read, nor one that you can put away or return to the library as soon as you're finished. Kushiel's Dart requires going back and rereading sections for the simple reason that the characters cling to you. Phedre and her companions might very well be the most wonderful and flawed I've ever experienced. The book constantly wrenches a new set of emotions from the reader. It is long, yes, but certainly not tedious. It is extremely confusing, but keep going and you'll figure it out. And, though some may rail against the sensuality, Kushiel's Dart is a novel of faith and love.

I didn't realize this was the first in a series (of 3) when I bought it, but I will certainly read all of them. Carey's world is that of Europe, physically, but not any recognizable historical Europe. The main character is basically a glorified high class hooker with a sadomasochistic thirst, who partially graduates to playing political games. While the story is often erotic, it isn't usually graphic. Also, though it is a fantasy novel, there isn't too much fantastical about it. Only one event in the whole novel really stands out as being not possible in our reality. There are sword fights, but no dragons. Prognosticators, but no sorcery. All human characters.

"There is no fulfillment that is not made sweeter for the prolonging of desire"

I am not sure how to write this review, to write a review that would give this book justice that it deserves. Ya.... I will probably not be able to do it but, I will try my best.

This book is 1,000 pages. Yes, that is a long book. But honestly I would not have it any other way.

This writing is the best writing I have EVER read. The author does a amazing job with the story and characters in this book. She creates this world that I can not stop reading. For all the future books I read it sets the bar high for me since I read this book. The way the writing is, is kind of in a poetic way. Every description from flowers to pleasure is very detail. Its amazing.

Joscelin is by far my favorite in the book. He reminds me of Soren from The Original Sinners series but with out the sadist. He is beautiful and so passionate, loyal, true, and so loyal. He cracks me up.

Love this book.

I enjoy Storm Constantine, so when I heard her quote on this, I picked it up. I hate typical fantasy - magick, witches,elves, etc. Especially women's fantasy - usually too romance oriented. However, I fell in love with this book from Chapter 1. Watching the heroine grow up in this strange religion of holy (prostitutes), courtiers, and royalty. It mixes "Dangerous Liasions" with "Braveheart" The battle sequences are action-packed, the sex scenes tinged with S/M. It was just really original, fun, and emotional. I even got tears in my eyes in parts. Some people might find it too dark and too weird, but if you're looking for something completely new - try this. And the ending is such a cliff-hanger you'll scream in frustration, and probably keel over of impatience waiting for the second! Read this NOW!

When I first started this book....I thought what is this, a fantasy book or a history lesson? This is the most thorough made up history for a fantasy book I've ever read,besides Tolkien. At first it was slow going but then the action picked up. I love this book. It was full of richly written characters and locations that were described like a traveler's log. I want to go to Terre d'ange, I'm pretty sure it exists, I mean nobody writes that much detail about a made-up place right? Wrong, Ms. Carey you are a truly gifted and imaginative writer and I highly recommend this book to any fantasy reader. Phedre' is a strong and sexy woman, with a powerful capacity for both pleasure and pain. A little racy for some tho'. But I AM buying the next two in the series, Kushiel's Chosen and Kushiel's Avatar. Loved It!!!!!!!!!!

Up front let me say the first 100 or so pages are a tough read. Lots of history and unusual names to learn. BUT, after that... WOW! This is a fantastic book, that is very difficult to put down. The tale told in this book is enough in itself, I could have been happy with just the one book. But to know that I have two more to look forward too... I'm very excited. Once you start reading this book, don't let anything put you off. It may be a little disturbing to some early on, but once Phedre leaves her homeland for the first time the whole story changes and into a much higher gear.
Can I give it more than 5 stars?
To Mrs. Carey - thankyou for this wonderful book, I look forward to purchasing more from you in the future.

The one thing you have to understand about Carey, whether or not you can appreciate the story or relate to her characters; the woman knows how to write. Kushiel's Dart is such fun to read, so effortless, that I went back and reread it before giving it a rating. I absolutely love Carey's style, which is extremely elaborate, with a rich setting and detailed characters.

I understand this book isnt for everyone and I have a few warning's for people before they pick up this book. Understand first that this book deals with highly adult material that is very explicit in parts. However, I dont see how people reading the jacket could have been surprised when reading the book. Also, Carey's main character's have what some author's tend to fall on, which is super hero syndrom. They're pretty much perfect in every way so don't expect to see the harsh realities of human nature in this novel. And finally, Carey's writing style is quite poetic, a little flouncy, tending to forshadow often, but immensley detailed. None of these detracted for me however for the book. It's fantasy and I love it to death =)

A superb prose stylist, a complex and sympathetic heroine, an engrossing plot. There is, so far as I can see, only one thing to quibble about. In the land of Terre d'Ange, the ruling commandment is to "love as thou wilt." The principal deity of this land, Naamah, sold herself to any who wanted her. The heroine of the book, Phedre, was brought up, first in the Night Court, then by aristocratic Anafiel Delaunay, to be a cultured and highly skilled courtesan. Such courtesans are highly prized, acting as both servants and incarnations of the deity. Yet every now and then, a disparaging comment is made about "whores." Yet this is, in the end, only a quibble, and hardly detracts from what is, all-in-all, a superb first novel.

I love this character. She is smart and wiley. She manages to come from a very low place to a very high place without walking on any good guys. However, she stomps the bad guys as she makes her way higher and higher in society. This is a character I would find myself wondering about as I drove home from work and then had to remind myself she did not exist. Too bad. The next two books in the series get better and better. Hard to put down. The 4th centers on another character and I enjoyed it but preferred the first three. I am going on to the 5th, however.

_Kushiel's Dart_ is a very long novel set in an Alternate History/Fantasy version of France. The divergence happens when Jesus (Yeshua) has a child by Mary Magdalene. This child, Elua, believes that the supreme command is to "Love as thou wilt". Elua and his seven companions, who are held to be angels, wander the Earth, finally settling in Terre D'Ange (France). Carey does a good job of presenting D'Angeline beliefs as real beliefs, while leaving open the likelihood that they are semi-mythological. (E.g., Elua's companions are believed to be angels, but, one might assume, they were actually just humans he recruited.) D'Angelines hold themselves to be preternaturally beautiful -- because they are descended from Elua and from angels.
The narrator and heroine is Phedre no Delaunay. She is fostered to Cereus House, one of the Thirteen Houses (a tradition D'Angeline high class brothel), but she is imperfect: the red mark in her eye makes her unacceptable to Cereus for their service. But as she comes of age, she is bought by a nobleman, Anafiel Delaunay, who recognizes that the red mark means she is an anguisette -- a natural masochist, and as such potentially a fabulously valuable prostitute for people of certain tastes. Under Delaunay, she learns a number of languages, and various other useful talents. It becomes clear that Delaunay, for mysterious reasons, wants her to be a spy on people in the highest circles of government. These reasons are surely related to Delaunay's friendship with the late son of the aging King, and to his enmity with this late Prince's also dead wife.
The story develops from there, at great length. Phedre becomes famous in her profession, and learns many secrets for Delaunay, some quite tragic. Eventually she is driven to slavery in Skaldia (Germany) where she learns of a terrible plot against the rightful rulers of Terre D'Ange. With her faithful companion, a super swordsman vowed to celibacy, she journeys across much of Europe, trying to find a way to stop the Skaldian threat.
The story is pretty enjoyable, and reads quite quickly for such a long book. Carey's prose is rather good, a bit ornate and mannered, but that is in keeping, I suppose, with the image of the people of Terre D'Ange. A number of the fantastical elements, such as the Master of the Straits, who keeps ships from passing between Terre D'Ange and Alba (i.e. Great Britain), are rather nicely imagined. The main fault is that about halfway through the book much of the tension leaches out. It becomes clear that Phedre and her companion Joscelin are superhuman and unkillable, and that really there is no way to stop them. Carey does a lot of things well -- she uses Phedre's submission quite effectively in creating a fairly unconventional heroine. But while for a while, pretty much through her time with the Skaldians, we really fear for her, and we feel that she is being heroically abused and that she is in real danger. After that, the novel moves into an extended sort of "Triumphal March". It's not that Phedre doesn't get abused some more, and it's not even that she won't suffer some real emotional loss. But the shape of the ending becomes very clear, and there really isn't any believable opposition to her achieving that ending. To complain just a bit more, I felt that the deep mysteries that Carey plants at the beginning were resolved too simply -- that is, Delaunay's secrets were actually kind of trivial, and the political intrigue wasn't quite twisty enough. I also felt that the blatant setup of a sequel, just before the end, weakened the book. The characters and setting nicely support this one long book -- I don't think they will support two more books of the same length.

I hesitated reading Kushiel's Dart for a number of years for that most superficial of reasons: the cover art. Kushiel's Dart looked like little more than a romance novel wrapped in the swaddling of fantasy. This novel, however, has received a fair amount of critical acclaim and good buzz has popped up in some of the online venues I keep an eye on. So, it is with a mild amount of trepidation which I opened the cover.

The story begins early on in the life of Phedre, a young girl who would soon to be given over to the care of the Night Court, a group of professional courtesans. After spending several years trained at the Night Court she is adopted, or better yet, purchased by a man named Delaunay. Delaunay purchased Phedre's "marque", that which Phedre will need to earn back before she has her complete freedom again. She is not a slave, but she is owned. Delaunay has grander plans than just using Phedre as a source of income. Phedre is to be trained to look, listen, and think, to work as something of a spy for Delaunay has she goes on her assignations with the elite of Terre d'Ange.

The first hundred pages or so cover Phedre's training, her friendship with a gypsy boy named Hyacinthe, and her training by Delaunay. Jacqueline Carey is setting the stage for what is to come and to prepare Phedre and the reader for the rest of the novel. It would be very easy, however, to close the book any time during the first hundred pages in frustration because while there is quite a bit going on, there is the feeling that nothing actually happened.

The second hundred pages or so solve this problem as Phedre is permitted to start earning her marquee back and starts working as a courtesan for Delaunay. These second hundred pages can veer, at times, to soft core pornography. There is a good deal of sex, and because of the nature of Phedre's gift (she is an anguissette, touched by the god Kushiel, which is of a benefit to her "work" and allows her pleasure in pain), the sex is frequently violent. Carey toes a very fine line in showing the reader the nature of Phedre's work without going into too explicit detail. There are several instances, though, where Carey shows us more than the others so we better know just how violent and sexual things are for Phedre and just how much pleasure she gets from the pain.

This is only the beginning of the story, though. There are still five hundred more pages of "action" and plot. When the intrigue which Delauney has introduced Phedre to but never quite gave her all of the details about comes full circle to threaten Delaunay and Phedre's life, Phedre must choose survival over pride and expedience over her own desires and wishes. Phedre must use all of the skills at her disposal, intellectual and physical, to survive and protect Terre d'Ange from treachery internal and threats external.

Kushiel's Dart was a pleasant surprise. The first person narration from Phedre was very effective as Carey perfectly captures the voice of the character and when Phedre declines to graphically explain certain events it does not harm the story, but rather gives the story shading and perspective from the narrating character. Carey is, perhaps, a bit long winded and spends a bit too much time having Phedre dealing with whatever her current situation is. It is all appropriate for the story, but Kushiel's Dart is also a 700 page doorstop of a novel and there is some fat in the novel which could well have been trimmed. In particular, the first two hundred pages had extraneous text, though Carey does a very good job in making reference later to what seemed at first to be padding. This is to say that while Kushiel's Dart is very much on the wordy side, Jacqueline Carey makes even unimportant events early on become important later in the novel. Because of this, it is difficult to say exactly what should have been trimmed, but 700 pages is still a bit much to ask for from the reader for a first novel.

With all of that said, Carey does an excellent job making Phedre a believable character and the political intrigue and motivations credible. Phedre's world feels like a place that could possibly exist. As the novel progresses, Phedre still uses the physical tools she has at her disposal (her body), but Carey no longer goes into great detail in what goes on between the sheets. This is to Carey's and the novel's benefit because had the sex not taken a back seat later in the novel Kushiel's Dart would have been little more than a soft core novel with some fantasy elements (i.e. more suited to be shelved in the romance section than fantasy).

Kushiel's Dart far exceeded my expectations and while I feel no inclination to rush out and find a copy of the next book, Kushiel's Chosen (another 700 page doorstop), I did enjoy the time spent in Terre d'Ange and will likely return for another visit to the intrigue of Phedre's world.

- Joe Sherry

As many reviewers have remarked, the last three hundred pages are so painful to get through. Absolutely painful,mind numbing rubbish. Watch as our perfect heroine saves the world and displays an array of talents and skills a super hero in a comic book universe wouldn't even have ! This is too bad because for the first part of the book we see Phedre develop in her training, master some of her demons, and show just how fallible she is as a human. Her interaction with Joscelin I really enjoyed. Out of all the characters I enjoyed Joscelin the most actually. The sexual content of this book is mentioned by many who have read the book. It's there in varying degrees, especially in the first part of the book. The author did a good job of making such scenes interesting, though erotic is not the word I would use to describe them. Apparently many people would. I finished this book out of determination and not much else, and I have no intention of reading the rest of the series. Where the sterling reviews come from I can't say. Though Phedre starts off as a unique and interesting character, by the end of the book she is similar to so many others: perfect, beautiful and destined for both glory and self sacrifice.

Phedre was born with a scarlet speckle in her eye, known as Kushiel's Dart. Those marked by Kushiel's Dart are cursed to always feel pleasure and pain as one. Using her skills learned in traing with Anafiel Delaunay, Phedre uncovers a plot that will lead her homeland to war.

Hate to say it but, I love this book like whoa! It's incredibly well written and draws you in from the first page. The world and the society is incredibly well built and seem to be very loosley based on several European countries.

Phedre is a wonderful and believable heroine. Although she's intelligent, courageous and strong, occasionally she does something or says something that reminds you she is human after all. Being an anguissette (one who feels pleasure and pain as one) leads to some interesting points of the story as well as adding an interesting exploration on what being an anguisette means for Phedre. There's lots of BDSM and same sex pairings as well, if you like that kind of thing. ;)

I found myself crushing on Joscelin. I love it when a book character comes alive so much you get a crush on them. And Joscelin certaihnly comes alive! Boy does he ever. :)

The real triumph in terms of hot characters, though, is Melisande. She's a cold hearted vixen but so seductive that just reading about her I had the hots for her. If she were a real person, I'd fall to pieces if I were ever in the same room with her.

I thought the story was well paced and thought it was good that the time was taken to build each character and allow you to get to know them. I also loved the developing relationships Phedre shared with Joscelin, Hyacinthe and Melisande. They alll had great chemistry and played off each other believeably, especially in terms of her relationship with Joscelin.

Overall, just a simply fantastic book and I cannot wait to go out and get the next one!

When I bought this book, I was a little wary of it being part of a trilogy. I wanted a self-contained novel. Nicely, Kushiel's Dart stands on its own.
Phedre no Delaunay is an anguisette, a spy and a scholar. There is subtle magic on Phedre's world. She makes her way through life with stubborn determination, using whatever fate throws in her path. She is like a much darker "Mistress of the Empire", the saga from Feist and Wurt.
I was engrossed in the story. This is a page-turner. However, some of the scenes it describes are intended for mature audiences.
I really enjoyed the characters, and now I am getting the next two books in the series.

It's such a treat to find a book with so much woven together, and done well. While it's not in our universe, it is in a parallel one that mirrors our own in a beautiful fashion.
I found the story just a bit difficult to get into -- the first 50 pages or so were good, but not completely absorbing. Then, suddenly, I found that all I wanted to do was read this book and find out what happened now. The twists and turns were such that you just HAD to know!! I didn't want to work, didn't want to sleep, and discovered that long stop lights and heavy traffic were a good thing. (CAUTION: I do not recommend that.)
It's also one of those that has such an after-glow about it that it's difficult to go on to the next book.
Highly engaging, but be prepared to lose some sleep over this.

I have been looking for quite a while to find another series to keep me going while waiting for the next work by George RR Martin. Even Martin's 4th Book, didn't live up to expectation and I am still waiting. I tried Weeks, Ruckley, Williams, Marco and nothing has lived up to Martin, again not even Martin. Weeks almost pulled it off.

I really enjoyed the first 600 pages of Kushiel's Dart, unfortunately it really lost my interest in the remaining 300 pages. Some people have been critical of the books beginning saying it took too long to get started. I liked the slow beginning and enjoyed the back stories...infact to me the best stuff in Martin's works are the back stories.

There has been a lot of attention drawn to the sex in the book. I found it tastefully written and not nearly as graphic as in some other books. Even Martin's sex scenes I felt were more rauchy than this book, the sex in this book was not over the top or shocking and handled quite nicely.

The author can write and the world she created is interesting, but for whatever reason, it lost me around page 300.

I will wait a while before I try some of the sequals, I hear they are good, but I am a bit Kushieled out.

I have to say I had really low expectations going into this book. I bought it to read to my wife, who has a vision disability, but loves the fantasy genre, and there is very little serious romantic fantasy out there, even less available on audiotape. I reluctantly chose this one, figuring I'd suffer through it for her entertainment. From the premise of the book, described on the back cover, I expected it to be a practically endless sequence of raunchy sadomasochistic sexual encounters weakly tied together by a paper-thin plot. Can you blame me? Here's what it says of the main character: "chosen [by some divine power] to forever experience pleasure and pain as one.... trained equally in the courtly arts and the talents of the bed-chamber..." How could that possibly have prepared me for the depth and skill of storytelling I was in for by reading this book?

We hear the story as told by Phèdre, who bears the mark of "Kushiel's Dart," as the scarlet mote in her eye is referred to. This first volume in the trilogy starts with her humble beginnings as the "unwanted get" of a woman of little social consequence, her indenture into the Court of Night-Blooming Flowers, and her rise into the highest social circles of the city. That's merely the first act. The trilogy is set in an alternate history of Europe, where the principal difference seems to be that in this novel, the French may actually be justified in their claim to divinity. The story's main location is geographically analogous to our world's France, but in Phèdre's world, it is called Terre D'Ange (Land of Angels), because the inhabitants (D'Angelines) are descended from divine beings who left the holy land over a thousand years previously. The religion is explained early on in the story, and is close to, but not quite, real-world Christianity. The story takes place some time in the late middle ages or the early Renaissance. Carey uses real-world societies from various time periods to model her world upon. The names of the nations are changed to older, variations on, or more obscure references to those regions they describe. Spain is Aragonia, for example, England is Alba, and so on.

The stage thus set, Carey proceeds to weave an intricate story of politics, love, betrayal, and adventure. One of the strongest points to recommend this story is the cast of characters. The many political figures who take a role in the story are all well-developed characters, each illustrated in great detail in the story, each with their own multifaceted personalities, desires, merits, flaws, and distinctive habits. There are erotic episodes, as the summary implies, but they are woven into the story so seamlessly, and in fact essential to the plot, so that to dismiss this book as merely common erotica is selling it far too short. To begin with the concept of a main character whose uniqueness is based in the erotic, and to build such a full and complicated story, Carey shows a skill with the written word rarely seen in fantasy today, and in fact in most genres of literature.

No work of fiction is perfect. This book was not without its flaws or idiosyncrasies. Many of the reviews here complain about the overly flowery speech, indicating that the telling detracts from the tale. It depends a bit on personal taste, but I didn't think that the narration style was too far over the top, and it was entirely consistent. What did become tiresome in this first volume is that the "voice" of the narration is as if these events happened long ago in Phèdre's life, and she is telling this as if looking back through the years. The consequence of this motif is that the first 400 pages are rife with this one cliché that began to get frustratingly repetitive. She is constantly saying something to the effect of, "...if only I had known then what I know now..." It did lend a foreshadowing of tragedy to the telling, but was used much too often. Fortunately she lays off that cliché about halfway through the book, and while it does rear its head occasionally after that, it is nowhere near as pervasive.

So much happens in this one book that it would use more words than I'm allotted to describe all the various plots, subplots, and cliffhangers and give my opinion of each. We are treated to vibrant descriptions of many of the locales of Phèdre's world, traveling through D'Angeline cities, barbarian villages, rough wilderness, high seas, and palace halls. Phèdre finds and loses friends along the way and each one she comes to know, we know through her. Her enemies, as well, we come to know, and find that they are not the typical cardboard cutout villains that one typically finds in tales of love and magic. These villains have motivations that one could even sympathize with under the right conditions, and this use of moral shades of gray heightens the complexity of the work as a whole. The 900 pages pass in the blink of an eye, and I couldn't tell you the number of times I finished reading a chapter aloud, and my wife and I looked at each other and could say nothing more than "Wow."

One of the writer blurbs on one volume of this series says that the trilogy has "something for everyone," and I think that's the best description I've heard yet. Complicated political plots within plots, a multilayered back story that could support a novel or two of its own, fantastic swordfights, massive army battles, erotic sex scenes, fascinating personal relationships... I could go on. I consider this book one of the nicest surprises I've had in a while, in that it was a totally unexpected enjoyment. After reading the entire trilogy aloud to my wife, we look forward to anything else Jacqueline Carey publishes in the future.

Pros: Some great characters. Adventure written by a woman. You get a certain excitement with a soft touch that most male writers don't really possess. Its kinda of like reading a pre-raphaelite.

Cons: You could have lost about a quarter of this book, tightened up the plot and made it really good. What started out as a minor distraction got really annoying. If you called the people by what they were vikings, French, Italian, Irish, Romans, Greeks it would have been not so distracting. I found myself distracted trying to figure out which group was which, what point in history she was trying to mimic. It would have been better if Carey kept me on the plot. Carey's constant changing of tenses is annoying, but not distracting. She needs to learn to monitor her tenses. When you're in the past stay there, don't shift to future tense when you're trying to do foreshadowing. Also, I'm really tired of the word alacrity.

Other: The main characters proclivity for BDSM for pay is probably disturbing for many (if not most) readers. I found the political intrigue interesting, but tiresome at times. Look, I'm a guy....if you get tired enough of it, just smack it with a sword.

Many reviews here present what is good about this book. And, I did like it. However, I found that there were some flaws in it that were so jarring that I haven't yet decided if I want to continue the saga. The three that prompted me to write this review are these:

1) In the first third of the book, Carey overuses the technique of "foreshadowing"..... The structure of this section of the book is Phedre recounting her youth and she often says things along the lines of "....if I had only known that going to the Valerian House would have had such an important consequence.... " Use this technique once. Maybe twice.... Or even better --- not at all! But to use it over seven times in the first third of the book. I found that very amaturish and it so jarred me out of the storyline, that I started counting how many times it happened. I don't think the author needs to point and go: "LOOK LOOK! Look how important this is going to be!" Or, at least, not in such a contrived way.

2) The eroticism in the book was such an interesting part of it --- again, in the first third of the book. You were right there with Phedre and her patrons, and the writing was very evocative and I liked it a lot. However, after the first third, Carey suddenly changes her technique and the sexual interludes are handled by Phedre saying something like: "And I am not going to go into the details of that night." WHAT??? Why not? The details were cool and interesting and erotic and evocative. Granted, this is not a book of erotic literature -- but why write it one way for the first 100 pages and then change afterwards? Again, I felt this was amaturish and I felt a little manipulated....

3) I, personally, didn't like the use of slightly-bastardized medieval history and places and people and things. The Picts and the Vikings and ancient Europe and Jesus and the Magdalene. The Irish mythology of Cuchulian and the Black Boar. Again, I thought it amaturish. Maybe even a bit like stealing or "sampling". The idea of the Night Court was so interesting and unique and unlike anything that I had ever read before. And, then, to plop it down into Bizarro-History-Land? Other authors have created worlds from whole cloth. Carey would have been better served to do that, in my opinion.

All of these points, to me, detract from what would have been a top-notch, A-one fantasy saga. The characters in the story are interesting, and they grow and develop and change. And you understand their motivations. Argh! This could have been great! Up there with George R.R. Martin's Songs of Ice and Fire, or Rosemary Kirstein's Steerswoman Saga --- if only it had been handled with a bit more maturity.

After writing this review, I am almost convinced that I won't be reading the second book of the saga. However, maybe that book has the maturity I am looking for.... because authors *do* grow and change......

Hmmmmm...

I did not know much about the book before I began reading it, and at first I was annoyed about the political details within the story. I wanted more erotica! After a hundred pages, I was hooked on the whole story. It is a unique storyline and offers a look inside a rich, vibrant culture that is alive and unbelievably detailed. The story is woven intricately and you are left guessing where the plot will turn next. Aside from my initial irritation about the detailed political climate, the humanity brought to life by Carey in this novel is worth the time investment. I even grew to love the complex story that fed my creative mind.
Of the three books in the series, this is by far my favorite. But if you read one, you're sure to read them all!

Unlike some others, I didn't find this book to be particularly sexy. Yes, the main heroine Phedre was born to seek pleasure in pain and yes, there are a handful of scenes of her enjoying pain with her sex. But it's not like this is a Laurell K Hamilton Anita sex-fest. Sex is secondary to the story, although perhaps primary in the main characters motivations and character.

This is actually a story of war. And it takes a very very long time to get moving. We start at Phedre's (I was pronouncing her name "Fee-dray" in my head until at about page 600 I was informed it was prounounced "Fay-dra"...bit late with that information) childhood and are taken on a very long journey with intrigue and spies etc, eventually leading to the actual war scenes.

When I think of this book I think "grey, with slashes of red". And by grey I mean the book is subdued, controlled, gloomy, with words and feelings unspoken, and grief unexplored. The slashes of red are the rare moments when we get some actual emotion, something real and not hidden.

If you're all about searching out the hidden gems in books, and you don't mind large patches of lengthy and overly-detailed story telling, then this is the book for you.

For myself, I don't think I'll bother with the sequels. While I am mildly curious about Phedre and Joscelin's relationship, I am not prepared to put myself through 2 more almost 1000 page over complicated and heavily detailed epics to find out.

However, I applaud Carey for choosing in Phedre a character that is unique and interesting and quite unlike any other heroine I've ever encountered in a book.

The world building was very engaging, and there were some colorful characters. But the writing was ridiculously ornate and pompous, and it started to feel silly very quickly. By the end, I was dragging myself through the last few pages. Honestly, how much "Oh blessed Elua, how I loved him! For he stood tall and fair, beautiful as a true D'Angeline blah blah blah" tripe can someone put up with?

Most of what I have to say, people have already said, so I'll forebear gushing and keep it short.
The subtitle for this book could well be a line that reappears frequently throughout: "All that yields is not weak." (Or something along those lines -- I just finished Kushiel's Chosen, and have forgotten the exact wording.) Phedre finds pleasure in pain and submission, yes, but she rules her patrons through that same submission. It takes an incredible amount of talent to make this concept believable, but Carey more than acheives it. Some of the scenes are shocking -- this is not a book for the faint-hearted -- but they are never inappropriate or even overdone. The sex is integral to the plot, and after a few initial moments of revulsion, I was able to accept that Phedre truly enjoys and needs this. The mix of real and fictional cultures is engaging, and Carey's language is lovely, although in Kushiel's Chosen she becomes a little too fond of "'tis" and "'twas" for believability.
I've noticed a few reviews complaining about the length. Grow up, people. This story is no longer than it needs to be -- Carey could not possibly have pulled it off in less than 701 pages. Seriously, I read it in three days -- you can't put it down. If anything, I wished it would last longer. Kushiel's Chosen is 700 pages exactly in hardcover, and I'm dying waiting for the third book! Also, someone was complaining that the names are incomprehensible and unpronounceable. I think the term was "jumbled up letters." Huh? They're French. Some of the names later in the book are Germanic or Gaelic. There's nothing jumbled-up here. Sheesh.

The first of a trilogy about a young and uniquely gifted heroine whose innocence is shattered by intrigue and murder. Phedre is a thoroughly engaging heroine on an epic journey rife with intrigue, betrayal, violence, sexual and erotic encounters and, of course, love. Written in beautiful prose, and set on a grand landscape of Renaissance Europe, Carey's series is an exotic tapestry of sensual images that will linger like a rich coffee brewed to perfection. This is not a typical coming-of-age series and definitely adult reading.

Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel's Legacy by Tor Books consists of three rather large books: Kushiel's Dart (a hefty 910 pages); Kushiel's Chosen; and Kushiel's Avatar, with a fourth and fifth in the saga, based on another character (Kushiel's Scion and Kushiel's Judgement). Kushiel's Legacy is definitely an epic fantasy. But, thankfully for me, it couldn't be further from its stereotype. Epic, yes--in size, scope and granduer. Fantastic, also, in its brilliant imagination and masterful delivery. But it is so much more. According to T.M. Wagner (SF Reviews.net), Carey "eschews the mythic aspirations of traditional high fantasy...[and] has created one VLFN that stands above the bloated pack", taking "Fantasy into shadowy, exotic corners it rarely dares to tread" (Storm Constantine). William Thompson (Revolution SF) found this "seductive novel...exceptionally well-written, intricately plotted and [displayed] a grasp of language and storytelling rare in fantasy fiction." To be sure, several readers of traditional fantasy complained that the language was "too flowery" and the books too long and overfull with detail and characters. This is precisely why I liked it. It reads like classic literary fiction. But it isn't!

Chapter One of Kushiel's Dart, the first of Carey's three books focussing on Phèdre, begins with Phèdre engaging us with a conversational narrative that seamlessly and instantly lures us into her fascinating world. And lured I was; by the end of the first page I learned that her parents gave her a name that was cursed and that Phèdre, herself, was flawed: by a scarlet mote, a pinprick of blood emblazened in her left eye--which is enough in this land of aesthetics obsessed with beauty to mark her as blemished. She only later learns the significance of the mark; it is Kushiel's Dart, left by a god who has chosen her to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. Thus begins our relationship with an `imperfect' girl who was eventually outcast and sold by her mother--as "a whore's unwanted get"--into indentured servitude in a House of the Night Court (a bordelo). It was the tag line of the first chapter that convinced me that a stirring tale of breathtaking intensity and shocking beauty was unfolding before me:

"When Love cast me out, it was Cruelty who took pity upon me."

Kushiel's Legacy is set in an alternate quasi-medieval Europe, Africa and Asia of Carey's imagination. For instance, there is Aragonia, Caerdiccia Unitas, and Skaldia, loosely representing Spain, Italy and Germany, respectively. And there is Terre d'Ange (land of angels), Phèdre's homeland, a place of unsurpassing beauty and grace, and whose beautiful race, created from angels and men, lived by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. The D'Angelines were descended from the Blessed Elua, an interesting, rather warped, vision of the traditional Christ figure, and his angel companions who abandoned Heaven to follow him as he walked among mortals. Among Elua's companions is the angel, Naamah, who willingly prostituted herself in service to Elua; Cassiel, who abjured mortal love for the love of the divine; and, of course, the mighty Kushiel, of rod and weal, the just Punisher of God, whose blow of pain was the touch of love. Those "kissed" by Kushiel receive both pleasure and cleansing through the infliction of pain.

Early on in Kushiel's Dart, Phèdre's bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, an arcane nobleman with a secret past, who recognizes who and what she is--an anguissette, one who can experience pain as pleasure. While his motives elude her, Delaunay tutors Phèdre as a spy and rents her out to influential members of the decadent aristocracy to learn their secrets. When one of Delaunay's games gets the better of him, he is murdered and young Phèdre is cast on a path of intrigue and treachery that she, as Kushiel's Chosen-Avatar, is singularly able to endure. Thus, she sets off on her hero's journey--aflame with betrayal, sacrifice, scintilating desires, and conspiracy. She encounters a rich and diverse cast of cunning poets, heroic traitors and a truly Machiavellian and seductive villainess. And to balance this is her loyal Cassiline bodyguard, Joscelin, her "Perfect Companion", who eventually becomes the compass of her heart.

True to her heroic stature, Phèdre harbours, in both her words (it is she telling us the story) and her mien, no bitterness or resentment for the cruelty and hardship destiny has dealt her. And she does more than simply endure it; she answers the hero's call to play out her role as Kushiel's Chosen. Phèdre is a singularly appealing and complex hero because she is non-judgemental, ethical and honourable yet incredibly vulnerable, reckless and stubborn at times. She poses a panoply of opposites. She is, after all, an anguissette: her pain is her pleasure; her yielding is her strength, her wanton behaviour her salvation, her servitude her victory; and her love her courage. Phèdre is "an unflinching yet poignantly vulnerable heroine" (Booklist), whose selfless yielding will conquer the strongest and most depraved of foes. "Not all that yields is weak," Hyacinthe, her best friend, tells her. To yield is Kushiel's precept and the moniker of the House of Valerian, dedicated to the just Punisher. And yield, Phèdre must--and does; until it becomes her strength and her legacy just as love and honour become her driving force.

One is reminded of Christian parallels of yielding, tolerance and sacrifice in the acts of Jesus and his disciples. Phèdre walks a balanced moral path, following the precepts of her D'Angeline angels--Kushiel's justice; Naamah's passion, Cassiel's loyalty, and, of course, Elua's love--toward redemption for more than just herself. Carey's exotic blending of Christianity and paganism, daringly poses the question of "the sacred potential inherent in every sexual encounter." (Booklist). Wholly embracing her gods, and at great cost to herself, Phèdre gives herself away--sexually, and more--in Kushiel's Avatar to rescue an innocent boy and ultimately to save her friend, Hyacinthe, from a wrathful god.

"Mortals conquer and slay; gods rise and fall. The games we play out on the board of earth echo across the vault of heaven." (Kushiel's Chosen)

Some readers have complained, nonetheless, at the inapropriateness of a prostitute as heroine. But, like many heroes with humble often dubious beginnings, Phèdre is one chosen by a god, who provides her with the opportunity to demonstrate that her heart and soul are far from base:

"We pay for sins we do not remember, and seek to do a will we can scarce fathom. That is what is is, to be a god's chosen." (Kushiel's Avatar)

Yet for all that, this tale is not for the squeamish or the judgemental. As Kirkus Reviews contends, Kusiel's Legacy is "superbly detailed, fascinatingly textured and sometimes unbearably intense," punctuated with highly erotic and, at times, disturbing sexual episodes. The hero is a masochist, "whose disturbing sexuality drives the story... [which is as]...delicious as it is unsettling" (Emma Bull). T.M Wagner (of SF Reviews.net) sums it up eloquently: Kushiel's Legacy "is the real thing, a distaff examination of sex and power, unflinchingly forthright." And, he adds, "on no account is it recommended for faint hearts or weak stomachs." Indeed, I was equally spellbound and greatly disturbed by Phèdre's last great tryst with evil's desire in a place of true madness where souls are currency (Kushiel's Avatar). Her experience in Darsanga to rescue young Imriel, Melisande's son, will endure in my memory for a long time: the terrible things Phèdre endured; the devine way she prevailed. She overcame it all because of the divine love that shone brightly inside her (her name means "bright" in Greek). It empowered her to shine hope to the hopeless. But the experience left her shattered, in pieces. Make me whole, she later prayed in the Temple of Isis, make us all whole.

Kushiel's Legacy is not a romance, although it is a great love story. It is a complex saga, woven with layer upon layer of threads revealed through a metaphoric tapestry, often counterpoint with contradiction and turbulent conflict of morality and values. This journey of self-discovery by a young child journeying into womanhood explores some of the deepest and most cherished virtues of humanity, by courageously dismantling "standard notions of...morality" (Locus). Virtues like honour and loyalty. Family. And love. Love, in all its aspects:

Innocent love--a trusting love for a mother in the act of abandonment: ...She will sell me to this cruel old woman, I thought, and experienced a thrill of terror...My mother stood with my hand in hers and gazed down at my upturned face. It is my last memory of her, those great, dark, lambent eyes searching, searching my own, coming at last to rest upon the left. Through our joined hands, I felt the shudder she repressed.(Kushiel's Dart)

Dangerous love--a curious love of forbidden flesh: "Phèdre." My name only; Melisande spoke it as if to place a finger on my soul, soft and commanding...held me captive and trembling before her..."Why do you struggle against your own desire?" Melisande lowered her head and kissed me. The shock of it went through me like a spear; I think I gasped...I swayed, dissolving under lips and tongue...my bones... molten fire, my flesh shaping itself to the form of her desire...(Kushiel's Chosen)

Cruel love--a sacrificial, yielding love for one's enemy: The Mahrkagir...reached out to touch my cheek and his hand was cold, so cold...I felt his touch like fire, setting me ablaze between my thighs...I shut my teeth on a moan...A strange rill of energy surged between us. I tasted fear and desire, his mad smile, and lost myself in his dilated eyes. His hand trailed down my throat, cupping one breast...pinching my erect nipple as hard as he could. A bolt of pain shot through me and I stifled a moan. "Ill thoughts, ill words, ill deeds." He smiled tenderly at me, maintaining a pincerlike grip..."Your gods have chosen you for defilement. Is that not so?" I closed my eyes. "Yes." (Kushiel's Avatar)

Tender love--a healing and exalting love for one's true beloved: That kiss, I cannot describe. It was like a poem, a prayer, a homecoming unlooked-for. It was like dungeon walls crumbling to reveal a glimpse of sky. It shook me to the very roots of my soul. All I could do was cling to him and gasp...And that is where time itself seemed to stretch and flow...and everything done by the Mahrkagir was undone, every cruelty, every iron thrust--undone, undone, undone, every kiss, every lick, every stroke, imprinting love upon my flesh, until I shuddered and knotted both hands in Joscelin's hair, calling his name out loud, and my climax followed with the inevitability of the spring-fed waters tumbling over the rocks. (Kushiel's Avatar)

Divine love--a selfless compassionate love greater than oneself: It burned in me like strong wine, like the first taste of joie I had known as a child, like Melisande's touch...If I had not brought Imri out of the darkness of Darsanga , this brightness would never come to pass. Truly love was a wondrous force, now that I perceived the complexities of its workings...Joscelin...Every line, every plane of him was writ in an alphabet of flesh and bone, spelling out love. How had I never seen it? And Imriel...a tangled knot of fear and need, achingly vulnerable. It made my heart ache to look upon him. (Kushiel's Avatar)

More than anything else, Carey's epic tale is a poem dedicated to love; exalting love in all its facets, from selfless yielding and sacrifice to the harsh lusty desires of a cruel heart. From the last line of Chapter 1 in the first book to the last line of the last book--Jacqueline Carey demonstrates that her Kushiel's Legacy is devoted to the power of love; how love can sustain us, how it shapes our lives, can move an empire, and empower us in our own singular heroic acts.

Love as thou wilt.

Nothing but praise for this masterpiece of psychological realism, with its dancing plot and convincing pantheon.

The heroine grows from a child tossed around by fortune into an agent of fate, while saving a country from treason and invasion. Chance turns into destiny as the background of her tutor unfolds. When she applies her skills of stealth and seduction, she enters a court of intrigue and violence.

We are stimulated by a constant supply of surprises and fresh characters.

Jacquline Carey's fantasy world is rich and detailed. She never abuses the genre's license to break the laws of physics; the magic in this story never touches the decisive plot points. No convenient dues-ex-machina super-powers, but clairvoyance-type skills to enhance foreshadowing.

The rest of the `magic' is interwoven with the pantheon. The world in this story resembles our own in the time of Renaissance, with the best of paganism added. These people have no shame of love and pleasure, and their gods keep a close watch and light touch on their history.

I'm guessing the fantasy ingredient is only used to free the characters from the boring bits of actual history. The stripping of puritan values enables characters to pursue high and low passion unhindered. The first half of the story is a chess-like game, played by courtiers who are of the Balthasar Castiglione type on the outside, and Machiavellian at heart.

Just before the civilized big-city dynamic begins to wear out, the sophistication is balanced by icy peaks under a blue sky and barbarians with simpler drives.

Whatever the drives of the characters, no one escapes the consequences of breaching humanist ethics. The heroine is an instrument of the angel that punishes the sinners, and they all get their due in this story, as a side-effect of destiny, with their honor and free will intact.

The flavor of the story hints at modern science and philosophy. Carey sees how psychology is grounded in biology. The beauty of people is fostered by rearing pressures; she knows good breeding makes good character. The open elitism and aristocracy is grounded on materialism, and the semi-pagan gods are the biological ancestors of the main characters. Likely these hints are not accidental. Blessed Elua, the principal god in this story, was born out of Mother Earth, when the blood of "Yeshua" dripped from the cross and mixed with the tears of "Mary Magdelene".

Very Good. I was quite shocked, at first. A young girl with a bit of red pigment in her eye enjoying flagellation? And commonly accepting money for it? It was completely out of place with most of what I've read. But Phedre's story was enrapturing. These bizarre attitudes only augmented my fascination with her character. The Political jargon caught my head in a whirl. Sometimes I found the thought process lacking, and sometimes the dialog seemed shallow, but more often than not I could feel, see, and react to a changing character struggling toward a goal and achieving heroic stations through her own credit.
The alternate religion and development of Europe really makes the reader attentive to the details. Words spelled slightly different, customs altered minutley, and language hints created a parrallel but diverse world. Phedre is caught unawares, blessed and burdened with education, she tests her devotions, her loyalties, and her heart on an explosive adventure. And the shocks along the way will only make your heart beat faster.

I finally read this book when a friend recommended it to me, and I was amazed. For a first novel, Kushiel's Dart is epic, thrilling and cunningly plotted, not to mention well-crafted. Some of the scenes were agonizing in their intensity, and it was great fun following along to see who was plotting with who to do what. Although the book does have some shortcomings, they are eclipsed by a magnificent overall story by a gifted storyteller. I will wait, though, to read the next installment, as I am so used to living in this fantasy world I need some time to get used to living in the real one for awhile.

I had difficulty with this book, and I'm still trying to figure out why. I have enjoyed epic fantasy in the past (e.g. George R. R. Martin), but this dragged massively in the beginning and a little at the end. It's written in first-person from the POV of the courtesan Phedre. I just didn't like her that much, and 901 pages is a long time to have to listen to someone like that.

Plus I didn't buy that time and time again things hinged on Phedre sleeping with someone. That just gets predictable in a novel this long. In fact, it was a little frustrating that through the first half the eroticism was so elegantly written and in the second half it was hardly mentioned in favor of exploring the inner thoughts of Phedre which weren't as interesting.

That said, I couldn't really find fault with the prose itself. The other characters were elegantly sketched, and the mythology that Carey created was amazing. I wished I could hear even more of the angel Elua and less of his scions. I might actually pick up the next book in the series just to hear more of the mythology, but it will be after I recover from this one and without such high expectations.

In this alternate fantasy universe we are immersed in a political system that challenges societal views of prostitution, bdsm, and religion. It's a deep dark read that takes you on an epic journey through an alternate Europe (though it's not obvious that this is Europe). Each character works their way into your heart and changes your perspective slowly and carefully. If you want to believe that sensuality should be revered instead of treated like a dirty little secret... If you want to read something that challenges you to combine sensuality and intelligence, subtlety and intrigue, submission and victory ... this whole series is for you. I couldn't put it down.

I have heard of this series of books for years and never read it until I went into a book store to pre order a book and never one to walk out of a book store empty handed came out with this book, figuring it was time to give it a try. I wish I hadn't waited so long, there are few books that I absolutely love this one joins that short list. I could not put this book down and for those like me who held off because of the fact Phedre enjoys being bound and tortured during sex a genre of books I don't enjoy reading. Well skim them if you must its easy enough because thankfully they are not so bad the detail isn't there she fades in and out on the sex scenes so they have no meat to them this is not an erotica book. So trust me don't skim them because in doing so you lose out on an important part of Phedre personality and the strength of her character. But if you must you must, I understand this kind of stuff isn't for everyone, me included but you'll love this book trust me.

There really is no way to describe how brilliant this story is in a single sitting, but I can say this: Jacqueline Carey is an absolute genius.

I won't sit here and try to describe the extent of the story to its fullest, but it is one of the most intricate tales of espionage and conspiracy I've ever read, especially while so controlled from the point of view of a single character, Phedre no Deluanay.

The greatest part about this story is that she takes the first person narrative to a whole new level. She gives Phedre very prominant graces and abysmal flaws to her personality that not only define her as a character, not only define her as a person, but hook you with an emotional attachment and response to her that you scarcely find in any literature. She is beautiful, sharp, quick-witted, and intelligent, and that leaves you feeling proud of her growth as a person. But at the same time, she's haughty, self-centered, self-absorbed, selfish, and a repugnant elitist, and it leaves you wanting to pull her from the book and scream at her, telling her to get over herself, lol.

And even with all of the deeply plotted conspiracy and trees of acquaintence and nemesis, even with Phedre's overwhelmingly powerful presence as a character and as a narrator, each individual supporting role is given enough attention to detail as to be convinving and intriguing, each in their own right.

The story moves you to the point where you can't put it down, to the point where you actually feel that a 912 page book is actually too short, and rejoice that it continues the legacy in a series of sequels. Even things that might have once gotten a different reaction from you take charge in a new way when told in this story. Normally, homosexual scenes make me uncomfortable, but they were classy, moving, appropriate, and captivating to the point where even I could celebrate their meaning and impact in this context.

To put it simply, this is a must read. Carey's genius actually rivals if not dwarfs the great Lord of the Rings fantasy epic, and that's a bold statement, but I stand behind it. READ THIS BOOK!!!

Words cannot describe how truly wonderful this book really was. I have read many books, close to 1,500 if I've kept my tally correct, and not a one, in a long time has affected me quite like Kushiel's Dart did.
Every page turned I closed my eyes in anticipation for what was to come, I wept and laughed and got angry with the characters, my two most favorite being Phedre and Joscelin.
Being a writer myself, I go through tough times of writer's block or just plain feelings of failure. After reading Kushiel's Dart, the debut high fantasy novel written by a woman, I could only find myself spurred onward to succeed. Superb writing, excellent characters, unbelievable plot.
The beginning had me reading with anticipation, the end left me in tears. Thankfully the sequel is my next conquest, but I fear I will go crazy waiting for the finale.
If 100 stars could be given, this novel would get them.

Very Good. I was quite shocked, at first. A young girl with a bit of red pigment in her eye enjoying flagellation? And commonly accepting money for it? It was completely out of place with most of what I've read. But Phedre's story was enrapturing. These bizarre attitudes only augmented my fascination with her character. The Political jargon caught my head in a whirl. Sometimes I found the thought process lacking, and sometimes the dialog seemed shallow, but more often than not I could feel, see, and react to a changing character struggling toward a goal and achieving heroic stations through her own credit.
The alternate religion and development of Europe really makes the reader attentive to the details. Words spelled slightly different, customs altered minutley, and language hints created a parrallel but diverse world. Phedre is caught unawares, blessed and burdened with education, she tests her devotions, her loyalties, and her heart on an explosive adventure. And the shocks along the way will only make your heart beat faster.

I finally read this book when a friend recommended it to me, and I was amazed. For a first novel, Kushiel's Dart is epic, thrilling and cunningly plotted, not to mention well-crafted. Some of the scenes were agonizing in their intensity, and it was great fun following along to see who was plotting with who to do what. Although the book does have some shortcomings, they are eclipsed by a magnificent overall story by a gifted storyteller. I will wait, though, to read the next installment, as I am so used to living in this fantasy world I need some time to get used to living in the real one for awhile.

I had difficulty with this book, and I'm still trying to figure out why. I have enjoyed epic fantasy in the past (e.g. George R. R. Martin), but this dragged massively in the beginning and a little at the end. It's written in first-person from the POV of the courtesan Phedre. I just didn't like her that much, and 901 pages is a long time to have to listen to someone like that.

Plus I didn't buy that time and time again things hinged on Phedre sleeping with someone. That just gets predictable in a novel this long. In fact, it was a little frustrating that through the first half the eroticism was so elegantly written and in the second half it was hardly mentioned in favor of exploring the inner thoughts of Phedre which weren't as interesting.

That said, I couldn't really find fault with the prose itself. The other characters were elegantly sketched, and the mythology that Carey created was amazing. I wished I could hear even more of the angel Elua and less of his scions. I might actually pick up the next book in the series just to hear more of the mythology, but it will be after I recover from this one and without such high expectations.

In this alternate fantasy universe we are immersed in a political system that challenges societal views of prostitution, bdsm, and religion. It's a deep dark read that takes you on an epic journey through an alternate Europe (though it's not obvious that this is Europe). Each character works their way into your heart and changes your perspective slowly and carefully. If you want to believe that sensuality should be revered instead of treated like a dirty little secret... If you want to read something that challenges you to combine sensuality and intelligence, subtlety and intrigue, submission and victory ... this whole series is for you. I couldn't put it down.

I have heard of this series of books for years and never read it until I went into a book store to pre order a book and never one to walk out of a book store empty handed came out with this book, figuring it was time to give it a try. I wish I hadn't waited so long, there are few books that I absolutely love this one joins that short list. I could not put this book down and for those like me who held off because of the fact Phedre enjoys being bound and tortured during sex a genre of books I don't enjoy reading. Well skim them if you must its easy enough because thankfully they are not so bad the detail isn't there she fades in and out on the sex scenes so they have no meat to them this is not an erotica book. So trust me don't skim them because in doing so you lose out on an important part of Phedre personality and the strength of her character. But if you must you must, I understand this kind of stuff isn't for everyone, me included but you'll love this book trust me.

There really is no way to describe how brilliant this story is in a single sitting, but I can say this: Jacqueline Carey is an absolute genius.

I won't sit here and try to describe the extent of the story to its fullest, but it is one of the most intricate tales of espionage and conspiracy I've ever read, especially while so controlled from the point of view of a single character, Phedre no Deluanay.

The greatest part about this story is that she takes the first person narrative to a whole new level. She gives Phedre very prominant graces and abysmal flaws to her personality that not only define her as a character, not only define her as a person, but hook you with an emotional attachment and response to her that you scarcely find in any literature. She is beautiful, sharp, quick-witted, and intelligent, and that leaves you feeling proud of her growth as a person. But at the same time, she's haughty, self-centered, self-absorbed, selfish, and a repugnant elitist, and it leaves you wanting to pull her from the book and scream at her, telling her to get over herself, lol.

And even with all of the deeply plotted conspiracy and trees of acquaintence and nemesis, even with Phedre's overwhelmingly powerful presence as a character and as a narrator, each individual supporting role is given enough attention to detail as to be convinving and intriguing, each in their own right.

The story moves you to the point where you can't put it down, to the point where you actually feel that a 912 page book is actually too short, and rejoice that it continues the legacy in a series of sequels. Even things that might have once gotten a different reaction from you take charge in a new way when told in this story. Normally, homosexual scenes make me uncomfortable, but they were classy, moving, appropriate, and captivating to the point where even I could celebrate their meaning and impact in this context.

To put it simply, this is a must read. Carey's genius actually rivals if not dwarfs the great Lord of the Rings fantasy epic, and that's a bold statement, but I stand behind it. READ THIS BOOK!!!

Words cannot describe how truly wonderful this book really was. I have read many books, close to 1,500 if I've kept my tally correct, and not a one, in a long time has affected me quite like Kushiel's Dart did.
Every page turned I closed my eyes in anticipation for what was to come, I wept and laughed and got angry with the characters, my two most favorite being Phedre and Joscelin.
Being a writer myself, I go through tough times of writer's block or just plain feelings of failure. After reading Kushiel's Dart, the debut high fantasy novel written by a woman, I could only find myself spurred onward to succeed. Superb writing, excellent characters, unbelievable plot.
The beginning had me reading with anticipation, the end left me in tears. Thankfully the sequel is my next conquest, but I fear I will go crazy waiting for the finale.
If 100 stars could be given, this novel would get them.

If you are looking for something serious or real, this is not the series for you. If you want a story about love both terrible and amazing, a whole different world I doubt that could be created even today in a movie, and a concept truly different, you should consider these books. This is a series that stole my breath. I ask all I give it to to give me 100 pages, and you will never, ever be sorry. I re-read this series with pleasure every three years or so because it is truly fun and worth reading for those that enjoy an escape from reality to refresh your mind when you are forced back into it. And for a hero to take away, Phédre or Joscelin will certainly invade your thoughts for years to come no matter your preferences or persuasion.

The rave on the back cover from Publisher's Weekly compares Kushiel's Dart to "Gone With The Wind," while the synopsis immeadiately below compares it with Frank Herbert's "Dune!" Right then, I knew I had to read it. However, it reminded me more of Mary Gentle's "Rats and Gargoyles" - a Rennaisance world at once our own and at the same time, clearly not, whose diseased beauty is rotten to the core with human bondage, hedonistic religions, and depraved nobles playing games with human lives. All the more unfortunate since it's a world you don't want to leave once you're there.
Carey depicts a kingdom which the locals believed to have been founded by a group of wandering angels who left heaven to protect and serve Elua - a divine outcast searching for his place in the universe. One of these angels -Kushiel- specialized in pain and punishment and every now and then, he will mark a mortal from birth to be his chosen. Such a person is cursed to a lifetime of masochism. Phedre is the latest such individual, and is raised to live a double life as both an expensive prostitute and a master spy. While she enjoys her work, her strange gift and the truly disturbing people who covet her for it quickly catapult her into a series of earth-shaking events and conspiracies which threaten to change the face of the entire world.
This is a character driven story and I admire Carey for depicting her eccentric - and often very ugly - characters as completely human. Despite all the kinky sex, murderous betrayals, and courtly intrigue, no one is ever really a shining saint or a cacklin, black-hearted villain. Love or hate the characters she introduces, you understand them and they are all the more beautiful (or frightening) for it.
Another thing which kept my attention was Carey's cunning use of foreshadowing. Phedre's first-person narrative is frequently peppered with allusions to peoples' fates along the lines of: "He was so happy that day. If he'd known what it meant, he wouldn't have been. But that was later." These warnings come frequently enough to keep suspense piqued, but just seldom enough that whenever the hinted-at event finally does come, the reader is still stunned to see it happen.
All in all, this is an amazing and engrossing debut which I could not put down. Anyone expecting nine-hundred pages of steamy, explicit erotica will be disappointed, but less truly is more in Carey's writing, and the sparesness with which Phedre recounts the frequent trysts makes them all the more unsettling. It's not a book for everyone, but neither is it so offensive that I'd tell anyone not to read it. Such is Carey's skill that I found myself judging the characters by their cultural standards of morality, not my own. No easy task for a writer by any means. Definately a worthy read, and likely a re-read as well.

Kushiel's Dart is simply fantastic. The story is set in a world that is basically Europe, called Europa, but with a few changes: countries' names differ, yet remain related to the model, such as Alba for England, Eire for Ireland, and Terre D'Ange, for a France-like nation; a pantheon of gods and godesses rules Terre D'Ange, the main setting, whose leader god is the union of the Mother Earth and the tears wept by Magdalene for a Jesus-like Messiah.
Into this world Phedre no Delauney is born, sold into indentured servitude but raised in the Night Court, a group of Thirteen Houses, which are bascially high class brothels, whose adepts can only be called courtesans, though that does not quiet define the service these men and women perform, for they serve the goddess Naamah in their doings, the goddess of prostitution and sexuality, and retain a degree of respect that is not usually associated wiht prostitution.
The books runs through several facinating plots. When each ones ends, what comes to mind is what can possibly come next? Being raised in the Night Court and being a bond-slave, is one; another, plots of treason, conspiracy, war and betrayal. Being sold into actual slavery to a barabarian tribe, and escaping that situation and fleeing through impossible weather and terrain; becoming an ambassador to a hard-reached nation and fighting for two seperate thrones. All this with threads of sexual wiles accomplishing more than imaginable; all this with love, friendship, romance, and passion.
All said, an incredible mix of everything one could wish for in a novel; impossible ot put down. And best of all, the story ends with another implied to follow. Do not overlook this first-time author's novel, for it is a true gem, the magnificent tip of potential great iceberg.

I realize that I just finished a review for this book, but after reading some other reviews, I wanted to add another thought.
Jacquline Carey is a new writer on the level of Guy Gavriel Kay. I am highly surprised that anyone would compare her to Martin or Jordan--neither of them could approach the quality and complexity that infused Kushiels Dart. I have read widely in both the science fiction and fantasy genres, and only Tolkien and Kay have displayed the talent and lushness of description possessed by Carey.
While Martin certainly has talent, don't try to compare him with Carey--there is no comparison. Don't get me started on Jordan. Besides, a real Jordan fan probably wouldn't like this book anyway.

Words cannot describe how amazing this novel is. Here heraldic courtly splendor and Machiavellian politics that would do credit to Frank Herbert are set in a richly-envisioned alternate Medieval-type world. And did I mention sex? The graphically erotic and sexual scenes are handled with sheer craft and skill--neither over-lurid nor insipid. Phedre is a phenomenal heroine, remarkably accessible and fully realized. The host of supporting and secondary characters are equally well-drawn.

This is an absolutely gorgeous novel with something to offer everyone. I have often remarked that if I had to be marooned on a desert isle with only ONE BOOK, I would choose this one. Whether you're a fantasy zealot-aficionado like me or a more casual reader, read it!

If you loved Fifty Shades of Grey then this book might be too much for you to handle. This book is intelligent, adventurous, witty, sexual and political all in one. This series is top quality, and I can only recommend this book to a few of my friends. Try it if you dare..

Karen's mother sent me the first book in this series for my birthday one summer, with a note that said that she knew I liked fantasy novels and series, and that perhaps this new book by a friend of hers might be to my taste. Little did she know to how much of my tasteit would be! An alternative, Renaissance-esque world where the lead character, Phedre, is sold into servitude to a local temple only to become her country's lead "anguissette," a high priestess of pain. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, enough to pick up the others, and while the adventuress masochist-turned-international spy tends to get into more trouble than any one woman should,the writing is solid and Carey's attention to the details that make her world so real are worth it.

What all the reviews say about this book is true--it's something new for the fantasy genre--in fact, it barely fits in that genre at all. I have to admit I've never read anything quite like it. And while many readers will enjoy this very original, senusal, sophisticated book, others who prefer a more traditional kind of fantasy writing (like myself) will find it hard to finish. In fact, at the time of writing this review I'm only half done the book and I don't think I'm going to finish it. Quite frankly, I found the graphic scenes of masochistic ... (both heterosexual and homosexual) quite distasteful. It's just not something that I can relate to, although I will admit it is written in a sophisticated language--no crude language is used. If anything, the language of this book is too flowery. The plot outside of Phedre's career as a courtesan I find both confusing--dozens of names, the Duc of this and the Comtesse of that--and quite boring--it all seems to be about nothing but court intrigue, which is a waste of time for me to read. In a fantasy novel I want to see magic and exciting battle scenes. Although Kushiel's Dart does have many vivid characters, the plot just doesn't interest me. Perhaps it gets more interesing toward the end of the book; but I'm not sure if I can make it that far.

I've been a fan of the Kushiel series ever since I came across it a few years ago. Recently, I re-read this, the first book of the series. I had hoped that this was a series that wouldn't diminish with multiple readings (as sometimes happens when suspense at what will happen is no longer present) and happily was proved right.

I've recommended this book and series to friends many times, and they inevitably ask me 'What's it about?' With a story of such depth, range, and intricacy, that question is nigh impossible, so I merely tell them 'Just read it. You'll see.'

In the Kushiel series, Carey has created an alternate version of our world filled with people, places, and events just as complex as any in the real world - they are believable, they are intriguing, nothing is cookie-cutter black/white or good/evil as is found in so many fantasy books. She tackles three giants of the fantasy realm (political intrigue, religion, and war) and shines at all of them, still while maintaining an amazing level of characterization and originality. This series is like nothing else I've ever read, in the best way.

This series really does have something for everyone, as another reviewer mentioned. Love stories and sex? Check. Fights and battles? Check. Political and social intricacy? Check. Mystical happenings? Check. Mystery and intrigue? Check. And unless you are completely robotic reader, I warn you - you will get drawn in. This series has made me laugh, cry, gasp, cluth something in suspense, wince, sigh, etc. And that is not limited to this first book. I've read all 5 books in the series now, and all have kept up that level of quality.

So, as I tell my friends when I recommend this: Just read it. You'll see.

I loved it. This book was easily the most erotic I have ever read, uncomfortably so. I actually put it down twice but picked it up again both times, and once I surrendered to the content, I couldn't put it down. Surrender is the constant theme through the trilogy -- that which surrenders is not always weak. I am glad that my mind has been broadened and I recommend this book to all who are intrigued by the theme and are not generally turned off by reading explicit sexual encounters.

Kushiel's Dart is seen totally through the eyes of Phedre, a courtesan and spy raised in the Night Courts of the kingdom of Terre D'Ange, a land founded by fallen angels. In this land, the supreme command of their God is "Love as Thou Wilt", and there are 13 houses of courtesans, each with a different attitude towards sex, from Joy to elegance to mysticism, and, yes, even S&M, who support this commandment. Phedre is marked by Kushiel's dart as an anguisette, one who takes pleasure from pain. She is indentured in the service of Anafiel no'Delauny who protects her and teaches her how to use her intelligence and bedskills to extract information from his enemies. Intrigue and treachery are everywhere and Phedre finds herself in the thick of it, when one close to them betrays her and Delauney. Her travels take her from her homeland to the harsh Skaldi northlands to the isles of Alba and back to her beloved Terre D'Ange, accompanied by an ever increasing number of faithful followers, as she races against time to save the land she loves from treacherous betrayers.
This book is beautifully written, the intrigues are direly clever, and Phedre, for all her strange quirks, is a joy to read about......... I HIGHLY RECOMMEND The Price Of Immortality by C.M. Whitlock..............

Let me first say that "Kushiel's Dart" is my favorite book ever. When I first saw this on my recommendations, I wrote it off as another generic fantasy novella, and thought more of it. Thank heavens I had better sense while browsing around a bookstore one day and decided to buy it.

Phedre no Delaunay, the book's heroine, is wonderful. She avoids falling into the trap of being a flat, paper character thanks to Carey's magnificent writing style. Although she may look perfect-gorgeous, intelligent, submissive and persevering-Phedre also has all-too-human flaws. Readers will find themselves loving her because of these flaws, rather than in spite of them.

The plot is nothing short of an epic. With an alternative religion, a reworked globe, and a unique society, Carey weaves a spellbinding world of intrigue and lust. Trained as a spy, Phedre wins her patrons' hearts, and with it, their secrets. With one patron in particular, she got more than she bargained for.

Betrayed into slavery, her adopted family brutally slain, Phedre is desperate. Using her wiles and cunning intelligence, she learns of a diabolical plot to invade her homeland, the country she loves more than life itself. With her companion at her side, she battles her way through blizzards and mountains, intrigue and treachery, to try to save the only home she's ever known.

With "Kushiel's Dart," Carey takes up a very ambitious role for a green writer. She more than exceeds expectations. This book is one meant to be read over and over, as it never gets old. Long after you've finished the book, you will find yourself imagining the characters playing out scenes in your head. And that is truly a sign of a magnificent book.

I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy, I bought this becaue I had read it had an interesting view of sex and gender. It does, in spades, but more I liked it for its religion and caste system, it's politics. It's rare in speculative fiction, especially in fantasy for religion to play such an important part. But Phedre is a Servant of Naamah and Joscelin is a Cassaline Brother, both are serving gods with their oaths as best they can. It is a fascinating world Carey has written and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Love as thou wilt.

I wasn't really expecting to like this book after I had heard a couple of bad reviews. Once I got into it though, I really enjoyed it.
The characters were well thought out, and nothing in the book fell flat.
The only thing I didn't care for in this book was all the S&M. I could have done without that, but I think it did add to the character of Phedre. Without that element the whole book would have to have been changed.
I would recommend this book to people who like involved fantasy--it's similar in feel to George R.R. Martin's, A Game of Thrones.

Kushiel's Dart is an introduction to a parallel world in which things accepted and tolerated include prostitution. The author does a beautiful job of creating this world and through her main character explaining the beliefs of her people versus other cultures within this parallel universe. At times the author boarders on being cliche in describing the more erotic scenes, however how many different ways can you illustrate intimacy?

Another key element to this book is the polytheistic approach to religion created by the author. I feel the main religion creates a different perspective on Christianity without being disrespectful. The author provides a balance in creating her deities by acknowledging both the feminine and the masculine.

Overall, for the genre I think Kushiel's Dart is excellent in that it touches on so many themes without being chaotic and difficult to follow. If you enjoy reading about love, adventure and life I recommend this book make your must read list

Wow! When I picked up this book, I thought it was going to be something totally different; but it was still the best book I've read in a long time. The plot and the place is so interesting, how and who they worship as a religon is very new to me. When I first found out about the romance part I thought it was going to be a hokey book like Fabio or something. But the book just captured me and kept me going to the very end. The descriptions are very powerful and real, I felt like I was in the book. And the other aspects, the love Phedre feels for both her companion and Melisande is so intersting, and the best part is that people don't look down upon the fact that Anafiel loved prince Rolande and Alcuin.
All in all this book was very well written, it even made me cry at some points, and the ending was so sudden and it just left you hanging! It makes you scream for the sequel, and I will get it as soon as I can!!

I absolutely love this book and the books after it. I think they're beautifully and eloquently written, and I personally found them easy to read. If you're used to books written on a 6th grade reading level, then no, this book isn't for you. Where some authors use a paragraph or more to describe a physical setting, Carey conveys emotions, sights, smells, etc in a sentence or two. I just really admire her style of writing and how well it complements her story. I feel it's also a well balanced novel. Phedre, the main character, is a highly trained courtesan with a proclivity for pain, but also a keen intelligence geared towards spying for her master and teacher. Some erotic scenes are described in detail, but if you're looking for a trashy novel, this isn't it. Although Phedre is a prostitute, her life evolves around much more than sex, and intrigues are complex and very widespread, requiring her talents outside the bedroom as often as inside.

I picked this book up three times before I got past the beginning, it was drawn-out and frankly rather boring to go through, but at the same time the information was good to know for the rest of the book, and for the rest of the series, really. I found myself re-reading the beginning when I was about half-way through the book just to recap what it revealed about her as a child.

After the beginning, I could hardly put the book down at all. I can't count how often I lost track of time entirely while ensconced in my reading chair with it. Meals? Who needs them! Sleep? For the weak! I have a book to read!

Two days ago I walked into my favorite bookstore and was greeted with shouts and a rather heavy book tossed into my hands. The owner told me that this book "had my name written all over it". So I shelled out my money and took it home.
Wow! I cannot say that I ever imagined such a book as this existing. With today's society being as obsessed and disgusted with taboos as it is, the fact that a book that combines S/M, fantasy, erotica, slave literature, political intrigue, and incredible battle scenes is out there, it's just too lovely.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who has a penchant for the interesting, but not for those who are light of heart. Phedre's scenes with her patrons are often more in depth than the average "spanking scene" that books incorporating S/M contain. Kushiel's Dart also maintains an impressive ability to be pansexual. No matter what sexual orientation or proclivities it's readers have, they will find something to interest them.
The best part of this book, as far as I see it, is the fact that the villainess is not 100% loathsome to the protaganist. In fact, it is the love/hate/fear relationship that really sends the plot running.
This is a great book, and I'm still trying to figure out how this is a first novel.

I am seldom moved to write a review, even for books that I love. I've discovered some fine authors recently in the sci-fi/fantasy genre--particularly in the contemporary vampire fiction sub-genre--including Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, and MaryJanice Davidson. Each of these has her charms as a writer, and brings a distinct voice and style to the table.

the store recommended this book for me, and I almost didn't buy it, based on the blurb. If I hadn't gone on and read the reviews, I would have passed it up. I don't always agree with the common wisdom of the store's fan reviews; I quite liked Hamilton's "Incubus Dreams," which it seems most of her hardcore Anita Blake fans loathed, but then, I think I'm giving her credit for a complexity that others don't. The reviews for "Kushiel's Dart" were conflicted, with some loving it and some hating it, so I decided to take the risk and decide for myself.

I was flabbergasted by this book. Carey writes with a confidence and clarity scarcely credible in a debut novel. It took me a while to make the connection, but it finally dawned on me that Phedre's voice harks back to Pip, the narrator of Dickens' "Great Expectations." Her tale is at turns epic, pathetic, heroic, erotic, but always narrated with sadness, frankness, and detachment, as if over a great span of years. The detail of the narration is consistent with the character; she was trained in the art of observation and information-gathering, in the making of connections and the discernment of patterns in political intrigue, and the clarity with which she recalls the events in her life inevitably manifests itself in the rich descriptions some critical reviewers have labeled verbose. Far from it, in my opinion. Rather, the descriptions are vivid and evocative, the characters limned with subtle judgment and the events often with heartbreaking honesty.

Phedre is one of those protagonists one might dismiss or disrespect out of real world distaste. After all, most of us are not comfortable with the kinkier aspects of human sexuality, particularly with the taboo of true masochism. Phedre's world, however, not only condones her proclivities, but elevates them as noble and exalts them as divine. "Not all that yields is weak," she reminds us. Phedre plays a complex game of political and sexual intrigue, at first as a pupil of her string-pulling master Delaunay, and then as a master herself. The sexual encounters are pervasive, but not overbearing. Although capable of more "vanilla" affection and pleasure, Phedre must also satisfy her god-driven need to be dominated and abused, during which her release is far more intense and profound as compared to more mundane couplings.

One of the earlier reviews complained that there wasn't enough sex, and that the torture scenes were not explicit enough. Other reviewers claim that the subject matter is merely tawdry. I believe both sides are rather missing the point. More explicit tales of sexual sadism and masochism are readily available for download on the internet, without the burden of a masterfully told story. There are other well-crafted romantic fantasy epics out there that don't ask us to reserve judgment based on personal choices of sexual morality and taste. The sex scenes here are quite specific enough to show us the depth of Phedre's need to be hurt, the extent of the physical damage to which she is driven to subject herself, and the sincerity with which she believes that her pursuits not only fulfill her personal sexuality, but also glorify her patron dieties. One other criticism I've seen is that the sex scenes are merely a device Carey uses to add information to the plot. This I find to be a nonsensical criticism. As a courtesan, sexual assignations are by definition one way in which Phedre collects information, and if Carey did not use them as a means to advance the plot, they would be merely licentious. As it is, each scene reveals something about Phedre and her patron, as well as advancing the plot by revealing some new strand of the political web.

In addition to a remarkable heroine in Phedre, "Kushiel's Dart" gives us one of the most intriguing villains I've run across in a lifetime of reading sci-fi and fantasy. Melisande Shahrizai is the treacherous, traitorous noble whom Phedre loves, hates, fears, and desires, all at once. The first half of the book builds a steady anticipation of their inevitable sexual encounter, and the rest of the story is driven by the fallout from it. Though Phedre hates her, Melisande is the only person ever to take her to her limits physically. Though they are fated to be deadly opponents in the politics of nations, Phedre knows that Melisande's death would result in the loss of her truest soulmate and deepest sexual fulfillment.

This is strong praise from one not generally inclined to give it. I recommend this book to all who are not offended by the sexuality of its main character.

Beware readers the plot in this one is quite complicated and because of this there is a large cast of characters whom we are required to get to know. Some will be quite overwhelmed in the first few hundred pages, I nearly packed it in frustratedly near to 100 pages after being introduced to seemingly endless names of the lords, ducs, kings, queens and massive families of the books world. You will probably need to glance over the extensive character listing at the start of the book several dozen times. Thankfully by the end you will find you can recite the character listing by heart and you can read through without interruption.

So do not under any circumstances stop in the first quarter of the book and make sure you are well rested cause the book doesnt just slide into the story once the vast character list is introduced it will explode. Its fast paced till the end, no time is ever wasted on the unnesesary, if Phedre needs to move through a country it is done in a page or two, no frivilaties on what she wore each day or how many rabbits she saw.

Phedre is a prostitute (glorified in this world thanks to there religion) and an anguissette, someone who gets pleasure from pain, Phedre is the only one there is so its very rare. She is taken in and is trained to be a spy, shes given knowlegde aplenty and taught how to use it to listen, learn, think and manipulate. With her formidable array of talents she plays a large part when her country reaches the brink of war and its leaders are to busy stabbing each others backs to stop it.

The sex is mostly of the violent persuasion but it very tastefully done and not once was it without reason. It tapers off greatly in the second half when the action picks up so even if you find it offensive not much detail is given after the first few scenes so be strong and endure.

Also I woudnt say this was the first part of a trilogy cause the story does end the next book would be more like a sequel, though it doesnt really matter if you finish this book you will read the next most happily.

4 stars for the first half, 100 stars for the rest so an easy 5 stars for a brilliant read.

Best fantasy, action/adventure, intrigue story line I've read. Phedre and Joscelin are my absolute favorite fantasy characters and their story is one the best, most thought out, and beautifully twisted romantics I've had the pleasure to read. The books don't get caught up on the romance though. Friendship, loyalty to one's country, devotion to their faith, and the Grey lines of morality are major themes in these books and their effect on the human condition is beautifully interpreted. Highly recommend for any fantasy lover and even those not familiar with the genre.

I write this review after having read both Kushiel trilogies and I will agree with some other negative reviewers that the beginning of the book was hard to get through, it took me some time to get used to the flowery writing, large cast and the teen-angst of young Phedre. But then there's a pivotal moment that turns Phedre's life around very severely and the epic adventure starts...and never stops. This wasn't my favorite but it's still wonderful and necessary to learn about the world they live in.

When my friend pushed me to read these books I thought to myself 'another porny book? Do I really need to?' I had picked up the books, or seen them around, but never purchased them. However once I got around to it, I was glad I had. This book is fabulous. Looking at the map it didn't take me long to realize Carey had based her fantasy world off of the real one, adding touches of realism to her story that are always enjoyable. Phedre is a believable and likable character, starting off stubborn and more than a little self centered and evolving from there. It's one of those stories where you hate the bad guy, and love the good guy, but you're not really sure who is on what side until the very end. (And even then, there is a twist.)

At the end I found myself falling in love with all of these characters (and buying the next two books).

This book is so good. A wonderfully inventive, enjoyable adventure. Endearing, unbelievable, and character-driven with a juicy plot. I can't add much to the reviews that have already been written. But Phedre was a surprising heroine indeed.
My only con: the fabricated names for vikings (the skaldi), jews (yeshuites) and many other ethnic or racial groups was somewhat immature and annoying to me.

When I finished Kushiel's Dart, I found myself annoyed at the prospect of reading the sequels. I probably won't. Ultimately I just didn't care about the main character Phedre. And even the idea of following her through two more lengthy sequels is just tiresome.

While reading, I was particularly bothered by a couple of things. Off the bat, the "prose" that many readers have been enamored by put me off. The story being told in first person, the "beautiful" writing style makes Phedre come off sounding like somebody's arrogant grandmother. And although I never really hated her, I never really liked her or cared what happened to her. At one point Phedre experiences a very big personal loss and becomes a helpless victim, and it just didn't bother me.

Now, there are two kinds of people who complain about the SM and sex in the story. Some people were offended by it (too much, too explicit), and others felt disappointed by it (semi-graphic descriptions disappear a third of the way into the story, and Carey tries to describe all of her explicit sex scenes "tastefully"). It seems that Carey was trying to drive a fine line between too much and too little in the sex department. So, she gives a glimpse of what some of Phedre's sexual encounters are like, and then it's like "now, that you know more or less what it's like, we don't have to talk about it any more." And it's understandable that Carey didn't want to over-emphasize sex in the book, didn't want it to come off as straight-up pornographic, but the fact that many of the greater plot complications are more or less resolved with Phedre's sexual encounters makes that seem somewhat hypocritical. And that's one of the other things that really bugged me. No matter how bad it got for her, Phedre always happened to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time in exactly the right capacity (usually as the result of a sexual encounter) to ultimately save the day. So, you'll see a lot of complaints in the critical reviews about how Phedre is an annoying Mary-Sue character with little to no significant faults. She's too perfect to be likeable or even believable. She faces no really hard choices, just rides along with the Plot and experiences very little discernible growth.

Didn't have a problem with all the "made-up world" words. Didn't have a problem with the "alternate Europe" universe or the Nephilim-based theology with the "god" Elua being born from the blood of Jesus on the cross and the Magadalene's tears in the earth. Though the sex-based theology did strike me as pretty shallow.

Didn't buy how the antagonist Melisande was supposed to be so much more beautiful than the already superlatively beautiful Phedre and the other D'Angeline people--the most beautiful race on the planet. Didn't buy how Melisande supposedly made Phedre's knees weak, etc. Just wasn't convincing.

Well, there are a number of other nitpick things I could say, but there are at least 60 other 1, 2, or 3 star ratings for you to temper the glowing praise with. So, have at it!

I cannot compete with the lengthy review already posted for this novel. I just want to tell you I picked up this novel on Wednesday and could not put it down.

Phedre is a very compelling character. Despite her bizarre gift that makes pain one with pleasure and her consequent role as an exotic plaything, the reader empathises with Phedre. The author cunningly sets up Phedre's world to make it perfectly clear an adept of the Night Court is not the same as a prostitute and so sidesteps the reader's automatic stereotype of Phedre as unclean.
The only negative thing I would say about this novel is about the excessive use of foreshadowing at the beginning of the novel. I found it quite annoying and distracting. This novel chronicles the maturation of Phedre. At the beginning she is a child, but I did not hear the voice of a child. The narrative voice of Phedre the adult gets mixed in and quite negates the impression I am sure I was meant to have of the headstrong young woman eager to try her new skills or the awed little girl at her first Midwinter Mask. It would have been much more poignant if all the foreshadowing had been left out. I would have been drawn into Phedre's world from the onset instead of waiting until Delauney's death to become fully immersed in her world. I would have better appreciated the scale of the gilded trap created by all of the political intrigue. This is why I give it four stars.
I look forward to picking up the next one.

This is one of the more difficult reviews I've ever tried to write. Reading Kushiel's Dart I found myself torn over how I felt about the book. The reviews here are mostly highly complementary and praised Jacqueline Carey for the artistry of her writing. And yet, I feel obligated to rate this story at 2 stars.
To be honest, if the claims of the positive reviews had been a little less overblown I might be inclined to have pushed this up to 3 stars. The story is not horrible, and I was more disappointed than upset, but the flaws are obvious and definitely impacted my enjoyment.
The book does have good points. While I disagree with the "intricately plotted" claim, it does have a solid plot thread carried through the entire story and the story is coherent around the single plot thread. The character development Is limited, but solid and as many positive reviewers point out Jacqueline Carey is very skilled at painting with words. Her descriptions of a fanciful land of beautiful people who are commanded to "Love as you will" are stirring.
Unfortunately, many of the virtues became vices when taken too far, and that happened here.
Intricately plotted is one of the common comments, but the basic plot is not very intricate. The story plays out as a tale of national politics and the succession to the throne of a country. I found the rest of the plot neither intricate, nor unusual. I've read many mysteries that were far more confusing and clouded. Here everyone's motives are rather transparent, even the one villainess that Jacqueline Carey clearly sees as the Moriarty of the tale. And while there are a number of factions, none plays a true doublecross. Each moment of the plot occurs in sequence with almost no simultaneous actions. After reading stories like George R.R Martin's epic, the plotting here is actually rather pedestrian.
The character development is one of the largest drawbacks. Each character is lovingly described by Jacqueline and I'm sure that many readers will say that they "loved" one or more characters. The problem is that after one clear description almost none of the characters change. Even Phedre remains much the same at the end of the book as she was in the beginning, and she grows the most. Many of the other characters are introduced once and then barely seen again.
My biggest complaint has to be the same flowery and vivid descriptions that many reviewers loved. They did help bring parts of the story to life, but they also slowed the story down. The whole first third of the story is backstory. When the first major plot twist finally occurs it not only isn't a surprise, but its almost a welcome relief from the chapters of descriptions of Phedre's service to her master. Not that the later chapters necessarily change much. I could use a simpler description of how Phedre solves many of her problems, but it would be perhaps a bit unfair to future readers. It was less imaginative than I would have expected and after a while definitely more than a bit repetitive.
In the end I did not dislike the book, but after having my expectations raised so high by other reviewers I was extremely disappointed. The feeling I got was that this book receives its reviews partly because it was rather unique. Before this book was written, few authors tried to write a romantic tale of political intrigue in a world where prostitution is a religious event and have the heroine be not only a pseudo-priestess, but the chosen of the demigod of masochists. Its definitely a titillating idea and had to influence many of the reviewers.
I will not tell anyone not to read this book. In fact, if you took the time to read to the end of this review, I'd say that you probably will enjoy reading the book. It's not a bad book, just a bit overhyped. The flaws are there, but so are the virtues that brought many to give the story five stars. I just will not add this book to my collection, nor do I expect to go out of my way to read it again. It is what it is, a decently written first novel that managed to find a spot in literature that was rarely used, and it struck a chord with the reading audience.
I do suggest that people checking this review note that over time Jacqueline Carey's stories have been seeing their ratings slide. Her third trilogy in this universe has more than a few fans saying that they are dropping her as a favorite author. I actually came to start reading her work her through her third tiloguy and the overall quality of the writing is higher in those later books. However, by that time many reviewers are complaining about the same issues I see in Kushiel's Dart. The scanty plots and overwritten descriptions were always there, but many reviewers did not notice until they started the third trilogy. Sad, because Jacqueline is a very talented writer, she just needs to put a bit more time into building the plot before publishing.

From the very first pages I was completely drawn into the world that Ms. Carey creates in Kushiel's Dart. Yes, some might say it gets off to a slow start, but the writing is so beautiful and the mythology and sense of place she creates are so wonderful that I barely noticed. This book was a real page-turner for me -- I just had to know what happens next! I could see why some people might be a little turned off by the BDSM elements in this book, but they weren't there for titillation but as an integral part of the lead character's personality. I'd give it six stars if I could.

How do you describe finding an author who shows you her soul. This story was incredible, its span had me laughing, weeping, and was fully engrossing. I feel I have been released after reading this book, my emotions spent, much like Phedre I feel used. This novel took me from the peaks to the shadows and back again. I found the vivid imagery exciting. I await with anticipation Jacqueline's next book. I purchased this book after a chance encounter with the author on a plane after I relenquished my seat to accomadate a childs wish to sit by her mother. I never dreamed I would be sitting next to a world class writer when I did so. Jacqueline, kudos to you for creating a book with so much depth, and passion. I loved this book so much I am giving it to my mother to read. I put off reading it for a month or so, while I read other novels, I can't even remember what they were about, I think Kushiel's Dart will stick with me for a while. Thanks for talking to me on the airplane Jacqueline, you have enriched my life with your book.

I love this whole series! Phaedra is one of the best fictional heroines ever created in this novel that is fantasy fiction erotica action adventure romance. Set in an alternative Medieval/ Early Renaissance Europe, Phaedra is a well trained prostitute in a society where the religious dictate is "Love as thou wilt" and the servants of Naamah are elevated and respected members of society. Not only is Phaedra well schooled in the arts of love and servitude, but she has been also been trained as a spy by her patron & mentor. Both of these skills will serve draw her into the web of intrigue that has been brewing among the Peers of the Realm when all hell breaks loose.

Oh!and did I meantion that Phaedra's special gift, one direct from the gods, is that she finds sexual pleasure in pain, and that she is uniquely capable of withstanding much suffering? This series is definitely erotic though not pornographic by my standards. It is delicious fun.

The world Carey creates is well though out and peopled with believable three dimensional characters and their stories are rich and engaging. She weaves a tapestry with these characters' stories that I found exciting, intellectually stimulating and of surprising complexity and subtlety. I have gone back to the Kushiel Series more than once for a little guilt free pleasure and escape.

"Kushiel's Dart" is a book that exists primarily for the kinky sex scenes. To their credit, the folks at Tor never tried to pretend otherwise; more than can be said for certain other alleged fantasy novels I can name. Phedre is chosen by the God Kushiel to "experience pain and pleasure as one", the back cover tells us, and indeed the first four-hundred pages is a profusion of beating, cutting, bondage, and humiliation. Your appreciation of those scenes will depend on whether such kinkiness does it for you. For me the answer is mostly no.

On the plus side, Carey puts the greatest amount of effort into that part of the book. The writing is indeed lavish, descriptions are thorough and extravagant. For those who like an intense and very detailed picture of clothing, locations, and personal appearance, this book is tough to beat. The careful attention to details succeeds most noticably in the large number of minor characters: poets, fortune-tellers, guards, and others all stand out from the crowd.

The books starts to go off the rails shortway before the halfway point, and just keeps getting worse until the end. The story diverges to the wilds northern Europe, where the barbaric Skaldi are plotting an invasion of Terre d'Agne, Phedre's homeland. The plot becomes a mess of narrow escapes, last-minute rescues, idiotic blunders by the bad guys, and repetitive emotional blather from the good guys. It's bad enough rehashing the idea that one man can single-handedly wipe out whole platoons of well-trained bad guys while barely suffering a scratch. It's worse when Phedre has to spend several pages cowering in fear and anticipating her own doom and then bowing in awe at Joscelin's skills every time it happens. Wrose still are the parting scenes. Whenever characters separate, they first spend half a chapter weeping on each other's shoulders and trying to avoid the inevitable. This book is sprawling enough that it probably contains twenty parting scenes.

This book is so good. A wonderfully inventive, enjoyable adventure. Endearing, unbelievable, and character-driven with a juicy plot. I can't add much to the reviews that have already been written. But Phedre was a surprising heroine indeed.
My only con: the fabricated names for vikings (the skaldi), jews (yeshuites) and many other ethnic or racial groups was somewhat immature and annoying to me.

When I finished Kushiel's Dart, I found myself annoyed at the prospect of reading the sequels. I probably won't. Ultimately I just didn't care about the main character Phedre. And even the idea of following her through two more lengthy sequels is just tiresome.

While reading, I was particularly bothered by a couple of things. Off the bat, the "prose" that many readers have been enamored by put me off. The story being told in first person, the "beautiful" writing style makes Phedre come off sounding like somebody's arrogant grandmother. And although I never really hated her, I never really liked her or cared what happened to her. At one point Phedre experiences a very big personal loss and becomes a helpless victim, and it just didn't bother me.

Now, there are two kinds of people who complain about the SM and sex in the story. Some people were offended by it (too much, too explicit), and others felt disappointed by it (semi-graphic descriptions disappear a third of the way into the story, and Carey tries to describe all of her explicit sex scenes "tastefully"). It seems that Carey was trying to drive a fine line between too much and too little in the sex department. So, she gives a glimpse of what some of Phedre's sexual encounters are like, and then it's like "now, that you know more or less what it's like, we don't have to talk about it any more." And it's understandable that Carey didn't want to over-emphasize sex in the book, didn't want it to come off as straight-up pornographic, but the fact that many of the greater plot complications are more or less resolved with Phedre's sexual encounters makes that seem somewhat hypocritical. And that's one of the other things that really bugged me. No matter how bad it got for her, Phedre always happened to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time in exactly the right capacity (usually as the result of a sexual encounter) to ultimately save the day. So, you'll see a lot of complaints in the critical reviews about how Phedre is an annoying Mary-Sue character with little to no significant faults. She's too perfect to be likeable or even believable. She faces no really hard choices, just rides along with the Plot and experiences very little discernible growth.

Didn't have a problem with all the "made-up world" words. Didn't have a problem with the "alternate Europe" universe or the Nephilim-based theology with the "god" Elua being born from the blood of Jesus on the cross and the Magadalene's tears in the earth. Though the sex-based theology did strike me as pretty shallow.

Didn't buy how the antagonist Melisande was supposed to be so much more beautiful than the already superlatively beautiful Phedre and the other D'Angeline people--the most beautiful race on the planet. Didn't buy how Melisande supposedly made Phedre's knees weak, etc. Just wasn't convincing.

Well, there are a number of other nitpick things I could say, but there are at least 60 other 1, 2, or 3 star ratings for you to temper the glowing praise with. So, have at it!

I cannot compete with the lengthy review already posted for this novel. I just want to tell you I picked up this novel on Wednesday and could not put it down.

Phedre is a very compelling character. Despite her bizarre gift that makes pain one with pleasure and her consequent role as an exotic plaything, the reader empathises with Phedre. The author cunningly sets up Phedre's world to make it perfectly clear an adept of the Night Court is not the same as a prostitute and so sidesteps the reader's automatic stereotype of Phedre as unclean.
The only negative thing I would say about this novel is about the excessive use of foreshadowing at the beginning of the novel. I found it quite annoying and distracting. This novel chronicles the maturation of Phedre. At the beginning she is a child, but I did not hear the voice of a child. The narrative voice of Phedre the adult gets mixed in and quite negates the impression I am sure I was meant to have of the headstrong young woman eager to try her new skills or the awed little girl at her first Midwinter Mask. It would have been much more poignant if all the foreshadowing had been left out. I would have been drawn into Phedre's world from the onset instead of waiting until Delauney's death to become fully immersed in her world. I would have better appreciated the scale of the gilded trap created by all of the political intrigue. This is why I give it four stars.
I look forward to picking up the next one.

This is one of the more difficult reviews I've ever tried to write. Reading Kushiel's Dart I found myself torn over how I felt about the book. The reviews here are mostly highly complementary and praised Jacqueline Carey for the artistry of her writing. And yet, I feel obligated to rate this story at 2 stars.
To be honest, if the claims of the positive reviews had been a little less overblown I might be inclined to have pushed this up to 3 stars. The story is not horrible, and I was more disappointed than upset, but the flaws are obvious and definitely impacted my enjoyment.
The book does have good points. While I disagree with the "intricately plotted" claim, it does have a solid plot thread carried through the entire story and the story is coherent around the single plot thread. The character development Is limited, but solid and as many positive reviewers point out Jacqueline Carey is very skilled at painting with words. Her descriptions of a fanciful land of beautiful people who are commanded to "Love as you will" are stirring.
Unfortunately, many of the virtues became vices when taken too far, and that happened here.
Intricately plotted is one of the common comments, but the basic plot is not very intricate. The story plays out as a tale of national politics and the succession to the throne of a country. I found the rest of the plot neither intricate, nor unusual. I've read many mysteries that were far more confusing and clouded. Here everyone's motives are rather transparent, even the one villainess that Jacqueline Carey clearly sees as the Moriarty of the tale. And while there are a number of factions, none plays a true doublecross. Each moment of the plot occurs in sequence with almost no simultaneous actions. After reading stories like George R.R Martin's epic, the plotting here is actually rather pedestrian.
The character development is one of the largest drawbacks. Each character is lovingly described by Jacqueline and I'm sure that many readers will say that they "loved" one or more characters. The problem is that after one clear description almost none of the characters change. Even Phedre remains much the same at the end of the book as she was in the beginning, and she grows the most. Many of the other characters are introduced once and then barely seen again.
My biggest complaint has to be the same flowery and vivid descriptions that many reviewers loved. They did help bring parts of the story to life, but they also slowed the story down. The whole first third of the story is backstory. When the first major plot twist finally occurs it not only isn't a surprise, but its almost a welcome relief from the chapters of descriptions of Phedre's service to her master. Not that the later chapters necessarily change much. I could use a simpler description of how Phedre solves many of her problems, but it would be perhaps a bit unfair to future readers. It was less imaginative than I would have expected and after a while definitely more than a bit repetitive.
In the end I did not dislike the book, but after having my expectations raised so high by other reviewers I was extremely disappointed. The feeling I got was that this book receives its reviews partly because it was rather unique. Before this book was written, few authors tried to write a romantic tale of political intrigue in a world where prostitution is a religious event and have the heroine be not only a pseudo-priestess, but the chosen of the demigod of masochists. Its definitely a titillating idea and had to influence many of the reviewers.
I will not tell anyone not to read this book. In fact, if you took the time to read to the end of this review, I'd say that you probably will enjoy reading the book. It's not a bad book, just a bit overhyped. The flaws are there, but so are the virtues that brought many to give the story five stars. I just will not add this book to my collection, nor do I expect to go out of my way to read it again. It is what it is, a decently written first novel that managed to find a spot in literature that was rarely used, and it struck a chord with the reading audience.
I do suggest that people checking this review note that over time Jacqueline Carey's stories have been seeing their ratings slide. Her third trilogy in this universe has more than a few fans saying that they are dropping her as a favorite author. I actually came to start reading her work her through her third tiloguy and the overall quality of the writing is higher in those later books. However, by that time many reviewers are complaining about the same issues I see in Kushiel's Dart. The scanty plots and overwritten descriptions were always there, but many reviewers did not notice until they started the third trilogy. Sad, because Jacqueline is a very talented writer, she just needs to put a bit more time into building the plot before publishing.

From the very first pages I was completely drawn into the world that Ms. Carey creates in Kushiel's Dart. Yes, some might say it gets off to a slow start, but the writing is so beautiful and the mythology and sense of place she creates are so wonderful that I barely noticed. This book was a real page-turner for me -- I just had to know what happens next! I could see why some people might be a little turned off by the BDSM elements in this book, but they weren't there for titillation but as an integral part of the lead character's personality. I'd give it six stars if I could.

How do you describe finding an author who shows you her soul. This story was incredible, its span had me laughing, weeping, and was fully engrossing. I feel I have been released after reading this book, my emotions spent, much like Phedre I feel used. This novel took me from the peaks to the shadows and back again. I found the vivid imagery exciting. I await with anticipation Jacqueline's next book. I purchased this book after a chance encounter with the author on a plane after I relenquished my seat to accomadate a childs wish to sit by her mother. I never dreamed I would be sitting next to a world class writer when I did so. Jacqueline, kudos to you for creating a book with so much depth, and passion. I loved this book so much I am giving it to my mother to read. I put off reading it for a month or so, while I read other novels, I can't even remember what they were about, I think Kushiel's Dart will stick with me for a while. Thanks for talking to me on the airplane Jacqueline, you have enriched my life with your book.

Most of what I have to say, people have already said, so I'll forebear gushing and keep it short.
The subtitle for this book could well be a line that reappears frequently throughout: "All that yields is not weak." (Or something along those lines -- I just finished Kushiel's Chosen, and have forgotten the exact wording.) Phedre finds pleasure in pain and submission, yes, but she rules her patrons through that same submission. It takes an incredible amount of talent to make this concept believable, but Carey more than acheives it. Some of the scenes are shocking -- this is not a book for the faint-hearted -- but they are never inappropriate or even overdone. The sex is integral to the plot, and after a few initial moments of revulsion, I was able to accept that Phedre truly enjoys and needs this. The mix of real and fictional cultures is engaging, and Carey's language is lovely, although in Kushiel's Chosen she becomes a little too fond of "'tis" and "'twas" for believability.
I've noticed a few reviews complaining about the length. Grow up, people. This story is no longer than it needs to be -- Carey could not possibly have pulled it off in less than 701 pages. Seriously, I read it in three days -- you can't put it down. If anything, I wished it would last longer. Kushiel's Chosen is 700 pages exactly in hardcover, and I'm dying waiting for the third book! Also, someone was complaining that the names are incomprehensible and unpronounceable. I think the term was "jumbled up letters." Huh? They're French. Some of the names later in the book are Germanic or Gaelic. There's nothing jumbled-up here. Sheesh.

I love this whole series! Phaedra is one of the best fictional heroines ever created in this novel that is fantasy fiction erotica action adventure romance. Set in an alternative Medieval/ Early Renaissance Europe, Phaedra is a well trained prostitute in a society where the religious dictate is "Love as thou wilt" and the servants of Naamah are elevated and respected members of society. Not only is Phaedra well schooled in the arts of love and servitude, but she has been also been trained as a spy by her patron & mentor. Both of these skills will serve draw her into the web of intrigue that has been brewing among the Peers of the Realm when all hell breaks loose.

Oh!and did I meantion that Phaedra's special gift, one direct from the gods, is that she finds sexual pleasure in pain, and that she is uniquely capable of withstanding much suffering? This series is definitely erotic though not pornographic by my standards. It is delicious fun.

The world Carey creates is well though out and peopled with believable three dimensional characters and their stories are rich and engaging. She weaves a tapestry with these characters' stories that I found exciting, intellectually stimulating and of surprising complexity and subtlety. I have gone back to the Kushiel Series more than once for a little guilt free pleasure and escape.

"Kushiel's Dart" is a book that exists primarily for the kinky sex scenes. To their credit, the folks at Tor never tried to pretend otherwise; more than can be said for certain other alleged fantasy novels I can name. Phedre is chosen by the God Kushiel to "experience pain and pleasure as one", the back cover tells us, and indeed the first four-hundred pages is a profusion of beating, cutting, bondage, and humiliation. Your appreciation of those scenes will depend on whether such kinkiness does it for you. For me the answer is mostly no.

On the plus side, Carey puts the greatest amount of effort into that part of the book. The writing is indeed lavish, descriptions are thorough and extravagant. For those who like an intense and very detailed picture of clothing, locations, and personal appearance, this book is tough to beat. The careful attention to details succeeds most noticably in the large number of minor characters: poets, fortune-tellers, guards, and others all stand out from the crowd.

The books starts to go off the rails shortway before the halfway point, and just keeps getting worse until the end. The story diverges to the wilds northern Europe, where the barbaric Skaldi are plotting an invasion of Terre d'Agne, Phedre's homeland. The plot becomes a mess of narrow escapes, last-minute rescues, idiotic blunders by the bad guys, and repetitive emotional blather from the good guys. It's bad enough rehashing the idea that one man can single-handedly wipe out whole platoons of well-trained bad guys while barely suffering a scratch. It's worse when Phedre has to spend several pages cowering in fear and anticipating her own doom and then bowing in awe at Joscelin's skills every time it happens. Wrose still are the parting scenes. Whenever characters separate, they first spend half a chapter weeping on each other's shoulders and trying to avoid the inevitable. This book is sprawling enough that it probably contains twenty parting scenes.

Extremely well written story. I read this book when it came out and have kept a hard copy ever since. I re-read the entire Kushiel series nearly every year, but this one is such an unusual story and a believable one that it is my favorite.It is somewhat unusual, partly because the main character is a woman and a hero, but she is a hero in her own right, not hanging on the coattails of a male. Jacqueline Carey is one of my favorite authors.

It begins in Kushiel's Dart with Phedre, an orphan cast out by her parents because of a peculiar flaw that later became her salvation. Carey's voice is deliberate and seductive as she begins her narration. Ruled by two demi-gods, Naamah, the goddess of sensual love whose creed is love as thou wilt and Kushiel, one of the seven angels of punishment, whose mark, a blood red mote, she bears in her left eye, she is plucked from the erotic Night Court by nobleman Anafiel Delauney at the age of ten. Delauney recognizes her for who she is - an anguissete, born with the ability to transcend pain and transform it into intense pleasure. Under his wing she enters a period of rigorous training in the courtly arts of history, politics and language as well as in the erotic pleasures of the bedroom. Acting as Delauney's pawn in a desperate mission known only to himself, she contracts her body to some of the most malicious noble folk, listening carefully as they spill their darkest secrets in the throes of passion. What she learns casts her into a role of an unlikely yet very intelligent spy who eventually plays part in saving her beloved country's besiegement by a woman she cannot resist, the bewitching Melisande Shahrizai, with whom she shares a carnal bond so intense it threatens to enslave her.
Jacqueline Carey spins an astonishing legacy that is worthy of being compared to some of the greatest political fantasy works with her Kushiel trilogy. Winner of the 2002 Locus Award for Best First Novel, Kushiel's Dart begins the journey of Phedre no Delaunaey in a country that is reminiscent of Renaissance-era Europe. Phedre, with all her vulnerability and cunning, proves to be a likable heroine, sharing rank with powerful women such as Morgan Le Fay from Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon, Margaret Mitchell's Scarlett O'Hara from Gone With the Wind and Ayla of Jean M. Auel's Earth's Children series. She is both selfish and selfless, going to great lengths to save Terre d'Ange from collapse while bringing inspiration as well as pain and grief to those around her as a result of her actions. Throughout the story she struggles with her passions, caught in between her loyalty to those who love her and with the demands of cruel Kushiel. In the end, her biggest trial comes with Joscelin, her Perfect Companion, with whom she finds the true meaning of love, sacrifice and devotion.
With Phedre, she takes us into depths of a very erotic world few of us see but some of us know - that of the mingling of physical pain with sensual pleasure. While some readers may not wish to venture the depths she goes to describe Phedre's sexual trysts, it is done in a way that is both tasteful and mesmerizing almost to the point of engulfing the reader in rapture. Very few writers have been able to capture this quality of erotica in their writing in such a way that avoids lewdness. Carey gives Phedre very human characteristics in a fantastical world that is disturbingly familiar. Terre d'Ange reminds us of a world long past, where sensual pleasure is reveled in as a fine art and prostitution is a respected and coveted profession.
At nearly 700 pages each, Kushiel's Dart and Kushiel's Chosen are certainly worthy of the effort it takes patching together the immense political network Carey has created as well as the many adventures Phedre embarks upon. Romantics will enjoy the pursuit of true love she weaves into the story as well as the shocking betrayals that seem to come from every angle. Sword and sorcerer fans will fall in love with Joscelin, the Cassiel swordsman/priest sworn to protect and serve Phedre at any cost. At the end of each novel Carey is careful to throw around a few loose strands to leave the reader craving for more, which makes Carey's third installment, Kushiel's Avatar, scheduled for an early 2003 publication date, a deliciously anticipated promise.
Jacqueline Carey is a delightful newcomer in the fantasy/science fiction scene and has marked a place for herself up there with Ursula K. LeGuin and Marion Zimmer Bradley.

This book was FANTASTIC! I could not put it down. Jaquiline Carey refines the art of vastly intricate plotlines made famous by Robert Jordan, and combines it with intrigue, romance, magic, and paints it against a race to stop a war and unite two great lands. Each thread of the story ties in delicately and exquisitely into the larger tapestry, without overly confusing the reader. The first person narrative offers an incredibly unique perspective, and it flows seamlessly throughout the entire book. The heroine Phedre is superbly written, following her life through from birth to about age 20. Her profession as a god-marked dominatrix dream colours the book with sensual and erotic interludes that are neither trashy nor vauge. There is mystery, intruige, pleasure, passion, pain, and a SUPERB love story running underneath it all. I'm drooling in anticipation for the companion to this enthralling novel. You won't be able to put it down. Kudos and standing ovations to Carey; she will be one the giants.

I passed this book up for at least a year in the bookstore, but always kept coming back. Boy am I glad I finally bought it. The story and writing have made this one of the best books that I have read. I have re-read it 3 or 4 times since and am always satisfied. Although I continued on with the series, this is the best book of the bunch and can stand on its own any day of the week.

This is a great book, and an amazing read.

The sheer amount of sex in the book can distract from the story for some people (although it didn't really bother me). Also the book starts off rather slowly, and you have to work to get into it. However, once you get going you don't want to stop. Fantastic plot twists, beautiful prose, deep, intriguing characters, and many interesting settings. Not for people that don't like flowery, wordy writing.

One of my favorite books.

This book is phenomenally crafted. Once you get over the initial shock of massachism (spelling?), you realize that the story wouldn't be the same without it. The romance of Joscelin is real, and thrilling. Every character is brought out with vibrant beauty, although some may seem one-dimensional. Carey illuminates the complexity of human relationships, especially those involving sexuality. Carey delves into a subject most authors stay safely away from, or dance around with cheesy euphemisms. Sexuality is a powerful force our society likes to deny, and this novel explodes with blatant examination of the touchy subject. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and its sequel, and am anxiously awaiting the third.

I began this novel hesitantly, uncertain what to expect. I was wholly surprised -- and thrilled -- by this unique re-imagining and re-creating of "real" history and the fantasy genre. Probably not for everyone, but if you've an open mind and are willing to invest in a vivid heroine, there's a chance you'll be pleasantly shocked at your own eagerness to delve into the darker passions and mysteries life has to offer -- at least vicariously!

How can a person's mind and soul be so thoroughly drained and depleted while concurrently being replenished to the point of overflow? Thank you, Ms. Carey for providing this reader with the answer to that question. In this compelling epic, the author draws upon many classical literary traditions and introduces the reading world to her own intriguing concepts and artful methods, the combination of which, leaves the reader begging for more. The language used to bind it together and to set the tempo is one of Carey's greatest strengths. It is as rich and eloquent as it is intelligent and playful. And if the author's command of language is powerful in its own right, then her intimacy with the subtle ways in which it can be used to send the reader on his own journey within the story is a gift as rare as Phedre's scarlet birthmark. With "Kushiel's Dart," Jacqueline Carey drives toward the very nature of divinity and humanity, her story a celebration of the countless ways in which the two inter-relate. Carey's gift to the reader is not only that of a well-crafted tale. She uses the story to let the reader experience for himself the magnitude of mortality and immortality. Carey draws a map to the place where Art and Beauty are housed, then she leaves the reader with the key to the front door to come inside and explore; to "Love as thou wilt."

This was a very good book and definately different. By the time I was done reading this one, it felt like I had read 3 book's worth of information, as this one is very involved and will take you through many different tales. The descriptions were very good, and even if you're a bit shy reading about an anguisette, the writing is fabulously done and the visions are created with great care. I am anxiously awaiting the 2nd book!!

Unlike most everyone else I know who read it, I neither loved nor hated Kushiel's Dart. I did hate the writing style, and was amused to see a blurb from Robert Jordan on the cover, as I hate his writing style for the very same reasons: too much description, too many of the same phrases repeated over and over again ("You really are one, aren't you?" she asked as she tugged on her braids), and general logorrhea. But like with Jordan's books, I liked bits of the story enough to keep reading until the end, although I'm not sure I want to read the sequel. Partly because reading this one exhausted me and I'm not ready for another 500-page story told in 900+ pages, and partly because I personally would prefer it if the story ended where this book ended, and didn't go on to the places it will inevitably have to go in the sequels. Maybe if Phedre's kink were my kink I'd appreciate it, but it's not (not to anywhere near that extent, anyway), and anyway I prefer love over kink, and that's not the direction the sequels are going to go. So, no more Kushiel for me, and I hesitate to recommend it to anyone but those of the anguisette persuasion, about whom romantic books are rarely written, although fans of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander similarly too-long and violently erotic series will probably enjoy it.

A friend recommended the books to me. We both love SF and Fantasy and I found this book definitely great from a storytelling perspective. It reads as a fairy tale and yet manages to maintain a link with reality. The idea of using an alternative history by changing a few events about 2,000 years ago is certainly interesting and a lot of the subplots are well done. The growing up of Phedre over the three books is good.

Some people found that the book is over the top is using poetic descriptions and difficult words. The latter I found not at all true and the former I actually found a positive feature. It helps to "see" the book, but then again I love 19th century literature as well and that is full of these types of things.
As for the people that found the names hard. They are not. Most of them are French(ish) with a contineous disrespect for French grammar rules. I do admit having a book literacy exceeding SF/Fantasy and speaking more than one language does help.

You may say why then the 3 stars if you did like it? Well for two reasons.
I found the Melisande character as the really bad girl very very weak. The so-called attraction between her and Phedre is under whelming. This important plot that goes on for three books is just not believable. But my main criticism lies in the fact that I found the descriptors used for the various people in Europe extremely condescending to the point of insulting. The Germanic tribes are barbarians as are the people living in the low lands. The people on what we know as the British and Irish isles are considered to be warmongering brutes with a very new age slant on the druidic and Celtic cultures. The face paintings described are worse than any Pict ever wore. The Greek are described mainly as day dreamers who live by what their oracles are stating Only the French are worth anything. Don't get me wrong I love France and the French but they are described as if they are the only people in this alternative Europe that have developed a more enlightened society. Certainly the first book as a result gave me a very nasty aftertaste in my mouth.

The ingenuity and imagination of Jacqueline Carey has raised the bar for quality in fantasy fiction for generations to come!

After the mediocrity of Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind I was beginning to think that this is the fantasy fiction I had to look foward to: endless series of unlikeable, unrealistic, and unentertaining characters and stories that will NEVER END!!

The world of Terre D'Ange and the teleogical magnificence of Naamah and Blessed Elua are a triumph. Fantasy and alternative history perfectly blended to produce a series which I hope does go on forever. It will be a pleasure I look forward to eagerly.

This novel was amazing, it was thrilling how Phedre` no Dalunay was a "whore's unwanted get." How she came to be the hero of the novel. Although the novel was a little hard to understand it was verry discriptive it painted an exact picture of what was happening. The characters were so strange and yet I was able to relate to some of them. This novel will definatley go in the history books. Many people have stated facts about the story when I think they should be stating more on what they beleive the novel has done for them. Has it changed their views ect. Phedre` is a young woman emotions wheeling inside her, Anafiel helps her understand them and also teaches her the potential she has of being the chosen. Phedre` displayed some heroisim but she is paralyzed with fear when she is confrounted by Mellisandra.
This novel is the greatest thing that ive ever read and everyone should read it. You may learn something.

I am not going to write a plot summary as many readers have

done so already.

Why is it a must read? It passed my midnight test - which means that I could not put it down at midnight even though I had to get up early next day. Few books did that for me. Another test it passed - 'common sense' test. That is, if you buy into the writers' premise, settings and characters, do they behave in the manner consistent with the author's world.

Pros - Intricate plot, interesting fully fleshed out characters, wonderful flowing language.

Cons - Very few and minor. Some unnecessary repetitions.

Another that has been brought up, is that some characters are too perfect, or at least better than the rest in some important attribute. Joscelin is the best fighter, Skaldi king is a head taller than everybody is and the smartest one around; Delaunay is best poet and I am not going to even bring up Alcuin, he is

so annoying in his perfection.

I want to address some reviews that gave this book a low rating.

1. People who complain that names are too complicated: you want everyone to be named John Smith? (Or Rand, Mat and Lan?)

The setting is alternate France, guess what, they have French names!

2. 'Book is too long' - no, it is not. It has something for everyone - love scenes are as important as battles and battles are as important as journeys. All serve a purpose, and the book

would suffer if you cut any of them out.

3. Flowery language - did you read Lord of the Rings? If not, what are you doing reading fantasy?

4. The sexual (submissive and homoerotic among others) context - I laughed when I read that one guy, a high schooler, no less, found it boring. To him I say - wait a few years.

I also feel some reviewers missed what I consider an absolute main theme of the book: triumph of the heroine over her nature. It is easy for a Conan-type to confront his enemies - it is much harder, if one look at your adversary buckles your knees and melts your heart. Yet, the heroine perseveres

and triumphs (and if you think I gave away a major part of the

story - with books two and three to follow, do you think heroine

would die at the end of this one?)

In conclusion: Is this the best fantasy/sci fi book I ever read? No.

I would put at least Tolkien 'LoTR', George Martins' Song of Ice and Fire, Herberts' 'Dune' and first three of Jordan's

books on a level above.

However, 'Kushiel's Dart' stands proudly on the next level.

I saw this book on the shelves of various bookstores, picked it up and read the back, then put it back down. Something about it turned me off. Then I bought it on a whim and I was pleasantly surprised. The book was fantastic! The sex parts did not bother me at all, they fit the book very well and were not overly graphic. Also the twist on the European culture added a special something for me. Whenever she would introduce a new culture I would think of which European nation it emulated and follow on the strangely familiar map. All in all this was one of the better books I have read, realistic characters, villians who are not completely evil and heores who are not completely pure (that is obvious). As for Phedre, I set myself up to not like her and found myself falling in love with her instead. Well written and I cannot wait for the next rumored trilogy, Imriel.

After reading so many reviews for this book w/ Five Star ratings I decided to give this book a try. Sadly I was very disappointed-- I did not like this book.

My number one complaint is that the author should have put a Glossary in the back of the book for all the words that she created in her story that the reader had to guess at their meaning. Trust me, I couldn't find much of the words in my Oxford English Dictionary. This annoyed me most of all.

The cover art on the book is its best feature...it is downhill from there. I got very aggravated with the author and her writing style..poor sentence structure throughout the book. Perhaps, since many likened this book to the Rennaisance period-- that is why the author wrote sentences that were poorly constructed(?) I just don't know; it just irritated me to have to re-read sentences because of this-- much of the writing did not flow.

This book was confusing to read, reviewers state how poetic this writer is--I think the author has a large vocabulary and perhaps a high IQ-- maybe this is why she applied 'big' words everywhere in this story---it did not make the author's writing flow any smoother.

If you want to read fiction that reads like a textbook-- then read this book. All the characters are beautiful in this story...the heroine gets her pleasure from painful sex acts; if you are into S&M then read this book, but be warned, the sex acts and any romance is scarce in this book --this is not Fantasy Romance fiction or Erotica.

I realize the author created a fantasy world but they were human; I just don't think that it is human nature to accept the vocation of prostituiton and find it immensely satisfying--I don't care how intellectually educated the author made her characters--it just did not fit.

So, you have a heroine who is 'highly intelligent' who enjoys painful sex with either of the sexes and who is stunningly beautiful, etc., etc..

There is so much more I could say but my time is too valueable to waste much more on this review--I wasted enough time reading this , "powerful, poetic masterpiece." Ha!

I was skeptical at first, thinking this was purely a smut novel like so many fantasy authors have begun to write (ahem, LKH); however, I was amazed to find myself engrossed in the world Carey created. A true epic, the novel extends over a period of time that allows us to watch Phedre grow from a confused child into a skilled and intelligent adult. Carey created a world similiar enough to reality that the reader doesn't get completely lost when the characters travel from one land to the next, but the cultures of each place visited are very new, rich, and well thought-out. The book portrays characters with real depth, including a villian that is the definition of Machiavellian. This is the first fantasy novel I've read that completely turned me on to alternate worlds and histories. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to escape reality for a few days.

Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey is enchanting. Part of the reason I re-read this series is because I want to go back to the land of Terre D'Ange. People want to focus on the sex--it is interesting, but the characters are so well created that they feel like people I actually know. Love.

It is difficult to classify this book. It borrows tools from many genres (Romance, Mystery, Historical Fiction, to name a few) while being true to them all. The main character is a "legal courtesan." I agree with the previous reviewer that I thought this would be an endless tale of sexcapades. There was great sex, but also a rich tale of mystery and tragedy. Characters were fleshed out, even secondary characters. This entire trilogy was deeply satisfying, and I am delighted there will be a second trilogy about Phedre's "son."

I loved this book. My friend recommended it to me, and I was a little hesitant. However, once I actaully started to read it, I really liked got drawn into it. I like how the politics were used in the story, because, truely, it is the main plot. It is all about politics. My one complaint was that there were so many important and semi-important people in the book. And normally I don't have a problem with this, but some of their names are very similar, and I kept getting confused. Also, minor charactures, suddenly become important several hundred pages later. And unlike some author's, Carey doesn't keep re-stating the same information about the same person over and over. Which I must say is a fresh breath of air. I also like have the people actaully develope through out the story, and aren't just the same through the whole book.

So, after reading the reviews for Kushiel's Dart, I was really expecting something great. I mean, a book jam packed with eroticism, political intrigue, bondage!!!! What could make for a better book? Haha, I kid, but in all honesty I was expecting a very exciting book. Anyway, as soon as the book was purchased and in my hands, I set to reading it. What really annoyed me at first was Carey's intensely flowery prose. At the time, I didn't think it flowed very well, but after a while I got used to it and even came to quite like it. There is no doubt in that Carey is a good writer-she's amazing!-I just felt like she over did it with the wording at times.

But anyway, continuing on, during the first 300 pages or so, I was thinking to myself "How in god's name did this book get such good reviews? IT'S SOOO BORING!!!!" I presumed to stick to this incredulous appeal for another 30 pages or so, but then, I realized, I was enjoying it! And as I got further and further into the book, I became crazily obsessed! I even took this book with me to a concert; I was so incapable of putting it down! Once you get to the middle, this book becomes SO addicting. Near the end, I felt the book was dragging a bit again, but it was still VERY good. This was... a fantastic read. I love, LOVE, Phedre and Joscelin's romance. Though, I must admit, Phedre annoys me at times. What is not wrong with this woman? Um... lets see. She's beautiful, supposedly to a startling would-go-to-war-for-her, worth-20,000-ducats-to-sleep-with-her degree, she's GREAT in bed, she can learn a language in like...2 days, she is super duper intelligent and a sure genius when it comes to political intrigue, everyone loves her, she's never scared (at least not very much), etc etc etc. I think it would be a lot easier to like her if I wasn't so ENVIOUS of her.

Anyway, all in all, this was an AMAZING book (not to mention trilogy)!!!!!

A racing novel by Jacqueline Carey, 'Kushiel's Dart' is the first in a thrilling trilogy. The heroin, Phe'dre no Delauny, is a sexual masochist, one struck by Kushiel's dart. In her world, politics and religion are two high ranking things.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book because of the exquisite writing; deep, intricate plot, and lovely characters.

I cannot remember the last time a book grabbed me so hard and so fast I read the entire 600+ pages in two days. I then read the next two books over the course of the rest of the week. What a treat! The writing is more than capable, the premise well set, the plot well thought out and not contrived at all, and the characters developed so well you feel you know them personally. This may well be the best first book I've ever read. As such, it's so much better than most author's any number book, you should read this just for the sheer pleasure. Do yourself a favor, though, and don't read the jacket. It does not do the book justice and will only mislead you into thinking the book is as tawdry as the jacket. Enjoy!

Just finished this book and though it's been a while since I've read fantasy, (though this is borderline fantasy), it reminded me how much fun this genre can be.
I must admit that when I started it, I felt a little intimidated when I discovered the pages and pages of character profiles. LOTS of characters. But, you end up grateful for all those profiles and really get to care about most of them.
The plot is very intricate and unpredictable. I loved it!
At the beginning, there is a sharp learning curve to absorb all the history and politics but it's well worth it. Oh yeah...and the S&M element is interesting, too!

I personally liked this book. It is the first book I've read containing dark subjects like S&M. However, it is essential to the story. I found the world very interesting. The fact that the world resembles Europe was interesting, and her twist on world history was fasinating. It makes it easier to understand the characters when one can relate them to actual people, something I find laking in most fantasy books.
However, it can get a little sappy sometimes, almost to the point of wanting to toss my cookies.
It's got, war, intrigue, magic, and romance. A dark fantasy worth losing a little sleep over. If your not frighteed by the darker elements (I've read worse) and are a little on a romantic side. This book is for you.

This book has all the earmarks of a first novel: Mary-Sue heroine, unnecessarily elaborate plot, self-conscious narrative mechanics (the wordiness and repetition others have commented upon), and pacing problems.

Phedre is an interesting premise in an interesting setting, but as a character she's quite one-dimensional. After spending almost a thousand pages in her head I still don't know anything about her other than she likes pain and those who can give it to her; and worse, she never grows or changes or learns anything from her adventures. I don't think anyone in this book does, they just suffer and struggle and have kinky sex. And while I am not bothered by kinky sex, I did have to say "ew" at the various examples of emotional and/or sociological incest. Furthermore, it gets pretty silly when every complication, every roadblock, can be overcome by Our Heroine going to bed with someone. Surely there are some folks in this land who can't be led around by their girdles?

The political stuff is too subtle and too awkwardly handled to make much of an impression until late in the book, by which time it seems like an afterthought. There is such a pronounced difference in style and pacing between the first third of the book and the last two-thirds, that I wonder if the training-and-growing-up sequences were written first, and then had a larger plot grafted on when Carey realized she had to take the story somewhere. I skimmed past the clumsy infodumps in the first third of the book, because they had no apparent bearing on the present action, but then when I reached the part where those names _were_ important, I'd forgotten who was who and had to backtrack. In my mind, any book that needs a dramatis personae is not a well-written book.

Another reviewer said Melisande was an inadequate villian and I have to agree. Though we are told _ad nauseum_ how cruel and manipulative she is, the author never really SHOWS her being cruel or sadistic--except when she and Phedre are having sex, and since only Melisande can hurt Phedre the way she needs to be hurt, it's okay. But the whole emotional aspect of their relationship was lost on me. I could accept that they had the hots for each other, but late in the book when Phedre says, "Yet I had loved her once," I went, "Say what? When? Why?"

I had the same problem with most of the relationships in this book. I couldn't see why Phedre and Alcuin would be so devoted to their mentor, I couldn't see why Phedre fell for Jocelyn or he for her--although I smelled _that_ one coming from the moment he appeared. The obligatory bodyguard--and a vow of chastity to boot! Is this really a surprise to anyone? The characters are all described in exhaustive visual detail, but I never felt any resonance from any of them. They are character _types_ rather than fleshed-out personalities.

I resisted reading this book for a long time because I knew it couldn't possibly live up to all the hype. Finally a friend gave me her half-read copy and made me promise to tell her how it turned out because she couldn't stand the Mary-Sueness, either. I did enjoy Phedre's voice and descriptions of things. The world-building is distinct and thorough, I'll give it that. I also enjoyed Carey's toying with familiar languages--she's obviously very literate and uses language effectively.

After a while, though, I started to feel cheated about the whole skewed-universe approach. Why bother making up a whole new world and culture when you can just rip off history--especially when the author has gone to such lengths to show us every single corner and culture of her knocked-off world? On the one hand it adds richness, on the other hand it's exhausting. (Another reviewer made an interesting point about how the D'Angelines seemed to be in a Rennaissance while the rest of the world was stuck in the Dark Ages; however I read it more like the arrogance of the Romans during the height of their Empire, when they assumed everyone else were barbarians.)

One thing I haven't seen anyone comment upon was the inconsistency of the magic in this land. For the first 60-70% of the book it seemed that the myths of Blessed Elua and his consorts were just that--myths. Nothing magical happened, and although certain aspects of daily life were explained in terms of religious doctrine, and Hyacinthe was rumored to have psychic powers, everybody seemed to treat the supernatural aspects with the same half-seriousness we extend toward ghost-hunters and John Edwards. But then Phedre and crew have to cross the sea, and suddenly run into wind-and-water controlling demi-gods who walk and talk and cut deals just like the Olympians? And nobody bats an eye or says, "We thought you were just myths!?"

That was the point where I stopped taking the story seriously, and it was all downhill from there. The rest was a rushed hodgepodge of names and battles and running to-and-fro, with occasional pauses for jumping in the sack with one noble or another, in order to keep the plot grinding forward.

Needless to say, I haven't felt inspired to read the last two-thirds of the trilogy. Still, I know plenty of people like this kind of thing, so if you're into atmosphere and glamorous, unambiguous characters, then grab a box of bonbons and dive in.

If you're more intellectually driven, picking out Carey's literary and historical influences may keep you diverted for the bulk of the book. Sure the plot is stock, but there's some mighty nifty wrapping paper around it. I suspect Carey spent several years elaborating and decorating and revising, when she should've chucked it in the drawer and written something new.

An unusual and charming heroine, a complex, multi-faceted world, a byzantine, well-crafted plot and a writing style that combines touches of hard realism with an almost mystical sense of prose make this a most brilliant, engrossing book. No short review can do justice to the allure of Phedre, the heroine, and those who surround her; from her companion the warrior-priest Joscelyn to her nemesis the high-born Melisande, taking in a varied, fascinating melange of gypsies and courtiers, courtesans and queens, soldiers and sailors and diplomats and priests... The story manages to combine the best aspects of thrillers, fantasy, high adventure, suspense and wrap them in a most original blend of exotic sensations and smooth storytelling. I most highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a superb tale and writing so good as to be, in parts, almost glorious.

Subterfuge and sex.

The main focus of this book is a young woman who is trained as a courtesan, but has a minor biological flaw. It turns out that this is important, and a rare sign of her being a supernaturally excellent example of a sadomasochistic sexual servant.

Being really good as this also brings her to the attention of spymasters, given that sex and spying go rather well together.

Reasonable book, but too long and hence gets tedious for me.

It's funny. :) The people that review this with low star ratings, invaribly start their reviews out with "...I read fantasy all the time" or "an avid reader of fantasy"...as if to lend credence to their low star rating. Are they aware of the psychologicial mechanism where one defends loudly what one is not?

This is a fabulous, worthy, CREATIVE tale of bold and daring adventure. There is the bondage/dicipline thing going on, but in flowery language so as not to take away from the tale, and does provide the "soil" of the whole story in a quintessential way.

Discovered on a rainy day with low spirits, this revived me! You will not regret reading it, if you enjoy a good yarn. A PERFECT read for dark cold nights, mittens and hoodie complete, under a down blanket.

I just love this series! It's beautifully written, imaginatively conceived and also just great fun! It also is one of the rare type that gets better as it goes along. It's hard to categorize for me--I usually read UF, and this has somewhat more of a romance angle. but there's so much more to it than that, that I still think a UF genre classification would make more sense. Anyway, readers of romance or fantasy should be very happy with the whole series!

I have read a lot of fantasy and a lot of political intrigue, however, I have always shied away from the romance/sex genre. For some reason I decided to try this book, and I am so glad I did. If the description of masochistic sex doesn't offend you, then I highly recommend this book. I will not go into great detail, but I felt the book was superbly written, and exciting to read. (I have to admit, I did get lost a few times, it is very complex.)

There were WAY too many names in this book for me to keep track of. I realize that most people don't have as much difficulty with this as I do, which is why I gave two stars instead of one, but I can't help that it colored my opinion. I had an impossible time following who was backstabbing who, which made me concentrate on faults that I normally would have let slide. The sex scenes are boring, the characters are cookie-cutter, and the author rambles on and on and on. It gets some points for having a *slightly* more original setting than many other fantasy series, and for not using magic as a trump card in every scene, but that's about it.

There's not much more to say, that the other over 200 reviews have not already said, but I just wanted to add my 5 stars, because this is a great, great, great book. If you love historical, romantic or dark fantasy you'll love this book, it also has lots of intrigue, drama and war. Its an epic book of an epic series that I think is great for women. Finally a well written book for us, that doesn't get boring after the first chapter, with this book you cant put it down, you even dream about it. I could go on for ever, but I said there wasn't much more to add, hehe. Pick it up, you wont be sorry.

This is the first fantasy novel in many a year that focuses on the story instead of on the magic, which only enhances the political intrigue beautifully set in a skewed Renaissance-world.
Phedre is a heroine whose humanity, loyalty, and honesty truly touch us, and Carey should be enormously proud of her accomplishment.
I urge you to pick up this book, because you won't regret it.

This book is probably nothing like what you expect. Certainly, I avoided it for years because I didn't want to read some bad BDSM fantasy romance novel tripe. The thing is, that's not, despite any plot summary anyone could possible give you, what this book is -- at all. It's about spies and elitism and a really fascinating spiritual mythology. Sure the main character can be a bit of a Mary Sue since she's the best at everything ever and even has weird eyes, but at the end of the day the main character here works because she has a sense of humor about herself and the book manages to work because it takes its narrative entirely seriously. Weird thing. Often surprisingly moving. Not as smutty or as silly as you think.

In response to P. Robinson's ("Relic113") review: first of all, etiology refers to the origins of diseases. The word you want is etymology, and I challenge you to list one word Carey uses in Kushiel's Dart that is not based on an actual word from a living or dead language. Yes, the character's name is Phedre no Delaunay - Phedre of the House of Delaunay. Not a big mystery there. Also, none of the sex scenes in the book are anywhere near eight pages long - most of them are a page or two at the most.

Perhaps we didn't read the same book. Or maybe, if polysyllabic words like "anguisette" and "languisement" are confusing to you, I can recommend an excellent book that one of your peers introduced me to - "My Pet Goat."

;-)

this is the first book in the series ive read, and i really loved it. at first i was just looking for a book to occupy my time, but i got more then i bargend for, i could scarsly put it down, i cant waite tell i get enough money for the next two. if your looking for a nice book, grab this. tho there are some things i didnt really like. i didnt really like the names, the titles of the people were really hard for me to keep straight and pronounce, but eventually i got it down. i loved phedre and her cassiline joscelin, they are my favorite, well hyacinthe too i think i loved him most of all, and i cried a bit when misfoutune fell upon him, but i wont say too much, youll love the charactures, i did, injoy

while this book starts out with names and titles that are initially difficult to remember, you start to learn and love the characters; their tragedies are your tragedies. The plot of the book is deliciously twisted, and leaves you breathless. The main character, Phedre, is dark yet innocently sexy. The plot of the story is not like the repetitive stuff churned out in mass, it is different in that the hero, or more triumphantly, heroine defeats the bad guy using not strength or magic but the gift of her sexuality and knowlege instilled in her. She is obviously sexy, but thankfully she is intelligent. She is not perfect, in truth her flaws are shining marks that make her human.

smart and incredibly sexy. i adored these books and cant believe this one is only 4 stars! the character and relationship developments as well as a political plotline make it more than just a titillating novel.

An inspiring read and refreshingly from a female author: a bizarre multi-layered world where the female protagonist is a powerful courtesan: a profession which is actually coveted in the realm, rather than condemned or derided. Make-shift worlds are presented cogently: unlike other fantasy yarn where half the pages are scripted with invented non wiki words, here we have a world which is totally believable and accessible, and a heroine who is powerful and charismatic. Intrigue, politics, familial relationships all intertwine to create a credible thread of otherwordliness. Recommended.

Just finished this book and though it's been a while since I've read fantasy, (though this is borderline fantasy), it reminded me how much fun this genre can be.
I must admit that when I started it, I felt a little intimidated when I discovered the pages and pages of character profiles. LOTS of characters. But, you end up grateful for all those profiles and really get to care about most of them.
The plot is very intricate and unpredictable. I loved it!
At the beginning, there is a sharp learning curve to absorb all the history and politics but it's well worth it. Oh yeah...and the S&M element is interesting, too!

I picked up this book to read while on a long flight (my husband always brings several books,and only started to read it out of absolute boredom. And then, I don't know what happened-----I just couldn't put it down!! I have only read a few fantasy authors to date----Tolkein, of course, Raymond E. Feist, and George R. R. Martin, but I have to say that I rank this series right up there with these authors. This story is very complex----I found myself having to reread sections to understand, only to later see the big picture and think to myself "Wow". I am eagerly awaiting the third book of this series with great impatience!

While this book might not be for everyone due to the BDSM eroticism, it is superbly written. The geography and cultures consist of both fantasy and historical elements blended very well. Clearly the author has traveled and researched.
For anyone interested in historical fantasy not afraid of sexual elements, I strongly recommend this book.
Also, I would have to add that the author uses suggestion more often than graphic representation on the sexuality end, which I feel is a much better way to approach the issue.

"Kushiel's Dart" is exotically sublime, breathtaking in its beauty and scope. Carey's lyrical prose is as spellbinding as the story itself. A fascinating and compelling debut novel, and simply one of the best fantasies to come along this year... Gary S. Potter Author/Poet

this was a wonderful book. It enters into the Kushiels Legacy trilogy with Phèdre nó Delauney as a child, and her beginnings of being sold by her parents. She begins her friendship with Hyacinthe, and starts her journey as Naamah's Servant as well as Kushiel's chosen. It is an amazing story that you won't be able to put down, and I would recommend buying the entire trilogy together so you can read them all together!

This is one of my favorite books. It manages to create a completly believable world & a very engaging heroine.It also is very erotic with a S&M flavor to it. For me this was a plus but sensitive readers beware.

This is one of those books that leaves you with the feeling that it had to be written, that all the characters really exist "somewhere", and that the countries are places you could really go. This can only be a little bit because they are based on real countries - this scenery and those cultures begin where our myths and histories leave off, and owe more to imagination than reality. It is the author who is to be thanked for her magnificent contribution to speculative literature. Thank you!

This is a amazing trilogy. I bought this book on a off chance that it would be great, and IT was. I got all 3 at the same time and read them back to back. My husband asked me if I was married to him or my books...LOL (though he loved the results of me reading this...LOL), I told him hush and kept flipping the pages (Then used his body shamlessly..LOL). Make sure you have lots of time and read it all (And have a partner to work the steam off with..LOL). This is a great page turner and gripper. WOW at plot, sex, and climaxes, relationships scenes. I cried, laughed,panted, got hot and wet all at one time. (I wish I could become part of this book. I have read them over and over again). It is so great when the author pulls you in to their stories so that you lose track of time, feel the emotions of all the characters and forget all wifely duties until you need to release...LOL. I am waiting for the author to get another one out there. It is so sad when they do a big hit then stop, I am left drooling and waiting for more. I do hope the author reads this and gets back on the horse and starts a new trilogy for all of us who loved it. I am a devoted fan, so PLEASE CONTINUE!!!!

For those of you who don't know the names of all the books in the triolgy here they are: GOOD READING!!!!

Book 1 Kushiel's Dart (Kushiel's Legacy)

Book 2 Kushiel's Chosen (Kushiel's Legacy)

Book 3 Kushiel's Avatar (Kushiel's Legacy)

Let me tell you, I actually read all the reviews before buying a book and it does really help. Thanks to all of you who take the time to caution us and warn us on buys.

I GIVE THIS OVER 5 STARS but it only allows me to give 5.

I am always suspicious of books with a billion 5 star reviews that are heavily on the text by authors who have never reviewed anything but that one book. It makes me wonder if the author, and/or his/her friends and writing them all. I suspect this may be the case here.
This is not a bad book. It's ok. The sex is overdone as a gimmick, when it could have been handled as a theme, if that's what the author really wanted, without being so gross. Subtley handled sometimes, but gratuitous in many cases. It's not the sex that left me unimpressed. It was the author's reach exceding her grasp. The "dramatis personae" at the beginning of the book, as if we cannot possibly keep track of the characters as we read, made me irritated to begin with. After that, I found glancing characterization of that cast of thousands, not really making most of them necessary to the story.
Finally, I agree with the reviewer who pointed out the tendency to promote "debuts" so that it can make reviewers like Storm Constantine say "wow, amazing for a first book." Unless there's another Jacqueline Carey, this is NOT a first book. I hate being manipulated like this.

this is a great book. i've read more than 6 hundreds books in my lifetime and i say that this book is the best i ever read. i don't think i'll ever find anything to equal up to it. for the people who don't like this book, i think it's to complex for some people and it can never be a boring and un-original. it can be hard at times but if you take the effort, it's worth the headache you get from trying to understand the words. a wonderful book, a great heroine,warlords,human demons,a undying love what more can you ask? kushiel's trilogy gives you all that and ten times more.

First, I am not historically a Fantasy reader. I found myself bookless at my boyfriend's house & he suggested I pick this one up. The first third of the book (I still can't believe I stuck it out that long) was PAINFULLY slow. Too many characters and lands with unnecessarily long titles, too many wordy explanations. I couldn't stop squirming as I read.

But then...

It got GOOD - REALLY GOOD. The story hit it's stride, developed tentacles and sucked me in; I couldn't put the gosh-darn thing down. Invariably, I had to check that I was still breathing after each intense twist and turn. Read other reviews for character and plot details. This reviewer's intent is to simply encourage that you READ ON! It's very, very worth it.

I probably own over 200 sci-fi/fantasy novels, and have read at least twice that. Carey's trilogy is easily one of the most politically intricate; Kushiel's Dart sports characters that are almost tangible with very human flaws and strengths set in a background with enough similarities to real settings for the reader to feel like he knows the world. While I'm not a fan for Phedre's particular sexual quirks, they did not in any way detract from the book and actually helped her character's developement. Her courage as a writer is to be admired as well; her writing style and level inevitably eliminated a great deal of her potential audience, and it's nice to see that there are still a couple of authors out there that have enough self-respect and respect for their audience to not hold back. Outstanding. Buy.

I have literally been excited to read this book now for quite some time and finally this weekend I went and purchased the book at a local bookstore. I have read the first one hundred pages of this thing thinking.....what the hell is going on here. I mean I understand the dialogue but the book is literally making me fall asleep. I know that many people have rated this with 5 stars and that is another reason why I thought I would give it a try, but I have been severely disappointed. I thought this was going to be book with strong female characters and possibly even something with a religious overtone, but the whole thing falls way short. Sure there is something of a theological aspect with the correlation to Christ but you ask yourself why. Maybe that's the problem with the book is that there is absolutely no reason for anything the author is writing about and she gives you no explanation as to what the things are that she is talking about. It's like walking into a 2 hour movie 15 minutes before the thing ends. Personally I would save the money and if you were looking for something fantastic with more of an edge and definitely easier to understand an apply then try Ayn Rand. RECOMMENDATION: WASTE OF MONEY

The unexpected artistry of description and emotion from the heroine, Phedre, was what won me over with this trio of books (Dart, Avatar, and Chosen). There is nothing else like them. Following the thought process is fantastic. The intrigue is singular among fantasy novels. So is the alternate world and religious history. The first book is Careys best. I've read them all. None of her others come close, but they try!

Weirdo that I am, I picked up this book at a used book store mostly by the half-naked woman on the cover O_o... But after the first page, I was hooked. Phèdre is an unlikely heroine, a courtsean of rich and beautiful world, secreting out information for her Lord Delaunay. She is anguissette, marked by Kushiel's Dart, forever cursed and gifted to be pleasured by pain. The book is bursting with detail, bringing together a strange mix of Christianity and erotic paganism along with a sardonic and sometimes dark humor. If you don't mind the sex, it's an addicting read.

This debut novel is an incredible, fascinating, page-turning read with a plausible world and believable characters that capture your heart and run away with it. Phedre is an unexpected yet truly gripping heroine that brings a dimension of reality to the overall epic story that takes place. Although there is an erotic element to the narrative, Carey seamlessly ties it into the storyline without hindering the main action or making the novel pornographic in nature through relating a series of unrelated sexual events. Carey successfully overturns traditional gender roles through Phedre's character and proves that: "That which yields is not necessarily weak". Beyond a doubt, an entertaining, suspenseful and beautifully written first novel. I couldn't put it down and would highly recommend it.

Carey's Kushiel's Dart creates a brilliant alternate history as it presents fully three-dimensional characters caught in the tide of destiny.

Phedre is raised as a courtesan, trained as a spy, and born to a "gift" from the god Kushiel--the gift of finding pleasure in pain. Thrust into a dangerous web of conspiracy, Phedre must

save her country from invasion.

A brilliant, gripping saga.

My boyfriend brought this book home, and I groaned when I saw the cover. I was quick to dismiss this as a silly romance novel. However, out of mild curiosity, I picked the book up, and quickly found myself sucked into it. My assumption was completely wrong.
Carey writes wonderfully, spinning a tale of intrigue, politics, and betrayal. Her characters are also extremely well-developed. The book is fast paced, and truly a pleasure to read.

This book is a study in elegant writing and world building. A luxurious read, it tickles the critical intellectual in all of us and tosses in the occasional licentious pleasure. Though not appropriate for young readers or for the squeamish, it's an interesting take on a fantasy story-one with a dusky atmosphere and startling twists on our basic assumptions.

It's not a life-changing book. It won't really challenge you or help you grow as a person-but it will expand your horizons and offer you some compelling erotica. Read this one in the bathtub with a glass of wine.