A Novel (Kushiel's Legacy Book 2) - Kushiel's Chosen

This item arrived very promptly. It was in excellent condition. This price was the best thing, very affordable. I would reccommend this seller and their books to anyone. I am very pleased with my purchase.

A great series. I am completely addicted to Phedre and her adventures. Jacqueline Casey has mastered the art of taking her readers into Terre d'Ange and keeping you there. She writes as if she has actually seen this country and known the characters personally.

LOL.... I LOVE THE IMAGINATION AND THE FACT IT IS WRITTEN SO... FOR ME TO SEE THROUGH A WOMENS EYES IS VERY INTERESTING... I LOVE HER FIRST BOOK AND I HAVE FRIENDS WANTING TO BORROW THIS BOOK, "I TOLD THEM TO GET THEIR OWN!"

It's funny what the years can do to your taste in books - and I'm talking about something deeper, something more profound than those books that just don't stand up to being revisited. Instead, I'm talking about those books that you appreciated back in the day, but somehow knew you weren't quite ready to enjoy. Books that linger somewhere in the back of your imagination, biding their time until you're ready to continue with the series.

Kushiel's Chosen, the second book of the Kushiel's Legacy series by Jacqueline Carey, was the first book to really open my eyes to this. I would have been in my 20's when I read Kushiel's Dart, just out of University, and stumbling my way into a career. I remember there being a definite taboo appeal to the story, with the book itself representing something of a game-changer for me at the time. It was a graduation of sorts from the pages of traditional fantasy to something . . . well, more.

I finally got around to reading the second book in the series, and I was finally ready to appreciate it. This is a series that offers up a blend of fetish and fantasy, spiritualism and sadomasochism, hedonism and heroism. More than that, it is an epic fantasy with the most profound of messages at its heart - "Love as thou wilt.” As powerful and original as I remember the first book being, the second revealed itself to be an even stronger read. In moving beyond that taboo novelty of its sexuality, I was able to appreciate the characters, the politics, the mythology, and the storytelling.

Yes, it's a romantic fantasy, but the political intrigues are as strong as anything you'll find in more traditional fantasies. It's a big, sweeping series, often heavy on both the head and the heart, and one that I found I'd finally grown into. The taboo element is still there, and still permeates the series, but it's become an accent rather than the story's defining element.

I have to be honest. I really was not looking forward to reading this book. I mean did you see how long the first one was (912 pages)?! Not only was the first one long, but since it is an introductory book, the reader is introduced to a myriad of characters and places, enough to make your head spin. All in all, it does become rather daunting, and I took a break (and will thus continue to do so) and read a different book in between Kushiel’s Dart and Kushiel’s Chosen. I really was unsure how much more my brain could take with all the names (that I’m STILL unable to pronounce) all the places, and generally all the drama. I was seriously contemplating calling it quits.
The beginning of Kushiel’s Chosen promptly picks up right where it left off. Phedre has made the bold choice to re-enter into Namaah’s service, which does not make Joscelin happy. (If you are already confused by this review, please feel free to read my review of Kushiel’s Dart). Phedre is not entering the service on normal pretenses, she is seeking an outlaw who escaped in the first book. Using her wiles, Phedre deduces on a whim where she must go to find answers. However perilous the journey may be, there has, and always will be, more than meets the eye with Phedre.
Finding the renegade outlaw is the number one priority in this book. The underlying issue is finding a way to free Phedre’s friend Hyacinth from his looming doom of becoming the new Master of the Straits. Phedre immerses herself into the Yeshuite culture to see if there is a fictional key to give any insight to her friend’s situation. About halfway through the book is when Hyacinth is put on the back burner, and the story kicks it up a notch.
Phedre comes to the beautiful city of La Serenissima. A man made city built up on water. Trade is a plenty, as long as ancient lore. Their goddess, Asherat-of-the-sea, is vengeful. A tragedy had befallen Asherat, and it is rumored that her wailing surrounds La Dolorosa; a depressing prison that drives it’s residents over the brink of insanity. Ever the spy, Phedre gathers too much information that leads to her arrest, and imprisonment in La Dolorosa. Sanity leaching from her daily, she is faced with a decision that could truly change the course of everything she holds dear. Releasing her of choice, the prison is promptly broken into and sent into disarray, allowing her to escape, just not as gracefully as she would have hoped. Falling over the cliffs of La Dolorosa in what should be a certain death, Phedre believes it is Asherat who saves her, and for that, Phedre swears to cleanse her temple.
As Phedre is adrift in the sea, a band of pirates picks her up, thinking she is a siren. As she explain her situation, the pirates think to use her as a bargaining chip for a boon. Slowly defenses are dropped, and Phedre befriends all on board, building lasting friendships with all the pirates.
Towards the end, the reader is literally on the edge of their seat. In this book, you have romance, travel, confrontation, deception, the Little Court, queens, princes, princesses, intrigue, imprisonment, rescue, kidnap, trials, oracles, pirates, death, life, and so much more. From an unlikely character, it’s astonishing to see what she can truly accomplish once she puts her mind to it. Women can truly change the course of things. I’m so glad I did not put this book down.

4 out of 5 stars!!!!!!

I have to be honest. I really was not looking forward to reading this book. I mean did you see how long the first one was (912 pages)?! Not only was the first one long, but since it is an introductory book, the reader is introduced to a myriad of characters and places, enough to make your head spin. All in all, it does become rather daunting, and I took a break (and will thus continue to do so) and read a different book in between Kushiel’s Dart and Kushiel’s Chosen. I really was unsure how much more my brain could take with all the names (that I’m STILL unable to pronounce) all the places, and generally all the drama. I was seriously contemplating calling it quits.
The beginning of Kushiel’s Chosen promptly picks up right where it left off. Phedre has made the bold choice to re-enter into Namaah’s service, which does not make Joscelin happy. (If you are already confused by this review, please feel free to read my review of Kushiel’s Dart). Phedre is not entering the service on normal pretenses, she is seeking an outlaw who escaped in the first book. Using her wiles, Phedre deduces on a whim where she must go to find answers. However perilous the journey may be, there has, and always will be, more than meets the eye with Phedre.
Finding the renegade outlaw is the number one priority in this book. The underlying issue is finding a way to free Phedre’s friend Hyacinth from his looming doom of becoming the new Master of the Straits. Phedre immerses herself into the Yeshuite culture to see if there is a fictional key to give any insight to her friend’s situation. About halfway through the book is when Hyacinth is put on the back burner, and the story kicks it up a notch.
Phedre comes to the beautiful city of La Serenissima. A man made city built up on water. Trade is a plenty, as long as ancient lore. Their goddess, Asherat-of-the-sea, is vengeful. A tragedy had befallen Asherat, and it is rumored that her wailing surrounds La Dolorosa; a depressing prison that drives it’s residents over the brink of insanity. Ever the spy, Phedre gathers too much information that leads to her arrest, and imprisonment in La Dolorosa. Sanity leaching from her daily, she is faced with a decision that could truly change the course of everything she holds dear. Releasing her of choice, the prison is promptly broken into and sent into disarray, allowing her to escape, just not as gracefully as she would have hoped. Falling over the cliffs of La Dolorosa in what should be a certain death, Phedre believes it is Asherat who saves her, and for that, Phedre swears to cleanse her temple.
As Phedre is adrift in the sea, a band of pirates picks her up, thinking she is a siren. As she explain her situation, the pirates think to use her as a bargaining chip for a boon. Slowly defenses are dropped, and Phedre befriends all on board, building lasting friendships with all the pirates.
Towards the end, the reader is literally on the edge of their seat. In this book, you have romance, travel, confrontation, deception, the Little Court, queens, princes, princesses, intrigue, imprisonment, rescue, kidnap, trials, oracles, pirates, death, life, and so much more. From an unlikely character, it’s astonishing to see what she can truly accomplish once she puts her mind to it. Women can truly change the course of things. I’m so glad I did not put this book down.

4 out of 5 stars!!!!!!

Reviewed by Francesca and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog

I always knew that reading this trilogy would be an amazing experience. It just took me years to take a dive and commit to the page count. And I’m so glad now I’m doing it. It’s so much more than I ever thought it could be. Phèdre nó Delaunay is one of the most complex and riveting characters I have ever read. Add to that the fact that Ms. Carey’s writing is superb and the epic story that unfolds in these pages is bound to stay with anyone who reads it forever.

KUSHIEL’S CHOSEN brings more love and a lot more loss to Phèdre’s life. At times I wonder how can she bear it, and at others I wonder how can I? But in between the hardships there is always a sliver of hope. That small glimpse that keeps us all going. Hoping for better days ahead. While she does what must be done to follow the right path. While battling sometimes her own desires.

A lot more intrigue and political turmoil plague the story in KUSHIEL’S CHOSEN. To protect her Queen, she may just have to give up everything she’s ever held dear. It is that strength of character that keeps me coming back to Phèdre. As does almost everyone in her homeland. With every situation she faces, she grows. She grows in understanding herself. She grows in understanding those around her.utc-top-pick

One thing is for certain, this book is never boring and never dull. For such a long story (coming in at 678 pages) there is not one wasted word or added fluff. The lyrical way in which Ms. Carey writes kept me on the edge of my seat. Simple yet so deep, so intense. I can’t say this book was simply read, it was experienced. It was a tumultuous journey, action packed until the end. Not knowing which way it would go was the best part! Not knowing if there was a happy resolution to each event. Some yes, some no. But I loved every second of it.

I really love the combination of politics, religion and love as well as the lyrical prose of this series! And I think I’m ready for the darkness I feel coming ahead in the final installment.

Ah, Kushiel's Chosen! While I technically enjoyed it a bit less than Dart, I'm still giving it 5 stars because the overwrought prose is vastly improved (still florid, in keeping with Phèdre's voice, but not nearly as bad). I also really enjoyed seeing more of Carey's world – and am always extremely impressed with her research of other cultures and their religions/myths to incorporate them believably into her novels. My review will NOT spoil Chosen, but there's really no way to review this book without spoiling major aspects of Dart, so don't read this until you've read that one.

Kushiel's Chosen picks up after Dart, where Phèdre accepts the gambit that closed Dart and begins her search for the escaped traitor and the unknown allies who orchestrated the escape. We see Phèdre's debut as Naamah's Servant who is also a Peer of the Realm, and all of her childhood dreams come to fruition...but ring hollow without the presence of Hyacinthe, who is still bound by the geis that he took in her place. So Chosen follows her exploration into Yeshuite lore, where she hopes to find the key to his freedom, as well as her returning to intrigue as her own agent rather than Delaunay's.

It does suffer from “middle book syndrome”, whereby our obvious OTP is torn apart by lack of communication, understanding, and general stupid s***. Seems like every trilogy's middle book has this trope. Rigid as Joscelin's Cassiline training is, I can see how this is quite in character during Phèdre's return to Naamah's Service, but then it only exacerbates when they travel to La Serenissima, and I'll always feel that he was pushed outside of proper characterization for the sake of the plot/middle book. Still, he has a lot of his own learning, growing, and healing to do...but most of it is, sadly, off-scene.

While I kind of sped by/skipped over the importance of it the first time I read, I've actually come to really enjoy how this book makes the distinction of pain between the physical, sadistic play that Phèdre experiences with her patrons and the 'exquisite' pain of the heart that she feels when she and Joscelin are tearing apart. We really see the interplay of Naamah & Kushiel's influence versus Cassiel's, and how Phèdre both despises and can't help but enjoy the pain upon her heart and soul – and Joscelin's too. So while I hate the trope, that part is very well done.

Two characters who really come into their own here are Fortun and Barquiel L'Envers. Phèdre, unlike her patron Delaunay, refuses to keep her retainers in ignorance, and Fortun proves to be a surprisingly good spy. All of her chevaliers do, and it's a joy to watch them work their own angle of intrigue in ways that Phèdre never could, but Fortun is especially adept at putting the pieces together. And Barquiel...well, many readers and Phèdre alike took a strong disliking to him, but this novel is where I really fell in love with him. Even as a, well, not necessarily villain but untrusted ally/suspect, he's just a fantastic character. I was glad to see more of him, as well as his cousin Nicola (who provided the spark that led to my introduction into Shibari (if you search: NSFW), so, yes indeed, more please!).

Phèdre's adventures take her to many lands and introduce many amazing characters, but I don't want to touch on that too much for fear of spoilers. They're all quite awesome and very well done, with the exception of one visit where we learn more about the myth/history of Phèdre's namesake, which is incredibly jumbled and confusing if one is not already familiar with the story. And I wasn't, so I tried to learn, but even after learning more about the myth, that passage in the novel is still very clunky and makes no sense (as was the passage that foreshadowed it, which was just an obviously blatant foreshadow-plunk into the narrative).

The character who really steals the show, however, is Ysandre de la Courcel. I've always liked Ysandre, but this book shows a little more about what it's like to be not just a great ruler but an honorable scion of Elua. Many readers (and characters, actually) take issue with the D'Angelines' many blessings, but my favorite is always when we catch glimpses of their tangible connections to their gods. That has always been what drew me to these stories the most. There is a certain scene, which I will not mention in too much depth here, where Ysandre just embodies everything it is to be D'Angeline, to be noble, to be touched by one's god, and to be right, and that scene takes my breath away every time.

There is another amazing scene of Joscelin's which I will not spoil, but it's incredibly well-done. I really love how Carey's writing and description is so well-done whether she's just describing things (clothes, beautiful people, new countries, etc., all of which Phèdre does often), myths/religions, sex, war, fighting, intrigue... It's all well-written by someone who subtly includes just enough to make it real, to make it obvious that she knows her stuff, but not flaunting research or delving into info-dumps. Even in a world where the gods are still watching over and helping their people, where the characters are skilled beyond measure, the writing itself still carries so much realism.

Definitely another wonderful installment. Those who don't care for sweeping epic fantasies balk at the length, but I have few issues with it. I love seeing more of Carey's world and meeting wonderful new characters. There are just a few places where the pacing is off and I lose interest, but not often, and it always quickly draws me back. With the world adequately established and Phèdre growing up a bit more, the narrative is less flowery and focuses more on intrigue, characters, and plot. The plots that began in Dart are seen to almost-full fruition, but of course the villain never shows her full hand. We have a pseudo-set-up for book 3, but the climax of this book is more than enough on its own. I'd even say there are two distinct climaxes, and each are equally brilliant. An engrossing and lovely book all around.

Carey has the skill to take her readers to another place, another world (even those of alternate history) and make you feel like you belong there among the characters. The sequel to Kushiel's Dart is just as good as the first, full of court intrigue, murder, deception and romance.

In this installment, Phedre, now a comtesse, is still worried that her arch nemesis Melisande is out there still plotting to overthrow the D'angeline queen, Ysandre. Hoping to uncover the plot and save her queen once again, Phedre returns to the service of Naamah, hoping that future patrons might have clues to Melisande's whereabouts. Phedre's lover and bodyguard, Joscelin, is not happy the she is returning to the respectable world of prostitution in the capital and throughout the book, their fights bring immense tension to the story. You are always wondering if they will be able to stick together, or if their love is finally doomed. Their story is definitely one for any romance lovers out there.

Phedre's suspicions lead her to new cities and new courts, leading her to an enemy that perhaps is not so hard to find after all. What ensues is heart pounding action, jaw dropping surprises and the inspiring determination of one to discover the truth that may bring down a kingdom.

There are a lot of characters involved in her books and it is very helpful that there is a glossary in the front of the book to help remind you of who everyone is. I'd be somewhat lost without it. The map is also a gem of information. I'll continue onto the third book sometime next year, but first I need a little rest. There is so much going on in the Kushiel books that the mind requires a little rest.

Jacqueline Carey serves up a worthy successor to her first book with this sequel. Considering how epic and layered that first book was, this is no easy feat. In my review for the first book I called Phedre's world a mythical land but it may be more accurate to say that it is an alternate history for our own world. Whatever the case, this second book in the trilogy is just as full of political intrigue, betrayals, losses, and heroism as its predecessor. It even continues the promise of the heartwarming love story that began in the last book. I am hard pressed to think of a more mismatched couple and yet I root for them all the same. I will admit that there were about a 100 pages or so that seemed to drag for me, when it seemed that Phedre was moving further and further away from her goal and I wasn't sure where the story was going. I stayed the course however and was rewarded with an ending that was equal parts maddening and uplifting. If you read and enjoyed the first book, this one will not disappoint. Onward to book three!

Phedre no Delauney is adjusting to life after playing a large part in saving her country of Terre D'Ange and becoming a Comtesse with a country estate as a result of her heroics. However, she cannot deny her nature as an anguisette and spy and is drawn back to the city of Elua where she return's to Naamah's service, causing her relationship with Joscelin to become strained. Phedre also becomes obsessed with the mystery of where Melisande is now and how she was able to escape her earlier imprisonment. As Phedre is drawn deeper into the intrigues, she faces more and more danger and goes back on the road, traveling and following clues of Melisande's whereabouts.

With the world being established in the first book of the series, Kushiel's Dart, Jacqueline Carey had more time to focus on weaving the plot and this novel was a bit less meandering. I enjoyed getting to see more of the world, including Illyria and La Serenissima. I still find this series a bit slow moving, the plots have grown very complex so take a long time to set up, losing me a bit in the process. When we finally get to the main action, it's great and exciting, but the build up could be cut down a bit. Phedre remains a very interesting main character, and I'm looking forward to continuing her story in Kushiel's Avatar.

It was the most boring, with no building of plot and characters I ever read. Still a great amount of misfortunes happens upon the female main character is so incredible that the reading becomes so annoyingly boring. I had to go back and reread some chapters because it was confusing. i cannot get over how can some authors write about stories that do not make any sense, and the plot is really lost from the previous book.

Forgive the punny title, I couldn't resist.

Taking place in a sprawling, lush reimagining of early modern Europe, Kushiel's Chosen picks up right after the events of Kushiel's Dart. The main character, Phèdre no Delaunay, has now become part of the noble society that she catered to in the last book as, essentially, a body slave. Terre D'Ange, where the story takes place, treats prostitution as a religious, honorable calling. Phèdre is a beautiful young anguisette, so called because she is "pricked by Kushiel's Dart" - she has a red mote on her eye which indicates that she is the deity Kushiel's chosen, born to endure and enjoy pain as pleasure. Rather than treat this as some sort of twisted fetish tale, Jacqueline Carey manages to handle the subject with grace and surprisingly little mention. The real draws of this story, she makes very clear within the first few chapters: the stunning and detailed backdrop of Terre D'Ange, the wonderful and intriguing character development, the compelling conflict, and, of course, the love story between Phèdre and her chevalier Joscelin Verreuil.

Carey's language is descriptive and poetic, and takes on a formal-sounding style which firmly places the reader in the renaissance-esque Terre D'Ange. The plot, as with the first installment, is a twisting, intricately woven set of political ties, covert relations, and international intrigue. This is not some courtly drama set in the queen's palace, where everyone is in love with everyone and the plot point revolves around some waifish damsel. If you're looking for bodice-rippers, I suggest Philippa Gregory's retellings of Tudor England. No, Kushiel's Chosen is the big leagues of epic fantasy, up there with A Song of Ice and Fire as a tale that will leave you questioning and breathless to the close.

Finally, let's talk characters, possibly my favorite aspect of this series aside from the marvelous setting Carey has created for these books. Careful and dynamic character development is one of Kushiel's Chosen's many strengths. Ms. Carey is not afraid to put her characters through the wringer, something I exceedingly admire as I become more familiar with her work. The protagonist of the series is a woman, which is slightly unusual for an epic fantasy series, as far as my experiences have been. On top of that, Phèdre is a strong, clever woman who at every occasion proves herself to be able to take care of herself and her country. Being a courtesan does not make her any less a capable and daring leading lady, something I greatly appreciate as a female reader. Furthermore, her love interest Joscelin is not present merely to save Phèdre's life or play the knight in shining armor, which makes for a more interesting relationship between the two.

Overall, I cannot recommend this series highly enough. It really blindsided me with how amazing the setting, characters, and plot turned out to be. It's a long read, but once you're immersed into the world of Terre D'Ange, you'll be hard-pressed to leave it.

If you haven't read Kushiel's Dart, then you shouldn't be thinking about reading Kushiel's Chosen. Go back and read book one, and then make your choice.

If you've read book one and are trying to decide about continuing the series, then read the rest of this review.

First, the sum is greater than the parts. This is a five star series built on three and four star individual pieces. If you do book two...you will/must go to book six (at the time of this review).

Pro's for Carey: She writes really well- great vocabulary, great flow, great pace, well put together. Her characters are multidimensional and develop throughout the series. She's a female writer who's decent at portraying a male character. She writes flavorful adventure and can put together an enjoyable chase and battle scene. Her romance is realistic. It's not so sappy it wants to make me puke (as a male). I really like the way she ties up her novels at the end. She doesn't do the two page "and they lived happily ever after...". She takes an appropriate amount of time to finish off almost all the "what happened to..."'s. If you liked these characteristics of book one, she gets better through out the series. From my perspective, book two (this one) and book three are the best. Book four and book one are probably least enjoyable.

Con's against Carey: If you thought the dizzying array of political intrigue was too much in the first novel, then you better get used to it if you expect to continue. I still believe that all six books could have been shortened significantly and increased their punch. If you didn't like the sex scenes or all the sexual suggestion, that doesn't change either. As well as the bondage and discipline, she throws in a few more lesbian and gay scenes (books 4, 5, 6), but it doesn't get any worse than book one. Eventually I got into the characters enough that I stopped trying to figure out which country was the pseudo-France pseudo-Ireland, pseudo-Italy, etc in this parallel universe environment.

The best reason to read this series: It's a really great romance-adventure with a large story arc that spans all six of the books.

You don't want to read this series if: You're uncomfortable with a fair amount of sexual explicitness, and lots of political machinations put you to sleep.

It's been over a year since I finished Kushiel's Dart, toward which my feelings were generally positive. I have
a friend who loves these books very deeply, has read them many times and is able to recall the most minute trivia from them on command. Sadly I'm not nearly such an expert. But I can say that, so far, I've been impressed by the scale of the story, it's intricate detail, three dimensional characters, and overall satisfying delivery.

I did not find Kushiel's Chosen to be quite as complex or epically enormous as Kushiel's Dart, and I feel that this is a positive fact for the most part. The story follows Phedre in her quest to discover where the traitor Melisande has fled to. If you've read the first book you are aware of Phedre's conflicting feelings toward Melisande, as well as how potentially dangerous the woman is. Phedre is accompanied in her journey by several loyal companions, most notably Joscelin. With their relationship in turmoil and Joscelin following his own private missions, much is uncertain. I am simplifying for the sake of brevity, because of course there is much more to the story than can reasonably be summed up.

The good parts? As said, the scale is just a bit smaller and therefore easier to follow. I was already someone familiar with most of the relevant characters, and thankfully their are few to be concerned with. The characters that are mentioned are, for the most part, more distinct and three dimensional. Phedre goes through quite a bit and changes just a little as a result. There are a lot of adventure elements that I enjoyed--pirates, deadly spirits, gods, and magic.

Negatives? Now, I'm aware that this is not a romance series. However, one of the things that I loved about Kushiel's Dart was the development of the romance between Phedre and Joscelin. Joscelin is not in this book as much as I would have liked. Most of the time, their relationship is on the rocks. I won't give away the manner in which this is resolved, but I will say that I thought it was a bit hasty and unsatisfying. Also, at times Phedre frustrated me with some of her choices. She's a very intelligent and skilled character, but all to often her successes are dependent of luck or the ingenuity of others. That detracts from her likeability a bit.

These are the sort of books you read on cross country road trips or during extended layovers, because they are guaranteed to keep you occupied for a good long time. They are full of political intrigue, magic, and sex. I would recommend this book to fantasy fans. 4 stars.

Plot Summary: All it takes is one cloak to wreck their peace. Joscelin and Phèdre are living a quiet, rustic life when their enemy, Melisande Shahrizai reveals herself through an oblique message. Phèdre is the only one who believes that Melisande is still a threat to Queen Ysandre, and her rededication to Nammah's service in order to ferret out information creates a rift between her and Joscelin. Eventually Phèdre must take to the road to uncover the plot, and it turns into an odyssey of epic proportions.

I'm beginning to see a pattern here. Just like the first novel, Kushiel's Dart, I'd give the first 300-pages three stars, and the last 300-pages five stars. So I'm going to split the difference and give it four stars. These novels choke on unpronounceable names and overly intricate plots, and it frustrates me no end because the adventures are always so thrilling. I suppose a novel this big has plenty of room to encompass both good and bad storytelling. Fortunately the ending always outweighs the beginning.

I liked Phèdre much better this time around. She's matured quite a bit, and she barters with more than just her body, although it's inevitable that her sexual talents come into play as well. Sometimes I chew the inside of my lip, but I can't begin to comprehend Phèdre's calling as an anguissette - someone who derives pleasure from pain. I chalk it up as a superpower that I don't envy one bit. The other thing I don't understand is her love/hate relationship with her archenemy Melisande. It's bizarre and no, I don't buy into it completely. The woman delivered Phèdre into slavery, betrayed Terre d'Ange, and tried to break her like an animal. Sorry, but after all that, I wouldn't get all hot and bothered if Melisande kissed me, yet Phèdre practically pants in heat whenever she is near.

What the story delivers well, it does on an epic scale. The heartstrings of Phèdre and Joscelin's relationship are stretched and pulled until my own heart was breaking. When they were finally reunited I was misty-eyed. The action was also top notch. Only Odysseus had a harder trial, but not by much. Phèdre defied death over and over, and she bobbed like a leaf caught in a snow-melt fed creek. It was a grand adventure that entertained me beautifully once Phèdre got herself out of Elua. The story seems to stagnate whenever Phèdre stays put somewhere, so I hope Ms. Carey has lots of traveling planned for the next novel, Kushiel's Avatar (Kushiel's Legacy).

The sequel to Kushiel's Dart does not disappoint. The first in the series introduced Phedre no Delauney as an anguisette, the red mote in her eye indicating that she's been chosen by Kushiel to follow a path of pain and pleasure. Trained in the skills of a courtesan of the Night Court, she is also trained to be a spy for the master of her marque, Afaniel Delauney.

In this, the court intrigue continues as traitor to the crown, Melisande Shahrizai escapes from prison. Suspecting another traitor within the court of Queen Ysandre de la Courcey of having assisted in the escape, Phedre, now a Countess having inherited Delauney's Montreve title and estate, and her merry band of ex-sailors and her Cassile protector, Joscelin, once again embark on a secret quest to find answers, find Melisande and to save the Queen. Phedre, now experienced in palace intrigue, war strategies, and having suffered the loss of friends and love, finds herself taking on the mantle of a leader, suffering the consequences of certain decisions and understanding not just the weakness of her enemies but also her own.

This book literally kept me up all night. I could not put it down until I had come to the last page despite its rather hefty size.

#2 in the Kushiel's Legacy fantasy series, loosely based on Renaissance Europe. Phèdre nó Delaunay returns to the City of Elua after the death of her adoptive father, Anafriel Delaunay, in the previous book and assumes her place among the peerage as the Comtesse de Montrève, wielding the title her benefactor never got to don. She also resumes her service to the demigods Namaah and Kushiel, both of whom have marked her, which essentially means she is a highly-paid whore who specializes in the pleasure of pain. As an anguissette (the only living one, apparently) marked with a fleck of red in the iris of her left eye, she is meant to be a bearer of pain. The difference here is that in the beliefs of the predominant religion, her service is actually a sacred, religious offering and not something dirty nor illegal.

She resumes her trade in order to ferret out details about the treachery of Melisande Shahrizai, who escaped at the end of the last book. Phèdre believes that Melisande is waiting in the wings orchestrating some complicated political coup to take over the throne of Terre d' Ange, and she is right. She doesn't get to stay comfortably at home for long and soon is off on an adventure taking her to a Venice-like city called La Serenissima, and to several other places in her search for information and a way to bring Melisande's plan to ruin.

Complex and detailed, with a huge cast of characters, exotic locations, plenty of steamy (but well-written!) sex, twisted plots, strange religions, and even pirates (yo ho ho!), this was an excellent followup to Kushiel's Dart and I am kicking myself many times over for waiting so long (it's been at least 2 1/2 years!) to have gotten to this sequel. I won't make the same mistake again--I have four more of them here awaiting my pleasure. This could easily have gotten overblown and off track with the scope of its contents and so much happening in a relatively short time, but the author skillfully keeps things together and makes this a very difficult book to put down.

Phedre no'Delaunay is back, imbedding herself into another masterful intrigue of the courts of Terre d'Ange, a beautiful land populated by beautiful people. Though 'Kushiel's Chosen' uses many flashback moments (too many), I strongly recommend that your read the first installment in the series first, 'Kushiel's Dart'.

Phedre helped to save Terre d'Ange and ensure that queen Ysandre de la Courcel secured her throne. Through all she endured, her nemesis Melisande Shahrizai escaped. Phedre is uneasy, knowing that Melisande is loose. With her reluctant Cassiline, Joscelin Verreuil and her chevaliers known as 'Phedre's Boys', Phedre sets off to the land of La Serenissima to track Melisande's flight. What she finds is a big shock, and another deadly plot against queen Ysandre.

Like the first book, this second adventure of Phedre no'Delaunay is an intricate twist of dangerous intrigue and startling adventures. Unlike the first book, 'Kushiel's Chosen' takes its languid pace into tedium. Too many times, our heroine languishes in reminisces that can cause yawning, especially if you have already read about her previous exploits in the first book. You will also find heavier religious references and closer ties to real-life Europe.

'Chosen' also seems to draw a firmer line between the sensuality of the story and the adventures, with the fist part of the book dedicated to Phedre's return to Naamah's Service. She re-enters the Terre d'Ange courts and conducts a series of liaisons, using her talents as an 'anguissette', one who experiences pain as pleasure. This makes her a valuable courtesan indeed. In the second half of the book, the sensuality is cast aside for some high-tension conflicts and narrow escapes.

Jacqueline Carey's 'Kushiel Legacy' books are far too rich and intricate to describe them in detail, but rest assured they are well written in a beautiful, flowing prose and offer up much more than your average romantic fantasy. Phedre is smart and well trained, caring and beautiful, interesting and sometimes funny, a unique heroine that you cannot help but like.

'Kushiel's Chosen' maintains a slower pace than 'Kushiel's Dart', but in the end does not disappoint, in spite of the too frequent episodes of digging up past thoughts and deeds. There is also a nice surprise waiting in this installment, so don't miss it. I'm already well into the third installment, 'Kushiel's Avatar'. Enjoy!

Kushiel's Chosen begins soon after Kushiel's Dart ends. Phedre, now the Countess of Montreve makes a difficult decision to return to the service of Naamah, much to the dismay of her lover the Cassiel guard Joscelin. But she has her reasons to returning to her past life as a prostitute, Melisande Shahrizai, a woman who betrayed the Queen Ysandre to the Skaldi, has escaped from her imprisonment and only Phedre can find her. Phedre, who still feels intense love and desire for Melisande, finds herself traveling to La Serenissima to search for the traitorous woman. Her only companions are Joscelin and the final three members of Phedre's boys. Unfortunately things are not what they seem in La Serenissima. Phedre soon finds herself involved in a large plot of assassination that has infiltrated even the temples of the Goddess Asaharat-of-the-Sea. Just when Phedre thinks she has everything found out she is kidnapped and taken away, separated from her protector Joscelin and utterly alone. Can she get back to Terre D'Ange soon enough to save her queen?
Kushiel's Chosen has all of the attractive elements found in Kushiel's Dart, wonderful storytelling, attractive settings, and complex characters. Phedre has learned a lot from her previous adventures and has matured quite a bit but still finds herself coming up against problems. You find yourself wishing that she and Joscelin would just throw away there differences and make up again, despite both of their stubbornness.
Although this book is quite amazing it does not live up to its groundbreaking predecessor. There is a rather long lull in the text starting when Phedre travels to La Serenissima. But don't give up on this book! Once you get further into it, the novel turns into the exciting page turner. This book has many new things that the first novel lacked. We get to see new countries, all which exist along southern Europe. Also we get our first pirate characters, something that fans are sure to appreciate.
So if you're in the mood for a sexy fantasy novel with plenty of plot twists and turns read this book! Although it isn't quite as good as the first in the series it's an amazing novel that you'll be sure to love.

"Chosen" continues the adventures and political intrigues of one of the most unusual characters I've seen as star in a fantasy story.

The story itself is good, workmanlike, and sustained (i.e. long) adventure. Phedre, the heroine, knows of a plot against the queen, and gives up her life of relative ease and comfort to hunt the traitor down. She succeeds, and that's where the adventure really begins: to an island prison where people are sent to be forgotten, into a stormy sea, off with the pirates, into the cave of sacred torment and wisdom, and more. It's right down to the wire, but Phedre succeeds in the end. She's no fighter herself, but is always surrounded by soldiers or armed adventurers, and usually in charge of the band.

Phedre herself is a striking character. Some god-given quirk of genes has given her a magical ability to heal from wounds, and an equally magical short-circuit between her senses of pain and pleasure - leaving her with urges that give plenty to heal from. Maybe they're god-given talents, but it wasn't a very nice god. Also, Phedre is a priestess in a cult that holds the body to be a temple, and it's the priestess's holy duty to encourage active kinds of worship at that temple. For all its steamy potential, the author describes only one passage of Phedre's carnal devotions. Given that pain thing, one is all I wanted.

If you have a long trip coming up, this book's 600+ pages of thud factor will keep you amused for at least a few hundred miles. I've read better, but this one was good enough to keep me interested in Phedre and her adventures

//wiredweird

When I finally got my hands on this book, and then had the chance to read it (exams...so annoying!), I was completely enraptured and finished it in under two days. I loved the first novel as I thought Jaqueline Carey's writing style was beautiful and her world was intriguing and incredibly interesting. I feel that Kushiel's Chosen lives up to its predecsor, and in some ways it surpassed it, and of course in others it did not.
I did miss the characters which had featured prominantly in the first, namely Delaunay and Alcuin, but then they're dead so this is a stupid gripe. The prose was just as good as the first, I never found it too repetative, but everyone has their own opinions. The story was perhaps a tad slow to get going, but I think that that only added to the depth of the story, and was a good introduction to the fast paced adventure which faced Phedre.
I really enjoyed the movement of the book the travelling was wonderful, and made it all the more exotic. The complex plot was very good and keeps the reader on their toes, a very important commodity for novels these days. Especially in the fantasy genre, which is steadily becoming more and more formulated. Its a rare thing to find wonderful new authors which are creative and raise it all to a new level. For further recommendations, go the SF site, which has excellent reviews. my main happiness in this novel was Phedre and Josclin finally sorting out their issues and being together properly. But then I am a complete romantic sap at heart.
So overall, if you are looking for a good strong read, with vivid characters, intricate plotting and exotic settings, then look no further than this novel. It is advised that you should read the first of the trilogy, Kushiel's Dart, but there are references to keep you going if you do forget at times what happened. There is strong sexuality and sensuality in this novel, although I think it is a lesser extent than the first. Carey treats it all with lyrical prose and never makes anything seem like [bad] porn. It is part of Phedre, and only enhances her tale. Give this novel a go, you cannot go wrong.

Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Chosen (Tor, 2002)

Carey's second Kushiel novel may actually be better than the first, which is a welcome change from the second-novel slump one usually finds in trilogies. Phedre and Joscelin have been living happily in self-imposed exile after the events of the first novel, but a traveler comes bearing a present for Phedre-- her blood-red cape. Melisandre is the only one who could have sent it, which means she's playing games again. And the only way Phedre can stop her, and prevent the crumbling of the empire, is to go back to spying. (Needless to say, Joscelin is not at all happy about this.)

For the second time, Carey has presented the world with a well-written, fast-paced fantasy thriller that looks like a doorstop but reads like haiku. The biggest problem with the book is that carrying it may prove cumbersome; it weighs in at seven hundred pages (in hardback), but once you're enmeshed in the story, they'll fly past faster than you'd think. (It took me nine days to get through it, while working and reading four other books-- two of which were also over four hundred pages.) The characters are very well-drawn, the action is almost nonstop, and the plot is sufficiently labyrinthine to absorb both the fantasy reader and the mystery fan. Very good stuff, this, for a second time. ****

I absolutely loved the first book Kushiel's Dart and feel the exact same about the continuation in the form of Kushiel's Chosen. Carey in my opinion is an amazing world builder to the point where I felt like I was on the journey with the characters. I really enjoy when an author can write erotic scenes but the book isn't simply a porno on pages. The story itself is detailed and unique. The eroticism simply adds onto what is already and epic story line. I originally got the other books from the library but now will have to purchase the others so I can re-read the series. Also, I absolutely love Melissande even though she would be the bad guy I wish I could have had another series for just her although I am a sucker for a good villain.

After vowing to finish the original trilogy before the new books come out, I ventured back into Terre d'Ange curious and ready to see where Phedre's adventures would take her next!

I liked Chosen less than Dart and find it inescapable to compare it to the first novel. There's still plenty of adventure, intrigue, and twists to keep us interested, but after such endearing characters, epic plot twists, and a variety of dangerous and intriguing assignations for Phedre (all which occur in Dart), Chosen only partially lives up to the epic feel of the first novel.

Unlike Dart, none of the characters in Chosen seem as prolific as before and feel more like tools to help Phedre to her destination rather than well-rounded individuals. Even still, the people Phedre meet along the way are characterized enough to be interesting, despite that sense that we just *know* they're going to end up allies, in the end. Dart left me guessing between who could be ally and who could be foe. There were times I often doubted anyone would be there to help Phedre or that she would fall into the debts of despair. I had no such doubts as I watched her journey unfold in Chosen, not even when our heroine falls into very dire straits.

This is perhaps due to the growing theme of being a chosen of divinity, whom the gods favor by providing the means to success through unexpected avenues. Still, the difference between being aided by divine providence and the feeling of a convenient plot twist is a very thin line to walk.

Kushiel's Chosen is skirting that line for this reader, but there's enough mystery and intrigue here that I have no doubt that I will be reading the next novel very soon!

If there's anything I will always enjoy throughout this series, it is the attention to detail in the culture and premise of the land of Terre D'Ange, which was ever-present and shining still in Kushiel's Chosen, and that is enough in itself to keep me wanting more!

Having saved Terre d'Ange (see KUSHIEL'S DART), Phedre no Delaunaey is proud of becoming a member of the peerage yet bored with the acceptable social life as the Comtesse de Montrève. Tedium changes into anticipation as Phedre learns that her deadly enemy Melisande has escaped from incarceration. Phedre knows that Melisande will do anything including treason to avenge her recent defeat. At about the same time, though the young queen is popular amongst the people, there are others who believe she is unworthy of the throne. If Melisande joins with these traitors hell will break loose in the land.

A former anguisette Phedre feels an adrenaline rush as she plans to return to her vocation while chasing down her foe. However, the hunted becomes the prey when, in spite of her anguisette talents and her abilities to spy, Phedre becomes the prisoner of Melisande. With no hope to escape from her mountaintop jail on an isolated island, Phedre understands the consequence if she fails to find her freedom and stop the sedition led by Melisande.

KUSHIEL'S CHOSEN is an intriguing fantasy that follows the adventures of its heroine trying to save her world. The problem is that in an extremely short time, Kushiel hops from one adventure to another without any closure at a pace that would make Indiana Jones require bed rest against a villain who seems to have lost her bite at least in this sequel. Though not as strong as its predecessor, KUSHIEL'S DART, Phedre still remains an interesting champion who readers will root for in hope that she attains a slow but glorious victory.

Harriet Klausner

Yes, Jacqueline is just as wordy in this one as the first one. If you didn't like Kushiel's Dart you won't like this one. If you did though, this one is a delightful continuance of Phedre's Tale.

Sadly, Phedre doesn't spend much time in Terre D'Ange and La Serenissima is nowhere near as pretty. Some of the other landscapes that Phedre travels through have enough mystic and wonder to them to ease some of the Terre D'Ange longing.

Joscelin is still delicious, and his character development is definitely something I love about this series. He gives a very human aspect to the Cassiline Brotherhood as he struggles to reconcile his faith, duty, and love.

Melisande doesn't get a lot of facetime in this book (and in fact won't ever get much more), but her threads of intrigue are definitely felt throughout the book. She has a sort of looming spectre presence that drives this book forward.

A minor note, you don't really need to read the second book to read the third one. The stories are separate enough that reading the third is not particularly jolting although the conclusion of the second book is given in the third.

A good adventure/fantasy read from Jacqueline Carey.

I've decided to do a review of all three "Kushiel" books,(that being "Kushiel's Dart', "Kushiel's Chosen" and "Kushiel's Avatar") as one review; all three books are connected with the same ongoing story line, quality of prose and a consistent level of interest and intrigue.

This is a story of Phedre, a heroine who is blessed (or cursed, depending on your point of view) with some special talents and skills; she rises from obscure beginnings to queens' favorite over the course of the three novels.

The books were well written and gripped one's interest from early on. There is travel, love, betrayals, unexpected enemies and friends, and a few situations where magical qualities are displayed; but my favorite scenes were those of the battles and escapes. You should also be aware that there are some very intense, sexually explicit encounters in these books.

All in all, I enjoyed this trilogy very much; while not deep or philosophical it was easy to read and found myself looking forward to finding time to return to these books when the opportunity arose. The only negative, (and this is purely a subjective, personal opinion) was that I found the areas involving travel within the book a little long and dragged out; but this is a minor complaint compared to the overall quality of the entire trilogy. 4 1/2 stars.

Phedre ne Delauney, the courtesan/masochist/spy heroine of the superb "Kushiel's Dart" is back for this strong sequel. In this story she finds herself enmeshed in a plot in La Serenissima (Venice), hatched by her old enemy Melisande de la Courcel, which threatens both the local leadership and her own homeland. To defeat it she will have to survive being captured by pirates, thrown in prison, and even the desertion of her beloved Joscelyn.

The story is strong, with interesting characters, complex politics, multiple locations, and lots of adventures. All of it is dominated by Carey's wonderful and paradoxical heroine; submissive, as befits an accomplished masochist and courtesan, but never weak.

Some reviewers have complained that readers of the prior novel will just find this more of the same. They're right, and the problem with that is? "Kushiel's Dart" is one of the very best fantasies I've ever read, and I read a LOT of fantasy. This book is quite similar, and just as good. The series, good as it is, might well become tiring if stretched to the infinite horizons of the "Wheel of Time" or "Sword of Truth" series. But Carey wrote only three books about Phedre and shows no signs of writing more. The character and setting are more than good enough to justify a trilogy, and similarity in approach is not a major flaw for a writer as skilled and resourceful as her.

Someone mentioned that this book ended with a similar cliffhanger as the first, but I did not read the ending as a cliffhanger. It ended just the way I would have hoped. I was not bothered by the repetition of events from the first book. In fact I hardly noticed them, the story was so intriguing and breathtaking. I give the author credit for her courage in killing off endearing characters. Although this made me cry as it did in the first book, I understood that life is not always fair.

I am well aware that Phaedre and Jocelyn will have ten years of peace and happiness, and then we shall see what befalls them. That is one of many reasons I am compelled to read the next book in this series, afterall, I have to know how she frees Hyacinthe. I will continue this saga and perhaps go on to the related books, but I will miss Phaedre's voice, her intrigues, and her consort Jocelyn. I cannot imagine any of the future voices being as compelling as Phaedre's.

Jacqueline Carey returns to the lush and decadent world of Terre d'Ange in "Kushiel's Chosen", sequel to the strange but beautiful "Kushiel's Dart", and produces a sequel that unfortunately doesn't quite live up to its predecessor.
Our masochistic heroine, Phedre, leaves behind her comfortable new life as a country countess when she begins to suspect that all is not well in Terre d'Ange. She believes that Melisande Shahrizai, from her hiding place in La Serenessima (Venice), still plots against Queen Ysandre--with the help of at least one D'Angeline noble. But who is her co-conspirator, and what are they planning? Phedre returns to prostitution in the hopes of finding clues, but doesn't accomplish much except driving away her bodyguard-lover Joscelin. Phedre decides there is only one thing to do--travel to La Serenissima and investigate there. In Italy, Phedre uncovers the conspiracy--but disaster strikes and she finds herself lost at sea and entangled with pirates. Now, Phedre's task is to get back to La Serenissima in time to save Ysandre. Along the way, she begins to realize that maybe being marked by the angel of punishment means more than having weird sexual proclivities.
While "Chosen" is a decent book, it fails to engage the reader in the way that "Dart" did. I think my essential problem lies with the middle section of the book--the pirate part. Maybe it's because Phedre's skills are espionage and seduction, not sailing and fighting, so she doesn't do much during this period of time except sit around and feel guilty whenever someone dies. Maybe it's because this sequence doesn't seem to advance the main plot any (except maybe that Phedre's absence makes Joscelin think about his feelings). It almost feels like Carey wrote the beginning and ending of the book, then said, "Oh no...I unraveled the conspiracy too quickly and now I need 300 more pages."
This isn't a bad book; it's a faster read than "Dart", though it never attains the heartbreaking power or the sensuality of the previous novel. I still plan to read the third.

In the second book of the Kushiel's Legacy series, Phedre and her Cassiline, Joscelin, journey to La Serenissima in search of Melisande. But, as always, there is more to the game than anyone suspects at first. Phedre must learn to navigate her way through a whole new politcal climate and use all her wits to try and decipher the clues she has which lead her on a not so merry journey across the seas, where she encounters pirates, gods, and ancient rituals. She is forced to look at herself in a new light time and time again, and make sacrifices she never thought she would have needed.

I was happy to see so many of my favorite characters back for a second book. The change of scenery and introduction of the La Serenissiman characters was the perfect addition to her already fantastic mix. The people and the setting meshed in a way that improved the flow of the story. Throwing in the action, which never seems to stop for Phedre, you have the perfect combination for an amazing book.

5/5

Kushiel's Chosen seemed to me a worthy follow-up to Kushiel's Dart. I wasn't disappointed in it (unlike many of the other reviewers) largely because I wasn't that impressed with the first book. I think the series is a reliably well-written historical fantasy-- no more and no less.
For people who haven't read the first-- this isn't a swords and sorcery fantasy, really. There's very little magic as such and what there is is fairly constrained to priestly magic. Many fantasy books set magic as the foregrounded element where here it can be best compared to the spice in the food.
Also worth noting is that the sex in Kushiel's Chosen is at least a little bit more explicit than in Kushiel's Dart. It's still not disruptive to the story, but this probably isn't for your pre-teen (or even teenage) reader. And (if you haven't figured it out from the back of the book already) Phedre isn't a vanilla kind of girl, so if power games in sex disturb you pick up another book.
So why isn't this five stars? Lots of bad things happen to Phedre, but in the end you never really believe (even for a moment) that she's going to fail. She's too beautiful, speaks too many languages, and is too good at political intrigue. I tend to prefer my heroines (even in escapist fiction) with more flaws to overcome.

After the epic Kushiel's Dart, Kushiel's Chosen continues the saga by following, yet again, the story of the Comtesse Phedre no Delunay no Montreve, marked by two gods: Naamah, the goddess of prostitution, and Kushiel, the One God's punisher, who is the lord of pain. Beacause of these marks, she is destined to feel pain and pleasure and one--making her something called an "anguissette". In Kushiel's Dart, her position as an anguisette put her in a position to uncover a plot to overthrow Terre D'Ange, and the book ended in a cliffhanger: Whre is Melisande Shahrizai, traitor to the nation of Terre D'Ange, and who is the mysterious D'Angeline noble that helped her escape the night of her execution? Kushiel's Chosen begins the day after Kushiel's Dart ended; Phedre makes her decision to pursue Melisande...a decision that will take her to the Night Court again, and back into the intrigue of Terre D'Ange. And, as in the first book, Phedre must leave her homeland, traveling to La Serenissima, Illyria, and Kriti in a neverending quest to save her country and her queen.
Kushiel's Dart was a masterpiece, unfolding in ever-deeper layers; Kushiel's Dart has just as many, if not more, layers of political intrigue and human nature. Phedre is a unique woman, and because of her training in both the arts of prostitution and the arts of politics and diplomacy, she is a hidden weapon for her sovreign, Queen Ysandre de la Courcel. But because she IS a prostitute, her Cassiline consort, Joscelin, is driven away, to the cause of the Yeshuites, and it looks an awful lot like they won't ever make up.
It is a 700 page book, but I was so engrossed I finished in three days. This book is AMAZING. I highly recommend it. I hope that the summary convinces you to read it.
Oh, and if by any chance you find yourself compulsively saying "Make way for Ysandre de la Courcel, Queen of Terre d'Ange!" for a few days after reading this book, believe me, it's perfectly normal.

"What you seek you will find in the last place you expect to look." This phrase is told to Phedre at one point during the course of this book, and it seems that there is no better thought to describe all that she encounters. As with "Kushiel's Dart", this book follows the story of the courtesan Phedre no Delaunay de Montreve, now a peer of the realm thanks to her former lord Delaunay's generous inheritance. She has found herself thrust back into Terre d'Ange society and must now learn to cope with her new status as well as the fact that everyone she encounters now knows she is an agent for Ysandre de la Courcel, Queen of Terre d'Ange. She also has found an impossible love with her protector Joscelin, who has sworn himself to the Cassiline brotherhood, and despite the fact that he has broken nearly all of his vows he cannot bring himself to break the last one that would allow him to be Phedre's consort. Added to that, she is also trying desperately to find a way to save her Tsingano childhood friend Hyacinthe, who had given his life to save hers from a geis curse that would enslave him for 800 years.

Into this mix enters Melisande Shahrizai, the only patron who Phedre has ever loved, and also the woman who betrayed her for her own personal gains. A challenge comes to Phedre in the form of her sangoire cloak, a gift that was given to Phedre when she entered into the service of Naamah. Phedre knows that Melisande is tempting her. If she reenters the service of Naamah she may lose Joscelin in the process, but it may be the only way to unearth the plot that still threatens the Queen, and in return discover just where Melisande has fled to. It is a hard choice, but despite all she has to risk Phedre still makes the decision that will provide all of the answers she seeks to save Terre d'Ange.

This is a worthy follow up to "Kushiel's Dart." It continues the masterfully concieved saga that Carey has created with a vengence. I found it to be more satisgying than the first, and was engrossed from the beginning to the very end, which frankly brought tears to my eyes. Phedre is a wonderfully flawed heroine, flawed in the fact that she cannot forgive the one who has brought her the most grief, but she cannot bring herself to forget her either, and this nearly becomes her downfall at several points in this book. There are also several moments that test her indomitable will as her travels take her to La Serenissima, Illyria, Kriti (the better part of Europa for that matter) and even to the brink of insanity as she festers in a jail cell on a lone island and endures the theatalos ceremony of Kriti which shows her all of the despair she has caused during her life. Phedre is constantly tested and challenged throughout this book and comes through the challenges scarred and in pain. But through it all she still knows that the fate of Terre d'Ange once again is in her hands, and only she can thwart what Melisande had already set in motion.

If you have read "Kushiel's Dart" and loved it, there is no way you cannot pick this one up. This book draws you in right from the beginning and constantly sucks you back in with all of its plot turns and new characters. I could not imagine anyone not reading these books who is a fan of the genre. For me, it was a treasure, and i cannot wait to read them again.

This novel is a capable sequel: Jacqueline Carey gives her readers more of what they've come to expect after Kushiel's Dart. Therefore, if you enjoyed the first book, you will probably enjoy this one, too. However, if you're like me, Carey will continue to leave you a little disappointed, given the story's potential. She has developed an intriguing alternate reality Europe, in which the child of Jesus and Mary Magdalene fostered a kingdom in France, built around the credo: "Love as thou wilt." She has a compelling character concept in Phedre, a masochistic courtesan and adept spy. She immerses her heroine in a web of political intrigue, as well as giving her an unlikely lover in the form of Joscelin, a warrior monk sworn to protect her despite his distaste for her way of life.
These elements are all familiar from Carey's previous work, but I still feel that she has yet to exploit them fully. The tension between Phedre and Joscelin feels too artificial; we don't see enough of Joscelin's struggle among his love for Phedre, his vows of chastity, and his seeming destiny among the Jews. The resolution here is far too facile. I similarly wish that Carey would give us more direct confrontation between Phedre and her nemesis, Melisande, whose power over Phedre is the only force that makes our heroine seem truly vulnerable. The relationship between these two women also bridges the gap between the plot Phedre's masochism, which otherwise plays far too small a part in the story, outside of some rather enticing scenes with some of her patrons. If you're into that sort of thing.
Honestly, Kushiel's Chosen works well enough as a tale of adventure, but I feel that Carey has laid too much groundwork to ignore her heroine's more internal conflicts. I still intend to read the last novel in the trilogy. Perhaps then Carey will not be afraid to bring these conflicts to a head.

Jacqueline Carey's excellent Kushiel's Chosen is twice as good as its predecessor, Kushiel's Dart. The rise in quality comes not from the fast-paced plot, which is enough to keep you turning pages, but from Ms. Carey's exceptional development of her characters.

The book picks up right from where Kushiel's Dart left off. Phedre decides at once to pursue Melisandre Shahrizai to La Serenissima, the seat of the powerful Stregazza family. However, there is one problem: to do it, she must re-enter Naamah's Service, the sacred prositution of Terre D'Ange. Phedre's decision causes a rift between her and her lover/protector, Joscelin Verreuil. Joscelin, a former Cassiline celibate, is torn between keeping his vow to protect Phedre and dealing with the realities of exactly what Phedre does with her clients.

There is a great more detail about some of these encounters, explicit but elegantly phrased and sometimes humorous. (A scene where Phedre is bound up by a lover who tries, and fails, to interrogate her played beautifully on the fact that Phedre was as far from intimidated as could be.) In the end, all these encounters lead to a staged scene which gets Phedre on her way to La Serenissima to find Melisandre. And once there, Phedre gets caught in an assassination plot that sees her sent to prison, facing death, and undergoing a purification ceremony.

The fun of Kushiel's Chosen is that while there's a romance at heart, Joscelin and Phedre stay true to who they are--at least, as the writer has written them. Phedre doesn't try to shield Joscelin from the consequences of her decision to go back to Naamah's Service; nor does Joscelin attempt to "understand" or excuse Phedre's behavior. Their warfare goes on for nearly half the book, with exchanges that made me wince. Likewise, Melisandre is one of the best villains in fantasy--a dark goddess, seductive, and driven as much by love as she is by ambition. And then there is the Stregazza family, with brothers Marco and Ricciardo fighting for position in the Dogal elections, and Marco's son Severin struggling to win Phedre's heart.

There are more events I could discuss (the Unforgiven, Benedict de la Courcel's marriage), but why give the book away? This review has already given enough of the novel away, and you'll want to savor this book page by page. Kushiel's Chosen is a treasure hunt; get started and enjoy the quest. You'll be happy you did.

"Kushiel's Chosen" is the second book in Jacqueline Carey's thrilling fantasy trilogy of life in a world similar to Earth, during a period reminiscent of our Renaissance. This novel, a fantastic romantic adventure, is every bit as exciting as her first book, "Kushiel's Dart."
Our heroine, Phedre no Delauney, is now Comtesse de Montreve, a peer of Terre d'Ange. This lash-loving lady has come a long way from the little girl who was sold by her parents, years before, into the service of Naamah, the honored profession of the courtesan. Phedre was kissed by the god Kushiel. There is a tiny crimson mote in the white of her left eye, (Kushiel's Dart), marking her as an "anguisette," one of Kushiel's Chosen. A true "anguisette" is extremely rare. They are born to find pleasure in pain.
Phedre played a major part in ending the violent war that threatened to destroy her country. The new Queen of Terre D'Ange, who Phedre pledged to serve and protect, has been crowned. However, those who would wrest the throne for themselves continue to plot treachery and renewed violence. Chief among the traitors is Melisande Shahrizai, Phedre's nemesis and patron of old. Melisande announces her continued presence in the world of intrigue by beginning a game of cat and mouse with Phedre, who comes out of retirement to thwart plans to harm the Queen. Her return to Court, the City of Elua, and her profession as a spy, threaten her star-crossed relationship with her beloved companion and bodyguard, the Cassiline apostate, Joscelin Verreuil.
The plot and subplots are unique and stunning. The excitement just doesn't stop. Ms. Carey combines eroticism with swashbuckling adventure, romance and world building. Her imaginative use of historic detail, diverse cultures, the creation of many varied characters and their development, make this series so special. A riveting novel - I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended!
JANA

With the return of her sangoire cloak, Phedre recognizes the challenge issued by Melisande Shahrizai. The cloak marks Phedre an anguissette, one of Kushiel's chosen, as does the scarlet mark in the iris of her left eye. Phedre is a woman destined to enjoy pleasure in pain, finding love with Joscelin, who knew from the beginning what she was. Despite being condemned as an oath breaker, Joscelin has never violated the central precept of Cassiel: To protect and serve. But Phedre's plans will put his pledge to the test. When Phedre makes plans to rededicate to the Service of Naamah who commands only love as thou wilt, she risks Joscelin's love.
Phedre seeks two things. She needs the answer that will free Hyacinthe from his eternal indenture to the Master of Straights, and she also seeks the conspiracy that allowed Melisande to vanish from a well-guarded chamber the night before her execution for treason. Melisande had once been Phedre's patron, later selling her into slavery. Phedre knows that the cloak was only the opening gambit of a deadly game. Until she can prove it, however, Phedre must use her gifts to gain the knowledge she seeks. Phedre's gift for courtly arts, and arts of the bedroom, is only surpassed by her ability to observe, remember, and analyze.
Complexity of characterization and masterful plotting make KUSHIEL'S CHOSEN an addictive read. Phedre is a flawed heroine, ever aware of the consequences of her actions. The gift of Kushiel makes for a fascinating balance of pleasure and pain, lending her character a mesmerizing complexity. Her deep-seated attraction and love for her nemesis, as well as her complicated relationship with Joscelin, masterfully reveal both her strengths and flaws. Indeed, Phedre is one of those rare heroines who truly captures the reader's heart and imagination. Other characters are likewise memorable, including Joscelin with his heart torn between duty and love, and the pirate Kazan . Phedre's nemesis, Melisande likewise reveals a cunning and intricacy of characterization worthy of the most powerful of anti-heroines.
Not having read the first book of the trilogy entitled KUSHIEL'S DART, I initially found KUSHIEL'S CHOSEN a challenge to follow. Missing the first 700 pages of a series definitely inhibits one understanding of the complexities of personal and political affiliations and affections. Nevertheless, I quickly found myself swept away on author Jacqueline Carey's prose and transported to an alternate world of breathtaking historical fantasy. By the conclusion, I did not feel that not having read the books in order inhibited my enjoyment in any way; it did, however, feed my need to immediately order the first book of the trilogy. Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence.

My early reaction, not too far into the story, was that this second book in the Kushiel trilogy was not as captivating as the first because it isn't as interesting to read about an adult prostitute starring in a sequel of "more of the same" than it is to read about a child growing up and having her first adventures.

Further on into the book, the story took over. And it is a very good story. My darling Phedre is just as active in this one as she is in the first.

This book's villain is Melisande Shahrizai, but she isn't nearly as captivating a villain as she is in Kushiel's Dart, and that is a bit of a weakness here. Melisande doesn't do a whole hell of a lot in this second book. She quietly plays arch-villain, mostly in the background.

There is a strong cast of characters, and a strong storyline. This is an excellent book worthy of the highest rating.

As I read it, I wanted very much to see the movie, and to have something to do with the making of the movie. This book, like the first, is just begging for a film version, and a high budget one, carefully done and true to the book, along the lines of Lord of the Rings.

This series has achieved excellence. It is action packed, emotional, intelligent, and imaginative.

Just as emotionally demanding and adventurous as Carey's first epic novel, "Kushiel's Chosen" continues the story of Phedre as she makes the strenuous decision to return to the life of a courtesan in order to uncover a political intrigue that may cost the royal family everything they (and many others) have worked for in establishing peace to Terre D'Ange.
The love story between Phedre and Joscelin (Phedre's guard and lover) that underlies this novel is heartwrenching. The author so masterfully wrote the interactions between these characters, where I, as a reader, felt so completely a part of it.
I wish the author had addressed Hyacinthe a little more, but I have a feeling that this is what the final novel in the trilogy will be concering.
Jacqueline Carey is an original and excellent writer. Her stories are compelling and her characters are realistic (for a fantasy). Carey has a great talent for portraying the world of politics, cultures, and intrigue.
I recommend this novel to anyone with an open mind and a love for fantasy!

Wow. It took forever to read this novel and I could hardly put it down. Action, adventure and intrigue abound. I was only a little put off by Phedre role of anguissette but it was handled with taste; unlike 50 Shades were I was quite disgusted.

A great read.

If you liked Kushiel's Dart, you'll probably enjoy this sequel. The idea no longer seems as fresh, and the sensuality is definately toned down. The book is still worth reading, but it could have been done much better.
The plot follows the pattern of the first book. Phedre returns to the life of a courtesan and becomes popular and sought after. She then departs on a secret mission to expose a traitor to the throne, visits faraway lands under stressful circumstances, has adventures including several imprisonments and a sea voyage, and saves the country and her queen. Sound familiar?
I had several problems with the story. First, Phedre's return to her former occupation seems pointless. There's only one patron that she learns things from that she couldn't get from common gossip. My favorite character, Jocelin, is constantly disappearing for badly explained reasons. He's supposedly exploring his faith, but it seems like a device to remove him whenever it would be more interesting for Phedre to be in danger. And at the end of the story Jocelin goes through a poorly justified character transformation. The main conflicts seem like rehashed versions of the problems from the first book Phedre and Jocelin try to figure out their relationship. Phedre agonzies over her attraction to Melissande. Phedre feels guilty when people die protecting her. It's all stuff we've read before.
There is adventure and danger and suspense, and the story's not bad. It just doesn't feel as satisfying as the first book because I was expecting so much more.

I was so excited reading this book after "Dart" and enjoyed it almost as much. Characters and politics that were a struggle at first in the earlier book are so much more familiar here and a good thing too as Ms. Carey takes her characters and us on a thrilling "road trip". The narrative prose is as strong and the first person method just as satisfying as it was before. The only flaw for me was that the quarrel between Phedre and Joscelin seemed to go on a bit too long as once you gain a certain understanding of who/what the characters are and their relationship to one another, as so carefully entertwined and divulged by Ms. Cary, a resolution is an envitable and it is almost frustrating waiting. So, the book can be not only thought provoking but perhaps an emotional one as well ;) This book is not as much of a sensual read as the earlier one but maintains the overall nature of the first book. This is still an excellent read, an excellent journey and I would highly recommend this second book to the trilogy as a "must".

Kushiel's Chosen is the second volume of a trilogy. In the first book, Kushiel's Dart, Jacqueline Carey introduces the reader to an alternative past for France called Terre d'Ange which is a land founded by Jesus and Mary Magdalene's son Elua and his 12 followers. Kushiel's Dart is Phedre, a young woman who was sold into prostitution by her mother, but who was raised to be a spy. After many adventures she foils the plot of Melisande Shahrizai to take over the country and becomes a national hero and a comtesse. However, Melisande escapes punishment in a mysterious jailbreak.

This second book picks up the action when Phedre receives a clue that Melisande may be hiding in La Serenissima, our modern Venice, and goes in search of her. As with the first book, there are lots of adventures, narrow escapes, and court intrigue. Many new characters are introduced and the struggle between Melisande and Phedre continues. There is even less BDSM than in the first novel, although the theme is still present.

There are enough background details in Kushiel's Chosen that it can be read without having read Kushiel's Dart. However, I can't see too many people wanting to do this. The plot structure of the two books is very similar which might irritate some readers of both books. Hopefully in the third, the author mixes it up a bit. Still, an impressive creation full of detail and very tightly developed for such a large book.

Jacueline Carey has done something few writers can attest to:
She wrote a sequel that is just as good as it's predecessor!Carey returns us to the kingdom of Terre D'ange, the land of holy prostitution and lethal intrigue.Kushiel's Chosen leads off where the first book ends, with the mysterious escape of archvillianess, Melisandre.Phedre, our heroine is determined to find out the traitors who helped Melisandre escape from prison and when she gets cloak sent by her enemy as a challenge she takes it upon herself to find Melisandre. Phedre's obession with her enemy will pull her back into her holy order and it will strain her relationship with her lover, Joscelin.Phedre's adventure will take her sun-drenched villas of La Serenissima
where she will uncover Melisandre's sinsiter conspiracy to gain the crown and a deadly assasination plot against queen Ysandre!
This novel has all of the ingredients that made the first one such a smash hit: lyrical prose that sings upon the page; outstanding world-building that makes Phedre's world come alive
sweeping action sequences like daring escape upon island prison that holds our heroine and unforgettable swashbuckling swordfight between Joscelin Queen Ysandre's would be assasin! The characters of this epic novel are also a wonder like blood-cursed pirate Kazan Atrabiades who rescues Phedre and helps her at her cause.I love Phedre and her world of dark desire, darker intrigue and swashbuckling adventure! Bring on Kushiel's Avatar!

On the back of this book there is a quote from a published author, saying something like, "Only once in every 10 years or so does a book like this come along."
I would agree! I haven't read a trilogy like this in many, many years. Broad of scope, filled with fantasy and magic, an adult fantasy (in all senses of the word "adult"). And the eroticism doesn't read (as in some novels) as eroticsm soley for the sake of titilation, but Ms. Carey has blended the eroticism as a solid part of the overall story, just as eroticism is a solid part of human existence.
By creating a world that is similar to, but slightly different from the one we inhabit in our waking ours, Ms. Carey offers - inadvertently or no - an interesting commentary on our own culture.
Wonderful read!

I couldn't believe I read 912 pages in a few days! The power & imaginative writing is nothing short of incredible as Ms. Carey weaves a tale that includes everything from light S&M to love, respect, passion & obsession to murder, torture, hatred and deception. The action is written so clearly that even when many duels and hand to hand are being fought, it was easily followed. The description of the places she has travelled is excellent as are the interesting people she meets. She is constantly portrayed and called a [...], a [...] spy, a pain-bearer, but in the end she wins the hearts and souls of all and they find in her an ally, friend, lover bar none. And then there is Joscelin....the man who has her heart. I am so glad I found this series.

This is the second book in this series. It is a little more action packed and has a great story arc. I really enjoyed the development of new characters. It seems to have a lot of suspense as Phedre continues on her journey.

This story is an amazingly rich and layered fantasy that will completely suck you in if you give it half a chance.

From reading all three of the Kushiel's novels thus far, I can tell that Ms. Carey has done her research about ancient places, languages, myths, and religions to weave her stories into something that feels real even as you are swept away in the fantasy of it all. You are able to see the world that was, yet imagine a world that might have been all at the same time. Kushiel's Chosen takes you to whole new places with Phedre, and lets you explore the Medditeranean in a new and fantastical way.

These are NOT kids books. They have sexual themes that definitly make them grown-up reading and make it necessary to be able to put personal preferences aside and simply go along with the story, but nothing about those situations feel gratuitous or simply placed there for shock value; they actually help propel the story.

All in all, I love the Kushiel's stories and am anxiously looking forward to the next books. If you love history and love fantasy, I think you will also find this series facinating.

It's actually my favorite book in the Kushiel series.

Yes it has flaws (every book has flaws) but the story is thrilling and engaging, it makes you not want to stop reading. One consistent problem in all the books is that none of the main characters, including the person telling the story, have any real flaws. I wouldn't say they are depth-less and flat, but their "flaws" are pretty flimsy ones, and they seem almost superhuman with their listed abilities and strengths. The plot is very engaging, though. (Keep in mind, none of these books are for you if you can't get past lengthy prose and nearly-perfect people.) In my opinion, the point is to tell a fantastic tale, and the author succeeds in doing so, and gives ample reason as to how the characters are able to accomplish those ends, which ended up making them all slightly more perfect than any normal human is.

The first book was brilliant one of my favourite ever and most likely if it never existed this book would be a 4. Its still a good book but when its the continuation of the story of phedre and josceline it becomes a must read.

Plot - Phedre finds out melisande is in la sessimistra and starts playing her game again to find her. Lots of travelling happens josceline and her fight alot much the same as the first book.

I find where this book lacks is in the 2nd half where it just seems there is a lot of filler, you can see the ending coming half way through the book and then suddenly it detours and phedre just seems to be filling in time far from the action till the exciting stuff begins again. In contrast kushiels dart was a constant roller coaster till the very end.

I havent mentioned much of the positives here but hopefully you have read kushiels dart and that should tell you what to expect here, rest assured 'chosen' is very well written and enjoyable to read just not the perfect book the first one was.

In the end i give it 4 and a half stars, a well made continuation but no classic like the first. Reading the third soon, ive heard i wont be dissapointed.

I was a fan of Kushiel's Dart and was excited to start on the sequel. Unfortunately it didn't quite live up to its predecessor although it's certainly a perfectly readable book.

Kushiel's Dart had a fair number of things going for it that this book just lacks. I thought Phedre's lack of simple friendships or familial type relationships flattened out the character somewhat. In Dart she was a daughter of sorts to Delauney, a sister to Alcuin and a friend to Hyacinthe. By Chosen she's lost all of those relationships, leaving only her stormy on again off again romance with Joscelin. It leaves her seeming more one-dimensional. And the relationships that do remain--with Joscelin and Melisande went from painful and complicated to melodramatic and overdone.

I didn't much care for Joscelin or his pain in this book. I thought his struggle between his vows and his love for her in the first book were believable and compelling. In this book, though, I mostly found him selfish. It was Delauney who bound Joscelin to Phedre, not Phedre herself. She had no choice in his being vowed to her service, so it seemed a little selfish of Joscelin for him to expect her to order her life so he could remain true to vows she had no part in making. And it wasn't like she was returning to the Service of Namaah for kicks. She was doing it in service to the Queen. She didn't choose to be an anguissette either and often hates it as much as he does. He just struck me as being hypocritical and self-righteous. Phedre certainly didn't help matters herself, true, but he did annoy me more.

The Melisande business seems like it should have been finished in Book One too. Her whole love/hate relationship with Melisande was so unique and tragic in Dart. But it felt done with when Phedre gave Melisande back her diamond. Bringing Melisande back just felt like the author trying not to give up on her favorite villain.

The plot doesn't really go anywhere new, either, and we're introduced to too many characters who never seem to much matter. While I thought the political intrigue was a strength of the first, here I just found it slow.

The book does have its good points. I continue to like Ysandre and Drustan. And Phedre herself is a likeable heroine. Despite the fact that she repetitively gets accused of being a Mary Sue, I really don't find her any more unbelievably perfect than your average male fantasy protagonist, most of whom never seem to get accused of such things. If she's a Sue, so is Joscelin at the very least.

I'm not one for extensive reviews, and if people are going to read this review, then they already know what the story is basically about.
This book, the sequel to Kushiel's Dart, is as good, if not better than it's predecessor. New lands and new people assail Joscelin and Phedre, who are pushed together unwillingly, even though their love stays strong. Some mysteries are unravelled, and more entwine, but all along, Phedre remains that stalwart and unwavering heroine that we met and loved in the first book.
All we can hope now that Ms. Carey has set our expectations so high, that the third book will be as good as the second.

Kushiel's Dart was brilliant, no question there. But the sequel
lacked in a few ways that left me happy but disappointed.
Primarily, the framework of the story is nearly identical to the
original. Phedre in the service of Namaah, searching her assignations for any clues of treachery against the crown. A
quest to search out her most hated enemy. Captured, escaped,
travel through a strange and exotic land...
Even the sequence of events is the same! Regardless of these
these flaws, I managed to hold on to enjoy the story. I hope "Phedre's Boys" like myself, did the same and
had a good time revisting old friends and the world of Terre D'Ange.

I initially did not know this was a book in a trilogy and read this book first, and had to go back and read the first one. I immediately loved Phedre and Joscelin, but did not quite understand the entire Hyacinthe thing (obviously since I didn't read the first book first). I love the story and the relation of the map to Europe, and how each group is portrayed but under different names. The plot is intricate, and there are many erotic parts, as well as suspense and action. Melisande remains ever a part of the story as I learned her relationship to Phedre, of the Stregazza family, and Ti-Phillipe and Remy. Joscelin is awesome, and I wish I had a Cassiline brother of my own just like him :) I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, as this trilogy has become one of my favorite sets of all time (it's on my favorite-books bookshelf)

In this second book, our heroine Phèdre takes up the challenge of the clever villainess Melisande Sharizai, who has escaped the death penalty for high treason.

This time Phèdre has the advantage of being a "peer of the realm". She is respected as a saviour, courtesan, spy and comtesse, which helps the search for Melisande and her allies. We start at court, which is, as always, brimming with intrigue.

Two strong points in this story are the dazzling plot twist in the middle, and Phèdre's forced association with the pirate captain Kazan Atribiades. Jacqeline Carey is good with adventure stereotypes: the soldiers, priests, rulers and pirates are all developed as real people, without tainting the glamour of their professions.

Like in Kushiel's Dart, the psychological realism is based economic and political relationships. The characters either have deeply held loyalties, or are trapped by material necessity. These clean drives clash nicely, making a hot and sexy story that reads like a literary James Bond movie.

What a wonderful ending to this world-wind epic adventure! If Kushiel's Dart was mischievously enticing and Kushiel's Chosen was heartbreaking, then Kushiel's Avatar is love's redemption. Enthusiasts of this series will find out how far love will take the characters and what it truly means to accept the pure essence of love. Of course, falling in love with the characters all over again is part of that journey. Carey's cunning twist to "history," comes full circle to its completion in this third and final book. Although it's full of names and details that can be overwhelming, a second read-through would not be too grievous. Not wanting to give too much way, Kushiel's Avatar sets our heroine and Perfect Companion on a trail that only the gods perceive the end of.
New readers to this Trilogy should note that it contains adult material (i.e. sex and violence) not for everyone, but Carey's approach is simple and direct. Style of the books? Comparing Kushiel's Trilogy to The Odyssey isn't fair, but the spirit of it is the same, the long journey home.
For her first series and written in the difficult to master First Person, Carey has shown the literary world a brief glimpse of her skills and imagination. Forth coming stories will be well looked for.

My disillusionment with fantasy has only deepened these last few months, but this book and it's predecessor...are incredible! I can't say this enough, I love these books! This sequel to the amazing Kushiel's Dart is every bit as good as the first. Phedre has somehow become even more magnetic and enthralling. Her adventures take her everywhere in this book, opening up the alterna-world of Carey's creation. The world is sublime, the cultures rich and textured and the people are fantastic. The action scenes and plot twists are enough to make you gasp outloud and scare the cat sleeping at your feet. It's been so long since a book has really and truly surprised me, I almost forgot what it felt like. This book has everything fantasy fantatics need and want, while throughing in things you didn't even know you wanted! I'd better stop before I run out of adjectives. Just one more thing, if you really want to try something different, please, please pick this book up, I promise you won't regret it.

I actually borrowed this book from a friend, and liked it so much that I went searching for a first edition hardcover online. *Great* new series! Interesting world, original characterization, exciting storyline, everything one could wish for in an intelligent adult fantasy novel. Jacqueline Carey doesn't make her female characters into men with breasts or helpless princesses--they are real women, with real minds and strengths and weaknesses just like everyone else--in other words, just human.
Keep in mind that this is an adult oriented series--no real shocking sex scenes, but many adult themes are explored, so this book would be appropriate for mature teenagers or older. Five stars!

After finishing Kushiel's Dart, I wouldn't have believed the series could get any better. The Kushiel's series, and this book in particular, masterfully blends political intrigue, a believable smart romance and great action. I got goosebumps equally from Phedre and Joscelin's story and Joscelin's serious ass kicking.

The erotica is never forced, but I'd learned to trust that after reading the first book, it serves to further the story and provide insight into the characters' deepest cores.

I'm looking forward to the next book and scared as to what I'll read when it's over, being the last one in the series.

How does one follow up one of the greatest debut novels since "To Kill a Mockingbird?" Obviously, Harper Lee retired, but thank goodness Jacqueline Carey has kept writing. Most of the reviewers of this book indicate that if you liked "Kushiel's Dart," you'll like "Kushiel's Chosen" as well. I agree. Carey displays the same bravura talent in this sophomore effort that made her debut so shockingly good. The few complaints I've seen in other reviews seem to center on the "it's just more of the same" issue. Well, I agree with that, too. By all means, Ms. Carey, give us more of the same for a good long time.

That having been said, I'll admit that I felt the political machinations weren't quite as tightly plotted as in the first book. If the plotting seemed a little looser, however, the characterization was even stronger. Phedre keeps surprising me with new complexity, as her life becomes ever more god-ridden. Unless something drastic happens with Carey's writing, I'll be buying everything she writes from here on in.

Let me start this review by saying that despite the cheesiness of the first book, I genuinely enjoyed it and looked forward to getting this one. In fact I ran out and bought it the same day I finished the first. I was disappointed to find out that while this book was similar to the first, it wasn't as entertaining at all.

The book is full of plot points that exist solely for the characters to angst and mope and have drama and I had a hard time feeling sorry for anybody. Phedre's return to prostitution was an utter waste of time as she garnered no useful information from it so basically Joscelin was alienated for no real reason. His angst was so over the top with the whole Jewish sideplot that I couldn't even care about him after awhile. We were told that he was sadface but we never saw any real tension or confrontation between them other than a couple of (relatively unimpressive) verbal spats.

It would have been a lot more interesting if, say, he'd witnessed her return from a patron when she was all newly sexed up and lashed. But we never get those juicy tidbits. It's all generally second hand information. This lack of real confrontation makes the whole situation seem less dire so Joscelin comes out looking like a jackass when he virtually abandons his duty in search of the Messiah or whatever the hell he was doing.

None of the new characters were very interesting. It was basically the same sideshow of the first book but less interesting or intense this time. Everyone man (and sometimes woman) who comes across Phedre is INSTANTLY enamored with her. All men gawp in shock when they see her, people are willing to do outlandish things to bed her, blah blah. We get it. The chevaliers were sadly uninteresting to me. I couldn't even tell Remy and Phillip apart because they were so similar. And of course, all three were besotted with teh sexeh Phedre and oh so hated Joscelin on her behalf. Nicola was useless. Her sole existence was to of course be hot enough for Phedre to instantly trust her and give her some sekrit password that of course ends up saving the day. The pirates were pretty cool but did the king guy of Kri..whatever. Greece. REALLY have to be hot for Phedre too? I'd like to think that these mighty rulers could control themselves a bit better.

The most disappointing aspect of the book really lay at the feet of Melisande. A villain who is unseen and does nothing for a large part of the novel. Their relationship and "connection" makes no sense. It's an excuse for more Phedre!angst. She was never in love with her through out the first book. She seemed like she wanted to bone her but that was about it and wasn't much different from a couple of other people. There was no magnetic animal love thing present that they're referring to through out Chosen. And the part where Phedre offered herself in exchange for the baby's where abouts was simply embarrassing.

All in all, this was a lot like an episode of Law and Order. It's all over the place with clues falling out of the sky through out the book and it all magically falls into place and comes together at the end due to the cleverness of the main character. The book suffers because Phedre's character is often unlikeable and unknowledgeable of her flaws, mostly due to the fact that nobody but Joscelin calls her on them. It was a relief when she finally had it all laid out for her in the little cave of doom part but even so, it would be nice if she had some self awareness and not every single character was so deeply enamored by her.

Kushiel's Chosen is of the same calibur as Kushiel's Dart! I absolutly LOVED it! Jacqueline Carey is now one of my favorite authors, her books just bring you into a believable realm that makes you never want to put the book down. Her vivid imagry and compelling style of story-telling is so captivating. This book was truly excellent, there are so many plot twists, that even I couldn't figure it out until I read what truly happened; it just keeps you guessing. And, I have to admit, I was so worried about what would happen between Phedre and Josceline! The emotional reactions that Phedre has are so believable, and you know the characters so well that it almost makes you cry when one of them is lost. All-in-all, this book kept me enchanted until the very end, (very suprising end indeed!) and I can't wait for Kushiel's Avatar to come out next year!! Trust me, if you loved Kushiel's Chosen, you'll love this one as well.

Jacqueline Carey is one of my favorite authors of all time. The Kushiel's Legacy series is amazing and pulls you into a magical world with just enough connections to reality and current religions that it feels like this is something that COULD have happened thousands of years ago. Highly recommend the whole series.

This second in a series of three novels featuring the heroine Phedre is even better than the first. Ms. Carey has come up with a practically seamless story that is complicated, vivid and fascinating. Her writing is so sensual and detailed that the reader becomes lost in her exotic universe. To any complaints about this novel and this series, I would say, "It's a fantasy!" It is exactly what it is supposed to be, and a masterful example, too. Highly recommended.

If you are hooked after Dart, don't hesitate to get this one.

However: It DEFINITELY SLOGS midway through. And 'twas a shame, for 'tis all of a sudden, olde english snuck in about a third of the way through, and never left; 'twas annoying, that. Perchance an editor fell asleep? (it really does read like that. Ugh.)

So why the five stars? I loved the characters, I loved the ending, I loved the theme, I loved this world.

I absolutely enjoyed Kushiel's Dart!!! Even though I didn't enjoy Joscelin's character in the beginning of it I began to like him towards the end. In Kushiel's Chosen I didn't get enough of what he was feeling, there are a lot of things that just seemed unbelievable (Like him being oath sworn and so damn ready to be by her side, then distancing himself because he was hurt, and then forgetting all of that and loving her fully when she was gone and captured) I am hoping that maybe Kushiel's Avatar will be better, when I enjoy a book I try and space it out so I can get the full feeling of it... with this book I was finished in two days because I was trying to get through most of it, I wasn't really interested in soaking up the whole experience and reflecting on it.

At times I grew tired of Phedre and her choices, and I towards the middle when pirates magically rescued her I was bored. The characters didn't seem to be as defined as they were in Kushiel's Dart... I found myself guessing what their feelings were. I was hoping she would have more encounters with Melisande, unfortunately that didn't happen either, and with all of Phedre's spying ability she seemed to be as dumb as doornails when it came to matters of the heart.

I give this book a 3 because I didn't stop reading it, but this book could have been much shorter and it could have had more character development instead of filling it with a bunch of nonsense that didn't get to the heart of the people who were in it. All in all it is an ok read, ok plot, but nothing compared to Kushiel's Dart, I will set my standards lower so that maybe when I read Kushiel's Avatar I will be slightly surprised.

I liked Kushiel's Dart. I gave it a positive review, though I thought it had a few flaws. I loved the detail with which the author created the world and the people in it.

My problem with the sequel is that it seems to be just more of the same. If you liked the first novel, well, you will probably love this one. I found myself bored. Again we have the intricate political intrigues, again masterminded by the same person as from the first book, who again escapes at the end of the book to torment the heroine to explosions of purple prose for a third novel. I would have liked to see different kinds of stories. The main character is a unique brand of courtesan in a world which resembles our own and is yet so different. Is politics the only thing she can experience?

Yes, new lands are explored in this novel. There are alternate versions of Greece and Venice, and clever details throughout. But I felt like I had gone through it all already. The middle section of the book drags as Phedre is captured, rescued, nearly drowned, rescued, forced to understand a foreign culture while sleeping with a slightly savage lord. And so many characters! I hate to say it, but I was relieved, as in the first book, when a few of them were killed, so I didn't have to keep track of them.

I hope that the people who liked the first novel like this one, really I do. But if you had any lukewarm feelings about the first novel, you might want to give this one a miss.

The entire series is riveting. I have enjoyed each novel and have anticipated each new release. Provocative, but still it allows for the alternated fictional process to encase the Christian beliefs as well as the good vs. evil struggle that man and woman endure to seek. Great read, wonderful evolving story. I highly recommend it.

The second book of the trilogy.

Once again Phedre takes us on a mind blowind adventure. This book was just as good as the first, and gives us more of the same igredients like suspense,intrigue,action,love,and last but not least sex. Phedre is thrown into yet another twisting plot of deciept,the tale unfolds before your eyes in an intricate pattern that will have you turning the pages like an addict. The new characters are great, Joscelin is still a hottie, Phedre still loves/craves pleasure with pain. If you loved the first, you'll adore the second.

Recommended indeed.

I'm not going to get into the plot here. Several people have already gone that route. I would simply like to disagree with the many reviewers that claim this book to be somewhat less than the first book. I loved Kushiel's Chosen MUCH more than Dart. There were certainly better scenes in the first book, that I agree with. As a whole, however, Chosen is more exciting. I had read 50 pages of Kushiel's Dart and I couldn't decide if I liked it. I wanted to keep reading because the writing was excellent. Whereas many writers speak to me, Carey's writing sang to me. It was beautiful. But the story was dragging for me. Just a little mind you. It kicked in when Joscelin entered the picture. It REALLY kicked when the Skaldi entered the picture. So, as a whole, from page one to page the last, Kushiel's Chosen was the better book. We're all entitled to our own opinions, of course. Just,PLEASE!, don't let other reviewers keep you away from this book. You won't be disappointed.

Kushiel's Dart was GREAT! Kushiels Chose was equally GREAT!
Once you pick up this book, you may find out just how quickly you can read a 700 page book. This is truely a great storyline, with well developed characters in a fantastic setting. Phedre and Joscelin of course return in this book (right on the heels of where the first book ended). Will they find the elusive Melisandre? Read this book and find out, you won't be at all sorry.

The first book in this series, Kushiel's Dart, was a beautifully written beginning to the Kushiel's Legacy series. It left me eager for her next installment, and I probably built it up too much to have it fulfill what I was hoping for. It moved slowly in the middle, and the intrigues were not nearly as interesting for some reason. I think it was that there were unfamiliar names or that the book began in the relative peace of Ysandre's rule.
It is a mark of how beautiful Carey's writing is that I was disappointed by this book and still give it four stars. Her language is amazing, and the settings she's created are amazingly detailed. The plotting in this book, although just as intricate, was slightly more difficult to follow. Overall, it's my least favorite of the three, but still well worth buying and reading, both of which I have done.

Some of you may think i'm crazy, but the second one was what got me into this series. Yes, the beginning was a little wordy, but the second half was unbelievable, and the end had me in tears! The first one took me forever to read-it was MORE wordy than the second, despite some of the reviews here. Kushiel's Chosen had more believable characters, though the Phedre/Joscelin relationship was a little forced, and had better writing, though the third book was my favorite. Kushiel's Chosen also developed Phedre's character beautifully and vastly improved her relationship with Melisande. The only thing that annoyed me was that Phedre kept escaping death by seconds-it started to get a little old. But if you are looking for a completely believable, though completely weird-when-you-think-about-it book with wonderfully developed characters and an amazingly detailed fantasy world, then this book, and this series, is for you!

Kushiel's Chosen--the Saga and agony that keeps on whipping

The trilogy you love to hate and know it has to do with how dull our real lives are when we sit on a perch safely in our island of Self. [As a state of twisted indifference I write this critique.]

A. Harsh criticism

Sorry, but Carey's bastardization of ``Love as thou wilt'' clearly a twist on ``Do what thou Wilt shall be the whole of the Law, Love is the Law, Love under Will'' of Thelema shows her a poor student of the notion of True Will. Love==Will demands no enslavement and thus excuse to be a masochistic brat who just has to scratch that itch and the rest of the world be damned [Joscelin the Soul that just can't get enough of that ethereal whipping].

The Mont Nuit is another hint to Thelema, however the Egyptian Sky Goddess is quite obscure to most people [Search for Nu/Nuit]. This random interest in Angels and turning them into Gods and then Europe to be the seed spawn of the damned [Romans slaying a mythical God] is rather interesting as her myth has as much merit as the myth she has altered and leveraged, especially vague references and direct references to a mythical man/god who bleeds for our Salvation.

B. Book I Character flaws keep on giving and giving and giving

The same flaw in Phedre is in full bloom in Joscelin. Why? Because Carey wrote the flaw and called it a mark of doing one's own God's Will, like it's a bastion of Honor [A markedly fall from Grace for Joscelin] to be a celibate or a slut, her twist on Yin/Yang in some demented sense.

I'm slogging through the beginning of this book knowing I'm really going to be bored to death with the Jesuits section [or not, it depends on how masochistic I feel at the time]. I've just got to scratch that itch so I'll suffer through it and all it's innate painful pleasure.

One book where a slut who heals [a sacred whore doesn't leverage for knowledge or coin] amazingly well and is seen as not a threat is one matter, but to extend it to a world ala Robert Jordan is nauseating. Hell, his world became nauseating [may he RIP]. Trilogies that turn into three trilogies is beating a dead horse down to the bone marrow. I hope I'm wrong by the end of Book II in my forecast.

C. Philosophical Paradox

In short, Choice [Self-awareness] is born from Reason. To fall upon Because [convenience born out of ignorance] is to drown in the Sea of Why[the state of subjectivity where all is futile] and to swim in the sea of Enslavement [Free Will seen as a Myth] whose name is Excuse [history repeated ad infinitum]. It seems that Carey has to start Book II by leading us to return to the world of sex-slave in order to save the world of Elua's companions.

D. Human frailties

To be incapable of mastering your loins in one book is fine when it is the first tool you were taught to master in a theater where the chess players have eccentric needs, but to continue to tug on some imagined silver chain of S&M is to proclaim you to be a Dog that needs to be kicked one book after another is downright proclaiming we are but automatons in need of a lashing. But it's all for the greater good of Terre d'Ange! Besides, it's just what we D'Angelines do, right?. Life has to be chaotic in order for us to feel alive, after all.

I have book three and from the gist of it there is less S&M and more long-winded diatribes [talk about a tease as they both become tedious as one oscillates between the two], followed by unrest and parties as every year we have seasons with their predictable changes.

It seems to speak volumes of Carey and the same tired themes of Women having submissive tags on them and Men having abusing/controlling tags on them. The Women use it as leverage and the men lash out when the guilt has disappeared leaving them to lash out at these manipulations. The only difference is this character is the lead heroine who just can't kick her habit and needs to be punished and brutalized in order to feel a purpose in life. It reminds me of most male protagonists who need to rape, pillage and cause mayhem in order to answer the proverbial question, ``What is my purpose in life?''

Never mind the fact Phedre would have died of countless venereal diseases long before she partakes of the world's cultures through the only means she seems capable of leveraging--her loins. It's right up there with the only way the men in this book solve matters--with steel; the rod. Yes, she's a scholar but that's dull and doesn't keep fill her Chalice.

E. Occultist of yesteryore that keeps on rambling

I make no excuses for the rant, but very few reviews are nothing but slaves gushing over her premise as if the world has been demanding a void be filled with a female version of A.E. Waite who found 50 words to describe a thought often to the detriment of the thought, when a more eloquent and concise choice of fewer words do justice to said thought.

If you don't know who A.E. Waite is that's part of the mystery. The choice of archaic verbage Carey chooses too often destroys the flow of her more eloquent thoughts--it always arises when she's cramming the notion of a foreign etymology adjacent to today's vulgar [in the common] language of the 21st century. It's disjointed and grating on the senses. The french language love affair she has towards character names also tends to make me wish she just wrote them in latin. I still love the content and am willing to overlook these transgressions as I don't expect perfection.

F. Reluctant Fan yet necessary criticisms

I want to cheer for Carey as an author but her characters limitations as a few haved pointed out with Phedre's inability to purge herself of the lust for Melisandre tells me the author has a very shallow view on what makes us non-immortals tick and a shallower pool of history to draw upon. She seems obsessed with melodramatically replaying a possible way how disjointed histories of Europe could co-mingle if only they occupied the same space time [The Skaldi are a classic insult to the history of the Vikings and their forebears]. Her lack of Norse Mythology or should I say, misunderstanding of it was painful. The Irish and Scottish lore was particularly shallow and pointless in Kushiel's Dart other than to imply that somehow the Druids never existed [lack of a mystic class evident amongst the Picti, but hinted at with the cursory hierarchy of the Twins], these people have no modern conveniences but just across the English Channel is a world several centuries more evolved where a bunch of former disloyal Angels sewed their seeds and gave their spawn a head start to modern civilization. Unfortunately, they have a crutch that is their Great Game--an intricate level of human debaucheries where politics and power are the byproduct prizes next to all lusts quenched. Oddly, the Albans see this as a waste of time and just freely express their sexual desires outright [something actually credible in a truly evolved society], yet they're barbarians. To Jaqueline's credit she does take the occasional pot shot at those D'Angeline civilities and how uncivilized they are from time to time.

G. Criticism of her process

She talks about outlining her books before she sets sail on writing them completely, yet her borrowed history is like looking through the ice in a pond where infinite fractures of historical fact are used hodge podge, here and there, and taken out to form her "history" anew with just the spelling slightly changed to not seem like she's too lazy to take the time to create her own World.

H. Relative to traditional Fantasy

Fantasy the likes of Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman [DragonLance Chronicles, Legends, etc.,] and Terry Brooks has made me expect when one is going to write 9 books [and counting] on a world they actually take the time to build it all on their own. She could learn greatly from these if she truly feels its necessary in future worlds. I would.

I. Compelling Eccentricity

Oddly, this is what makes this trilogy compelling. It's so flawed it's fantastical. It's just so human and forces one to work at accepting change, even if it comes in the form of dialects she tends to phase in and out of, from time to time.

J. Not to be compared to Tolkien

The world praises J.R.R Tolkien for the parallels he drew with the Industrial revolution and the dawning age of a Green Society. His world spawned the likes of DragonLance, Forgotten Realms, Shannara and more who draw upon his post-apocalyptic well-spring of Middle Earth to help shape their worlds.

K. Not a Tolkienite's cup of tea, perhaps?

Yet, I don't think Tolkien would produce nothing but sludge if his intent were to address the archaic motifs of prudish Victorian England and that of Modernity where Liberty and Sexuality no longer hide behind the Veil and dogmatic Religions spring forth to beat the rod and deprive the child, so to speak.

L. Matrilineality Returns

Perhaps it takes a woman to paint the canvas and to show how little Society has changed over the centuries, even as women in the 21st century begin their painful flourish into their own designs, free from expectations placed upon them, by a world rotting from within it's desire to keep the closet closed. In a way, it takes a woman to allow men to stop playing their traditional roles and feel secure within.

M. Hoping Book II and III compel me onward

As a secure heterosexual male that has been through his share of marriages and who no longer finds the idea of marriage necessary to enjoy life perhaps my vigor will be renewed by the end of Books II and III to spurn me on to keep exploring this world so disjointed, yet so oddly compelling in a Jungian sort of way.

N. What's old is new again, with a twist

To be blunt, in a world outwardly dominated by us Men this world is dominated by the behind-the-scenes machinations of Women brought to the front. Nothing has changed except for the admission that Women pluck at the minds of Men and now do it openly.

Once again, Carey delights with this new addition to her Kushiel series.

Phedre is once again discovers a web of trechery that could lead to the fall of her country, and her Queen. Pitted against old foes, aided by her ever constant Joscelin, a man who broke all his vows to aid her, Phedre once again saves all she holds dear.

A brilliant continuation of this gripping saga.

Okay, I'm not into S&M. That being said, the main character is one of the most interesting, multi-dimensional heroines I've met in a long time. The teasing familiarity of the "real world" past is nicely mixed with the fantasy element. The plot twists, and reality spins. Its not easy to do first person story telling, but the author makes it look like a breeze. Pick up the first in the series, and prepare to be sucked into the Land of the Angels....:)

Although I enjoyed the first and last of this triology a little more, I thought this second part was vital in understanding the growth in all of the main characters, especially Phedre and Joscelin, and their heartbreaking relationship. This second book really explores the challenges Phedre must face with the burden of the entire nation of Terre D'Ange on her shoulders. The word smithing is once again one of Carey's greatest strengths. With this installment of Kushiel's Legacy, expect a slightly slower plot line, but an ending segment that will leave you on the edge of your seat! I highly recommend it.

These 5 books are the best series I've read in forever! An absolute must for avid readers. JC has enthralled me with her complex characters and vivid portrayal of a ficticious realm in all it's glorious treachery and betrayal. I could not recommend this any higher, this whole series is in a class by itself. Intricately woven intrigue, very well written.

The first book (Kushiel's Dart) was a grand adventure. By this one, the unlikeliness of it all is starting to wear on me. I like the main character a lot, which is why I keep plugging away, but they lost me at pirates. Really? Washed away to be picked up by pirates? Still, the characters are well written, especially the women, and it's better than many another fantasy novel I've read.

First, let me say that I loved this series, as it did something for me that few can. It took me about a week to read this book, which is fantastic in my mind, as I can blow through a book in 4-5 hours, usually.

That being said, I loved this sequel less than I loved it's predecessor because I just wasn't as sucked into the excitement. The characters were great, but I felt some could have been a little deeper, and the action was great, but I felt it could have been a little less frenetic.

Also, I missed Joscelyn, who gets my vote for best hero ever, hands down.

5 Stars: Action, adventure, romance (eventually), and my favorite characters. The whole series is just great.

Phedre is back in her ongoing pursuit of sex and power in the sequel to Kushiel's Dart, one of the most praised books of last year. The early review copies drip with praise that has always been over the top in my mind, but there was no denying that Dart was a startling read. Kushiel's Chosen is a decidedly less impressive. The character of Melisande has gone from menacing to annoying, while Phedre is suffering from Honor Harrington Syndrome; is there no trial too great for our heroine to overcome?
The excessive praise heaped on this series is just that--excessive. Which is a shame, because it ends up meaning that the praise that IS deserved--this is a mostly interesting, though not earthshattering book--gets lost in the great hype, which only serves to make the experience disappointing...

I consider myself a connoisseur of fantasy, since I've read quite a lot, and I have to say J. Carey is amazing! I didn't expect the second book to be as good as the first one, but it's at least as good, if not better. I've read it in less than two days, earning a headache from so much uninterrupted reading, but I just couldn't put it down. Great job!

I thought this book was weaker by far than it's ancestor, Kushiel's Dart. It's hard to follow and the language doesn't ring like it did in the first book, but rather clunks and clogs from time to time. Still, it isn't awful. The first person account gets a little tiresome about midway through the book, and the relationship with Joscelin does nothing for me. Still, I would recommend reading the Kushiel books, assuming you are not squeamish or easily put off by sex of a deviant nature, including child prostitution and glorified S&M. I tend to not make assumptions about the proclivities of an author, but this one made me wonder.

Countinuing the saga that changed the face of fantasy, Carey gives us another, nearly poetic novel of myth, mayhem, intrigue. Beautifully written and a sheer pleasure to read. Gary S. Potter Author/Poet

As a huge fan of the previous novel Kushiel's Dart, I am so very happy this writer could do a follow up to it, that didn't fall too much below it's predecsor. It's not perfect but for second novel and middle book to a trilogy it is very good.

To be honest, this book could have been a lot better. As its predecessor could have been as well.
There were times where I thought to myself: "Did an editor really let that slip? Did that grammatical error really mean to be there?" Answering yes or no doesn't take away the lack of fluid writing one should expect of this genre. Thus, this book is sadly disappointing because it makes the story less than what it could be. It could've been brilliantly engrossing.
Let me reassure you-- the plot basis is actually quite good. Yet, I felt at times that I was reading some paperback romance instead of fantasy. It was not as original as I had hoped, with a very predictable set of scenarios.
I wouldn't buy it. Get it from the library if you enjoy the idea of an anguisette. Your money is better spent elsewhere.

This is a compelling novel. The land of Terre d'Ange is one to which I'd gladly move, and I am grateful to Jacqueline Carey for opening the door to it. As in Kushiel's dart, the novel is a superb mix of comparative religion and history, erotica, and just good writing.

Second books often pale against the first, but Carey's Kushiel's Chosen stands up well. Continued good character development, the pace runs well throughout the book, and the story is just as engaging.

Like the center novel of many trilogies, this one didn't quite measure up to the first in the series; in a really good trilogy, like this one, the third book is the best, and that was true here too. I came very close to giving "Chosen" five stars, but I don't give five stars unless I couldn't put the book down and am driven to fairly devour it. I devoured books 1 and 3; "Chosen", I was very drawn to return to each time, but not with the "take the phone off the hook and let the laundry go to hell" dedication I felt toward the other two. But read this one; it's very, very good on its own, and the events and motifs laid down in it are essential to fully enjoying book three, Kushiel's Avatar, and that was such a pleasurable experience that you will want to make the most of it. Reading "Chosen" is a necessary precursor to that experience.

Where I felt this book fell short of five stars was that I didn't learn much new about Phedre. She is still unique and fascinating - in this book I got to see her characteristics play out in different settings, but she didn't surprise me as often as she had in Dart, or in Avatar. I didn't feel Kazan was entirely believable. And the events at Asherah's temple (being oblique here to avoid spoiling the book for anyone) all went down a little too neatly to be believable either.

However, the book has one really gasp-inducing surprise (I was surprised, anyway ...) and several of the pleasurable turns and finesses that this author is SO skillful at, and I fully recommend it.

Based on the reviews, I expected to be terribly disappointed with this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. While not as stunning as the first novel, it was extremely interesting and entertaining. My only disappointment was in the simplistic and unexplained resolution of Phedre's and Joscelin's relationship. I am looking forward to the next book.

I wouldn't agree that the novel seems hastily written, I found it cohesive and completely addictive. The development of the characters from Kushiel's Dart is believable, and very enjoyable. Melisande continues to be a formidable adversary and one wickedly enjoyable to read about.

I could not put this book down. I loved the main character, who was a strong woman, with flaws. I urge every fantasy lover to read the Kusheil's legacy series. Every one of the three books were great!

Second books often pale against the first, but Carey's Kushiel's Chosen stands up well. Continued good character development, the pace runs well throughout the book, and the story is just as engaging.

Based on the reviews, I expected to be terribly disappointed with this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. While not as stunning as the first novel, it was extremely interesting and entertaining. My only disappointment was in the simplistic and unexplained resolution of Phedre's and Joscelin's relationship. I am looking forward to the next book.

I wouldn't agree that the novel seems hastily written, I found it cohesive and completely addictive. The development of the characters from Kushiel's Dart is believable, and very enjoyable. Melisande continues to be a formidable adversary and one wickedly enjoyable to read about.

I could not put this book down. I loved the main character, who was a strong woman, with flaws. I urge every fantasy lover to read the Kusheil's legacy series. Every one of the three books were great!

Having read and loved the first book, it pains me to say I barely made it halfway through the second book before giving up in frustration. I just found some of the characters just too incredibly loathsome I couldn't be bothered anymore.