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Kushiel's Chosen (Kushiel #2)

by Jacqueline Carey (Goodreads Author)

4.31 of 5 stars 4.31 · rating details · 16,528 ratings · 474 reviews

Mighty Kushiel, of rod and weal
Late of the brazen portals
With blood-tipp'd dart a wound unhealed
Pricks the eyen of chosen mortals

The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassed beauty and grace. The inhabiting race rose from the seed of angels and men, and they live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt.

Phèdre nó Delaunay was sold into indentured servitude as a child. H

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Mass Market Paperback, 678 pages

Published March 14th 2003 by Tor (first published 2002)

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Mar 28, 2011 Sath rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, lgbt, bdsm, reviewed

The second in the Kushiel's legacy series, continues on exactly where the first novel left off.

Phedre no Delaunay, now the comtesse de Montreve, comfortably living in her country home with Joscelin and her three chevaliers, and spending most of her time learning Habiru, in the hopes of discovering the key to freeing Hyacinth from the yeshuite curse. But then a parcel comes from Melisande Sharizhai - Phedre's sangoire cloak - and there is only one way to interpret it; Melisande's games of politic...more The second in the Kushiel's legacy series, continues on exactly where the first novel left off.

Phedre no Delaunay, now the comtesse de Montreve, comfortably living in her country home with Joscelin and her three chevaliers, and spending most of her time learning Habiru, in the hopes of discovering the key to freeing Hyacinth from the yeshuite curse. But then a parcel comes from Melisande Sharizhai - Phedre's sangoire cloak - and there is only one way to interpret it; Melisande's games of politics and treachery and not yet finished, and she is inviting Phedre back into the game if she dares. And so Phedre goes back to the city, to take up service of Naamah again, to become again a courtesan and a spy. The first and greatest mystery being, who was it that aided Melisande's escape from Troyes le mont, and how far will Phedre need to go to find out.

I have to say, I enjoyed this one just as much, if not more than Kushiel's Dart. Near the end of the previous I was almost lulled into thinking there would be no more adventure for Phedre, that she was settling down with Joscelin, and that would be it. But of course the adventure was far from over. And really what an amazing adventure this time.. So many new lands, cultures and people in this one. Which only makes me wonder how far she'd have to travel in the third book in order to beat it!

As in the previous book there was no mercy for the heart, I believe Carey is one of those writers that will ruthlessly kill off beloved characters if it's important to the plot. She makes me cry so much, but I'm masochistic and I love a good cry, I can't help myself. Not telling who of course, you'll have to read it yourself and suffer the same as I did!

Some of the aspects that interest me most about this series is the mythology and the magic. At times you could almost believe it's a fantasy world without magic, just myths and legends for them, and then - as with the master of the straits in the 1st book - something just jumps out at you to show you that magic can touch Phedre's world. And if magic can happen.. then are Phedre's visions of her deity Kushiel 'real'..? I am still hoping for this mythology to go further. I don't have as much interesting in the Yeshuite mythology, as so far it's a bit of a mimicry of Jewish/christian beliefs, and as just doesn't shine as much as the other more fantasy elements, but it still hasn't bothered me much, and it does create some interesting characters.

If you were one of those, like I was, worried that the 2nd book would not live up to the 1st book.. just don't worry, keep reading, I promise it's great. And now I've proved to myself that it's just as good, (and I've got this review out of the way - my personal rule) I am now so so ready to jump into the 3rd book!!

See my other reviews of Kushiel's Legacy:
← #1 Kushiel's Dart | #3 Kushiel's Avatar →
(less)

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Mar 08, 2013 The W rated it 3 of 5 stars

W Rating : B-(C+ is more appropriate)

Well, this was not a let down sequel, per say, but was definitely a lesser novel than the first. Your sequel really should always be better due to your readers knowing the characters and what the world is about so you, the writer, can spend more time on the rest of your story.

The first 350 pages are Phedre, blindly confident in her vision/hunting. She screws over Joscelin and continues throughout. Basically, she was selfish which is pretty annoying. Carey ha...more

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Jan 20, 2009 Nikki rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction-alternatehistory, fantasy, lgbt, romance, favourites, angels

With the expectations Kushiel's Dart gave me, I might have been worried that Kushiel's Chosen wouldn't match up. I wasn't, but I wouldn't have needed to be anyway. I loved this book just as much as the first one. Everything I've said about how it's not for everyone still stands (see my first review), although there was less sex, I think, and perhaps more of the politics. Somehow, this book didn't feel as dense as that one, but there's still a lot of content considering it's the second book of a...more With the expectations Kushiel's Dart gave me, I might have been worried that Kushiel's Chosen wouldn't match up. I wasn't, but I wouldn't have needed to be anyway. I loved this book just as much as the first one. Everything I've said about how it's not for everyone still stands (see my first review), although there was less sex, I think, and perhaps more of the politics. Somehow, this book didn't feel as dense as that one, but there's still a lot of content considering it's the second book of a trilogy, and not a trilogy in itself. I think the feeling of less going on is mostly because there are fewer dramatic changes -- in the first book, there were a lot of milestones, and in this one, maybe not as much. It's still an incredible ride.

The stage is set, in this book, so there isn't such a flurry of characters being thrown at you. The new ones, such as Nicola L'Envers y Aragon and Sevario Stregazza, are quite interesting (not least because of the sex scenes, I have to admit). It's lovely to see how Jacqueline Carey weaves the characters so neatly into the plot -- there are no useless characters. I was sorry not to see anything of Hyacinthe in this book, and I was glad that he wasn't ignored. Ysandre was one of my favourite characters in the latter part of this book: she's written as such a strong, strong character.

The relationship between Joscelin and Phèdre was more painful than ever in this book, so I was very, very glad of the end. I'm not sure it could have continued as it was without getting needlessly painful and boring. While the new development makes me happy now, I have no doubts that Joscelin and Phèdre will find new ways to hurt my heart -- and that's good. The relationship between Melisande and Phèdre is still wonderfully handled. The thin line between love and hate that lies between them is perfectly walked. The scene where Phèdre smashes her head back against something to distract herself from Melisande's kiss is amazing.

Plotwise, it was so good. It seriously surprised me in various places, leaving me to flail and keyboard bash and fangirl at anyone willing to listen. The twists and turns are surprising, and yet brilliantly set up: once it's happened you think, "Oh. Yes. Of course."

There's a lovely conclusion, ending the book with some closure and yet also with threads still waiting to be tied up in the final book of the trilogy. I can't wait. I'm tempted to buy the Imriel books already, but I think I'll wait until they're all out in paperback -- painful as that will be.

I seriously recommend this trilogy, if you don't mind a bit of BDSM sex woven into the plot (you can skip it, after all).(less)

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Jan 11, 2008 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, favorite-books-ever

Second astonishing book in the trilogy (or quintology?) of Kushiel's legacy featuring the anguisette Phedre, now the close confident of the newly minted Queen.

Phedre is a courtesan's daughter, born to one of the Houses of Night-Blooming Flowers as a result of an illicit union between a merchant's son and one of the adepts (read: highly trained, highly paid indentured courtesans). Her indenture, or marque, is sold by the head of her mother's house into the household of a nobleman who is already r...more

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Aug 31, 2007 Talkswithwind rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

As with Kushiel's Dart, this book suffers from Omniscient Bad Guy syndrome in the form of Melisande. This book is more intense than Dart, partly because the whole book can be devoted to the main plot and the author doesn't have to spend pages introducing the main characters. A friend of mine described this book as a "Map book", in that the characters go to every place named on the map just inside the title page.

The book didn't do anything for me. The OBG overshadowed the whole thing, so that's w...more

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Feb 27, 2008 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Andrea by: Kari

This is hands-down one of my favorite books! The whole first trilogy is one I've read at least 3 or 4 times! Much more than a mere fantasy novel, these books explore human nature, passion, deceit, politics, and of course, love. Set in medieval pseudo-Europe (more specifically France, aka in the book Terre D'Ange), this book is rich in detail, full of different cultures and languages, and has VERY vivid characters. I've given it to numerous people with one warning, it DOES contain some explicit s...more

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May 08, 2011 Debora rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, fisicamente_posseduto, preferiti

La Prescelta e l'Erede. Iniziato e finito in tre giorni. 700 pagine di puro fantasy adult assolutamente avvincente.

La Carey ha sostanzialemente rimarcato lo stesso profilo del primo libro reinventandosi, però, complutamente in modo assolutamente magistrale. Affasciante, erotico e coivolgente.

Queato secondo libro è, se possibile, ancora meglio del primo. Credo che ciò sia dovuto principalmente alla facilità con la quale sono riuscita ad addentrarmi nella trama mentre, nel primo libro, avevo fatic...more La Prescelta e l'Erede. Iniziato e finito in tre giorni. 700 pagine di puro fantasy adult assolutamente avvincente.

La Carey ha sostanzialemente rimarcato lo stesso profilo del primo libro reinventandosi, però, complutamente in modo assolutamente magistrale. Affasciante, erotico e coivolgente.

Queato secondo libro è, se possibile, ancora meglio del primo. Credo che ciò sia dovuto principalmente alla facilità con la quale sono riuscita ad addentrarmi nella trama mentre, nel primo libro, avevo faticato un po' per ricordare tutti i nomi dei molteplici personaggi.

Avevo capito fin da metà del primo libro che tutto sarebbe ruotato intorno all'assurdo amore/odio (nel vero senso della parola) fra Phèdre e Melisande. Assolutamente geniale giocare con l'eroina e la sua dbolezza più grande. Stupendo. Sinceramente il "grande enigma" io l'ho svelato a metà libro, durante la bella passeggiata che Phèdre fra nei giardini di corte. Altrettando ovviamente ho ammirato la genialità della scrittrice quando alla fine mi ha spiegato la mia stessa intuizione. Stupendo!

In questo libro prende maggiormente piede l'elemento psicologico e la crescita di Phèdre. Nel primo abbiamo visto una ragazza diventare "adulta" e ci siamo confrontati maggiormente con il suo lato anguissette. Nel secondo, invece, vediamo come quella ragazza diventa, finalmente, donna. In questo libro è la crescita emotiva di Phèdre a fare da padrona, vediamo la nostra eroina finalmente delineare ed accorgersi realmente dei suoi errori e prendere consapevolezza di sè stessa.

Come dice a Melisande... Prima era una ragazzina, ora è una donna. Il prezzo è aumentato.

Ho apprezzato, seppur con qualche riserva il tormento interiore del Cassiliano. O meglio, posso aver compreso il suo punto di vista, sul serio, ma meno il suo modo di affrontare le cose. Snervante dire, ma perfettamente umano e plausibile. Bravissima la scrittrice che non è caduta nella trappola dei "protagonisti perfetti" (altrimenti detti Mery Sue e Gary Stue).

Un libro fatto di paradossi e di grandi lezioni di vita. Assolutamente da leggere.(less)

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Feb 03, 2009 Roxane rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Kushiel’s Chosen being the second book by Carey that I’ve read, I guess
you can say that I’m slowly getting accustomed to her style and characters. For one thing, it felt relaxing going back to characters I’d grown to appreciate in the first book, namely Phèdre and Joscelin but also Ysandre and Drustan.
The question as to how Melisande had managed to escape from her cell was the main question throughout the first pages as well as to her current whereabouts.
The writing is as in the previous book ex...more Kushiel’s Chosen being the second book by Carey that I’ve read, I guess
you can say that I’m slowly getting accustomed to her style and characters. For one thing, it felt relaxing going back to characters I’d grown to appreciate in the first book, namely Phèdre and Joscelin but also Ysandre and Drustan.
The question as to how Melisande had managed to escape from her cell was the main question throughout the first pages as well as to her current whereabouts.
The writing is as in the previous book excellent, you always this impression of clear water flowing out of a fountain even in the most awful moments. The main plot is cleverly woven and is smartly intertwined with several subplots. Plan within plans as Phèdre points out. The political intrigues of both the court of Terre d’Ange and that of La Serenissima are a delight to those who enjoy such things in a novel, I know I do.
Characterization is at its best. It’s nice to see Ysandre bloom in her role as queen and wife and we just wish the heroin could find a similar balance in her life. Joscelin and Phèdre split up in the first few pages, once she announces that she wishes to return to the service of Namaah… can hardly blame to poor fellow but then, these D’Angelines always have a surprising way of seeing things.
Gods whether they be D’Angelines (Namaah, Kushiel and Cassiel) or foreign (Asherat of the sea) are omnipresent as Phèdre often claims that she is guided by them and it’s hard to believe she would ever have succeeded all that she has managed to without a little divine help. This only adds a touch of originality to the whole trilogy as religion is very little often treated in the way Carey treats it in other
fantasy novels.
One main criticism that I wish to mention however, would be the same as the one for previous book and more than likely will one in the third and final book of this trilogy, namely, the length of each tome. While I am never truly bored while reading Carey’s books and never finding any real flaws in her writing or plotting, I still find her books are a bit too long for comfort… perhaps some of the subplots weren’t quite
necessary. I’m sure that after everything that Phèdre’s gone through, the reader wouldn’t have mind a bit less vicissitudes but then, that’s just my personal advice and it’s but a minor one… really.(less)

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May 08, 2013 Kathleen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Another interesting story, and I still like Phedre. OK, I REALLY wish she'd shut up about how gorgeous she is; we get it, you're hot, men literally fall over when you walk into the room, big part of your character, important to the plot. We don't need to spend paragraphs on it every time someone reacts to meeting you. This nearly ruins these books for me, because I want to skim and/or throw the book against a wall every time she looks in a mirror or meets someone new. Also, every time the word "...more

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Mar 21, 2013 Hobbes rated it 3 of 5 stars

Back to the land where angels once tread. For a people descended from divine beings one would think the D'Angelines would be better people. Alas, there is a foul plot afoot in the fair land of Terre d'Ange. Some one wants to kill the young queen and replace her on the throne. The root of the plot traces back to Phedre's weakness; Melisande Shahrizai. To settle her mind and save her beloved queen Phedre leaves her home and travels to Marsilikos where Melisande is in hiding. Phedre enacts a plan t...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Cameling rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fanatasy

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 wi...more

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May 23, 2012 Benedict rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, fantasy

So, while I don't plan to give away any major plot twists, I'm reviewing the second in a series, so spoilers, of course, if you haven't read the first, and probably light spoilers here anyway.

I'll note that my copy of this arrived while I was 18 chapters into the first Game of Thrones book. NIGHT AND DAY. Carey's prose is so much richer, her characters so much more complex, her paragraphs so much more unified-in-a-single-thought (okay, that last is just uncharitable; sorry to Martin). Sincerely,...more So, while I don't plan to give away any major plot twists, I'm reviewing the second in a series, so spoilers, of course, if you haven't read the first, and probably light spoilers here anyway.

I'll note that my copy of this arrived while I was 18 chapters into the first Game of Thrones book. NIGHT AND DAY. Carey's prose is so much richer, her characters so much more complex, her paragraphs so much more unified-in-a-single-thought (okay, that last is just uncharitable; sorry to Martin). Sincerely, though, it was a breath of fresh air to pick this up.

I'll continue the Martin comparison a moment longer: Kushiel's Chosen is character driven and has a single protagonist; part of her agony and the reader's is not knowing what's going on with the other characters, and it's well-done. Unexpected things happen, but surprise is not the engine that moves the plot. There's a mystery, and there are good clues to its solution along the way, but Phedré is not Sherlock Holmes, and the ways in which she pursues her investigation are wonderfully consonant with her character as established in the first book and the early portions of this one. If she notices something, she notices it as Delauney's protégé and Kushiel's Chosen. If she misses something, she does it in the same way. If she makes a promise or breaks one, commits to someone or holds them at distance, suffers or rejoices, she does it as herself. And when she grows, she does it as herself, taking the experiences she gathers in this novel in, again, as Delauney's protégé and Kushiel's Chosen. Five star rating just for pulling that off with such a flourish.

The religious commitments in this novel are deeper than the first. The characters' traits are also more compelling to them, but without being at all charicaturish. Phedré continues to be a great heroine -- not talented at everything, but with a narrative voice that is incredibly mature and aware of her own strengths, weaknesses, successes and failings. It's fun to watch her grow. It's also fun to watch the other major characters grow: somehow this is accomplished in the background with elegance and grace -- no clunky exposition to catch you up to "Oh, now this person knows about her feelings and this one has killed someone in cold blood so he's a warrior now too."

I will say briefly that the fight Phedré and Joscelin have, and the playing out of its consequences, is SO much more satisfying than the idiocy between Bella and Edward in the second Twilight book, and a pretty clear illustration of what ACTUAL fantasy/romance can deliver (and we're talking the fantasy genre where there is a romance here, not checkout-aisle texts). Sadly, the sex and exploration of sensitive religious topics keep this pretty firmly beyond most young adult readers.

I heartily recommend the book to lovers of fantasy, epic, Tolkien, space opera (it's a different genre, but you'll find some familiar elements), and historical fiction. There's just enough magic, the religious landscape is incredibly well-developed, and the pacing's a lot of fun. I certainly intend to finish the series.

One note about that religious landscape -- Christ is known to have been the Messiah in this fantasy world's history, but there's also magic, other gods whose existence is left ambivalent but pretty-heartily endorsed, and the main character's national religious heritage is descended (as are the citizens of that nation) from angels who rebelled against God's disowning of a second son begotten accidentally of earth through the wounds of the Messiah. Carey doesn't fling this in your face, but if it's going to make you queasy, you're forewarned.(less)

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Dec 06, 2011 Donna rated it 3 of 5 stars

The plot of this one follows the pattern of the first book too closely for me. 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 pointle...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Jasmyn9 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, fantasy, series, kushiel-s-legacy

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...more

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Jul 27, 2011 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

I have less the say about this book that about the first in the series, called Kushiel's Dart - I advise you to read my review of that one as well, because everything I loved about the first book I also love about the second. The believability of the story in spite of its epicness, the humanity of the characters that all have both good and bad in them, the links between the fantasy world of the novel and our own which makes it easier to imagine the adventures and sceneries that we encounter whil...more

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Jan 08, 2011 Lys rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, narrativa, paper-book

La Prescelta e l'Erede riprende e ricalca degli eventi già visti (l'implicazione di Melisande in qualche piano per rovesciare il trono, la ricerca di informazioni tramite il "dono" di Phedre, l'incontro chiave con Melisande, la perdita della libertà, il viaggio tra un popolo barbaro, l'aiuto chiave di un'altra popolazione, il salvataggio in extremis di una situazione "drammatica"), eppure tutto è diverso. Il grande pregio che la Carey mette in mostra, imo, è proprio questo suo riuscire a "re-inv...more La Prescelta e l'Erede riprende e ricalca degli eventi già visti (l'implicazione di Melisande in qualche piano per rovesciare il trono, la ricerca di informazioni tramite il "dono" di Phedre, l'incontro chiave con Melisande, la perdita della libertà, il viaggio tra un popolo barbaro, l'aiuto chiave di un'altra popolazione, il salvataggio in extremis di una situazione "drammatica"), eppure tutto è diverso. Il grande pregio che la Carey mette in mostra, imo, è proprio questo suo riuscire a "re-inventare" se stessa. Utilizzare gli stessi elementi, ma creare qualcosa di completamente originale.
A livello di trama, questo secondo romanzo è altamente avvincente. La partita a scacchi con Melisande è più pronunciata che nel primo libro. E quando finalmente avviene il fatidico incontro, il lettore non può che congratularsi con l'autrice per la sua genialità. E' ovvio chi sia Melisande. E' ovvio visto quali sono, fin dal primo libro, i suoi obbiettivi. Senza contare degli avvertimenti che Phedre stessa riceve al tempio. Ovvio, appunto. Eppure capace di sorprendere comunque il lettore.
L'evolversi degli eventi è sempre avvincente e mai sembra che la narrazione venga protratta più a lungo del necessario.
Un punto sicuramente di merito di questo libro è, poi, la crescita e la personalità di Phedre (e, seppure vista solo di riflesso di Joscelin). Se nel primo libro, nonostante le sofferenze affettive per la perdita di Delaunay e Hyacinthe siano presenti, è quella fisica che viene maggiormente sottolineata, ma allo stesso tempo quasi raccontata con distacco dalla protagonista, tanto da creare una sensazione quasi irreale nel lettore (una protagonista che narra, ma che non "partecipa" agli eventi), nel secondo il maggior peso dato alla sofferenza dell'anima, al tormentato e impossibile rapporto con Joscelin, riesce ad avvicinare maggiormente il lettore al dolore di Phedre. Forse è perché è più facile immedesimarsi nel dolore emotivo patito da Phedre e da Joscelin piuttosto che quello fisico, ma ho trovato la narrazione in questo secondo volume molto più "sentita".
L'epicità è diversa rispetto al primo libro. Non ci sono più (vere) guerre in campo aperto e la fuga è ben diversa che quella dagli Skaldi, eppure il pathos non manca.
Se devo trovare dei difetti direi il troppo ripetere i fatti avvenuti nel primo libro (può essere utile rinvangarli per chi legge il seguito a mesi/anni di distanza dal primo volume, ma per me che l'avevo letto pochi giorni prima risultava parecchio noioso) e la forzata apertura verso la terza puntata. Così come per il Dardo e la Rosa, anche questo romanzo poteva essere un ottimo autoconclusivo, ma rimettendomi alle mani rivelatesi capaci della Carey spero che anche il terzo non deluda.(less)

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Oct 13, 2010 Jilly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kushiel

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 09, 2010 Benjamin Thomas rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

The third book that I read on my vacation journey was Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel's Chosen. That is, I read most of it during the trip but completed it this weekend. This is the second book in Ms Carey's first trilogy of the land of Terre D'Ange, following Kushiel's Dart. This is an adult fantasy novel, as is the series, and not really meant for those that blush at a hint of eroticism.

The main character, Phèdre nó Delaunay de Montrève, is a courtesan and spy and she uncovers a conspiracy of treas...more

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May 19, 2010 Lightreads rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica, fantasy, fiction

Perhaps some day I will read one of these BDSM courtesan-spy epic fantasy doorstops and actually be able to talk about it afterwards, but today is not that day. Because right now, I am just so fucking grateful to this book, it has eclipsed the book itself – unintentionally hilarious, strangely unproblematic – almost entirely. This is what I read during the final two weeks of my last semester in law school. It’s what I read on the eight minute dog walking breaks, what I read when I snapped awake...more

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Jun 28, 2012 Vivian rated it 5 of 5 stars

Disclaimer: Since this is the second book of the series, please don't read this review if you haven't read the first book yet. Unless you really don't care about spoilers, then go right ahead.

Sorry, had to go back to the beginning to see where I can start without significant spoilers. Anyways, the majority of the book is about Phedre chasing after Melisande and trying to stop her devious plots. In addition to that, Phedre and Joscelin have problems that have Phedre mopey. If it sounds like I di...more

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Oct 30, 2011 Mira rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. For me, it did not quite live up to the first book in the series (Kushiel's Dart), but it came close. The political intrigue and the machinations of the villianess required more brain energy to follow and understand. There were times when I felt a step behind the characters, in a way that was not "whoa, what will happen next" and more "hey, did I miss something obvious, cause I don't get it."
There was also some tension between two of the main characters that I felt wasn't a...more

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Dec 11, 2010 Kylie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-favorites, favorite-heroes, favorite-heroines, fantasy, rated-r, want-to-read-again-someday

Not as much action as the first but still pretty good. I figured this one out by accident so the big mystery wasn't really a mystery. Ah well...Assyrian pirates were worth it. I actually cried during this one, which is something I haven't done in a long time and especially not over a damn book.

Of course, this is no simple book. This is the middle novel in one of the most planned out, epic adventures I've ever had the pleasure of reading. You fall head over heals for all of the characters, most e...more

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Oct 03, 2012 Willuknight Stewart rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow,

As i said in my other review, the BDSM aspects of Kushiel's story make me feel revulsed and uncomfortable, akin to someone scraping nails on a chalkboard. Given that this book features so much less of that then the last one, and given how epic the story is, the depth of the conspiracy and the growth of the characters, it's no wonder I love this 2nd book even more.

I can't really put into unique words what I loved about this book, everything was good, there were so many events and occasions an...more

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Mar 07, 2009 Espresso rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: spy, romance, fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 27, 2011 Chelsea rated it 4 of 5 stars

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...more 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. (less)

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Oct 20, 2010 PurplyCookie rated it 1 of 5 stars

Recommended to PurplyCookie by: Teijel Galang

Shelves: book-series, romantica, hated-it

In this adult fantasy tale, Phèdre nó Delaunay fights to save her queen and country in a battle whose greatest weapon proves to be Phèdre herself. This sequel to Carey's debut novel, ”Kushiel's Dart”, finds Phèdre, now Comtesse de Montrève, once again plying her skills as an anguissette--a courtesan for whom pain becomes pleasure--and her talents as a spy. She uncovers a conspiracy of treason and murder and begins an adventure that takes her once more to distant lands in the company of an intrig...more In this adult fantasy tale, Phèdre nó Delaunay fights to save her queen and country in a battle whose greatest weapon proves to be Phèdre herself. This sequel to Carey's debut novel, ”Kushiel's Dart”, finds Phèdre, now Comtesse de Montrève, once again plying her skills as an anguissette--a courtesan for whom pain becomes pleasure--and her talents as a spy. She uncovers a conspiracy of treason and murder and begins an adventure that takes her once more to distant lands in the company of an intriguing cast of characters--and a new confrontation with her old enemy, Melisande Shahrizai.

The book suffers because Phedre's character is often unlikeable and unknowledgeable of her flaws, mostly due to the fact that nobody but her love interest, Joscelin calls her on them. 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, the list is endless. Phaedre, despite being a prostitute, is a complete Mary Sue. Everyone inexplicably loves her and it's ridiculous. 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 the seductive Phedre and hated Joscelin on her behalf.

The story’s all over the place with clues falling out of the sky throughout the book then suddenly it all magically falls into place and comes together at the end due to the cleverness of the main character. 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.

Perhaps it is the sickly hedonism of these books that make people look past the college-student level writing and proclaim it as "dazzling." I don't see it, personally. The bad language juxtapositions gave me headaches. 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! Carey should have taken out more of the meaningless characters and elaborated more on the important ones. Maybe, just maybe, that would’ve made this story more readable.

Someone with a bigger stomach for political intrigue and bondage would probably enjoy these books a lot. I didn't, though.

More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie

Book Details:
Title Kushiel's Chosen (Kushiel's Legacy #2)
Author Jacqueline Carey
Reviewed By Purplycookie(less)

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Apr 25, 2012 Maria rated it 5 of 5 stars

I don’t even have the right words to describe this book! “Kushiel’s Chosen” is the second book in the Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey and it was amazing! The story continues from where the first one ends, and Phedre has a great road to travel!

Nothing is simple in the land of Terre d’ Ange and the conspiracies continue. Now, the throne is in danger again and Phedre has to leave behind her life and the people she loves in order to travel far away to solve the mystery and to find the ones who pl...more I don’t even have the right words to describe this book! “Kushiel’s Chosen” is the second book in the Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey and it was amazing! The story continues from where the first one ends, and Phedre has a great road to travel!

Nothing is simple in the land of Terre d’ Ange and the conspiracies continue. Now, the throne is in danger again and Phedre has to leave behind her life and the people she loves in order to travel far away to solve the mystery and to find the ones who plot against her queen. But this time, things aren’t what they seem and she doesn’t know who to trust.

I have to admit that this series has the most amazing world-building that I’ve read so far and it was great to see this version of the Mediterranean countries and mythology. Like the first book, this one is about love, betrayal, loyalty, adventure, conspiracy, loss, courage and hard decisions. While I was reading the story, I thought I was a part of it. It was so vivid that when a character was crying, I cried too. When someone was happy, I was happy also. And when a character was a traitor, I felt deceived by him! This book is also about awakening. It’s about when you think you know everything, but you really don’t know a thing and then you realize how ignorant you were and you’re trying to do your best under the most difficult situations.

Phedre is one of the most interesting female characters. She seems fragile and submissive but she’s something more. Through her submissiveness she finds her strength and courage to do the right thing. She does her faults but she always admits she was wrong. She is a woman that the reader will either love or hate. She isn’t plain at all and she always makes a difference.

Joscelin in this book is more interesting than the first because his characters has great development. Yes, he does some stupid things but he becomes braver and smarter after his adventures. He finally realizes what he wants and the most important is that he admits it.

This story has so many interesting characters, both good and evil, but it’s not easy to write about all of them because I won’t be able to avoid spoilers. The only thing I want to say is that, I was happy for some of them, sad for some others and furious with a couple of them. This book is emotional and I really believe that it’s impossible not to fall in love with this series! Amazing writing-style, interesting characters, great plot and a world like no other! This is what I call a great book!!! I totally recommend it!!
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Jun 19, 2012 David rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoy epic fantasies series and have read several over the years, but I am putting this one at the top of my list. Although, not much of a fantasy as some might consider—no unicorns, elves, golems, dragons or ogres, etc—it does have a very keenly developed world that could only survive in fantasy, and yet still be believable. I have always been a favorite of mythology as a whole, and these stories suited my fancy in that area. Well developed mythos, although somewhat barrowed (but what...more

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Feb 20, 2011 Darlene rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Adventurers. Adult themes abound.

Recommended to Darlene by: Chris

Shelves: adult, favs, erotic, jacqueline-carey

Yes, there is erotica, and not necessarily the kind I like, but it is well within the plot and story so take no offense at this. Until you have started reading this books you will not understand their depth. Rather try to look at these books as an adventure in another Europe of such. Ladies and Lords and Queens and battles and deception, intrigue abound. The map and cast of characters are in the front of the book to keep you informed.

Then there is Kushiel, herself. Never have I met a follower of...more

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May 25, 2009 Stephanie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, read-but-not-ever-again

This is the kind of trilogy that once you read the first one...you may or may not want to continue on. Obviously, I did; However, I can't say that I am enthralled. There are good points of the book...Carey does know how to unfold a story line, if not making it overly complicated. Yet, I still don't connect to her protagonists besides Phedre. She is the only reason I am going to continue reading. I enjoy the intrigue, but it can be confusing. Nobody has taken the mantle of fantasy writing away fr...more

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About Jacqueline Carey

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Jacqueline Carey (born 1964 in Highland Park, Illinois) is an author and novelist, primarily of fantasy fiction.

She attended Lake Forest College, receiving B.A.'s in psychology and English literature. During college, she spent 6 months working in a bookstore as part of a wo...more

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Kushiel's Justice (Imriel's Trilogy, #2)

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