Kushiel's Avatar (Phèdre's Trilogy #3)

Jul 10, 2007 Geoff Gerrietts rated it 4 of 5 stars

Carey writes very well. Her turns of phrase and choice of imagery are excellent. Her command of language is exquisite. She tells a deep and detailed story through well-imagined characters. I have found this true of all her books, and I can readily recommend them to anyone who can enjoy fantastical fiction.

I don't want to spend too long on the whole series, but I haven't written an in-depth review of these books yet, so I'll quickly cover the highlights. Carey's world is detailed and vibrant, wit...more Carey writes very well. Her turns of phrase and choice of imagery are excellent. Her command of language is exquisite. She tells a deep and detailed story through well-imagined characters. I have found this true of all her books, and I can readily recommend them to anyone who can enjoy fantastical fiction.

I don't want to spend too long on the whole series, but I haven't written an in-depth review of these books yet, so I'll quickly cover the highlights. Carey's world is detailed and vibrant, with a rich theological backstory and a history just five degrees off the history with which we are familiar. Her main character is a spy, a sexual masochist, and a fate-stricken toy of the gods: all three aspects reinforce the others. As this setup may signify, the stories are rich in political intrigue, the prose is sensual bordering on luxuriant, and the scope of the books is epic.

Occasionally, Carey's turns of phrase will reveal to me the wide-eyed fangirl behind the sophisticated writer, and I cherish those moments almost as much as the passages that leave me feeling awe. Occasionally, her editor lets a misspelling slip through -- usually one word where another was meant -- or a "roleplayer's cliche" slips out into the ordinarily inventive phrasing. In those moments, I feel I know Ms. Carey like an old friend.

This book in particular is the culmination of Phedre's story, and it is a fitting swan song for our anguisette. The story ranges across the Middle East and Africa, offering looks at several cultures. The book comes to climax three times and rides each out gracefully into buildup for the next. Each climax is warranted, but having multiples is not entirely without cost.

In some ways, this book feels slightly cramped. In certain scenes, the ordinarily sumptuous dialogue and in-depth characterization has been elided in favor of advancing the story. Here I'm thinking primarily of scenes at court in Egypt and Africa; much of the journey through Africa seemed to unfold more quickly than expected.

Also, in previous volumes, we saw a great deal of Phedre's masochistic sexuality; in this volume, we dwell on how awkward it is for her a great deal, but we spend very little time exploring that aspect of her sexuality, and much more on her romantic life. Where previous volumes read like sensual or erotic fantasy, this volume definitely reads more like romantic fantasy. I don't begrudge Phedre her love, but it was a different kind of story.

These observations aside, the story was epic and sweeping, the writing as elegant and well-tooled as ever, and the characters rich and fascinating. Carey's attention to theological detail and delicate touch with myth make this volume almost more philosophical intrigue than political, but no less enthralling for that. This volume caps off Phedre's story very nicely, a graceful glide into a warm loving glow.(less)

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Sep 18, 2009 Allison (The Allure of Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: other-adult-fantasy, series_kushiel, own-it, 2009

I stayed up until 8 o'clock in the morning to finish this book. I literally could not put it down, it didn't even occur to me. This book was fan-freakin-tastic and I definitely consider it among my few favorites.

I already loved (and hated, in some cases) these characters. They already felt real to me. I know some people will read this series and say that some of the characters are without flaws, but I don't care.

I followed Phedre and Joscelin into the most realized interpretation of Hell I have...more

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Oct 14, 2011 Traci rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

This series took me by surprise and became a favorite. The last book is as constantly good as the other two and Carey's writing is, so far, at it's best. I recommend trying these books. Fans of fantasy along the lines of Guy Gavriel Kay, Robin Hobb, Jennifer Fallon, and N.K. Jemisin. And also romance fans of Diana Gabaldon and Beatrice Small.
Now for the reason this almost didn't get a five star rating. I liked Phedre throughout the series but I felt that here in the last instead of growing older...more

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Apr 13, 2012 Patrícia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sagas, foreign-literature, fantasy, meus, leituras-2012, os-favoritos-de-sempre

Geroge R. R. Martin, Robert Jordan e Juliet Marillier não pouparam elogios à esta trilogia. Desde sofisticada, elegante a inesquecível, O Legado de Kushiel ganhou um lugar no mundo da Fantasia através de uma imagem única da Europa Renascentista e de um enredo complexo fascinante pontuado por personagens únicas que deixaram rendidos os amantes deste género de leitura.
De livro para livro, a acção torna-se mais intricada, levando-nos por caminhos tão tortuosos quanto magníficos que nos tiram o fôle...more Geroge R. R. Martin, Robert Jordan e Juliet Marillier não pouparam elogios à esta trilogia. Desde sofisticada, elegante a inesquecível, O Legado de Kushiel ganhou um lugar no mundo da Fantasia através de uma imagem única da Europa Renascentista e de um enredo complexo fascinante pontuado por personagens únicas que deixaram rendidos os amantes deste género de leitura.
De livro para livro, a acção torna-se mais intricada, levando-nos por caminhos tão tortuosos quanto magníficos que nos tiram o fôlego a cada descoberta e nos deixam arrebatados perante a beleza obscura desta história. Neste Avatar de Kushiel, dez anos após os acontecimentos anteriores, o encanto mantém-se mas tudo o que podiam esperar é ultrapassado.
Como já devem ter percebido esta é uma das minhas séries mais queridas a par de Jóias Negras e de Crónicas de Gelo e Fogo. Depois de à três anos atrás o primeiro volume me ter chamado a atenção na montra da Bertrand do Colombo de tal maneira que tive de o comprar nesse mesmo dia, e sim tinha a primeira capa portuguesa, tem sido com ansiedade que tenho aguardado cada lançamento e com voracidade tenho lido cada um destes livros. Agora, a aproximarmo-nos do fim, já foi com nostalgia e ainda mais vontade que me agarrei a este quinto volume.
Encontrar algumas das minhas personagens mais queridas dez anos mais velhas, naqueles que foram anos de paz sobre o reinado de Ysandre, foi um dos motivos da nostalgia. Como o próprio Joscelin diz a Phèdre, eles já foram jovens e impulsivos, e é amadurecidos pela experiência e pela convivência que os vamos encontrar neste livro, longe da tempestuosidade que marcava o início da relação deles. Mais calmos e menos orgulhosos, é isso que vai proporcionar alguns dos maiores obstáculos à sua relação, momentos que nos deixam com o coração nas mãos e que demonstram que a perícia da autora aumenta de livro para livro, conseguindo ultrapassar-se a si própria.
Rever personagens como Hyancinthe, Melisande ou Ysandre e o Cruarch em panoramas completamente diferentes ao que estamos habituados é uma mais valia e torna este livro ainda mais intenso do que a restante série, a juntar a curiosidade que o leitor tem sobre o que aconteceu com cada um deles e restante elenco, cada reencontro é um intensificar das emoções do leitor. Também aparecem outras de livros anteriores, o que nos faz reviver as circunstâncias em que apareceram e ajudam, mais uma vez, a matar a curiosidade acerca dos acontecimentos que ocorreram do último livro para este.
A juntar a isto a nova demanda de Phèdre, entrelaçada com a do passado, esta leitura é muito mais intensa e complexa, mais pelo psicológico do que pela acção propriamente dita, que nos arrasta num turbilhão de emoções através da beleza indiscutível da escrita de Carey e de todos os novos cenários que autora nos oferece neste livro, tornando-se uma viagem alucinante pelo passado europeu transformado para esta narrativa. Em cada nova cidade e relato terão reminiscências de memórias de cidades já descritas e que neste livro ganham uma nova consciência e que vai mexer com os vossos sentidos. A provar que é uma mestra, Carey pega em coisas conhecidas de todas nós e torna-as algo deste seu mundo sofisticado e belo, dando-lhes um novo espírito. Descrições de intensa mestria que levarão os amantes mais eruditos desta trilogia à um novo patamar, transformando algo banal em algo de surpreendente.
Como se não bastasse, as almas mais sensíveis preparem-se para descrições de arrepiar que impressionam até um coração mais forte. Até a mim que nunca me senti atacada pelos pormenores únicos desta série, este livro impressionou. A autora pega no que de mais macabro existe no imaginário do ser humano e dá-nos a maior provação pelo que os nossos heróis já passaram. Para uma leitura calma no início, temos um final que nos vai deixar obcecados para saber o que irá acontecer a seguir.
Mais escuro, mais forte e imensamente mais intenso, Avatar de Kushiel é a preparação perfeita para um grande final que deixará os fãs arrebatados e que nos levará a loucura em cada página. E prova, mais uma vez, que Jacqueline Carey é um nome a guardar quando se fala de Fantasia.

http://girlinchaiselongue.blogspot.pt...(less)

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May 10, 2011 Sath rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, bdsm, reviewed

Ten years have passed in Terre d'Ange, peace and prosperity for the country, and for Phedre and Joscelin. Phedre has never forgotten Hyacinche, still trapped by the curse of the angel Rahab, and has long searched for (and never found) the one thing which could free him - the name of god. Then comes a request for help from Melisand Sharizhai, her son Imriel, hidden away in secret these ten years is now missing, presumed abducted. And if Phedre will search for him, Melisande promises a lead on the...more Ten years have passed in Terre d'Ange, peace and prosperity for the country, and for Phedre and Joscelin. Phedre has never forgotten Hyacinche, still trapped by the curse of the angel Rahab, and has long searched for (and never found) the one thing which could free him - the name of god. Then comes a request for help from Melisand Sharizhai, her son Imriel, hidden away in secret these ten years is now missing, presumed abducted. And if Phedre will search for him, Melisande promises a lead on the lost tribe of the yeshuites, and perhaps the name of god.

Phedre's third and final adventure, is bigger, scarier, more dangerous, and much more exciting than the last. I couldn't have believed that Jacqueline Carey knew how to better the last book, but she did.

I was glad to see that Phedre and Joscelin's relationship has solidified somewhat, I guess 10 years without mishap worked well for them. But it's still amazing, the trial that happen to their relationship. When phedre gets involved in something because she must, because Kushiel wills it, and Joscelin stands by her no matter what, no matter what danger she puts herself in, he has to watch her do it, and be there to protect her.. I still think this has to be the most heroic and romantic partnership in the history of fantasy fiction. I don't think I've read better or cried more for a long time.

The lore and history of the books is still brilliant also, the storyline roughly follows the legend of the lost tribes of israel (jewish lore), but as I know barely anything about that in real terms, I couldn't say anything about how the story was used, or how close to 'realistic' it was, I don't even know much of the relative countries in modern terms... But I can say that it was amazingly well written. Especially exciting is the rare instances of 'magic' or visions and such that occur, the majority of the style is more historical fiction style than fantasy, so when the magic creeps in, melded subtly in, you almost don't see it coming, but it makes some amazing scenes.

I would guess that anyone reading this review has probably already read the first two books, but if you haven't, you really should, because this trilogy only gets better and better. And they're huge long books but so well worth the reading time. I lost my 7% lead on my book challenge while reading these, but I don't regret it.

See my other reviews of Kushiel's Legacy:
← #2 Kushiel's Chosen | #4 Kushiel's Scion →(less)

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Jan 08, 2011 ♆ BookAddict ~ La Crimson Femme rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

The conclusion to Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel trilogy featuring Phedre no Delaunay leads us to Phedre’s darkest hour. Torn between two loyalties, Phedre starts a new journey to save the missing child, Imriel de la Courcel. Imriel is no ordinary child; born of Phedre’s betrayer, Melisandre Shahrizai, he is of two lines. From his father’s side, he is in the direct line to Terre d’Ange’s throne. From his mother’s blood, he is bequeathed the darker aspects of Kushiel’s legacy.

In Phedre’s quest to fin...more The conclusion to Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel trilogy featuring Phedre no Delaunay leads us to Phedre’s darkest hour. Torn between two loyalties, Phedre starts a new journey to save the missing child, Imriel de la Courcel. Imriel is no ordinary child; born of Phedre’s betrayer, Melisandre Shahrizai, he is of two lines. From his father’s side, he is in the direct line to Terre d’Ange’s throne. From his mother’s blood, he is bequeathed the darker aspects of Kushiel’s legacy.

In Phedre’s quest to find the lost boy, she must yield and endure the worst her gods ask of her. If she refuses the quest, she may lose the favours of her gods. Her trials do not end at finding the boy. It is merely a painful step in her ultimate goal, to free her childhood friend, Hyacinthe. Accompanying and watching her suffer through the sadistic tortures is her loyal and loving warrior-priest, Joscelin. This book truly demonstrates Elua’s sacred concept, “Love as thou wilt”.

J. Carey’s provocative writing lures me to read and reread her books. The fantastic multifaceted and culturally enriched world she creates is a feast for the starving. In a time where most authors provide a “fast food story”, Carey caters for a 12 course gourmet meal. Each scene is designed to interlock and enhance a plot further along in her story. Her main characters are endearing, neither completely evil nor good. For each Evil person, she redeems them with acts of kindness. For each Good person, when an unspeakable act is committed, motives are explained in such a way that forces the reader to empathize.

J. Carey is a true artist who paints exquisite scenery and erotic situations. The interactions between Phedre, Joscelin, Imirel and Melisandre invoke strong passionate emotions. Several of her sex scenes build and stroke desires to a feverous peak before it explodes in a fiery climax. In the Kushiel Trilogy, she built an entire civilization which embodies the BDSM society openly. Her anguissette portrays the ultimate submissive BDSM persona. Definitely not for the bland or timid; no sexual limit is taboo in this book. I eagerly wait for her next trilogy into the world of Terre d’Ange.
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Feb 02, 2010 Meredith rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, supernatural, lgbt, romance, abuse, favorites, reviewed

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

I have to echo the sentiments of another reviewer here: Kushiel's Dart and Kushiel's Chosen pulled me into a world of political intrigue and colliding loyalties, but it was Kushiel's Avatar that made me care about the characters. The romance between Phèdre and Joscelin is deeper, more intense, and there is heart-wrenching angst between them after Phèdre's nightmarish time in Daršanga. It is there that the Mahrkagir teaches her not only the depths to which an anguisette can plummet,...more Ultra-spoilery

I have to echo the sentiments of another reviewer here: Kushiel's Dart and Kushiel's Chosen pulled me into a world of political intrigue and colliding loyalties, but it was Kushiel's Avatar that made me care about the characters. The romance between Phèdre and Joscelin is deeper, more intense, and there is heart-wrenching angst between them after Phèdre's nightmarish time in Daršanga. It is there that the Mahrkagir teaches her not only the depths to which an anguisette can plummet, but what a "boy with a dog" can become with enough blunt psychological trauma. It is also there that Phèdre and the abused Imriel (Melisande's son and the object of Phèdre's harrowing quest) befriend one another.

The wounds sustained in Daršanga heal clean, as always, but Phèdre's road back to Joscelin necessitates healing of a different kind. Their reunion scene, after Joscelin has caught the fish, is tender and sensual and beautiful--easily my favorite of the series.

The conclusion to this first trilogy also features the rescue of Phèdre's childhood friend, Hyacinthe. Once he has escaped the Master of the Straits curse, he plans to begin a life with Sibeal--but not without acknowledging that she will always be second in his heart to Phèdre. This was an exceptionally well-executed triangle, as I felt the bittersweet sting of their goodbye scenes despite rooting for the Joscelin/Phèdre romance. Honestly, I probably would have been happy if she had ended up with either one.

Imriel becoming Phèdre's foster son was certainly a poetic turn of events, given her past with Melisande and her vow never to have children (for fear of producing another anguisette). Though this ending hardly came as a surprise, part of me feared that Ysandre would step in and claim custody of Melisande's son, leaving Phèdre with yet another loss to mourn. (For reasons unknown even to me, I never quite liked Queen Ysandre.) This last installment of the trilogy spends sufficient time establishing Imriel's character and planting the seeds for decades of future conflict. Probably a good thing, since the second Kushiel trilogy is the "Imriel trilogy"! (less)

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Nov 18, 2008 Bellish rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: those who read the first two, even if they weren't completed sold

Although I did enjoy the first two books in this series, it was with a bucket of reservations: repetition, overblown language, and inadequate characterization of the supporting characters, which made the impressively plotted political machinations so much less involving.

The third book, however, overturned most of these. There is still repetition (I will own, if I ever hear that phrase again I will go mad), but the high-flown language comes into its own describing the lengthy journey undertaken b...more

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Feb 02, 2010 Christina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, 2008-reads, 2010-reads

As I finish this trilogy for the second time, I am - no kidding - hugging the book to my chest and willing for Phèdre's story to continue. That is how much I love Kushiel's Legacy.

How do I describe my love for these books? Is it Phèdre's courage, to falter at no boundaries in order to achieve what she believes in? Or Joscelin's faith, to - putting it simply - protect and serve? Maybe it is that without a doubt, I would drop everything in a heartbeat to take up residence in Terre d'Ange and foll...more As I finish this trilogy for the second time, I am - no kidding - hugging the book to my chest and willing for Phèdre's story to continue. That is how much I love Kushiel's Legacy.

How do I describe my love for these books? Is it Phèdre's courage, to falter at no boundaries in order to achieve what she believes in? Or Joscelin's faith, to - putting it simply - protect and serve? Maybe it is that without a doubt, I would drop everything in a heartbeat to take up residence in Terre d'Ange and follow Blessed Elua. Whatever it is, these books make me think, they make me believe. I love them for it.

Of course, these books are not without their flaws. Carey is a rambler; She goes off track more times than I ever bothered to count. She repeats the same thoughts over and over until you just want to scream, 'You know what? WE GET IT'. There are points in Phèdre's journey where I could seriously fall asleep. I cannot stand her continual musings of Hyacinthe, and how she always ponders what would have happened between them, as though Joscelin could be so easily discarded. And yet...

And yet at the end of the day, despite its flaws, it is a brilliant story, an epic journey across lands and seas to save a friend, a traitor's get, and a country fit for angels. Kushiel's Avatar is the darkest novel to date, pushing all characters beyond what they thought was their limit. Even Melisande, who we always believed indestructible, displays her one weakness: love for her son.

And that's what these books are all about. At the centre of this book - no, of this legacy - lies one meaning, and one meaning only: Love. In all its forms, in all that it encompasses, nothing is greater or more profound. Love as thou wilt, is Blessed Elua's precept. Love for a friend, or a lover; a son, a country, a people, a patron. Love within light, and love within hate. It is all we need in the end, and maybe that is why I adore these books so much.

For such a complex series, the legacy is so simple.

On a completely unrelated (and very foreshadowing) note... fucking Carthage! I realised that whenever I turned to the map at the front of the book, seeing Carthage just made my blood boil. It freaking takes up 2/3s of the map! It was totally leering at me in all its ominousness hahaha. However, I cannot wait to get into Imriel's trilogy again. It's hard to stay away from these characters for too long; that is how much I love them. I miss them too much when they're not running amuck in my head.(less)

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Mar 22, 2008 Myridian rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, sex

The final novel in this series, this book asked the heroine to do everything that I could possibly have wanted and more. She saved her friend, came to love the son of her enemy, and overcame the forces of evil. And all through her adventures she maintained a sense of integrity, intelligence, and remarkable sensuality. What more could anyone ask? Upon finishing a series I usually either have a sense of sorrow at having to part with a character that I feel close to, or relief at having finished a...more

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Sep 17, 2007 Mara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fantasy fans with a strong stomach

Shelves: fantasy, m_for_mature

See also my review for Kushiel's Dart, which covers this entire series.

This is the spiritually deepest and most terrifying of all three books. Phedre's pain-bearing gift takes her into a kind of hell-on-earth, something only she could psychologically and physically survive in order to overcome and ultimately destroy it. Her quest to save her good friend Hyacinthe from a lifetime of solitary confinement eventually unearths the lost Hebrew tribe of Dan in Africa and her meeting with the old priest...more

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Jun 09, 2007 Elizabeth rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: all fantasy lovers

I felt spent after reading book 2 in this trilogy... but that was nothing compared to the terrible beauty of Kushiel's Avatar. Carey delves deep into the darkness of the human psyche, and deep into our hearts with the seemingly impossible task laid at Phèdre's feet. We might wish for gifts from the gods, here in our cubicles or sitting in rush-hour traffic, but this book outlines the price of being the Avatar of a god such as Kushiel, and the courage required to meet his demands.

Unlike the othe...more

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Sep 27, 2011 Romantika rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Ogni volta che prendo in mano un libro della Carey sono emozionata all'idea di entrare in questo mondo...poi passano i capitoli e mi ricodo quanto è prolissa questa donna, adoro il suo modo di descrivere, fa capire ogni dettaglio così da poter visualizzare le sue parole nella tua testa però... mi sono ritrovata a saltare qualche riga di descrizione. Quando leggo la Carey la mia lettura è mooolto lenta perchè altrimenti mi perderei tra i vari intrighi e nomi(che tutt'ora sono sparsi nella mia men...more Ogni volta che prendo in mano un libro della Carey sono emozionata all'idea di entrare in questo mondo...poi passano i capitoli e mi ricodo quanto è prolissa questa donna, adoro il suo modo di descrivere, fa capire ogni dettaglio così da poter visualizzare le sue parole nella tua testa però... mi sono ritrovata a saltare qualche riga di descrizione. Quando leggo la Carey la mia lettura è mooolto lenta perchè altrimenti mi perderei tra i vari intrighi e nomi(che tutt'ora sono sparsi nella mia mente qua e là) però quando sono arrivata <br />a Daršanga mi sono fermata del tutto mi son detta no questo non fa per me, non posso sopportarlo.. Così mi sono fermata e ho pensato che la Carey non mi ha mai delusa e allora ho ripreso il libro e (facendo un saltino in avanti per assicurarmi di non svenire sul libro) sono andata avanti. Ok ben ci stava, tutto il tormento e le varie torture psicologiche e non, sono necessarie per lo sviluppo della trama ma CHE FATICA! Superata Daršanga finalmente torna la Carey che mi piace fino alla fine dove tocca al povero Hyacinthe. Ok, siamo riusciti a spezzare la maledizione maaaa basta, punto. Questo povero uomo si ritrova col cuore spezzato sapendo che non potrà amare nessun altro quanto Phedre, senza una vita (perchè non può riprendere la sua vecchia vita come fosse niente) legato ad una donna per quale motivo? ripiego? compassione?dovere? e dove è finito AMA A TUO PIACIMENTO? questo punto non l'ho capito e deve andare a vivere lontano dalla sua città e oltre tutto ha un enorme responsabilità/maledizione con la quale dovrà convivere per tutta la vita.. Però sono tutti contenti Phedre ha finalmente la sua vita serena(fino a quando non si sà, visto che Melisande non muore mai XD ). Da tutto questo può sembrare che questo libro non mi è piaciuto.. e invece no, mi piaciuto molto e alla fine avevo il classico magone per aver finito questa saga (nella speranza di vedere la trilogia di Imriel) solo che questo finale agrodolce e malinconico di Hyacinthe mi ha lasciato un pò l'amaro in bocca fino alla fine.(less)

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

Shelves: fisicamente_posseduto, preferiti, ebook

Assolutamente il degno finale di questa fantastica triologia di Jacqueline Carey.

Fra i tre è quello che ho preferito in assoluto per la presenza in egual misura di avventura, amore e sesso.

Avvenutura perchè il viaggio di Phèdre e Joscelin verso le terre inospitali di Saba, per scoprire l'unico modo che gli avrebbe permesso di liberare Hyacinthe, è irto e pieno di ostacoli. Le descrizioni assolutamente perfette ed evocative. La Carey non si limita a raccontare, no, le ci dimostra e ci mostra con...more

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Jan 03, 2011 South Regional Durham County Libraries rated it 5 of 5 stars

The promise of Kushiel's Dart (2001), the first volume of Carey's immense trilogy set in a skewed Renaissance world, is more than realized in this splendid conclusion. In the 10 years since the action of the second, relatively uneventful volume, Kushiel's Chosen (2002), the winsome and gritty anguisette Phedre, bidden to seek pain in love by her demi-gods, the cruel Kushiel and the loving Naamah, has matured gracefully. Now the Comtesse Phedre no Delaunay de Montreve, she enjoys maintaining an e...more

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Jan 08, 2013 Abra rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, re-read, fantasy

This is the umpteenth time I've re-read the first Kushiel trilogy, though I am not reviewing the other two right now because I started my rereading in 2012, and (mostly) the only ones that qualify for a review right now are the books I am reading in 2013.

When I first read Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel's Dart, which was a few years ago by now, I was somewhat surprised it was mainstream fiction; it seemed much closer to BDSM porn, of an epic length. I was impressed at the level of graphicness it was...more

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Oct 17, 2012 Angie rated it 5 of 5 stars

If I could give this book 4.5 stars, I would, but I'm erring on the side of awesomeness.

I didn't realize when I picked it up that it's the last in a trilogy, though I did get that pretty quick and almost set it down to start at the beginning. However, it does stand alone as a book- there's enough references to the previous books to have set a good base, but not overwhelmingly so. She doesn't over-explain, basically.

At first I wasn't sure about the language- it's flowery, sort of. But it makes p...more If I could give this book 4.5 stars, I would, but I'm erring on the side of awesomeness.

I didn't realize when I picked it up that it's the last in a trilogy, though I did get that pretty quick and almost set it down to start at the beginning. However, it does stand alone as a book- there's enough references to the previous books to have set a good base, but not overwhelmingly so. She doesn't over-explain, basically.

At first I wasn't sure about the language- it's flowery, sort of. But it makes perfect sense for the character who's narrating the story, and I got used to it pretty quick. What's great about it is that the author doesn't break that tone at all, and does a good job of separating out a few dialects by simply changing the tone and words used.

What I find amazing about this book is the use of an alternate history to provide the quest setting. This is also where it would've come in handy to read the first 2 books, to get a better grasp on that alternate history, but the author's use of up to date sociological and theological knowledge as a base for essentially an alternate history is amazing. The whole quest for the Name of God is set in an airtight recounting of the history and myths of the Ethiopian Jews and the story of the Ark of the Covenant. She uses details that make perfect sense but also expands and changes them as necessary to fit her story. I don't know exactly how to describe it, but I think it's beautifully done- there's even a TV show that would introduce you to the idea of the Ark of the Covenant hidden in Ethiopia (Discovery Channel show maybe? Olly Steeds?).

The characters are also fully fleshed- at first I was skeptical of this idea of the 'anguissette' but, hey, it's essentially the idea that drives most of the plot, and the characters are 3-dimensional and transcend their stereotypes, easy to relate to. So, I've gotta go back and read the first 2 but I very much look forward to it, and I hope they hold up- since it is the last in a trilogy it's possible she was honing her skill in the first 2 so they could be less awesome, but I'll take that chance.(less)

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Aug 12, 2012 Crystal Carroll rated it 4 of 5 stars

Third in a trilogy. Phedre, a young gods touched courtesan, and her consort Joscelin, move beyond the realm of politics and into vaster riddles of the series.

This is an incredibly satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. It amazes me that a series so incredibly, hmmm...painfully graphic about pain and pleasure, is ultimately so emotionally satisfying. The final two hundred pages are like the wind in the desert, a song, a contemplation of a single drop of rain.

Although, as per tradition in this seri...more

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Sep 07, 2011 Jasmyn9 rated it 5 of 5 stars

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

Ten years have passed for Phedre and Joscelin. Years of peace and happiness uninterrupted by intrigue. The only damper is the knowledge that her best friend, Hyacinthe, is stuck as master of the straights, fulfilling an age old curse. But one again the gods have a higher purpose for them, a message seen in dreams and in the form of a plea for help from the traitor, Melisande. her son, hidden away for the past ten years, has been kidnapped. Thus begins the most imporatant journey of Phedre's life...more

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Jul 27, 2011 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, favorites

This is and always will be my favourite out of the entire Kushiel's Legacy series - I haven't even read all of the books yet and I can already say without a doubt that this one is my favourite - that should tell you a lot about how much I love it, especially if you've heard me rave about previous books in the series.

Jacqueline Carey truly outdid herself here. The story of this particular novel is compelling beyond compelling, amazing almost to a fault, and frankly, addictive. Being in the proces...more This is and always will be my favourite out of the entire Kushiel's Legacy series - I haven't even read all of the books yet and I can already say without a doubt that this one is my favourite - that should tell you a lot about how much I love it, especially if you've heard me rave about previous books in the series.

Jacqueline Carey truly outdid herself here. The story of this particular novel is compelling beyond compelling, amazing almost to a fault, and frankly, addictive. Being in the process of reading this book is like being a victim of substance abuse - you simply can't stop. Even if you do have finals to study for and coursework to do and money to make - you simply can't stop. So I strongly advise you to read this during your summer vacation or something.

Here's the story; Phedre and her wonderful lover Joscelin, after having been given ten years of peace by fate, are once again swept up in the current of Carey; that mix of destiny and intrigue and a hint of random occurence that makes for such a great story. They set out to find Imriel, the lost son of Melisande Shahrizai, traitor to the crown.

What I love about this novel in particular, among all of them, is that in this one Phedre (the main character) feels more mature - and more herself. In the first two, she was always doing other people's work, finding out their secrets, trying to save their countries - noble, but not particularly fulfilling. Kushiel's Avatar starts out that way, but halfway through the novel Phedre grows a little more rebellious; it's like she starts fighting for herself for once, instead of being swept along by the current and making the best of it. She fights - makes some life-altering decisions, some terrible, terrible sacrifices, but there is a lovely message of hope in the book in that no matter how much she, Joscelin and Imriel suffer in captivity (because they are once again captured, in an even worse way than before), there is a streak of hope that runs through the entire thing. Like, in captivity, Phedre somehow convinces her fellow prisoner to help her break a way into a closed off courtyard where they can finally see the sun again after months of darkness, both physical and emotional darkness; and as that happens, you can just feel this incredible vibe of human strength course through the people present.

Also, in this book, Carey takes that everything-is-connected-ness, that humanity-in-her-characters-ness, that my-novels-are-speckled-with-little-moments-and-sentences-so-profound-they-will-leave-you-reeling-ness that is her own and takes it to a whole nother level. In short - fantastic novel, everyone who is even remotely into fantasy should read it. And even those that aren't. It might change your life.(less)

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Jul 06, 2011 Lightreads rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, fiction

Further adventures of fantasy!France’s most beautiful traveling courtesan who is marked by the gods to have a lot of kinky sex.

I have a lot of thoughts about this series suddenly. Funny, since in the past it was my go to law school exams reading choice.

Thing 1: I really like how this series talks about women’s power – political, sexual, subversive. And how the thrust of the whole thing revolves around the love/hate of two extraordinary and powerful women. How often do you see that?

Thing 2: The s...more

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Dec 21, 2010 Lauren Doll rated it 5 of 5 stars

The promise of Kushiel's Dart (2001), the first volume of Carey's immense trilogy set in a skewed Renaissance world, is more than realized in this splendid conclusion. In the 10 years since the action of the second, relatively uneventful volume, Kushiel's Chosen (2002), the winsome and gritty anguisette Phedre, bidden to seek pain in love by her demi-gods, the cruel Kushiel and the loving Naamah, has matured gracefully. Now the Comtesse Phedre no Delaunay de Montreve, she enjoys maintaining an e...more

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Oct 30, 2010 Benjamin Thomas rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

"Kushiel's Avatar" follows the first book, "Kushiel's Dart" and the second, "Kushiel's Chosen". This is a relatively long book, coming it at 750 paperback pages and does a fine job of concluding the trilogy. The heroine, Phedre, has grown from a young girl to a mature woman through this series and we get to experience her world and all of the complex intrigue included therein right along with her.

Ten years have passed since the end of the second book and Phedre has settled into a nice life with...more "Kushiel's Avatar" follows the first book, "Kushiel's Dart" and the second, "Kushiel's Chosen". This is a relatively long book, coming it at 750 paperback pages and does a fine job of concluding the trilogy. The heroine, Phedre, has grown from a young girl to a mature woman through this series and we get to experience her world and all of the complex intrigue included therein right along with her.

Ten years have passed since the end of the second book and Phedre has settled into a nice life with her consort Joscelin. She still takes on clients as an anguisette but now only three per year. Life is good. The only thing that still haunts her is the fate of her childhood friend, Hyacinth, who had sacrificed himself back in the first book to suffer the curse of being a perpetual apprentice to the Master of the Straits. Now when Phedre's nemesis, the beautiful Melisande contacts Phedre and begs her to go in search of her kidnapped son, Phedre makes a deal with her that will ultimately culminate in Hyacinth's release.

As in the previous novels in the trilogy, the tapestry of this world is vast and detailed. Essentially, it is an alternate Earth and we travel along with Phedra and her company of escorts, guardsmen, etc. from Europe to the Middle East and to northern and central Africa. Most of the place names are similar to ours so it is possible to decipher where they are going but I was very happy to have the map at the front of the book to refer to. Also, there are lots and lots of characters so the list of their names and relationships was welcome. This book is not for those easily offended by erotic scenes as there are several in here, one in particular which is extremely graphic but also very necessary to the plot. The protagonist, afterall, is bound by her gods to experience both pain and pleasure as a courtesan so that sort of thing does come up in the plot. Taken as a trilogy, this is a vast epic fantasy that is very enjoyable to read. I felt there were a few spots with too much description of scenery and a few too many stops along her journey that didn't seem to have much bearing on the plot. A little too long but enjoyable none-the-less. I plan to read the follow-on trilogy which focuses on the boy that had been kidnapped, and his life...but these books are so long that I will wait a while before beginning that series.(less)

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Oct 13, 2010 Jilly rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kushiel

This one was at times a bit lighter and darker than the others of the series. Phedre, being Kushiel’s Chosen, experiences pain as pleasure more often than not. So this gets pushed to limits that were a bit hard to deal with but luckily nothing so overpowering that I couldn’t deal. My biggest issue was there were children in this harem Phedre gets herself into. Of course, her purpose is to change this situation so I’m okay with it.

As for the lighter, some of the adventures were simple and less in...more

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Sep 23, 2009 Robin Wiley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, love-it-more-than-puppies

Wow! I REALLY loved this one! This one is definately the best of the three! Most adventure, most interesting places, coolest cities, best fight scene, most religions, worst bad guys...

Speaking of bad guys, I like vengeance killing. You know, when the bad guy(s) have really pissed you off, and you will not be satisfied until they are very dead - and a Disney-style-fall-from-a-great-height-death simply will not do. Like in Open Range after the bad guys kill the kid and shoot Kevin Costner's dog. Y...more Wow! I REALLY loved this one! This one is definately the best of the three! Most adventure, most interesting places, coolest cities, best fight scene, most religions, worst bad guys...

Speaking of bad guys, I like vengeance killing. You know, when the bad guy(s) have really pissed you off, and you will not be satisfied until they are very dead - and a Disney-style-fall-from-a-great-height-death simply will not do. Like in Open Range after the bad guys kill the kid and shoot Kevin Costner's dog. You think, "Oh, these guys had better be dead at the end of this movie!" Then when he tells Sue that "alot of people are going to die today and I'm going be the one doing the killing" - your darker angels do a happy dance!

Kushiel's Avatar has that kind of bad guy (with minions). Think bad guy from Conan and bad guy from Temple of Doom have a baby and Vlad Dracula (the historical version) is the nanny. Creepy, Evil, Crazy. He and his minions seriously need killing, and my darker angels did a happy dance when our girl Phedre comes up with a plan. Hence, the title of the book. And that's in the first half of the book!

I love great places. Give me a city built sticking out of a mountain-side and I'm a happy girl. This book has something like Alexandria (with the Great Library and the Colosses, sigh!). There's a river journey with pyramids and temples, a forgotten city with a lost tribe (hmmm), a lake made from the tears of a goddess, with a hidden island, an ancient temple, and a golden ark with broken tablets in it. There's also a land filled with temples of perpetual flame.

Carrey's world is a re-imagined Europe. Terra D'Ange is France in high-middle ages. But there are Egyptian, African, Arab type people in the places on the map you would expect them to be. She travels to a city that is very Cairo-like. So, it's familiar, but not historical in any way. I like that because you can save your imagination some work on the superficial stuff in order to wrap your brain around the cool, new stuff she gives you.

I'm just worried that I can't move on to the next book, since it's not about Phedre. (less)

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Oct 12, 2012 Michele (Mikecas) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotismo, ebook, fantasy

Da: http://www.webalice.it/michele.castel... Quando era stato pubblicato il primo romanzo di questa triologia avevo letto la presentazione ed avevo evitato di comperarlo, perch� una specie di fantasy basato su una masochista addestrata ad essere una "cortigiana" di alto livello, che diventa poi anche una spia che ottiene informazioni soddisfacendo le fantasie sadiche dei vari potenti non mi sembrava un'idea che potesse produrre una storia interessante. Poi sono usciti gli altri romanzi, e le opi...more Da: http://www.webalice.it/michele.castel... Quando era stato pubblicato il primo romanzo di questa triologia avevo letto la presentazione ed avevo evitato di comperarlo, perch� una specie di fantasy basato su una masochista addestrata ad essere una "cortigiana" di alto livello, che diventa poi anche una spia che ottiene informazioni soddisfacendo le fantasie sadiche dei vari potenti non mi sembrava un'idea che potesse produrre una storia interessante. Poi sono usciti gli altri romanzi, e le opinioni che leggevo erano sempre positive. Alla fine ho deciso di provare a leggere questa storia, e il risultato � che ora la presento qui consigliandone la lettura. Sicuramente non � un capolavoro, non � assolutamente all'altezza di Eriksonn o Martin e nemmeno di Campbell o Mi�ville, ed ha anche evidenti difetti di stile, ma presenta aspetti originali che vanno ben al di l� del contenuto erotico che sembrerebbe dominante dalle recensioni che avevo letto inizialmente. Il mondo che viene descritto � molto ben pensato in tutti i suoi particolari, sufficientemente vicino a quello storicamente esistito nel nostro passato da essere in buona parte riconoscibile, ma con una adeguata dose di differenza, ben spiegata nel corso della narrazione, da incuriosire e mantenere l'attenzione sempre attenta ad ogni particolare. Una profonda conoscenza dei miti e delle religioni dei popoli europei permette alla Carey di elaborare una sua personale visione di un mondo come sarebbe stato se alcuni di quei miti, ed altri di invenzione della Carey stessa, fossero stati reali. Una storia che si lascia leggere volentieri, che ha momenti di tensione narrativa anche di ottimo livello, ma con punti deboli spesso molto evidenti. Incomincio dai difetti, e dall'inizio della triologia. Il mondo che ci presenta la Carey ha moltissimi aspetti dell'Europa medioevale e rinascimentale, anche se mescolati in modo poco tradizionale, e quindi non � un mondo difficile in cui immedesimarsi, ma presenta anche aspetti inconsueti che devono essere capiti, aspetti che fanno davvero la differenza tra la nostra realt� storica e il mondo di fantasia in cui ci apprestiamo ad entrare. Purtroppo la Carey non ci fa incontrare questi aspetti originali attraverso l'azione dei personaggi, non ce li fa scoprire poco alla volta nel dipanarsi della storia viva, ma sceglie di iniziare il racconto con il ricordo da parte di Ph�dre della sua infanzia e di tutte le traversie passate, attraverso cui rendere note al lettore gli aspetti principali del mondo che ha immaginato. L'intera triologia � basata su un singolo Punto di Vista narrativo, che � Ph�dre, e se questo rappresenta un elemento di stabilit� del racconto, � anche un forte limite per rendere noti gli aspetti pi� generali della societ� in cui Ph�dre agisce, dovendo sempre passare attraverso pensieri o colloqui di Ph�dre stessa. Il racconto iniziale della propria vita passata non � certamente la scelta migliore che si potesse fare, anche se sicuramente non raggiunge il livello di noia garantito dal primo centinaio di pagine de Il Signore degli Anelli, dato che il buon Tolkien era sicuramente un dotto professore che aveva studiato con certosina cura i miti e le leggende su cui basarsi per i propri romanzi, ma certamente avrebbe dovuto farsi insegnare da qualcuno con migliori capacit� narrative come evitare di iniziare il suo romanzo pi� importante con una lunghissima e soporifera descrizione, che non � il modo ottimale di acquisire lettori. La Carey riesce a contenere il livello di noia della descrizione iniziale, ma in questo difetto ci ricade poi piuttosto spesso, in parte proprio per i limiti del singolo Punto di Vista, ma anche per carenza di tecnica narrativa. Nel primo romanzo della triologia ci sono molte scene di battaglia, da scontri di massa a duelli singoli, ma la Carey dimostra di sapere molto poco di tecnica militare per cui, essendone probabilmente ben cosciente, usa sempre delle descrizioni generiche, delle frasi che sembrano voler descrivere qualcosa ma in effetti sono poco pi� di frasi fatte, e cerca di fornire sopratutto l'aspetto emotivo dell'avvenimento, e non la descrizione concreta dello stesso, che viene normalmente concluso velocemente. Anche le ragioni delle superiori capacit� dei cassiliani, tra cui Joscelin, nel combattimento individuale sono poco giustificate, lasciate ad un generico "allenamento fin da piccoli", che dice in realt� ben poco. Nei due volumi successivi le grandi battaglie di massa scompaiono quasi completamente, e per la superiore capacit� cassiliana si cerca di dare qualche dettaglio tecnico, sempre generico e vago, mentre la Carey rinforza l'aspetto dell'intrigo politico e amoroso, dove si muove sicuramente meglio. La visione del mondo che ha immaginato si amplia sempre pi�, inglobando, specialmente ne La Maschera e le Tenebre, regioni esotiche e considerate quasi immaginarie sia nell'Europa del romanzo che in quella reale che ne � il modello. Un problema � che la Carey non ha sviluppato la sua triologia come una storia unica, divisa in tre capitoli (tra l'altro ben corposi ognuno di loro), ma ha considerato la sua opera come tre romanzi separati, da poter essere letti indipendentemente l'uno dall'altro, e questo ha richiesto, nei due successivi, una continua illustrazione degli avvenimenti precedenti che non � stata affatto gestita in modo soddisfacente. Di fatto ogni volta che si presenta un riferimento a qualcosa del passato, parte un pippone dedicato a ricordare cosa era successo, e la cosa � molto noiosa ed irritante per chi, come me, ha letto i tre romanzi uno dopo l'altro in rapida sequenza. Anche per un lettore occasionale che inizi a leggere uno dei due romanzi successivi non deve essere poi tanto gradevole sentire l'azione interrotta frequentemente da questi insistenti ricordi di cose che, al fine dell'azione in atto, potrebbero anche essere ignorati. Un lettore che inizi da un romanzo successivo d� per scontato che qualche cosa del passato gli sfuggir�, e se vuole continuare la lettura significher� che si sente disposto a fare a meno di capire tutte le implicazioni che le vicende passate possono rappresentare. Ovviamente quello che � importante per la vicenda attuale deve essere detto, ma in un modo che non interrompa la vicenda stessa e non con lo stile del ricordo esplicativo appiccicato di forza appesantendo inutilmente la narrazione. Senza aver avuto la forza di controllare veramente, ho in ogni caso la netta sensazione che la Carey, come se avesse paura di non essere stata abbastanza esplicita, abbia inserito qualche ricordo esplicativo anche pi� volte nello stesso romanzo. A partire poi dal recondo romanzo l'aspetto soprannaturale diviene pi� concreto, con il panteon di dei ed angeli che potevano sembrare anche un'illusione umana prendere invece consistenza e diventare parte attiva della storia. Non � un aspetto che a me piaccia poi tanto, ma in fin dei conti ci pu� anche stare e pu� avere i suoi estimatori. Devo per� inevitabilmente osservare che anche l'aspetto erotico e la pulsione masochista che dovrebbero essere l'elemento fondamentale della storia sono alla fine presentati in modo molto modesto e senza molta fantasia. Qualche legaccio e qualche frusta, come se la letteratura non avesse in precedenza gi� esaminato molto pi� profondamente questi aspetti della natura umana con risultati molto superiori in termini narrativi ed emotivi. La Carey sembra da una parte timorosa di essere troppo esplicita, ma dimostra anche di essere abbastanza inesperta della materia su cui vorrebbe basare la sua storia. Ci si potrebbe allora chiedere perch�, dopo tutte queste critiche, io abbia consigliato la lettura di questi tre romanzi. Prima di tutto perch� non c'� poi di molto meglio in giro, anche in campo internazionale, dove qualche perla ogni tanto appare, ma che trova sempre pi� difficolt� ad essere tradotta in italiano, dato che da noi il Fantasy � diventato sinonimo di romanzetti per ragazzi ignoranti di cosa significhi qualit� narrativa e tipicamente scritti, per ragioni di marketing, da adolescenti con nessuna capacit� di scrittura, e si va alla grande solo per mode (ora sta per finire la moda dei vampiri ed incomincia quella degli angeli... magari i romanzi della Carey potrebbero rientrare in questa ultima moda, se non fosse per il sesso un poco troppo esplicito). E poi anche perch� la storia ha la sua solidit�, � ben pensata e anche ben descritta nei suoi aspetti di intreccio politico-amoroso. E' un mondo interessante, con sfacettature estremamente ben costruite, con personaggi solidi e umanamente completi, a parte qualche piccola esagerazione nelle espressioni emotive. Il coinvolgimento del lettore riesce ad essere molto soddisfacente, almeno lo � stato per me, tanto da compensare i difetti di cui ho parlato prima, che rimangono molto evidenti, ma che lasciano questa opera della Carey tra quelle pi� piacevoli da leggere di questi ultimi tempi.(less)

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Apr 29, 2012 Maria rated it 5 of 5 stars

Since I read the first two books from the Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey, I am a huge fan of hers. But nothing, and I mean NOTHING, prepared me for this book! “Kushiel’s Avatar” is by far the best book I have ever read! For the first time in my life, I thought I was living in a book. A couple of times, I found myself not to continue reading because I was afraid of what will happen to the characters! I fell in love with them, fought beside them, cried for them, I lost hope as they did and, fi...more Since I read the first two books from the Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey, I am a huge fan of hers. But nothing, and I mean NOTHING, prepared me for this book! “Kushiel’s Avatar” is by far the best book I have ever read! For the first time in my life, I thought I was living in a book. A couple of times, I found myself not to continue reading because I was afraid of what will happen to the characters! I fell in love with them, fought beside them, cried for them, I lost hope as they did and, finally, I found my way like they did. I think that I walked the Lungo Drom with them.

This book is not just another story of Phedre and her beloved Joscelin. And if you think that you’ll read another adventure, you will be very surprised. It starts like one, but at the end you can see the greater purpose of this adventure. From the land of Terre d’Ange and the great beauty, Phedre and Joscelin, ten years after the events of the second book are beginning a long journey. It all begins with the search of the name of the one true god in order to help Hyacinthe, Phedre’s childhood friend who is cursed after the events of the first book. But soon, another quest in important. The child of Phedre’s worst enemy and darkest passion is missing and in order to find him, they have to go the most cruel and mad place in their world.

Phedre isn’t anymore a young woman, new to the game of thrones. She has experience and she is clever. Her life the last ten years was very good. She has wealth but the most important is that the man who loves deeply against all odds, is with her and they have found a balance between them. I can’t say that I don’t understand that she had to make the most difficult decisions in this book and it wasn’t easy for her, but sometimes it was hard to read it. In this story, Phedre make a journey to the darkest place in her world but it was also a journey to the darkest place in her soul. She found her limits and I don’t think that she liked the answer.

Joscelin found his limits too. He is one of my favorite male characters and it was too hard for to watch him suffer. Because, he suffered a lot. Loyal to his promise to protect and serve Phedre into damnation and beyond, he followed her in his worst nightmare. He watched her, doing things beyond his imagination but his love was always there. Because, although sometimes his actions are violent, he has pure soul and his love is undying. Sometimes I was thinking that he’s a victim of Phedre, because she asks so much from him and he is giving her everything, but at the end of the book I realize that this is my mistake. Because, Josceline isn’t her victim but her balance.

Both of them, walked the Lungo Drom, not only for Hyacinthe but for themselves also. They found their limits, the fought their demons and at the end they found their truth.

Another character that I absolutely loved in this book is Imriel. He is the son of Melisande, a traitor and an enemy to the crown. He didn’t knew anything about his mother and he was living a nightmare until Phedre and Josceline saved him from a cruel fate. I don’t want to say more about him because I won’t avoid spoilers. He is clever and stubborn, but he is also loyal and kind. I can’t wait to read more about him!

Of course, many more characters were important in this book both old and new ones, but I won’t write for all because it will be a huge review! You just have to know that this is an amazing book and I’m glad that I’m reading this series!
(less)

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Jun 03, 2009 Trish rated it 5 of 5 stars

This one is my favorite in a very well written series. Throughout the series, the characters became completely alive to me and I was sorry to see Phedre, Jocelyn, & Hyacyinth prepare to move into the background to allow the newer generation of characters to take center stage, but you can't fight evolution, I suppose. Still, I will miss these characters greatly, they became like old friends. I enjoyed watching them grow and mature into who they were meant to be.

Carey's world building is imagi...more

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Mar 01, 2011 Darlene rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Adults that want to travel and let love rule.

Recommended to Darlene by: My husband

I finally understand why my husband was so in love in Jacqueline Carey. He was so much in awe that he went to a book signing and got his copy of this book signed by this great author. For me, there hasn't been a better diet that reading her books. I have gone full days not wanting to put the book down to go and get a meal or snack. I even go thirsty forgetting that I need to drink water. And getting to sleep while in the middle of one of her stories takes more discipline than I have. Even after...more

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Mar 01, 2011 Darlene rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Adventurers of love

Recommended to Darlene by: My husband

Shelves: audio, erotic, jacqueline-carey, anne-flosnik

I wrote the following review for my Kindle copy of this book. This copy is the Audible.com audio narrated by Anne Flosnik. Her voice enhanced my experience in Jacqueline Carey's well built world. Here is my review of the book. But keep in mind how much I admire Anne Flosnik's incredible interpretation of the written words.

I finally understand why my husband was so in love in Jacqueline Carey. He was so much in awe that he went to a book signing and got his copy of this book signed by this great...more

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

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