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Kushiel's Avatar
(Phèdre's Trilogy #3)
by
The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassed beauty and grace. It's inhabited by the race that rose from the seed of angels, and they live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt.
Phèdre nó Delaunay was sold into indentured servitude as a child. Her bond was purchased by a nobleman who recognized that she was pricked by Kushiel's dart, chosen to forever experience pain ...more
Phèdre nó Delaunay was sold into indentured servitude as a child. Her bond was purchased by a nobleman who recognized that she was pricked by Kushiel's dart, chosen to forever experience pain ...more
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Paperback, 702 pages
Published
September 17th 2004
by Tor
(first published 2003)
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Start your review of Kushiel's Avatar (Phèdre's Trilogy, #3)
*** 4.44 ***
"... “We are all these things [...]. Pride, desire, compassion, cleverness, belligerence, fruitfulness, loyalty...and guilt. But above it all stands love. And if we desire to be more than human, that is the star by which we must set our sights. ”..."
Wow! What an ending to the Phedre Trilogy!!! An ending worthy of a series which is one of a kind and not to everyone's tastes. There isn't much more to say about the spirit of the series than I have said in my previous reviews and I w ...more
"... “We are all these things [...]. Pride, desire, compassion, cleverness, belligerence, fruitfulness, loyalty...and guilt. But above it all stands love. And if we desire to be more than human, that is the star by which we must set our sights. ”..."
Wow! What an ending to the Phedre Trilogy!!! An ending worthy of a series which is one of a kind and not to everyone's tastes. There isn't much more to say about the spirit of the series than I have said in my previous reviews and I w ...more
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
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
Oct 08, 2008
Bellish
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
those who read the first two, even if they weren't completed sold
Shelves:
5-stars
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
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
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
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
Not quite a 5-star read but my favorite of the trilogy.
The writing is nearly superb for most of the book, with so much meaning and depth packed into each sentence, and with every arc that began in the first book coming to a head, there's never a dull moment. It's pretty much edge-of-your-seat action for the last 500 pages.
However, as much as I love this book, there's a good chunk--about 300 pages--I will never ever read again. Ever. (view spoiler) ...more
The writing is nearly superb for most of the book, with so much meaning and depth packed into each sentence, and with every arc that began in the first book coming to a head, there's never a dull moment. It's pretty much edge-of-your-seat action for the last 500 pages.
However, as much as I love this book, there's a good chunk--about 300 pages--I will never ever read again. Ever. (view spoiler) ...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 foll ...more
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
Feb 12, 2017
Sotiris Karaiskos
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy,
historical-fantasy
In the third part of the series, the last of Phedre's trilogy, things start a bit sluggish - but especially sweet - as our heroine seems to have a partial control over her wild desires and thus to have the necessary balance. However, the punisher god Kushiel does not want to leave her quiet and drags her into an adventure that will lead her to the depths of hell and to confront with the darkest part of herself.
Next to her, of course, her faithful companion following his oath, and he understands ...more
Next to her, of course, her faithful companion following his oath, and he understands ...more
A powerful conclusion to this epic trilogy. It got very dark in the middle, so much so that I did put it down for a while, but i’m so glad I continued. Carey’s writing is so beautiful it brought me to tears at the end. Such friendship, such tragedy and yet such joy to be had.
Everything about this trilogy is bittersweet and all the more emotionally powerful for it. The characters are so well developed and remain true to their histories throughout, shaped and destroyed by the events that unfold. ...more
Everything about this trilogy is bittersweet and all the more emotionally powerful for it. The characters are so well developed and remain true to their histories throughout, shaped and destroyed by the events that unfold. ...more
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
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
How can a series with prose this purple and a premise this absurd be so gripping? All three of these books have kept me up reading late into the night. Purple or no, Carey’s writing is engaging; and somehow I completely buy into the idea that a prostitute with a heart of gold can use her astonishing beauty and hardcore masochism to save the world.
In this conclusion to the trilogy, Phèdre seeks nothing less than the Name of God, which she needs to free her friend who was trapped on an island by a ...more
In this conclusion to the trilogy, Phèdre seeks nothing less than the Name of God, which she needs to free her friend who was trapped on an island by a ...more
I never say much about 6 star books. Just know you'll be investing heavily with your emotion on this one. My heart broke so many times I felt it physically and I was up until the wee hours to get my answers but I was not disappointed. This was an experience I'll NEVER forget. thank you Jacqueline Carey. You have raised my standards.
In equal parts dark, disturbing, challenging, hopeful and quite lovely, this is a fitting end to Carey's epic trilogy. I can't count the number of times I've returned to these books over the years, and I always end up falling in love with them all over again.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
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
Kushiel's Avatar picks up ten years after the events of the last book. It's been ten years of peace for Phedre and my favorite warrior priest, Joscelin Verreuil, but that respite comes to an end as the two heroes of the realm are called upon to help someone neither ever thought to willingly aid while simultaneously delivering on a long-held promise to an old friend. Their efforts will take them through what we would consider the Middle East and Africa and will keep them far from their home fires
...more
3.5 (or 3.75?)
Not sure if I'll rate it a four yet. Probably.
Mixed feelings everywhere! Dart is still my favourite of the trilogy.
Carey can write, that much is obvious, and her world is complex and extremely fascinating, but...Phèdre's voice bothers me. I didn't dislike it at first, even though I liked all the secondary characters more than her, but after three books I've grown tired of her.
She's just too perfect. And she reminds you of that in Every. Single. Page. That is my problem. I know th ...more
Not sure if I'll rate it a four yet. Probably.
Mixed feelings everywhere! Dart is still my favourite of the trilogy.
Carey can write, that much is obvious, and her world is complex and extremely fascinating, but...Phèdre's voice bothers me. I didn't dislike it at first, even though I liked all the secondary characters more than her, but after three books I've grown tired of her.
She's just too perfect. And she reminds you of that in Every. Single. Page. That is my problem. I know th ...more
Mar 24, 2020
steph // bookplaits
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
favourite-favourites,
read-in-2020
Annnnndddd... My heart is full. 😭♥️ This is the last book in Phèdre’s trilogy so I won’t mention any specifics of the plot, but be warned that if you thought the first two books were dark, this one is even more so (TW include slavery, child slavery, rape).
I will admit that my brain has not been the best at focusing for the last two weeks or so, so although there were plenty of moments where I did get swept up in the story, there were also points where I think the details were lost on me. 😅 But t ...more
I will admit that my brain has not been the best at focusing for the last two weeks or so, so although there were plenty of moments where I did get swept up in the story, there were also points where I think the details were lost on me. 😅 But t ...more
I gotta say, this was one of the most all-around satisfying conclusions to any series I've read. Not a word too many, nor too few. So many authors rush the final pages of a series, and I'm happy to say that Carey doesn't.
What started as a reading experiment in broadening my reading tastes with Kushiel's Dart has ended in a journey that felt longer than its 3 novels, which is a testament to the writing skill of Jacqueline Carey. Great characters, interesting semi-historical world, and riveting p ...more
What started as a reading experiment in broadening my reading tastes with Kushiel's Dart has ended in a journey that felt longer than its 3 novels, which is a testament to the writing skill of Jacqueline Carey. Great characters, interesting semi-historical world, and riveting p ...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
...more
Jun 09, 2007
Elizabeth
rated it
it was amazing
·
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
Unlike the othe ...more
As much as I loved this series and as much as I loved the ending of this book I had to give it only 2 stars and prob only deserved 1. 2 reasons...
First, the middle part of this book was awful. It was horrid. It was so over the line I almost put it down several times but was too invested in the characters. I ended up briefly skimming the middle third and it still took me twice as long to read. Second, the whole weird hycinthe "love" was weird and pissed me off. Joscelin loved her and the fact tha ...more
First, the middle part of this book was awful. It was horrid. It was so over the line I almost put it down several times but was too invested in the characters. I ended up briefly skimming the middle third and it still took me twice as long to read. Second, the whole weird hycinthe "love" was weird and pissed me off. Joscelin loved her and the fact tha ...more
Beneath it all, I was still a whore’s unwanted get, struggling to make sense of the world and do what was right.
Ah Phèdre, how far we've come from that first meeting in Kushiel's Dart and how much we've ended up learning: about Terre D'Ange and the children of Elua, yes, but also about the wider world, now spanning into Carey's reimagining of Egypt, Carthage, the Middle East and Africa. A voyage of discovery, of cultural exploration and above all, about love (and this book goes beyond ju ...more
This book... Goddamn it.
It made me go through all sorts of emotions. But in the very best way.
I’ll admit that at some point throughout the middle of it I was like NOPE. And I still think a lot of what happens was waaaay too much and there just for shock value. Plus, it felt a bit too much like the first book, only the author tried to make it more dangerous and more awful and more disgusting. I also have some reservations about how Phèdre deals with the trauma and how she tries to convince hersel ...more
It made me go through all sorts of emotions. But in the very best way.
I’ll admit that at some point throughout the middle of it I was like NOPE. And I still think a lot of what happens was waaaay too much and there just for shock value. Plus, it felt a bit too much like the first book, only the author tried to make it more dangerous and more awful and more disgusting. I also have some reservations about how Phèdre deals with the trauma and how she tries to convince hersel ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
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
In Phedre’s quest to fin ...more
Five well earned stars. A beautiful end to a fantastic trilogy.
I prayed it would end in love. I prayed we could come home, all of us.
I love Phèdre nó Delaunay de Montrève. Wholeheartedly, her story and her character have captivated me. She is loving, brave, and compassionate, devoted completely to the people she loves, with a deep code of honor. A vow from her is worth more than gold. Knowledge is precious to her, and she learns all she can. She is also vain, suspicious, and stubborn. Phèdre ...more
I prayed it would end in love. I prayed we could come home, all of us.
I love Phèdre nó Delaunay de Montrève. Wholeheartedly, her story and her character have captivated me. She is loving, brave, and compassionate, devoted completely to the people she loves, with a deep code of honor. A vow from her is worth more than gold. Knowledge is precious to her, and she learns all she can. She is also vain, suspicious, and stubborn. Phèdre ...more
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
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
Feb 25, 2011
Darlene
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Adventurers of love
Recommended to Darlene by:
My husband
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
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
The only thing keeping this trilogy from a 5 star review is the fact that the first 1/4 of every book tends to plod along a bit. But I love the blended world of mythology/magic and religion, and I definitely love the 2 main characters, Phèdre & Joceline. I’m sad to be saying goodbye to them, although their ending leaves nothing to be desired. I may or may not revisit this world in the future by reading the next trilogy - I’m not sure I would like the change in focus, and I definitely will not li
...more
*Let's out a fangirl squee* Okay, I really liked the first book, enjoyed the second but this... this was awesome. It kept me up reading late several nights in a row and was worth every second. The final makes all of the other books better in retrospect (though I'll keep my ratings the same, as I like them reflecting my feelings when first finishing the book). This cemented the series as one of my favorites and I'll be keeping an eye out for the author's other books.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| /r/Fantasy Discus...: Kushiel's Avatar (Phèdre, #3) | 20 | 65 | May 16, 2019 04:52PM | |
| SF/F Read Alongs: Kushiel's Avatar Readalong | 13 | 25 | Nov 28, 2015 11:28AM |
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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
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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“We speak of stories ending, when in truth it is we who end. The stories go on and on.”
—
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“We are all these things [...]. Pride, desire, compassion, cleverness, belligerence, fruitfulness, loyalty...and guilt. But above it all stands love. And if we desire to be more than human, that is the star by which we must set our sights. ”
—
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