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Kushiel's Avatar

(Phèdre's Trilogy #3)

Jacqueline Carey (Goodreads Author)

4.37 · Rating details · 34,589 ratings · 989 reviews

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

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Paperback, 702 pages

Published September 17th 2004 by Tor (first published 2003)

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Mar 09, 2018 Choko rated it really liked it

Shelves: alternative-history, fantasy, advanture

*** 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 *** 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 would hate to sound redundant. The author weaves a lyrical story of adventure, love, sex, pain, believes and religion, all with a beautiful prose and a sensual touch. There is action, there is angst, there are scenes that push at our boundaries of acceptance, but above all, there is a spell-binding quality to the storytelling that does not allow the reader to put the book down and take a breath. There are scenes that feel wrong to our sensibilities, but what makes them easier to digest is the fact that they seem wrong and difficult to accept by the characters as well. The struggle between honor, love, political games, pain, sexual hunger and desire, and loyalty are what makes the characters of Phedre, Kushiel's chosen, and Joscelin Verreuil, the defrocked warrior priest, some of the most rounded and layered characters in Fantasy I have ever encountered. The author has a knack for reaching inside the souls of her heroes and readers, find the most sensitive spots, and tug on them until it hurts and leaves a visible, palpable scar! An education worthy of Kushiel...

"... “It's the same questions we ask of our existence, and the answer is always the same. The mystery lies not in the question nor the answer, but in the asking and answering themselves, over and over again, and the end is engendered in the beginning. ”..."

Phedre and Joscelin had 10 mostly peaceful years together on Phedre's estates. They were surrounded by loyal helpers and availed themselves of their needs, growing accepting of each-other's peculiarities, knowing nothing is ever done with intend to hurt the other. But the time of this relative peace was prophesied to end by the tenth year and so it has! Phedre receives a letter to look for someone missing, someone who by the accident of birth has become a pawn in the Royal machinations. Despite all the warnings not to, she sets on a quest of double purpose - to find the missing child and to find the name of G-d in order to free her childhood friend from the curse or Rehab, which has him stranded in an island in solitude and with the wight of an ancient curse connecting him with the see. Her path is through some of the most horrific experiences a person can imagine, but she perseveres, having Joscelin always by her side, ready to love and protect her. However, can even Joscelin and Phedre's love survive the travails and her nature, which test them to the edge of forbearance...

"... “As often as not, we forge our own chains. And from those, not even Adonai Himself can free us. We must do it ourselves.” ..."

I am a bit sad that this story ended, but I am glad that the author dis not let us down. The ending was bitter-sweet, but I am happy that we will be back in this world with the next trilogy, "Imriel's Trilogy". I hope it can live up to the standard set in this one. I know that I will never forget this most unlikely couple and their road to each-other.

"... “That kiss, I cannot describe. It was like a poem, a prayer, a homecoming unlooked-for. It was like dungeon walls crumbling to reveal a glimpse of sky.” ..."

Now I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you Need in the pages of a Good Book!!! ...more

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Aug 05, 2009 Allison (The Allure of Books) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: other-adult-fantasy, 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 08, 2008 Bel 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

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Nov 08, 2014 Ellen Gail rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, crying-now, doorstop

2021 update: My first (but definitely not last) reread of this trilogy is complete. And I love it as much now as I ever did.

————————————

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 h ...more

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Dec 19, 2021 Wanda Pedersen rated it really liked it

Shelves: interlibrary-loan, reading-project, speculative-fiction, fantasy, female-authors, read-in-2021

I won't say that the two previous books in this series didn't have their dark moments, but this third volume takes things much, much deeper into shadow and despair. If you struggled with the earlier books, consider leaving this one unread, because it will test you. I won't deny that I floundered at points with the sheer brutality. I also won't deny that Phedre is a lot Mary Sue-ish. Sometimes, while nearing the end of the book, I reflected on the distances traveled, dangers faced, rulers placate I won't say that the two previous books in this series didn't have their dark moments, but this third volume takes things much, much deeper into shadow and despair. If you struggled with the earlier books, consider leaving this one unread, because it will test you. I won't deny that I floundered at points with the sheer brutality. I also won't deny that Phedre is a lot Mary Sue-ish. Sometimes, while nearing the end of the book, I reflected on the distances traveled, dangers faced, rulers placated and confronted, darkness embraced and overcome, languages learned, and knowledge acquired, and I realized that realistically no one woman would be capable of all of this in the course of a few years. Nevertheless, I couldn't put it down. I had to know how Carey would end the crazy journey.

So much stuff shoved into this one novel! The search for a lost tribe of Israel and the treasures of Solomon, time in the seraglio of an avatar of Death, rescuing the son of a betrayer, traveling the Middle East, Egypt, and Ethiopia. All under the fantastical names that Carey assigned them, of course. I don't often consult the maps in the first pages of fantasy novels, but I broke that habit with this one. There were so many place names to keep track of!

During the section in Darsanga, which Phedre spends with the crazy ruler appointed by Death, I was unwillingly reminded of Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind. It was like Richard Cypher's time being tortured by the Mord-Sith, Mistress Denna, whom he becomes fond of despite her discipline. Being an anguisette, Phedre is built for the task, but those of us who don't get turned on by pain may find ourselves flinching at some passages in the text. I might look away briefly, but I needed to know what happened next.

In short, Carey gives her main character several heavy burdens to bear for long distances and to uncertain receptions. She risks her status with her own gods at one point, by debating whether to keep going. Her faith is vastly superior to mine, her willingness to lean into the gods' appointed task is admirable. But really, if one has read this far, can one doubt that Phedre will prevail?

Book Number 433 of my Science Fiction & Fantasy Reading Project. ...more

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Jul 11, 2016 Mimi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, 2016, my-shelf, adventure, high-fantasy

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

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Jun 21, 2007 Geoff Gerrietts rated it really liked it

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 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. ...more

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Dec 02, 2020 YouKneeK rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: completed-series, fantasy

Kushiel’s Avatar is the last book in the first of three Kushiel’s Universe trilogies. All three books were a solid four stars. I enjoyed the stories, cared about the characters, and looked forward to reading it each day. I didn’t find it very hard to put down, and there were slow spots here and there, so that’s the main reason I’m sticking with four stars.

I think the amount of sex scenes decreased as the series went on, but I would caution that there is some pretty major violence in this third b ...more

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Apr 16, 2022 Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) rated it really liked it

Shelves: 500-pages, fantasy, series-complete

4.0 Stars
This was a solid, if slightly underwhelming conclusion to this historical fantasy trilogy. I loved spending more time with the characters, but found the story itself to be a bit anticlimactic compared to the first two books. Yet I'm still very happy to have completed this iconic series. ...more

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Apr 23, 2008 Christina rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, 2010-reads, 2008-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 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. ...more

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Feb 12, 2017 Sotiris Karaiskos rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fantasy, 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

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Aug 18, 2018 Karina Webster rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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

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Aug 11, 2012 Cari Hunter rated it it was amazing

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. ...more

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Jul 06, 2011 Lightreads rated it liked it

Shelves: fiction, fantasy

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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Jun 03, 2015 Jamie Collins rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

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

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Dec 03, 2011 Leyoh rated it it was amazing

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. ...more

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Apr 01, 2018 Rina rated it did not like it

Shelves: fantasy, gore, bdsm, 2000s, dnf-ed, ew, bad-sex-scenes

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I dnf-ed this book today because it is so repulsive.
I will not finish it, even though it is the third in a series and even though I usually make a habit of finishing books.

I have read a few so-called "grimdark" fantasy authors and it never bothered me even slightly. To me, (excessive) violence usually feels either like a part of the story and the world (Abercrombie, Bakker) and doesn't faze me, or super edgy and cringe inducing (Lawerence).

I have read the first two books of this series, and th I dnf-ed this book today because it is so repulsive.
I will not finish it, even though it is the third in a series and even though I usually make a habit of finishing books.

I have read a few so-called "grimdark" fantasy authors and it never bothered me even slightly. To me, (excessive) violence usually feels either like a part of the story and the world (Abercrombie, Bakker) and doesn't faze me, or super edgy and cringe inducing (Lawerence).

I have read the first two books of this series, and they were kind of enjoyable. The language is trying way too hard to sound high-brow and the world is a super weird, unimaginative only slightly-altered copy of (mainly) European culture and religion which is also a bit cringy and enforces stereotypes left and right - there was a part in this book where the main character is in an Arabian-esque country and talks about how the men (granted, they are bad guys, but still) allegedly have sex with goats - so there is that. BUT the author sometimes did hit the right tone and in general the premise of this series is just really promising and something new. I actually picked this series BECAUSE of its BDSM elements - they were quite well done in the first book at least.

But like 45% into this book... everything is just so unnecessarily, hopelessly cruel and dark and violent for pure shock value. It literally made me sick. This is probably mainly because from the beginnig a major plot point of this book is about children basically being abducted to be sex slaves. And I simply cannot continue to read about it. It's repulsive. Yes, this happens in the real world, and yes it's a plot, and yes, it's never explicitly described, only alluded to, but after about 200 pages you can't take it anymore. I don't wanna continue reading about little children suffering for nothing, I just don't.

Then, ONCE AGAIN, our main character finds herself captured by a big bad guy, who has a tragic backstory and who finds her irresistible and abuses her to no end, which she, of course, unwillingly is into, since she is chosen by the gods to experience pain and pleasure as one.. yadiyada. (In the end, of course, her beauty and empathy manage to free not only herself but an opressed people... you get it). But since the plot was in TWO FUCKING BOOKS already, this time the author has to turn it up to a TEN. So the big baddie is the biggest baddie ever and OF COURSE (warning, I guess: GRAPHIC) he rapes her with an iron dildo with spikes which makes her bleed internally and stuff. I mean, how much worse can it get, right? UGH. No. No, no, no. I enjoy BDSM as much as the next gal, and the whole premise of Kushiel's Dart is really interesting, but this is just so... ugh. Come on.

Adding to it all, of course, is that our heroine only does this shit for a woman she is weirdly enamored with, who once sold her into slavery, so she actually, yes, is in this situation VOLUNTARILY. The author had to pull a "her gods will leave her if she doesn't do it" to make this even remotely plausible. And aaaall of this happens while the alledged love of her life has to WATCH her getting aroused by this big bad guy mistreating her, while a fucking dog is set on fire and a kid is tortured, because, WHY THE FUCK NOT.

UGHHHHH. I am not gonna revise this review, the book doesn't deserve this. I have no idea why this outraged me so today (I mean, speaking of dogs, I read all of Martin's abusive sex scenarios and somehow forgave him for those?). But whelp, there it is. ...more

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Jan 05, 2015 gio rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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 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 that these things are parts of her character and her culture too, but while I used to be able to tolerate it, even if I never understood that, now I can't. It has become redundant, repetitive. I can't help but think that Kushiel's Dart was much better than this one is. Even book 2, for all its angst, was slightly better in my opinion, because Melisande stole the show.

Plot wise I liked this conclusion. It brings this story arc to a fitting end, giving answers to the question that had been left unanswered, and the plot itself interwines with the subplots almost perfectly. When it comes to the structure of the book itself I have no complaints. And it helps that the characters have indeed grown and matured. Yet I struggled with Phèdre's narration this time around, more than ever. Repeating things about her role and praising herself over and over: that was painful to read. And no, it did not bring me pleasure.

I liked the romance, but I did not love it. That is probably due to the fact that I don't understand Phèdre, I guess, I do not know. Hyacinthe made the choice for her in the end, otherwise what would have she done?
I like Joscelin (who doesn't?) but sometimes his relationship with Phèdre seemed a bit off to me. I loved the fact that they grew as a couple throughout the series, by learning to accept each other's flaws and personality, but I wish Carey didn't show us only that part, but the happier moments too.

The fish scene was cute though, but Joscelin is always cute. Especially when he is shirtless in the middle of a muddy river. And Imriel, that little devil, was just amplifying his cuteness. But really, Phèdre is one of my least favourite MCs ever. She's a well developed character, but, ugh, untolerable. It was easier to ignore when she was sorrounded by interesting characters, but in this book it became the big, pink elephant in the room.

I'll try to read Imriel's trilogy. Not just because if I don't Lys will skin me alive of course. Imri is so cute. ...more

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Jan 07, 2018 Sarah Mac rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: cover-me-grey, zzz-2018, dark-fantasy, fantasy-soap-and-romance, epic-doorstoppers, zzz-2018-leftovers-completed, zzz-2018-chunkster-hell, reviewed, pseudo-historical-fantasy, fantasy

My least favorite of the Phedre trilogy. This is partly because I loved books 1-2, but also due to filler & easy fixes that keep the plot plodding in low gear.

[spoilers]

-Phedre has long been torn between Joscelin & Hyacinthe (who are both worthy -- a somewhat unusual triangle in that way), yet suddenly a long-suffering-from-afar minor character appears & is sufficient for Hyacinthe to release Phedre from her agonizing decision. WTF. I'd rather they lived in a triad, or even that one of the lads My least favorite of the Phedre trilogy. This is partly because I loved books 1-2, but also due to filler & easy fixes that keep the plot plodding in low gear.

[spoilers]

-Phedre has long been torn between Joscelin & Hyacinthe (who are both worthy -- a somewhat unusual triangle in that way), yet suddenly a long-suffering-from-afar minor character appears & is sufficient for Hyacinthe to release Phedre from her agonizing decision. WTF. I'd rather they lived in a triad, or even that one of the lads had been killed off -- which I would have hated, but at least it would've avoided this insertion of a non-entity to resolve the issue. (Seriously, this girl had NO PRESENCE whatsoever. She's the most forgettable minor character in the book, & that's a crime. Hyacinthe deserves better.)

-Imriel, the mysterious son of Melisande, is too obviously 'lovable.' He even wins over Joscelin after, like, three conversations, & Joscelin has always been one of Melisande's biggest critics. Good on him for not holding her bullshit against Imriel, but still...THAT quickly? It seemed pushy on JC's part.

-The Drujani are such evilly evil assholes with an evilly evil god at the helm that they come off as a sadistic cartoon -- like they were created solely for the audience to have a safe target for boos & hisses.

-Every time a new place or challenge is mentioned, we know Phedre's next port of call. "Now ____ is a *terribly* unknown/dangerous peril to avoid at all costs!!" ...Gee, guess that's where they'll go. :P (This isn't new to the Phedre books, but it's more obvious & repetitive herein.)

-Likewise: each new dangerous impasse has Joscelin putting his foot down & "ABSOLUTELY NOT, my love!" ...Which, of course, Phedre overrides & apologizes for later, after dragging others into her Must Do This Impossible Task martyrdom over & over. So why bother? We know she'll do it anyway, & we know he'll forgive her -- hence, no tension. But I would've liked Joscelin to stand up to Phedre's martyr complex (just once, FFS), or at least punch Melisande in the face.

So...I give this 3 stars. The final confrontation to save Hyacinthe is great, & the Drujani section was gripping (despite the cartoony aspects). Side characters stand out, whether familiar like Hyacinthe, Ti-Phillippe, Ysandre, & Nicola, or new faces like Drucilla, Nesmut, Kristof, & Kaneka. I was glad to see certain storylines given proper closure. But comparatively, it disappointed. There was way too much repetitive filler + bland traveling, combined with long-winded chatter & constant reminiscing re: the first books. ...more

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Oct 08, 2021 Bob/Sally rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: bdsm, female-fronted-fantasy, female-author

On a second read, this feels a bit thinner than the other novels. There's a lot of journeying from place to place (although we meet some new favorite characters), it largely glosses over Phèdre's sadomasochism (although the scene with that spiked member is unforgettable), and it keeps Melisande at a distance (although there's more power in that one kiss than most novels). However, it's entirely worth it for how Carey brings it all full circle and provides genuine closure to some of the trilogy's ...more

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Jan 19, 2021 Angie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: courtesans, made-me-cry, zread-in-2021, cheeky-books, all-time-faves, bdsm, books-with-royalty

What a breathtaking book to end an absolutely wonderful series. I am so, so, so happy I found this series. My life would be poorer without these 3 books.

And yes, I cried.

Favourite quote:
"We speak of stories ending, when in truth it is we who end. The stories go on and on.” ...more

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Feb 03, 2021 Sabrina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Who would have thought that after 2600 pages, this series would finally get to me? But “I know this to be true”: There were definitively 5 stars sections in Kushiel's Avatar the final book of Phèdre's Trilogy . The writing was much improved: less sex and a clear red thread – oh and how I loved how (view spoiler) The author really understands how relationships work and did this very well! She also went to some very dark places in this boo ...more

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Apr 25, 2012 Μαρία Γεωργοπούλου rated it it was amazing

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 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!
...more

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Nov 27, 2014 Veronica rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

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 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 for a long, long time.

This is easily the darkest book in the trilogy in my opinion and, again, it is at the near halfway mark when things start to take a turn. Up to that point the reader gets a sense that the subject matter will be hard but once you get about halfway through, the ugliness really hits you in the face. It was difficult to read but, like a rubber-necker passing a car accident, I couldn't look away.

Phedre has always been a challenging heroine for me in that her nature as an anguisette is hard for me to wrap my mind around. By turns she impresses me with her loyalty and her courage and then she horrifies me with some of the things that sexually arouse her. Though I think that this is intentional by the author because Phedre has this same type of dual reaction to herself. She is a woman marked by the angel, Kushiel, and this results in an internal divide of sorts, with her mind and heart on one side and her body on another. So while I am at times utterly appalled by the things (and people) that create sexual desire in her, Phedre herself is horrified in her heart and mind. She is plagued by self-hatred and loathing at times which lends an element of sadness to her existence. Nevertheless, knowing all this in my head it is still difficult for me to always like Phedre simply because I just can't mentally go where she goes. And in this book, Phedre mentally goes to some very dark places.

As for Joscelin, he has come a long way since book one and I enjoyed seeing the way that he and Phedre have learned to work and live together. You get a definite sense that they are both older and wiser and don't leave the things unsaid that need to be said. Joscelin is now definitely high on my list of book boyfriends. Forever after, whenever a male character promises to follow the woman he loves into damnation and beyond Joscelin Verreuil has set the standard. That said, once the ugliness of the events in this book rises up to slap the reader in the face, the question arises...at what point can love no longer survive?

This was a worthy conclusion to Phedre's trilogy and I was riveted to the story for almost all of it (I was more caught up in the Imriel part of the storyline as opposed to Hyacinth's). Through all the darkness and the light, the victories and the losses, the bitterest hate and the most uplifting love, I have felt swept away and transported along with the characters. I have always considered myself open-minded but these books have challenged me on that point somewhat, and that's not a bad thing. As Blessed Elua taught: "Love as thou wilt." And that's not a bad edict by which to live. ...more

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Jan 08, 2011 BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, erotica, bdsm

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 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. ...more

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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

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Sep 04, 2018 Patremagne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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

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Feb 25, 2011 Fey rated it it was amazing

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 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 → ...more

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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

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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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

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About Jacqueline Carey

Jacqueline Carey

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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

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Phèdre's Trilogy (3 books)

Books by Jacqueline Carey

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

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Quotes from Kushiel's Avatar

“We speak of stories ending, when in truth it is we who end. The stories go on and on.” — 104 likes

“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. ” — 76 likes

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