Kushiel's Dart

[Jeannette]

In Carey's novel, she takes us to Terre D'Ange, an alternate world overflowing with plots, adventures, and so many characters it takes 6 pages to list them all. Feel free to keep the discussion overflowing too!

[[deleted user]]

Not much of a comment on the book, but when Delauny was first introduced, I really liked him as a character, but by the time he was killed, I felt kind of 'meh' about him.

Also, can I be the first to post Fifty Shades of Fantasy? :D

[Sue]

Sean wrote: "Not much of a comment on the book, but when Delauny was first introduced, I really liked him as a character, but by the time he was killed, I felt kind of 'meh' about him."

He was 'meh' for me the whole time. I think it's because he was a little too enigmatic and secretive so it got on my nerves.

[Jeannette]

Sue wrote: "Sean wrote: "Not much of a comment on the book, but when Delauny was first introduced, I really liked him as a character, but by the time he was killed, I felt kind of 'meh' about him."

He was 'me..."

I agree with Sean, I liked him at first. But you're right, the SHHH IT'S A SECRET made him aggravating. Also, it got him killed, so there's that.

[[deleted user]]

The reason I had to bring that up was the fact that Delauny reminded me of a character from another fantasy series that I really liked. When that character died, I was left almost I a state of mourning. I half expected to experience those feelings if Delauny died, but was left disappointed.

[Jeannette]

Sean wrote: "The reason I had to bring that up was the fact that Delauny reminded me of a character from another fantasy series that I really liked. When that character died, I was left almost I a state of mour..."

You bring up a good point. I know when he died, I gasped aloud, but more out of the effect I knew it would have on Phedre than because I was personally moved. I don't think I would have been very upset otherwise. In fact, I was kind of waiting for something terrible to happen to Delaunay or Alcuin.

[Tara]

Actually after 300 pages of considering throwing the book against the wall, I was legitimately surprised that he died... that the whole HOUSEHOLD died like that. I thought it would be more subtle less blunt. I don't know. I think I was just lulled into a sense of boredom.

Also, I felt for Phedre and mourned Alcuin but ultimately was just excited to see the plot moving.

[Jeannette]

Tara wrote: "Actually after 300 pages of considering throwing the book against the wall, I was legitimately surprised that he died... that the whole HOUSEHOLD died like that. I thought it would be more subtle l..."

I'd spent those first 300-something pages trying to decide if Delaunay was going to die, be grievously injured, or be kidnapped. I was pretty sure he was going to die, and if he didn't then Alcuin would. But honestly, when it came to Alcuin, I wasn't as convinced. I was pretty sure he and Phedre would not adventure together, but I couldn't decide what his ultimate fate was. I don't know if I'm alone in this, but I was sadder for Phedre losing Delaunay than Alcuin.

HOWEVER, then everything picks up and it is way more exciting than just placing bets one whether one character was going to die or not. And we journey into Skaldi territory!

[[deleted user]]

I must say, I'm the opposite Jeanette. I found the early chapters much more interesting than the Skaldi part. I was so glad when that part was finished.

[Jeannette]

See, the Skaldi part isn't my favorite part of the book, but it marks a change in the narrative for me, in which Phedre stops telling us she's been in spy training and starts showing us. She's actively doing things that show her training and personality, whether or not Joscelin likes it. :-)

[Tara]

Once again, her jumping up onto those barrels and just hauling herself onto the roof's beams - badass. And she didn't think twice about it. It's really the first time I see her as a heroine.

[Jeannette]

Tara, that's exactly the sort of thing I mean. She clearly is out to play the game on her own terms for the first time.

[Tara]

Totally agree, 'Nette!

[Jeannette]

So I just started Kushiel's Chosen and here is a random but very cool and helpful thing I found while looking for not this but something else. (Warning: I did not read all the way down, because I'm presuming there are spoilers if you haven't finished the series. There definitely are if you haven't finished at least KD.)

http://www.kushielsdebut.org/index.ph...

[Sue]

Jeannette wrote: "http://www.kushielsdebut.org/index.ph... "

So helpful!

[Tara]

So the book starts around 1000 AE

[Jeannette]

Yeah, which actually makes a lot more sense with the Picts and stuff.