Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
Tower Teams VII
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Kushiel's Dart - A week #10 buddy read
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Quite probably my favourite book ever. Or almost... I personally think book 2 is even better! lol.
Good to know. I'm still struggling with the concept... mothers selling children not for them to have a better future but for the love of the husband clashes a bit with my 21st century self.
Also being a sex worker being the honour of following the ways of Naamara (Or whatsthename)
Of course, I might be mistaken, because as I complained on the Lust thread, I am having troubles with the writing style.
Mod
Elderwen, I am starting this evening. Don't fret!
I read this earlier in the challenge, and I’m 3/4 through book 2, so I’ll pop in periodically to see what y’all are saying. ;)
First impressions of the first six chapters- I am liking this story a lot so far. Not a world I particularly want to live in, and I am trying to figure out the specifics of the world, but so far so good. Phedra is an interesting character. And, I liked the origin story of the world. Phedra's benefactor...owner...whatever is going to be one to watch I think.
I have no idea where this is going, but I like the writing, so it seems like it will be a fun ride. It is reminding me a bit of Maia, but is different enough to make it interesting.
Mod
The world and the many names take a little getting used to but so far I like it. The writing is unusual but has a nice flow to it.
Mod
It's a reread for me, and in fact I read the second trilogy earlier in the series (cursing that the colours and top shelves were all awry for a sin bingo...) so I'm familiar with the world, the theology and Night Court business.
three chapters in...
With the benefit of hindsight, Carey is pacey in introducing key players and concepts, I recall first time round kinda drowning in the language and world-building bewilderment (in a good way). Probably reading Tigana during Towers also helped with the type of language and storytelling in use here - slightly archaic and poetic - to similar good effect.
Holy crap!Being taught the art of Naamah for years and never achieving an orgasm? I'm glad she likes torture!
So, what is Delaunay's big secret?
I have to go to work just before she has her first "encounter". No fair.
Mod
I'm through chap 19, which means we've whistled through some assignments. I do like how the sexytimes scenes are treated - just as well as it'd be hard to read if I was constantly cringing!
Delauney.... Anafiel? Antonius? some other name entirely? a man of mystery. will we ever unravel him?!
Yes, I got there at last. I agree with the cringe-worthiness of her partners, and I am glad that so far at least, none of the sex scenes are described in gory detail!I think we will unravel Delaunay, and I think you know we will. Haven't you read this before, teaser?
Mod
yes, but a while ago, and i can't remember the details of which bit of plot events happened in which book of the trilogy!
In other news, I'm reading In Other Lands, which is indeed a marvel! thumbs up the rec :)
Yay!!!I love that book, and Elliot is one of my favorite characters ever.
Mod
One of the things I appreciate about the book is that Phedre at least has a reason for being the fulcrum in so many plots - Kushiel's Dart making her unique, and then being hothoused by Delaunay. Too often MCs (esp female MCs) are special snowflakes for no apparent reason, which makes it hard to like them. Being pushed about because of angel-stuff makes more sense. And she still owns it all :)
Mod
Life got in the way :-)
Hope you all enjoyed the read!
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
In Other Lands (other topics)Tigana (other topics)
Maia (other topics)
BUT
Since a bunch of us is reading it for the mini-challenge, why not have a place to share our thoughts?
Book Sinopsis
The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassing beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good... and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt.
Phèdre nó Delaunay is a young woman who was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye. Sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with very a special mission... and the first one to recognize who and what she is: one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one.
Phèdre is trained equally in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber, but, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Almost as talented a spy as she is courtesan, Phèdre stumbles upon a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland. Treachery sets her on her path; love and honor goad her further. And in the doing, it will take her to the edge of despair... and beyond. Hateful friend, loving enemy, beloved assassin; they can all wear the same glittering mask in this world, and Phèdre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear.
Set in a world of cunning poets, deadly courtiers, heroic traitors, and a truly Machiavellian villainess, this is a novel of grandeur, luxuriance, sacrifice, betrayal, and deeply laid conspiracies. Not since Dune has there been an epic on the scale of Kushiel's Dart-a massive tale about the violent death of an old age, and the birth of a new.