Take a photo of a barcode or cover
149 reviews for:
The Black Jewels Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, Queen of the Darkness
Anne Bishop
4.2 AVERAGE
149 reviews for:
The Black Jewels Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, Queen of the Darkness
Anne Bishop
4.2 AVERAGE
Okay, it must be understood that I don't think this is really deep. But it's addictive and, despite the sometimes very graphically icky subject matter (lots of rape, child abuse, etc) it's a lot of fun to read.
It's also massively problematic in ways that I prefer not to think about as it would make the book less of a candy experience.
It's also massively problematic in ways that I prefer not to think about as it would make the book less of a candy experience.
3.5 stars rounded up.
This trilogy kept popping up on lists of books similar to others fantasy series with strong female characters that I've enjoyed. It has a reputation for being dark, complex, and heavy, so I kept putting it off until I had more time to really get into the world and storyline. When I finally turned to it, I found that the world building did not disappoint and for that reason, it's an engrossing read. However, there's no way around the fact that the storyline is rather predictable and therefore becomes dull (especially the third book). In fact, if the threads of sexual abuse/sadism weren't present, it could be any fantasy series. Many of the plot points in the third book begin to feel contrived (for instance, the obstacles keeping apart the romantic leads and).
The author has written some very loveable characters with whom I enjoyed spending time. That being said, I felt many remained rather two-dimensional. The bad guys are certainly all bad (not to mention completely ineffective). The good guys are generally good or have been forced by circumstances to take bad actions.
All in all, I'd recommend this both because of the world building and overall strong writing. Fans of fantasy with strong female characters will also appreciate it.
This trilogy kept popping up on lists of books similar to others fantasy series with strong female characters that I've enjoyed. It has a reputation for being dark, complex, and heavy, so I kept putting it off until I had more time to really get into the world and storyline. When I finally turned to it, I found that the world building did not disappoint and for that reason, it's an engrossing read. However, there's no way around the fact that the storyline is rather predictable and therefore becomes dull (especially the third book). In fact, if the threads of sexual abuse/sadism weren't present, it could be any fantasy series. Many of the plot points in the third book begin to feel contrived (for instance, the obstacles keeping apart the romantic leads and
Spoiler
the concern that the inner circle would hate Daemon for his actions in the final quarter of the bookThe author has written some very loveable characters with whom I enjoyed spending time. That being said, I felt many remained rather two-dimensional. The bad guys are certainly all bad (not to mention completely ineffective). The good guys are generally good or have been forced by circumstances to take bad actions.
All in all, I'd recommend this both because of the world building and overall strong writing. Fans of fantasy with strong female characters will also appreciate it.
I like books, but it's really rare that I'm awed by one, yet this managed that. Authors that try to create original fantasy worlds, with new or at least highly uncommon creatures and systems, also tend to make me raise my eyebrows and think twice, because all too often people struggle to just make something different and forget about making it actually good, but this one is once again an exception, creating a rather unusual world and being brilliant at the same time. And the names of the good characters can still make me snicker when I remember them, long after finishing the book.
There is something to be said about the ending, which features unnecessary scenes but remains forced even with them, and those who are bothered by "perfect" characters will find reasons to complain throughout, yet there's simply too much done exactly right in here for a few perhaps questionable decisions the author made about a few elements to mar the overall impression. So just read it, all right?
There is something to be said about the ending, which features unnecessary scenes but remains forced even with them, and those who are bothered by "perfect" characters will find reasons to complain throughout, yet there's simply too much done exactly right in here for a few perhaps questionable decisions the author made about a few elements to mar the overall impression. So just read it, all right?
I loved THIS series. The other books fell flat for me. Its wildly fantastical, so if mary sue like characters bother you. Don't. Everyone is the best and the baddest and wonderful and I happen to like that when I read fantasy like this. Its not of this world and I think that is the point. The world is developed but narrowly explored, so beware of that. However, I think the overall story is exciting. The action is sparse, but the build is well done. Overall, the world Anne Bishops creates is rich, detailed, and interesting (but narrow), sensual, and powerful. The characters and plot happen to be the same. The gender roles switch-a-roo was pretty neat to me. I enjoyed the twist of that particularly . Formally, the writing is somewhat lyrical, but not exactly prose and not exactly challenging. Violent, sensual, power, fantasy sums it up well.
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Sexual assault
Moderate: Death, Incest
This is a gorgeously lush, dark series, and one of my absolute favourites. It's a series that I actually enjoy rereading, and to be honest, with so many books out there it's rare that I do that.
The Black Jewels takes you into a world where everyone is divided into castes according to the jewels they wear (and the powers that come along with them). The gender roles are also flipped on their end, but that by no means that things are perfect... Not at all.
Instead Terreille is buckling under the pressure of a corrupt aristocracy, and Anne Bishop takes us into the lives of those most affected and damaged by it. At the centre all of this is Jaenelle, who we initially meet as a heart-achingly vulnerable little girl, but who grows into a powerful force to be reckoned with. There's magic and corruption and incredible power, and characters who will fascinate and disgust you and break your heart and make you love them.
The world is fascinating and well written, the world building completely sucked me in and these books have been among my favourites for a few years, now. Definitely worth checking out!
The Black Jewels takes you into a world where everyone is divided into castes according to the jewels they wear (and the powers that come along with them). The gender roles are also flipped on their end, but that by no means that things are perfect... Not at all.
Instead Terreille is buckling under the pressure of a corrupt aristocracy, and Anne Bishop takes us into the lives of those most affected and damaged by it. At the centre all of this is Jaenelle, who we initially meet as a heart-achingly vulnerable little girl, but who grows into a powerful force to be reckoned with. There's magic and corruption and incredible power, and characters who will fascinate and disgust you and break your heart and make you love them.
The world is fascinating and well written, the world building completely sucked me in and these books have been among my favourites for a few years, now. Definitely worth checking out!
Okay, here's the thing about Anne Bishop. Yes, she writes silly over-dramatic fantasy with names that teen goths give themselves. BUT - it is truly enjoyable stuff. It is fun and funny and has a lot of heart. Is it earth shattering stuff? No, of course not. But it is a truly enjoyable way to pass some time.
Honestly, these started super saucy, super weird and GAH SUCH A LONG BOOK. But it just tapered off. No more smut and no more sauntering hot demons. Eh. I got bored.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've read this trilogy three times and each time could not put it down. My boyfriend called it vampire porn but he doesn't know what he's talking about. No vampires. When you first start reading the characters names can throw you off and feels cheesy, but stick with it. Interesting world and society, complex characters that deal with many layers of trauma. Bad ass powerful women