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twowheelsaway's review
5.0
I didn’t realize there were more Kushiel’s books until McKenzie mentioned the TV show to me, and I saw in the article that there are nine books. Of course, I immediately requested this book from the library.
Although the plot of this book didn’t quite rise to the level of the first or last book of the previous trilogy, I still devoured it- Imriel is an excellent character, and his relationships with other characters were pitch-perfect (both the ones he smashed and the ones he didn’t). I’m also a sucker for Rome, so this book taking place largely in Tiberium (alt Rome) was cool.
In the end, though, it has what Carey does best: an impossible situation, an improbable plot to get out of it, and global intrigue surrounding it. It comes a little later than it does in the other books, but was still excellent, and by virtue of being later the characters have more developed relationships. There’s love, and lust, and heartbreak, and just enough magic to keep things spicy, and although Imriel is slightly less bad-ass than Phedre, that might be a good thing.
Eamonn and Imriel’s relationship in particular was very well-written, and I’m really excited to see where the plot goes next- I’m guessing the next book will be slightly more world-scale.
If you haven’t read this series, let me know and I’ll talk your ear off about why you should.
Although the plot of this book didn’t quite rise to the level of the first or last book of the previous trilogy, I still devoured it- Imriel is an excellent character, and his relationships with other characters were pitch-perfect (both the ones he smashed and the ones he didn’t). I’m also a sucker for Rome, so this book taking place largely in Tiberium (alt Rome) was cool.
In the end, though, it has what Carey does best: an impossible situation, an improbable plot to get out of it, and global intrigue surrounding it. It comes a little later than it does in the other books, but was still excellent, and by virtue of being later the characters have more developed relationships. There’s love, and lust, and heartbreak, and just enough magic to keep things spicy, and although Imriel is slightly less bad-ass than Phedre, that might be a good thing.
Eamonn and Imriel’s relationship in particular was very well-written, and I’m really excited to see where the plot goes next- I’m guessing the next book will be slightly more world-scale.
If you haven’t read this series, let me know and I’ll talk your ear off about why you should.
nourarchive's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Color me impressed! This book alone outshines the first trilogy, and I'm not even insulting the prequels.
Imriel's complex character and inner battles drew me in, making me emotionally invested in his transformative journey. The politics were engaging, and I can't wait to see the loose ends unravel in the sequels. The electric attraction between Imriel and Sidonie promises thrilling excitement based on their dynamic.
Imriel's complex character and inner battles drew me in, making me emotionally invested in his transformative journey. The politics were engaging, and I can't wait to see the loose ends unravel in the sequels. The electric attraction between Imriel and Sidonie promises thrilling excitement based on their dynamic.
angelicarose's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
pamgodwin's review
5.0
This is a comprehensive review of the series as a whole:
By far my favorite books ever. An alternative medieval history with a unique slant on religion (not preachy—quite the opposite—the message is to love freely. With a soul-depth delivery). Carey’s stylized writing isn’t for everyone, but I found myself instantly mesmerized by her prose and insanely jealous that she was able to pull it off through all of these books. We’re not talking Shakespearean—she certainly takes on that feel but without the difficulty in interpretation. The series is an unforgettable and fantastic odyssey through an alternate geography and time (based on real history) and Carey does it brilliantly. There is a BDSM flavor in every book. Plenty of sex, bloody battles, torture and magic.
By far my favorite books ever. An alternative medieval history with a unique slant on religion (not preachy—quite the opposite—the message is to love freely. With a soul-depth delivery). Carey’s stylized writing isn’t for everyone, but I found myself instantly mesmerized by her prose and insanely jealous that she was able to pull it off through all of these books. We’re not talking Shakespearean—she certainly takes on that feel but without the difficulty in interpretation. The series is an unforgettable and fantastic odyssey through an alternate geography and time (based on real history) and Carey does it brilliantly. There is a BDSM flavor in every book. Plenty of sex, bloody battles, torture and magic.
phoenixish's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
emilyinthewoods's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jjigae's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kimia_hyperfocuser's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Fantasy series usually go downhill. Not this one, though. Carey's fourth book is as good, if not better than the first three.
Imriel's coming of age was such a difficult task and Carey performs brilliantly. He is traumatized and damaged and even though he has a safe home and loving parents now, he has to reckon with all kinds of darkness inside him and out in the world. And Carey takes him through each step so perfectly, with profound understanding of human nature and sadomasochism.
And on top of Imriel growing up, there is the fast-paced mystery plot and political intrigue that's the meat of all the books in this series.
Can't wait for the next book.
Imriel's coming of age was such a difficult task and Carey performs brilliantly. He is traumatized and damaged and even though he has a safe home and loving parents now, he has to reckon with all kinds of darkness inside him and out in the world. And Carey takes him through each step so perfectly, with profound understanding of human nature and sadomasochism.
And on top of Imriel growing up, there is the fast-paced mystery plot and political intrigue that's the meat of all the books in this series.
Can't wait for the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Death
Minor: Child abuse
sparklingreader's review
3.0
"Kushiel’s Scion" takes the Kushiel's Legacy series in a new direction with Imriel as the new narrator. Carey uses beautiful rich language to impart the young Prince’s insights to the reader.
This is very much a coming-of-age story centering on Imriel. While many of the characters from previous books remain, they are not the focus of the story. Phedra and Joscelin are his adoptive parents and Imri adores them, but finds it difficult to live up to their reputation.
Still scarred by his abduction and subsequent abuse, he finds relationships difficult to understand – and what teenager doesn’t? He is also overshadowed by his mother’s treachery. Because of her history, his loyalties are questioned at every turn. He tries hard to be good and deserving of Phedra’s love and Joscelin’s approval, but counts himself short more often than not. Note for fans of the first books, the sex in this book is toned down considerably from the previous books, in keeping with the discoveries of a boy coming into his manhood.
The second half of "Scion" has Imriel going away to the University of Tiberium, where he ends up stumbling into a large and powerful Guild of spies. He finds himself embroiled in schemes and plots, most of which he wants nothing to do with. In addition to spies and power-brokers, Imri makes friends with students from other countries, forming ties that may come into play in the future. The one thing that seemed out of place was the ending battle. It didn't seem to have much to do with Imriel, more a case of circumstance than design.
While slow at times, Carey’s skill with prose makes certain the book doesn’t become boring. Like any epic book, this one could probably have been cut down, but doing so would have been a loss of information and insight into the character. If you loved Carey’s other books, you will enjoy “Scion” as well.