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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
I could’ve done without the pre-pubescent back story and exposition.
Surprising
I had skipped this in the past as "some romance novel", but I was wrong! As sweeping as Guy Gavriel Kay, this book traverses continents and battles, secrets and spies, oaths and poetry. Highly recommend.
I had skipped this in the past as "some romance novel", but I was wrong! As sweeping as Guy Gavriel Kay, this book traverses continents and battles, secrets and spies, oaths and poetry. Highly recommend.
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Listened to the audiobook and I absolutely loved it. The writing was so beautiful. The story was extremely complex and at times difficult to follow, but it made it all the more rewarding. The characters were all complex and lovable as well, especially Jocelin and Phedre. So many incredible moments and adventures packed into one book.
All knowledge is worth having.
All knowledge is worth having.
I rarely read things that are written in the first person perspective. It's just not for me I can't really get into it. Beyond that this book drags out too long. I found myself skipping pages at a time to see if it got more interesting and it just didn't. The world building is great, but at times the religious aspects of the world and their explanations are, confusing. Maybe it's the names for religious figures that throw me off. It's an alternate universe but the religion in some parts is very similar to ours and that could be part of why it put me off a little. The story itself isn't anything groundbreaking. Neither are the characters very interesting. Half of the time I'll forget them the moment the chapter ends and they aren't mentioned for a few pages. For me it went into the did not finish category. I made it through half of the book before I could not justify spending my time with this book any longer.
The other thing that really bothered me is the approach to violent sex, sure there was a safeword, but the severity of the encounters Phedre endures and loves, it's not for me. I found it hard to read and felt like this was just abuse. Even in flowery words assault and abuse are just that.
This book came highly recommended by a bunch of people I know and they love it dearly.
The writing is fine, really, if you like first person perspective and very dark themes.
The other thing that really bothered me is the approach to violent sex, sure there was a safeword, but the severity of the encounters Phedre endures and loves, it's not for me. I found it hard to read and felt like this was just abuse. Even in flowery words assault and abuse are just that.
This book came highly recommended by a bunch of people I know and they love it dearly.
The writing is fine, really, if you like first person perspective and very dark themes.
Content Warnings
Minor: Physical abuse, Torture, Violence
Kushiel's Dart is basically Game of Thrones with more S&M. It's a bit redundant by the end, but the world building is pretty good for a first novel. Phedre wasn't the most likeable character, but I do plan to read more (though maybe not in this series).
I've sworn off all serious books for the next few months, so I figured I was safe with a fantasy romance when I picked this book up at the library. Um, yeah, I was mistaken. First of all, it really doesn't conform to the template of a romance. It's just loaded with sex. A lot of sex. It is, however, a fantasy, albeit a light one. Like, Lois McMaster Bujold, Carey creates an interesting religion, which in itself could be considered a character. This book was surprisingly well written, even if it was in the first person. (Personally, I'm just not a fan of that.)
Anyway, here's what happens:
You know, this book is really too complex to describe in a short paragraph. The religion is expansive and the main character's life, Phedre, revolves around her religious service as a courtesan. There is also political intrigue, convoluted from the fact that you really have no idea what is going on until Phedre knows. The characters are complex and interesting...
Anyway, here's what happens:
You know, this book is really too complex to describe in a short paragraph. The religion is expansive and the main character's life, Phedre, revolves around her religious service as a courtesan. There is also political intrigue, convoluted from the fact that you really have no idea what is going on until Phedre knows. The characters are complex and interesting...
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
As good as the last time I read this. I wanted some comfort reading. ... Odd that this fell into that slot in my mind.