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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
1015 pages, and I'm impressed by how tightly the story was woven together, and yet how I can see that there will be plenty to fill the next two volumes of the trilogy.
A quote from a review (by Piers Anthony) that summarized my views better than I could have expressed them:
"It's a book the reader can live in for a while, and be sorry to leave. I think of a pyramid: the start is slow because there are many courses of tile to lay, setting up. But in time the courses build into a massive structure, intricately interlinked, with its devious mysteries. The protagonist is uniquely endowed for this effort: who would have expected a sexual masochist as a heroine! But how can one not love her? ... Overall, a powerful narrative, with savage action balanced by exquisite characterization. The best fantasy I've read in years."
A quote from a review (by Piers Anthony) that summarized my views better than I could have expressed them:
"It's a book the reader can live in for a while, and be sorry to leave. I think of a pyramid: the start is slow because there are many courses of tile to lay, setting up. But in time the courses build into a massive structure, intricately interlinked, with its devious mysteries. The protagonist is uniquely endowed for this effort: who would have expected a sexual masochist as a heroine! But how can one not love her? ... Overall, a powerful narrative, with savage action balanced by exquisite characterization. The best fantasy I've read in years."
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-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:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
my disappointment stems from the fact that the quote on the front cover described this book as "the ultimate romantasy". kushiel's dart IS NOT that. it's high end fantasy with a romantic subplot.
when it came to the sex scenes, shockingly, this book did not match my freak. yes, phèdre has a lot of sex, but the interactions are not erotic or sensual. i guess this echoes how sex is a normal part of her work life as a courtesan.
phèdre is hands down one of the most interesting FMCs i've read, especially in a fantasy series. she breaks a lot of the sexist moulds that dictate FMCs lose value because they are sexual and romantic beings. her adventures throughout this world were slow moving - sometimes tediously so - but the pay off was worth it eventually. the middle portion of this book was jampacked with action and politic intrigue, however this sweet point is bookended by boring events that contributed to detailed worldbuilding. from the characters, to the fascinating religions, a vivid continent and history is crafted by carey.
phèdre and joscelin's relationship is the most exciting when they are working together to navigate a high stakes situation (and, oh boy, there are MANY). i can't decide whether i found the conflict between their faith systems repetitive and annoying...or deliciously angsty. i go back and forth. but i'm certain that i loved their individual character development in this instalment. phèdre's relationship with hyacinthe was also a great read. i'm kind of bummed about how their relationship turned out. i'm also disappointed that phèdre respective sex scenes with both men were closed door.
when it came to the sex scenes, shockingly, this book did not match my freak. yes, phèdre has a lot of sex, but the interactions are not erotic or sensual. i guess this echoes how sex is a normal part of her work life as a courtesan.
phèdre is hands down one of the most interesting FMCs i've read, especially in a fantasy series. she breaks a lot of the sexist moulds that dictate FMCs lose value because they are sexual and romantic beings. her adventures throughout this world were slow moving - sometimes tediously so - but the pay off was worth it eventually. the middle portion of this book was jampacked with action and politic intrigue, however this sweet point is bookended by boring events that contributed to detailed worldbuilding. from the characters, to the fascinating religions, a vivid continent and history is crafted by carey.
phèdre and joscelin's relationship is the most exciting when they are working together to navigate a high stakes situation (and, oh boy, there are MANY). i can't decide whether i found the conflict between their faith systems repetitive and annoying...or deliciously angsty. i go back and forth. but i'm certain that i loved their individual character development in this instalment. phèdre's relationship with hyacinthe was also a great read. i'm kind of bummed about how their relationship turned out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Grief, War
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicide, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt
I liked this more than I expected. It started out excruciatingly slow for me--I was afraid we'd remain with Phedre in Terre d'Ange learning with Delaunay forever, and the constant sex in service to Namaah got old after a while--but once the plot moves pretty quickly. I enjoyed the intricacy with which Carey developed her world, especially the political aspects, and the (at times) witty dialogue was an unexpected treat.
Also, if you have the desire or choice to read this on an e-reader, I would; I had to use Kindle's X-ray feature to remind me who some of the key players were.
Spoiler
Delaunay is murdered and Phedre and Joscelin leave the cityAlso, if you have the desire or choice to read this on an e-reader, I would; I had to use Kindle's X-ray feature to remind me who some of the key players were.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book is too strange for me to really enjoy: it was divided into 3 sections that are not cleanly linked IMO. I am not saying some may find this book enjoyable but I did not.
Just not for me, I guess. Nothing in the plot or the heroine interested me. The prose was too sticky on my tongue. And this promised oand, I would burn it myself to the ground.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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
While this took me 6 days to read, it was over Christmas and I had a lot going on. Also it’s proving to be a very difficult book to review. At first I was unsure about it, there were a lot of people to remember and keep track of especially as they faded to and from the background. I’m not big on erotica or “spice,” though this isn’t exactly that, but Phedre is a sex professional - among many other things. (It’s don’t think it’s supposed to do things a lot of smut do, considering the ages and statuses of the players involved, but there are some very descriptive scenes even if most of them focus more on the pain and not the actual sex.) But I loved her life with Delaunay and Alcuin. I loved her relationship with Hyacinthe, from small children causing trouble in the market to young adults scheming and learning and enjoying their lives. And Joscelin, whew, he brought a lot to this story. The characters are truly top-tier.
For all the sex bond servant stuff, it really isn’t the main focus of Phedre or the story itself. It helps move the players, but this is all about political intrigue and scheming, seeking truths, sacrificing as needed to get to the heart of things. And the battle scenes are wonderfully done. Holy shit. Among some of the best I’ve read. The emotions I felt as I finished the last 30% of this book were intense, which is not to discount the emotion of their time with the Skaldi and what followed, but we met a lot of new characters, we saw a prophecy or two come to fruition, we faced certain death, we lost dear people. There were several times I just set my book aside and stared into the abyss. And as much as I want to dive right into the second to see what decision has been made regarding a certain relationship, I had a couple books pop up through Libby that are part of a series and I doubt I’ll get the first two at the same again, so despite the fact that I have almost never stopped in the middle of a new series, I think I must considering the length of Carey’s books.
Above all else, Phedre is a beautiful character. She is brave and talented and smart and loyal. If you’re reading this for smut, I think you will be very disappointed. Seeing reviews call this book trashy bothers me. This is an epic fantasy meaning the entire world is completely made up with its own peoples and laws and religions. Just as cannot easily judge our own histories with today’s lenses, we cannot judge made up places and peoples.
For all the sex bond servant stuff, it really isn’t the main focus of Phedre or the story itself. It helps move the players, but this is all about political intrigue and scheming, seeking truths, sacrificing as needed to get to the heart of things. And the battle scenes are wonderfully done. Holy shit. Among some of the best I’ve read. The emotions I felt as I finished the last 30% of this book were intense, which is not to discount the emotion of their time with the Skaldi and what followed, but we met a lot of new characters, we saw a prophecy or two come to fruition, we faced certain death, we lost dear people. There were several times I just set my book aside and stared into the abyss. And as much as I want to dive right into the second to see what decision has been made regarding a certain relationship, I had a couple books pop up through Libby that are part of a series and I doubt I’ll get the first two at the same again, so despite the fact that I have almost never stopped in the middle of a new series, I think I must considering the length of Carey’s books.
Above all else, Phedre is a beautiful character. She is brave and talented and smart and loyal. If you’re reading this for smut, I think you will be very disappointed. Seeing reviews call this book trashy bothers me. This is an epic fantasy meaning the entire world is completely made up with its own peoples and laws and religions. Just as cannot easily judge our own histories with today’s lenses, we cannot judge made up places and peoples.
I'm a horrible buddy reader... just putting that out here right now for the world to see. I finished this before the majority of the group even started. So I'm not rating it yet so I don't sway their opinions before they even start.
I love this book like housewives love 50 Shades of Grey.