Reviews

Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey

hardbackednooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This was a really great read, with the exception of about 20-25% of the book. I blitzed through the first 65%ish, then everything came to a screeching halt for the next 20%. The last portion of the book moved pretty quickly, comparatively, though it also got to be much easier to predict at that point.

With the first-person past tense narrative and occasional breaking of the fourth wall, it was hard to feel any tension about Phedre's fate, but my heart was in my throat any time one of the other characters was threatened or involved in some machination. There are some truly shocking parts of this story and I found my jaw hanging open on more than one occasion. 

If you're one for worldbuilding, politicking, and fantasy religions, this might be the perfect fit for you. The layers and maneuvers playing out throughout the world are endless and fascinating; even with all the info now that I'm done, there were still things that surprised me when I was able to piece it all together. Overall, this could've been a 5-star read with more editing towards the middle/later third, but still very deserving of a read. I'll be continuing the series once my hold comes in.

All that being said, this is a very intense book. Definitely NSFW and 18+, and absolutely do not read if you are triggered by pain, abuse, or assault of any kind.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

regardsrachel's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense 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

5.0

faerietrails's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This book is VERY long and took me 4 months to read. It did not need as many characters as it presented, the writing style, while more personal, added a bit of bulk, and just very dense. Still, I enjoyed it and had many thoughts.

I don't think I've read anything with such intricate and complex world-building. So much so, that I made a reference document to keep track of it all. Even with that, I lost track of the names and who's on whose side for the majority of the book; there really did not need to be over 100 named characters in the Dramatis Personae. A world reference and glossary would have been very helpful, to remember demonyms and other terms.

Using Eurasia as a reference for the world helped form a baseline for its people and cultures, but there were definitely "I don't know if this is racist, but it don't feel right" moments as a result.

My favorite aspect was the treatment of religion and reverence of sex in many D'Angeline societies. Phedre's upbringing as an acolyte of Namaah and (essentially) a sex worker was super interesting, especially her continued faith throughout the book. I didn't expect a book released in 2001 to have a bisexual protagonist and normalize same-sex relationships, but it was a lovely surprise. This also gave way to the obsessive relationship between Phedre and Melisande, a personal favorite trope and point of some very delicious tension.

Every character was so compelling, with a lot of complexity shown in often little time. While the tone is dark overall, characters' personalities brought levity and moments to breathe. Phedre, Hyacinthe, and Joscelyn are a strong trio especially. I had a few qualms with Hyacinthe, mainly that he sacrificed a LOT for Phedre, while she never did much for him. He was also one of very few POC, and
departed making  another sacrifice.


I'd like to read the sequel, but I feel like I just finished a marathon. Maybe I'll pick it up by the time I forget everything that happened.

kriv23's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious sad 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

4.75

benden's review against another edition

Go to review page

There is noything I like about this book. Went in with high hopes, but was extremely disappointed. 

aliceboule's review

Go to review page

3.0

I am not one to squirm from uncomfortable subjects. In fact most of the time : The more weird and out there, the more likely I am to keeo reading- just to see where its going. But in Kushiel's Dart it was hard.

The beginning made me worried for the continuation and I seriously debated stopping. Little children being trained for sex, is just not. my thing. no.



And then when she pricks herself and finds it exciting I was like "Fine. She likes pain. No biggee" but then when the sex scene came around and she was just getting beat up. again NO.

From the description i was awaiting some smexy story, but really its not. Which is not so bad as honestly Phedre's sex is not my cup of tea.

The best part of Kushiel's Dart was by far the politics and war. I loved that. I am big fan of military strategy and war in fantasy and this book filled that component for me. Without it- I don't think I would have given it three stars.

Mainly because the writing style was alright, but Carey kept having Phedre reflect on her actions and so much foreshadowing it pulled away from the present plot.

Still. There is much here that could be developped into something great. But as long as Phedre does not start having some more 'lovely' sex (also some with Joscelin - he is by far my favorite character - would be nice) I don't think I can keep reading this series.

jenja's review against another edition

Go to review page

the prose is very flowery and pretty, but the actual story did not interest me much

kara_andersen's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

backtobad's review

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

4.25

obsidiancanyon's review

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

the best fantasy romance i have read in years, hands down. a challenging but rewarding read