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naturally 's review for:
Kushiel's Dart
by Jacqueline Carey
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