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A review by skip7684
Kushiel's Chosen by Jacqueline Carey
3.0
Although I actually liked the first book of this series, I wasn't sure if I would read the second one or not. It really had nothing to do with the writing itself, I just didn't know if I wanted to get into yet another sprawling fantasy series. I read Kushiel's Dart in November and found myself wondering what the other books were like and what happens to the star struck Phedre and Joscelin. Yeah, Carey can apparently write a well developed character. I actually found this one much easier to read, as I was already familiar with the complex history of the world. There was also less sex.
Anyway, here's what happens:
Phedre and Joscelin's relationship falls apart when Phedre decides to return to the services of Naamah to hunt down her nemesis, Melisande. Joscelin finds solace in the world of the Yeshuites and Phedre begins taking a series of assignations. Figuring out that Melisande is in La Serenissima and they go to look for her with the Queen's blessing. Phedre seducing Joscelin and he leaves her, supposedly to never return again. Phedre and 2 of the remaining Phedre's Boys with Prince Benedicte to warn him of Melisande. Melisande is actually Benedicte's new wife and the 2 retainers are killed and Phedre is thrown into an island prison. She learns of the plot to kill the Queen, where Benedicte and Melisande will take her place. After some time in prison, Melisande offers Phedre the choice of staying there or being her prisoner and gives her one day to decide. She decides being at the mercy of Melisande is better than madness and waits for Melisande to come for her answer. That night, Joscelin climbs the underside of a rope bridge to gain the island to rescue Phedre, but she falls over a cliff and is swept to the sea. She is found by a pirate ship and after a long time is finally able to make her way back to La Serenissima in order to save her queen. She goes to the Yeshuites to look for Joscelin and they take her to him. Joyful reunion ensues. They save the day and Phedre is promised 10 years of peace by an oracle if she does Kushiel's bidding, which she does.
Anyway, here's what happens:
Phedre and Joscelin's relationship falls apart when Phedre decides to return to the services of Naamah to hunt down her nemesis, Melisande. Joscelin finds solace in the world of the Yeshuites and Phedre begins taking a series of assignations. Figuring out that Melisande is in La Serenissima and they go to look for her with the Queen's blessing. Phedre seducing Joscelin and he leaves her, supposedly to never return again. Phedre and 2 of the remaining Phedre's Boys with Prince Benedicte to warn him of Melisande. Melisande is actually Benedicte's new wife and the 2 retainers are killed and Phedre is thrown into an island prison. She learns of the plot to kill the Queen, where Benedicte and Melisande will take her place. After some time in prison, Melisande offers Phedre the choice of staying there or being her prisoner and gives her one day to decide. She decides being at the mercy of Melisande is better than madness and waits for Melisande to come for her answer. That night, Joscelin climbs the underside of a rope bridge to gain the island to rescue Phedre, but she falls over a cliff and is swept to the sea. She is found by a pirate ship and after a long time is finally able to make her way back to La Serenissima in order to save her queen. She goes to the Yeshuites to look for Joscelin and they take her to him. Joyful reunion ensues. They save the day and Phedre is promised 10 years of peace by an oracle if she does Kushiel's bidding, which she does.