A review by patricereads_
Kushiel's Chosen by Jacqueline Carey

5.0

I don't really know where to begin with this book. I guess, since I have made comments and reviews throughout the book, I will start at the end. You know that fairytale ending everyone hopes for in movies and books. That moment at the end of the book when all of the pieces have fallen into place, and everything is right in the world. I was afraid that moment would not come in this novel, and, ironically, it did not. On the surface, it seems that the Terre d' Ange is at peace, Joscelin and Phedre are happily united (sort of), and Melisande is doomed to wilt away locked in Serenissma. Unfortunately, this is not the case if you read a little deeper and look for what was *not* stated. Phedre still wants to free Hyacinthe which will undoubtedly cause a schism to come betweeen Joscelin and Phedre. Then, I had to think about Melisande. For the most part, she has physically been taken out of the scheme, but there are still loose ends. Where there are loose ends, Melisande's influence and deception will find a way to cause more disruption. Even with the seemingly happy ending, there is a storm a-brewing.
Anyway, I definitely recommend this novel (just like I did the first). It is full of intrigue, planning, and more romance (not sex). You will not regret picking up this book if you are willing to subject yourself to an emotional roller coaster. I can't wait for the the last book in the series, Kushiel's Avatar.