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lvstrong15 's review for:
Kushiel's Dart
by Jacqueline Carey
4 stars, leaning towards 4.5 stars and will probably change my rating upon a reread.
I'm having trouble writing a review for this book because it is so dense with political intrigue, religious and geographical worldbuilding, as well as a fascinating look into a world that not only accepts sexual proclivity, but sees it as a form of worship.
I'm sure people will be put off by the BDSM depicted in this book or just write it off as erotica, but never did I feel the sex scenes in this book were purely gratuitous. Some were explicit to be sure and even off putting depending on your tastes, but Phedre performs these acts for her own pleasure as well as to gather information for her patron.
There is also a strange power balancing that happens because she is chosen by Kushiel (the god of pain). While these humiliating and degrading acts are being performed on her, she still finds pleasure in them and for most of the book actively has a choice in whether or not she wants to engage in these acts or be with these people.
Also, to my surprise, while her activities as a spy and courtesan play in an important role in the book, the main theme of the book is love and politics! Love to one's country, one's family, and the extreme measures people will go to protect both. I've heard from others book two gets even better and book three is the best out of the trilogy. I couldn't put this book down, so I look forward to continuing the series.
I'm having trouble writing a review for this book because it is so dense with political intrigue, religious and geographical worldbuilding, as well as a fascinating look into a world that not only accepts sexual proclivity, but sees it as a form of worship.
I'm sure people will be put off by the BDSM depicted in this book or just write it off as erotica, but never did I feel the sex scenes in this book were purely gratuitous. Some were explicit to be sure and even off putting depending on your tastes, but Phedre performs these acts for her own pleasure as well as to gather information for her patron.
There is also a strange power balancing that happens because she is chosen by Kushiel (the god of pain). While these humiliating and degrading acts are being performed on her, she still finds pleasure in them and for most of the book actively has a choice in whether or not she wants to engage in these acts or be with these people.
Also, to my surprise, while her activities as a spy and courtesan play in an important role in the book, the main theme of the book is love and politics! Love to one's country, one's family, and the extreme measures people will go to protect both. I've heard from others book two gets even better and book three is the best out of the trilogy. I couldn't put this book down, so I look forward to continuing the series.