Kushiel's Dart Mass Market Paperback – March 15, 2002

I've read some of the reviews and it would seem we are much in agreement. I'll not cover in detail about time period (17th Century fictionalized representation of Europe, France in particular) or the archetypes that abound. All of that you already know if you've read just one review (or the books themselves).I'm an avid reader; I love historical fiction primarily, but am a big fan of post apocalyptic fare, the occasional romance, suspense and detective novels and of course, Jason Bourne types. What draws me to these genres aren't the genres themselves, but the quality and depth of the characters as they face whatever task or situation that has come to hand. I've never, in the thousands of books I've read over my life, encountered a character, a heroine quite like Phedre no Delauney. She is at times much like the women in my life in her strength of character, intestinal fortitude but at other times so beyond anything or anyone I've ever known or contemplated.It is our 'modern' sensibilities that would cause many people to throw down this novel without ever getting beyond what her initial motivation is- to be a courtesan. I wonder what sort of world this would be if we treated the women who undertake the profession with the sort of love and reverence like the D'Angelines do? A better one, I'd think. But I digress.There will be times when you may say to yourself that one or another is the typical this or that- and that might even be true, for not everyone can be as magnetic as our heroine, nor as stalwart as her Cassiline protector. I'll not spoil any details but suffice it to say the two are paired exceedingly well despite the many differences in philosophy and make up. And I fear no disparagement by admitting that I am not half the man he is, nor could I ever be. But I could try...I definitely could, and so I do.Allow yourself to move beyond that and sink deeper- I swear to you that you will not be disappointed; even if you are not a fan of the genre. Carey is a consummate storyteller; it is inspiring, heart warming, scary, frightening at times, maddening, even disgusting- it's...it is one of the greatest stories ever told, in my not-so-humble opinion. As I've said, I've read thousands of books at least once, but few of them have I read multiple times. I was first introduced to this series while working for a book buyer some 15 or so years ago; an advanced copy that once I started reading, continued until I'd finished. A whole weekend gone in a blink; and none of it was wasted. I remember even then, the sense of awe and wonderment that I'd not felt since I first read Lord of the Rings as a 10 year old. If I had to use one word to describe it: sumptuous. It was almost too much at times- when an author displays such a command of not only the language but the artistic ability to make you FEEL, to see, hear, smell and even taste what is going on- that is a mastery that can only be claimed by a relative few.Long before Game of Thrones, long before the craze and the sex, there was Kushiel's Legacy, which reads much like Martin's GoT series, except there's hope, redemption and fulfillment at the end of the journey. To me that is much more palatable than constant railing at the author's cavalier attitude towards my favorite characters but again, I digress.It was a year or two later before I discovered that Ms. Carey had actually written it as a trilogy; luckily for me, I'd shared this book with my sister who is as avid a reader as I am and it was she who discovered the other two books. Since this was pre-Kindle days we shared the actual books; back and forth as one or the other finished it and then we'd pass them back again because well...you'll want to read it again. And again.I've read the Kushiel's Legacy series at least 5 times that I can recall off the top of my head and it is worth noting that even knowing what's to come, even knowing how it has to happen- it never gets dull. The pulse pounds, the eyes go wide as you continue on the adventure with Phedre and her companions and even knowing all of that, it is still hard to put down. I love these books, the rich and well-developed (and intriguing) characters, the span of travels - the lands that are described in passing are as different yet interesting as anything you'll find in the real world and much of it was taken from parts of said real world, but re-imagined in such a way as to be exciting and not a little bit intimidating.And once you've worked your way through the 3rd book, Kushiel's Avatar, have a crack at the second half of the overarching storyline, the second trilogy, which starts with Kushiel's Scion. You will not be sorry. And lastly, would that we could but we can at least try: love as thou wilt.

This is a first-time novel by Jacqueline Carey, and honestly---it's books like this that restore my faith in the publishing industry. =P I have read novels by long-time writers which were nowhere near as richly detailed, powerfully written, or just plain interesting. Now I know that publishers aren't just looking for the next Robert Jordan or Mercedes Lackey. They *do* actually care about quality.Anyway, enough babbling. The story is set in a kind of alternate Europe, primarily in a pseudo-France called Terre d'Ange. In this world, Judeo-Christianity never got much of a foothold, because in this world God had a red-headed stepchild, so to speak. Basically, everything's the same as in our world until the crucifixion of Christ. At that point, Mary Magdalene wept at the cross's feet, and her tears mingled with the blood and produced a kind of angel/god creature called Elua. Some considered Elua an abomination or a mistake, but thirteen angels decided to follow him, reckoning that he was a child of God whether God chose to acknowledge him or not (and God didn't). Also following Elua was a woman named Naamah, a whore who decided to protect and care for this innocent creature by selling herself for his needs---to buy food, to bargain for his life, etc. Elua wandered for a long time and eventually found the land of Terre d'Ange, where the people welcomed him, and he and his angels settled down there.In the present time of the novel, the people of Terre d'Ange are known throughout the world for their beauty and grace, since they're all the descendants of angels. And because of Naamah's sacrifices, a sort of "blessed whore" tradition has perpetuated itself into the Court of Night-Blooming Flowers---thirteen whorehouse-temples whose male and female prostitutes are all sworn to the service of Naamah (who has the status of the Virgin Mary in this land) in various ways. Some houses specialize in delicate beauties who blush and faint; others specialize in clownish types who make their patrons laugh; still others specialize in darker arts.Into this mix is born Phedre, a child who's rejected from the house she's born into (the delicate-fainter house) primarily because she has a "flaw"---a tiny blood-spot in one eye. In Terre d'Ange, this is called "Kushiel's Dart," and it's the marker of one chosen by the cruelest of Elua's angels, Kushiel, who administered punishments to sinners in Purgatory. It also marks Phedre as an "anguissette"---a masochist.Phedre is sold to a man deeply involved in the politics of Terre d'Ange. He understands her potential immediately, so he tutors her in languages, histories, all sorts of things, while she grows up and eagerly awaits her debut to the service of Naamah. Once she starts her work---making assignations with the wealthy and powerful of Terre d'Ange society (who seem to consist of an awful lot of sadists) and spying on them---she becomes embroiled in the politics of the land. These politics lead her into an extremely complex and shocking series of events, taking her into alternate versions of the Nordic lands, Scotland and Ireland, gypsy country, and beyond. Ultimately she is the only person who can save Terre d'Ange from a terrible invasion---and she goes about it in her own unique style.What I love about this book is its protagonist. Phedre is witty, sensual, cultured, and haughty, and although she enjoys being bound and tortured during sex, she's by no means a subservient character. Indeed, that's a theme of the novel, repeated several times--- "That which yields is not necessarily weak." She may play the servant at need, but she's always looking out for her own interests, and those of the people she loves. She can be downright ruthless, frankly, and she manages to bring about the downfall of a number of powerful people.I also love the sensuality of this book. This is a world where all of the whores have spent years studying the erotic arts before they ever lose their virginity; they even have a textbook. And Phedre knows every technique in it. Phedre's assignations are sometimes described in tactful but powerful detail---not crude or pornographic, but clear enough that the reader sees both how much pleasure she gets from the act, and how she wraps her patrons around her little finger in the process. It's not always pleasant, and those who are repelled by sado-masochism or bondage might find some scenes disturbing. There are also some scenes when Phedre is forced into unwilling slavery to a Nordic lord, and is raped (although because of what she is, she enjoys even this---and hates herself for it). But overall there are more than enough good scenes to make up for the not-so-good. Including several homosexual encounters, as a warning to those with more limited tastes. Phedre has no preferences, and her greatest lover/adversary happens to be a woman. (That's another thing I like---there are very few weak women in this novel.)The only thing I could possibly call a flaw is the absolute complexity of this novel. And I'll qualify that by saying it's not really a flaw; I just prefer not to have to *study* when I read a novel for fun. There are dozens of characters in the book, all from different houses of nobility and different bloodlines of angels and different duchies and so forth, and even quite a few from different countries. And all of them are interwoven in a tapestry of intrigue so deep I almost got lost in it. We discover the threads of this tapestry as Phedre does, and we understand the whole of it only when Phedre comprehends, so for at least half the novel all these characters and all these events are a confusing jumble. Several times I was forced to look at the glossary of characters, thoughtfully placed at the front of the book rather than the back---it's a necessity. However... when the tapestry begins to come together, it does so masterfully, and I realized at that point that all of the layers of detail were absolutely necessary. This is a completely realistic conspiracy, and by the end it's completely realistic that a masochist-spy-prostitute would be the one to foil it.A definite recommend. =)

What a wonderful book.Thankfully, I did expect the BDSM and the sex, but I did not expect how amazing the world building would turn out to be.Kushiel's Dart is less a fantasy and more an alternative history of Europe. The main protagonist, Phèdre, was born with a crimson ring around the iris of one of her eyes: Kushiel's Dart. Kushiel's followers endure and inflict pain, mingling it with pleasure.This book has a vast cast to the point where I was hugging the Dramatis Personae with tears in my eyes.While I enjoyed reading about Phèdre, Joscelin and Hyacinthe, I above all, loved Melisande. I know that most hate her, and I probably should hate her as well, but damn if she isn't one compelling character. I've known women like her, and they always have my attention. It's not good, but they do, and I guess that says a lot about me.Yes, this book has romance, but there's so much more. I've hardly ever seen such a richly detailed world. The plot offers everything: a game of thrones and kings, adventure, intrigue, love, war, betrayal, sex, friendship.The book's huge, and halfway through it could have ended, and essentially you get a second book attached to the first one, and I just loved everything about it. Carey's prose is immensely readable and enjoyable. In places perhaps a bit purple, but overall beautiful.Kushiel's Dart is told in first person from the point of view of Phèdre and her narration is funny and intriguing. Carey develops her in a believable way and I enjoyed seeing the story unfold through her eyes. Especially because she seems to feel the same way about Melisande as I do.I recommend this to all fantasy fans who enjoy extensive world building, huge casts and romance.

It’s so complex, the politics woven into the story; every detail matters, and there’s so many twists of betrayal and treachery and loyalty. Every character has their own agenda, and they change over time, moving in response to everyone else. I have no idea how she planned it out, but it’s breathtaking! And yet, despite that, the story is clear. We follow Phedre, and her decisions and choices are always understandable. We know what she knows, understand what she understands. We hate and love as she does.The characters are brilliant; hateful, cunning, ruthless, kind, enchanting, wonderful. Melisande is fantastic; I loved Delaunay and Alcuin, and Joscelin…as Sammy said, “Everyone needs a Joscelin!”. He’s a completely adorable idiot, and I loved his character development. As with the politics, people change over the course of the story – events do change their characters and their decisions, change how people view the world and how they react to it. It’s all done so well that you follow along with it, understanding and sympathising, even with those who act badly against Phedre.And the world…wow. Terre d’Ange is a take on Earth, with some recognisable places; France, England, the Mediterranean. But the history is rewritten, Gods walked the earth, the cities are transformed. Myth and power mix into the political reality – a god can stop you crossing the sea as easily as a courtier can poison your food. Terre d’Ange’s culture is a wonderful creation, with the Houses and nobles, each with their own desires and structures and customs. When the story broadens out to the wider world, it’s just as enchanting – every land has its own differences, some subtle, some massive. The cultures borrow from Earth ones, but not in any majorly recognisable way – there’s none of the wholsesale borrowing that marrs a lot of fantasy worlds.Also, just to warn people; don’t read this if you can’t cope with sex. It’s never gratuitous and always winds into the story (Game of Thrones could learn a lot!) but there’s quite a lot of it. It’s really well written, though; subtle and understated, despite often having a BDSM theme. So, just sayin’.Overall? This is an absolutely breathtaking book; the worldbuilding and culture creation is amazing, the characters are brilliant, and the story keeps tugging along; what happens next? What happens next?

I don't give up on a book without getting through at least 50% of it, even if its a grind. I'm 75% of the way through Dart now and feel no inclination to pick it up again. its unclear where the story is going and too many of the character interactions are just exaggerated. The guy who is always fuming, the one who is always serene, the master who is so chummy with his servants, relaxed and jokey, yet in another moment is hyper secretive and demanding obedience and respect.Isn't this supposed to be a story of intrigue and mystery? We have some mystery, but only by virtue of the a lack of information. We can't work out what is happening because the information isn't offered and even late in the book the motivations, and, more significantly, the ultimate intentions of a number of characters are still completely lacking. Its been stated from the outset that the main character has a major role to play, and from the 1st person it is also clear she is in no real danger, so i really need for the plot to offer several serious mysteries to be investigated and for it to throw in some misdirection along the way. Instead 90% of the time is devoted to exploring the main character's personal fetish, and although that is (theoretically) plot related, I venture to say it is only vaguely so. It is supposed to offer her a unique ability to find information, yet so little of anything has been revealed and she hasn't been inducted into any grand plots and so knows little to nothing herself and shows no real motivation to use her skills to find anything out.The sum total of all this is boredom. The characters are too sporadic to be sympathetic enough to carry the story. The mystery elements form far too little to be of any real interest. The only part of the story that is strong is the exploration of the main characters fetish (BDSM) so if you're into that then this might be worth a look.

I love reading fantasy novels and have read loads by different authors. After googling recommendations, this book kept coming up. It’s not a fantasy novel but loads of reviews were raving about it so I gave it a go. I wished I hadn’t bothered. I’m 53% in and I have no idea what the hell is going on.The writing style is not for me at all. I just can’t get into it; it’s so confusing and makes my head hurt! The book is too long and I’ve spent hours of reading just to get to the 53% and I still can’t tell you what it’s about. I will persevere and finish the book but honestly, I don’t know what all these 5 star reviews are about.As for the erotic scenes…..boring. Don’t waste your money buying this book.

I downloaded this on the recommendation of a friend and have spent the last 4 days utterly absorbed in the world of Phedre no Delauney. When I wasn't reading it, I couldn't stop thinking about it.For anyone unsure whether to purchase this book, I would say it's a cross between Game of Thrones and the Black Jewel Trilogy, although without the raunch of either. For a main character who is a courtesan, the book is surprisingly tame. The descriptions are not graphic so fear not, if the thought had put you off, you won't be offended.The book follows Phedre. We meet her first as a young child, sold into service as a courtesan in the name of the goddess Naamah. As she grows, her bond-keeper trains her to be the finest spy in the realm. With civil war brewing over the succession to the throne, an epic political game begins, spanning three nations.The story Carey tells is rich, complex and incredibly gritty. It's not a pretty fantasy where everything falls out happily ever after and good triumphs over evil. The 'good' are sacrificed, the 'bad' sometimes get away with it. All of the characters make choices that hurt to think of. Phedre is a fascinating character. Her greatest strength is the thing she loathes most about herself, and she hates that, in some deep, dark place, she craves the things she forces herself to do of necessity for the safety of the nation.The world of Terre D'Ange is rich with mythology and background. There's enough of the familiar in it to sort of comprehend the geography, which helps. It's a world that was well-built and Carey deserves every credit for that.Her language is beautiful too - it's so old fashioned and descriptive, with long and beautiful words that should never have fallen out of fashion. It's wordsmithing at its most beautiful, without ever appearing pretentious or unnatural in the context of the story.There also seems to be a moral tale underlying the whole story, whether the author intended it or not. It has to be said that I've thought often over the last few days about the nature of faith. It's not until Phedre offers herself of her own free will to a man she doesn't care for in order to secure safe passage that she truly understands the nature of her goddess. Likewise with Joscelin - his faith was a blind one. It wasn't until he had to walk in the path of his god that he really got it. The constant themes of love and sacrifice, honour and duty, ripple through this book with constant, thought-provoking touches. If you can step away from the breathtaking story unfolding to see what drives it beneath, it's something really quite special.I know this reads as a love letter to the book, but it did have its flaws. The grammar is terrible. Also, I was so confused for much of the book by the characters. There are so many of them, from so many different houses, that I couldn't keep track of who was involved. The scope of the story is such that it needed them all, but I did get hopelessly lost. There are a handful of characters that I haven't yet figured out what their role is or what they were bound to. I wanted to take a star off for the flaws, but then I couldn't bring myself to do it. Nothing is perfect, but this came darn near close!I have just downloaded the second and third in the series, which should tell you something.