Kushiel's Mercy (Kushiel's Legacy Book 3) Kindle Edition

Carey probably isn't capable of writing a bad fantasy; that said, this one isn't up to the rest of series. In a historical fantasy l expect and relish heroes like Phaedre and Joycelin who are way too good to be true. Historical fantasies borrow so heavily from legends and myths that larger-than-life is both expected and savored. At times, I need stories where adventures far from home provides the knowledge, experiences, and skills necessary to forge a happy ending at home. Quest tales remind me that the journey has meaning. Likewise, fantasy's incestuously close relationship with myth and legend also create the expectation that much of the plot may be "adapted" (stolen) from other epic tales. It's kind of fun to recognize this larceny and to see how the author has repainted and up-cycled it for her own purposes. However, Carey has sweetened this tale so heavily with honey lifted from earlier tales that the love-conquers-all theme tastes cloying. I wanted to snort milk out my nose when mother love transformed Melisande and grew her a conscious with a measure of compassion. One evil enchantment leading to mass hysteria might work as a plot device, but three? Melodrama abounds. Cheesy entertainment.

Note: While this is Book 6 in Kushiel’s Legacy (also referred to as the Terre D’Ange Cycle) it is Book 3 in the second trilogy and focuses on Imriel de la Courcel, who we met in Book 3 of the first trilogy, Kushiel’s Avatar. Kushiel’s Mercy is best read as part of the second trilogy, if not as Book 6 in the larger series, since there are plenty of characters and situations referred to from the previous books.Imriel de la Courcel, a Prince of the Blood, and Sidonie de la Courcel, Terre D’Ange’s princess and next in line to the throne, are in love. This doesn’t sit well with much of the realm because Imriel’s estranged birth mother, Melisande Shahrizai, betrayed the nation a generation ago. Imriel and Sidonie are faced with a difficult choice: Bring Melisande to justice or Sidonie will not inherit the throne. After beginning their search for Melisande in earnest, an unlikely city nation, Carthage, comes with luxurious gifts, promises of alliance, and an apparently heartfelt hope that Sidonie will consider their General Astegal for marriage. Things do not go as expected, for anyone.This historical fantasy is another beautiful addition to the Terre D’Ange cycle. Through the adventures of Imriel and Sidonie, we learn more about this alternate world Carey has created. Carthage is a budding empire, rich in gold and gems but also dependent on slavery. General Astegal comes off as a very charming man, willing to bend to Terre D’Ange’s way of things when it comes to love; for instance, he wouldn’t be in a miff if Sidonie decided to have a harem of pretty young men. The other culture that really stood out for me was the Euskerri, which is akin to the Basque. Deeply proud and also demanding equality from their two neighboring countries – Terre D’Ange and Aragonia.In the previous books, there has been some magic, though much of it is left up to the reader’s interpretation. In this novel, the magic is direct and has immediate consequences. Even though this is a reread for me, I always find myself surprised by how not subtle the magic component is in this story, as compared to the previous books. So how do you fight strong magic when you only have a passing experience with it? That is something that Imriel and Sidonie will have to figure out, though I do like all the hints that Elua, Terre D’Ange’s primary deity, may be giving them a hand. The magic does follow certain rules, which I liked, though it was quite the trial for Imriel to figure out what those rules were.There’s plenty of adventure and sneaking about in this story. Imriel must make alliances with the most unlikely of people to even make a solid attempt to not only rescue Sidonie but the entire capitol of Terre D’Ange, the City of Elua. Indeed, spying, misdirection, and disguises make up a good part of the book. I think it was hardest on Imriel to deceive his beloved foster parents, Phedre and Joscelin. There’s some pretty intense scenes that had me holding my breath! Also, those scenes with Barquiel L’Enver, a man who has disliked Imriel since he was born, were quite worthy.Sidonie really shines in this book. Even with everything told through Imriel’s eyes, Sidonie had some tough decisions to make and was at the center of some dangerous situations. Carey has this magical way of writing female characters behaving in feminine ways and still getting important stuff done. While Imriel is the character that carried me forward in this story, there’s a strong argument for Sidonie being that star of the story.Each time we think our heroes have found the key to winning the day, there’s another twist or another spell or another hurdle or another bad guy that must be vanquished. One of the hardest things about this was that sometimes they had to find a way to sneak past, trick, or even fight friends and family that were ensnared in the magic. My poor nails! I was biting my nails too often with this story!As with the series, there are incredible sex scenes that range from playful to desperate to healing to sad to joyful. Carey is just as detailed in her love scenes as she is with her use of cultures and linguistics. I always enjoy these scenes because they reveal something further about the characters.The ending was well done. I was very satisfied that things were not easy to unravel and iron out. Not everyone gets everything they want. There’s plenty to be forgiven all around. Still, it was beautiful and satisfying.The Narration: Simon Vance does this final book in Imriel’s trilogy justice. He had to take on further accents as our heroes experienced new cultures. There were also plenty of complicated emotions and intense scenes and Vance did a great job capturing the subtleties of those emotions in his voice work. Also, he did a fantastic job with the sex scenes.

The first book bored me, the second mesmerized me, this one...was fine. It had the classic elements - magic, betrayal, exotic locals, hidden identity. I don't even mind the formula. It's a good formula. I just don't really like Imriel.No, it's more than that. Phedre is queer, and it's no big deal, which is amazing for a main character, especially in a fantasy novel. That sets a bar. The relationship she has with Jocelin - breaking, as it does, both traditional gender roles and traditional sexual relationship norms - sets a bar. The first trilogy's exploration of consent and it's nuances (touched on a bit in this book, but not well) sets a bar. The side-lining of the love story in favor of actually saving the world/personal development sets a bar. Phedre's trilogy was ground-breaking in so many ways. This trilogy failed to live up, in almost every case, to the expectations set by the first.Obviously we were not going to get the same books. I wouldn't expect that. But these books were just SO normal, just SO fine. I don't think Carey has a good sense of how Doms work, so Imri's interests fall kind of flat. His relationship with Sidonie is terribly plain and normal. He's straight. Their relationship falls mostly into the "save the damsel in distress" mode. His personal development exists only so that he can fall in love and get married. He saves the world so that he can fall in love and get married. While Phedre uses her magic powers to save the world, Imri uses his magic powers to...um...say something kind of mean to his mom once? He also spends half the book as someone else, so that's kind of weird and renders a lot of character moments pointless.I really enjoyed the second book in the series, but the other 2 were mostly pointless and not worthy of the author.

Kushiel's Mercy is the final instalment of Imriel's trilogy and brings to a conclusion the story of Imriel and Sidonie. As we've come to expect from Carey Kushiel's Mercy is packed with great world building, evocative writing and strong story telling.Imriel and Sidonie have both come to realise that their love cannot be denied, the Gods will not allow it and having announced their love for each other the country is torn between those that remember all too well the atrocities caused by the treachery of Melisande and think that Imriel is foremost his mother's son and those that want to embrace the romanticism of the pair. Ysandre decrees that should the young lovers pursue their idea of marriage Sidonie will be disinherited and no longer next in line for the throne. The solution, Imriel is to seek out his mother Melisande and return her to Terra D'Ange where she will face execution as a traitor.I won't elaborate on the plot too much as there are a few twists here and there and I don't want to ruin them but the story goes in a completely different direction than I anticipated and rather than centring on the search for Melisande it becomes instead a story of dark magic, a nation ensorcelled and a search for magic talisman's that will lift the curse.So, instead, a brief discussion on other feelings that this final book raised for me.I thought the story was very clever although I was surprised at the level of magic used as it seemed a lot stronger than in previous novels which have barely skimmed the magical pool. I admit that in relation to the actual effects on the people of the City I was dubious and had a number of niggles but setting those aside enabled me to enjoy the plot. It was really interesting to return to Terra D'Ange and see the effects that the magic had wrought on some of our favourite characters! I admit that it was difficult to read in some respects.In terms of the other characters. We have the introduction of a new pov. Leander is one of Melisande's spies and winds up becoming a main pov character for a few of the chapters. It was really intriguing to be inside his head particularly given his role (which I will remain mysterious about as it would be a spoiler) but I have to credit Carey here with pulling off a completely different feel of character.Astegal is the main bad guy of the piece. I found this character a little bit weak if I'm going to be totally honest maybe, that's just because in terms of being a scheming manipulator he really isn't a patch on Melisdande. In fact because of the success of the first three books, and in particular the main characters, this series was always, for me, going to struggle a little. That being said though, after a little bit of a shaky start to the series, I did end up finding it very entertaining. Carey is just a wonderful story teller and I think in terms of making this a love story, and more to the point star crossed lovers, it was always going to appeal to some people more than others. Phèdre and Joscelin love each other but the focus of their stories was not the love they had for each other whereas this series centres quite strongly on Imriel and Sidonie and their almost impossible love affair.I think the side of this story that I enjoyed the most was the meeting between Melisande and Imriel. It felt like I'd been anticipating this for such a long time that I wondered whether Carey would manage to pull the scene off. I think she did. Melisande has got to be one of the best villains around. To be honest I wished that she'd played a bigger role in the story but even as it was I did enjoy this meeting.The other surprise for me was Barquiel L'Envers and the role that he played in Imriel's success. It was a pleasant surprise to be honest as he'd always been a little bit like the thorn in the side so it was good to see that he could be convinced of the truth of something.Overall, I really enjoyed this series. There's plenty going on and the writing is really good. Did I enjoy it as much as reading about Phèdre and Joscelin adventures, in fairness, no, but I'm glad I read on and I'm looking forward to the next series which I understand jumps us forward considerably and brings a new cast of characters into play.

I couldn’t stop reading this continuing saga. Until now, the trials have been within the normal spectrum of human life, and could be explained away, but this one veers into a greater realm of sorcery, and takes a turn into serious magic. A twist in viewpoint adds a unique twist to Imriel’s perspective. The desperate pain, sorrow and the strength of commitment for his quest throughout this adventure kept my senses reeling until the satisfying conclusion, which brings the two parts of the six Kushiel’s series to rest.

It's been a long time since I have read another Carey book. I don't know why because once you read one you want to continue. But changes in my life stopped me reading for a while. I have bought several of her books ( I'm waiting for more on the Banewreaker saga, Ms Carey) but recently I read Kushiels Mercy on my iPhone. Still riveted by her dialogue. I shall buy the rest and maybe the earlier ones too, to carry around like little jewels in my pocket. I commend her Kushiel series as much as I recommend Dorothy Dunnetts Lymond series. No higher praise can I give.

Have not finished yet but is certainly up to the standard of the previous works. I find great difficulty in putting the book down and turning the light off. Need to take time with this tale as it approaches the end of the present trilogy as do not know what is next ( if anything) in this exciting saga. Hope more to come.

This is a thoughtfully written, spellbinding story, and it hasn't lost anything in being the last in the series. Really enjoyed it.

I loved the first trilogy but put off reading the second as I didn't see how she could even match that. Eventually got around to it and blow me - she's actually bettered it with the second! Highly recomended as a superb storyteller.

Epic

Amazingly written as is all the books in this trilogy. A perfect endingJust can't say how nicely it ends the trilogy

Great book!

Imriel und Sidonie sind nach langen Jahren der Trennung endlich vereint und hoffen nun auf eine gemeinsame Zukunft. Einen Strich durch die Rechnung macht ihnen jedoch Königin Ysandre. Sie kann Melisandes Taten nicht vergessen und hat panische Angst davor, dass Imriel Sidonie nur für seine Zwecke benutzt. Außerdem hat das Liebespaar mit starker Opposition aus den Reihen der d'Angelines zu kämpfen. Ysandre will ihnen aber noch eine Chance geben. Imriel soll seine Mutter finden und sie ihrer gerechten Strafe zuführen, dann steht einer Hochzeit zwischen ihm und Sidonie nichts mehr im Weg. Imriel versucht nun über die Unseen Guild die Spur Melisandes aufzunehmen. Plötzlich besucht ein Prinz der Katharger Terre d'Ange. Er versucht, Sidonies Hand zu gewinnen und seine Absichten scheinen durchaus ehrenvoll zu sein, aber Imriel kann sein Misstrauen diesen Leuten gegenüber nicht abschütteln. Und seine Ängste erweisen sich als berechtigt. Die Katharger belegen die Hauptstadt mit einem komplizierten Zauber, der die d'Angelines glauben lässt, sie wären Verbündete und Sidonie willigt ein, den kathargischen Prinzen zu heiraten. Sie hat Imriel und ihre Liebe unter dem Einfluss der Magie vollkommen vergessen. Der völlig verzweifelte Imriel setzt nun alles daran, seine Geliebte zurückzugewinnen und die Ordnung in Terre d'Ange wiederherzustellen. Dabei muss er sich zum letzten Mal den Schatten seiner Vergangenheit stellen.Jacqueline Carey hat in KUSHIEL'S MERCY noch einmal alle Register gezogen. Imriels und Sidonies bittersüße Liebesgeschichte geht in die letzte Runde und man fiebert mit ihnen bis zur letzten Seite und hofft auf ein Happy End.Imriel muss sich erneut auf eine lange Reise begeben und dieses Mal trifft er auf die unwahrscheinlichsten Helfer und Verbündeten. Da seine Familie und Freunde unter dem Einfluss des Zaubers stehen, schenken sie seinen Beteuerungen keinen Glauben und er muss sich Hilfe bei Leuten suchen, die er bis vor kurzem noch zu seinen Feinden gezählt hatte. Das bedeutet, dass Phèdre und Joscelin eine noch geringere Rolle spielen als schon in KUSHIEL'S JUSTICE. Ich für meinen Teil habe diese Entwicklung nicht bedauert. Imriel ist mir mittlerweile sehr ans Herz gewachsen und seine Trilogie hat mich ebenso in ihren Bann gezogen wie die von Phèdre, wenn nicht sogar mehr.Imriel trifft im Verlauf seiner Suche auf Melisande und die Begegnung zwischen ihnen ist so ganz anders, als er sie sich vorgestellt hat. Imriels Reise nach Kathargo bietet eine große Überraschung, die ich hier nicht näher ausführen möchte, da sie zu viel vom Plot vorwegnehmen würde, aber ich kann verraten, dass es zu einer interessanten charakterlichen Änderung kommt, die frischen Wind in die Geschichte bringt.Die ersten zwei Drittel von KUSHIEL'S MERCY sind packend und bieten beinahe atemlose Spannung. Im letzten Drittel des Romans fällt der Spannungsbogen etwas ab, Langeweile kommt jedoch bestimmt keine auf. Nach all den vorherigen Ereignissen ist der Showdown dann doch etwas weniger spannend als erwartet.KUSHIEL'S MERCY ist ein schönes und spannendes abschließendes Kapitel in Imriels Trilogie. Für Fans ist dieser Band ohnehin ein Muss und sie werden ganz bestimmt nicht enttäuscht werden.

I liked the original series with Phaedre as main character very much due to an excellent story and story telling, and some 'darker' aspects to the overall story. It fell off with the Imriel Books - still good books I enjoyed reading, but not quite the same standard.The first half of this book pretty much picks up where the first three 'Kushiel' books left off. However the book still goes on for more than three hundred pages after that. Basically these do very little for the story. It's just some twists which prevent Imriel from returning home to finally settle his problems and finish the series. These side plots are mostly irrelevant to the story, don't add any new interesting characters, or at least add some aspect to the current characters.In addition some things in terms of logic don't seem to add up in these later parts of the story in terms of logistics, travel time etc. One of the things I always liked very much in each installment was the realistic settings - it simply takes time to travel even for news when there's no telecommunications, Jet Planes etc. Some of these aspects don't add up. It's nothing major, but things like summoning an army of a couple thousands in a country with no standing army, which on top is described as mountainous etc - things like that don't work in those timeframes without telephone ...All this increases the feeling, that after the actual story was completed, some more twists had to be added to get the book to 600+ pages. On top the resolution to the final puzzle at the last minute is a bit not-so-spectacular with sword fights, mind control and demon in the same book.Still I found half the book very good, finished it in a little over one weekend and taking everything into account, it is still a good conclusion to this series. If you picked up the previous two volumes of the Imriel Books, this is definitely a must-read.

This was a replacement book for the series that I have read many times. I plan to read this series many more times <3

If you haven't read every book in this series, it's time to start. One of the only series I have read more then once.

J'avais vraiment été séduit par la première trilogie de Jacqueline Carey avec son héroine Phèdre et j'ai continué par curiosité, j'ai eu l'impression de lire l'histoire d'un garçon qui se cherche, quelqu'un d'écorché (bon quand on connaît son passé, il y a de quoi) Mais Imriel n'est pas un personnage auquel j'ai pu m'attacher. Je conseillerais de s'arrêter à la première trilogie car la seconde donne vraiment l'impression de s'essouffler.

Fantastic, as expected