Kushiel's Dart - Jacqueline Carey

Advantages: lots of sex, well written, unusual female heroine, big book, part one of a trilogy
Disadvantages: big book, lots of sex, part one of a trilogy

...a mark commonly known as Kushiel's Dart. Anyone with such a mark can only derive real pleasure from their pain. The story is basically about political intrigue within Terre d'Ange, and how Phedre is used by her teacher Delauney to gather facts from powerful individuals throughout the land. Unfortunately Phedre finds out too much and her teacher is murdered, as she is then kidnapped and taken to the barbarian land of Skaldia. Though while there she ...
...politically instigated war between Skaldia and Terre d'Ange, and reveals many traitors to her queen. Though I like the character of Phedre, she does at times seem a little to 'pat' and perfect, and maybe too powerful for her position. Though the character is beautifully portrayed, and even though there is an undeniably interesting story going on throughout the novel, finding out about Phedre and her personality is much more absorbing. As the whole ... Read review

Advantages: Very unique, sensual and sexual, can't put down
Disadvantages: None

Kushiel's Dart is one of the most unique and engaging fantasy novels that I have read in years. The main character, Phedre no Delaunay, is a sort of spy/concubine serving in the Night Court in a society in which being a courtesan is among the highest honors an individual can have. Phedre is a complex and compelling character who continues to evolve throughout the entirety of the novel. One of the most intriguing things about the character is that ...
...signifying her as Kushiel's chosen. As such, Phedre has to deal with the merging of pleasure and pain within her, something that adds to an all ready fascinating character. The novel itself is filled with sensuality and, not uncommonly, sex, throughout. However, the reader never feels like they are reading a pornographic book. Instead, Jacquiline Carey manages to capture sexuality and sensuality in such a way as to enhance the story and enrich the ... Read review

Advantages: Definitely one to keep a weekend free for!
Disadvantages: Might appeal more to female readers

A wonderful story about a spy-courtesan called Phedrem, set in an fantasy world called Terre d'Ange (based around France in the 15-16th Century). She becomes enbroilled in various adventures regarding the succession of the royal family and is assisted by her trainer and mentor (Delauney) and a beautiful but chaste bodygaurd. I think it's the characters in this book which make it truely magical but the plot and the attention to detail in creating ...
...read. As with the best fantasy, there is a strong connection to fact and a great deal of research has obviously been done on Europe at that time. They sequels to this trilogy don't disappoint, in fact i thing the second 'Kushiel's Justice' is my favourite. There is a second trilogy following on from this starting with 'Kushiel's Scion' and whilst it's also very good, i don't think it can really compare to the first. I would recommend this book to ... Read review