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    Kushiel's Avatar
    Kushiel's Avatar
    Kushiel's Avatar
    Audiobook31 hours

    Kushiel's Avatar

    Written by Jacqueline Carey

    Narrated by Anne Flosnik

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassed beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good...and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt.

    Phegrave;dre noacute; Delaunay is a woman pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. Her path has been strange and dangerous, and through it all the devoted swordsman Joscelin has been at her side. Her very nature is a torturous thing for them both, but he is sworn to her and he has never violated his vow: to protect and serve.

    But Phegrave;dre's plans put Joscelin's pledge to the test, for she has never forgotten her childhood friend Hyacinthe. She has spent ten long years searching for the key to free him from his eternal indenture, a bargain he struck with the gods-to take Phegrave;dre's place as a sacrifice and save a nation. Phegrave;dre cannot forgive-herself or the gods. She is determined to seize one last hope to redeem her friend, even if it means her death.

    The search will bring Phegrave;dre and Joscelin across the world, to distant courts where madness reigns and souls are currency, and down a fabled river to a land forgotten by most of the world.

    And to a power so mighty that none dare speak its name.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateApr 6, 2009
    ISBN9781400179510
    Kushiel's Avatar
    Author

    Jacqueline Carey

    New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Carey was born in 1964. After receiving BA degrees in Psychology and English Literature, she embarked on a writing career. Kushiel’s Avatar is her third fantasy novel, completing the Kushiel’s Legacy trilogy, which also includes Kushiel's Dart and Kushiel's Chosen.

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    Reviews for Kushiel's Avatar

    4.5/5

    1,201 ratings41 reviews

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    • 4/5
      A very satisfying ending to Phedre's trilogy. This book wraps up all of the major story lines from the series, and it does so with the characteristic emotion, action, spirituality, and world-building of the entire trilogy. This is the third book in what became a much larger series set in Carey's world, and I will certainly continue the series even though it moves on from the main character of the first three books.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 3/5
      One thing I didn't like about this book was just feeling like I knew what was coming next. There were hardly any surprises except at the beginning when the plot was being set up. A couple hundred pages into the book, I felt like I knew the whole ordeal that Ph?dre had to go through to resolve the series. So most of the time I felt like I was just suffering through endless description just to see if anything interesting was actually going to happen.

      I really liked how the relationship developed between Ph?dre and Joscelin through the trilogy. I also thought the intense darkness in the middle of the book was an interesting change, since in the other two books the conflict just seemed light and fluffy - traitors to the oh so precious Terre d'Ange and blah blah blah. Here we come face to face with pure evil. That part was difficult to read though!
      As much as it's nice to see Ph?dre and Joscelin have so much love and devotion for each other, I've never been able to feel the chemistry between them. It makes me go "eww" every time they physically get together, LOL.

      Three stars for an epic tale. Minus two for a SLOW read and for feeling somewhat distant from (but still admiring of) the characters.

      One observation I've made about myself recently is that I think I just really can't LOVE a book that has first person narration. I wonder how differently I would have felt about these books if they had been third person.
    • 5/5
      I suppose it goes without saying that I loved the final book of this trilogy. The trilogy has its flaws, I'll admit. For one thing, pages on pages could have been cut in the interests of getting to the point faster and dazzling prose. Still, for me, I quite enjoyed the leisurely pace in some parts of it, and the careful and detailed world building that ensued. Yes, it's kind of ridiculous the way what is essentially France is idolised, and the idea of a land where everyone is beautiful seems like a bit of blatant wish-fulfilment, and the heroine is unlikely and, yes, maybe a little too perfect and prepared for whatever comes. And there's the sex -- plenty of it in each and every book, and some of it rather more kinky than your average person is interested in reading about. Oh, and there's what other people would probably consider to be blasphemy, too. But accept all of that -- and it isn't as hard as it may sound, I think, as long as you have the mental power to skip parts you know you're not going to like -- and there's a brilliant story shining out at you. Or so it seems to me! I do understand why some people don't like it. Now that I've articulated that, I'm going to get back to adoring it, though.

      This final book was not quite so much about politics, I think. I mean, that was there -- couldn't really not be, considering. But this book was more about love, what with the various subplots finally playing out: Hyacinthe, Melisande's son, what Kushiel wants of Phèdre, etc, etc. A lot of the things in this book were connected to love, which is appropriate to the world it's set in, really, given that the central precept of the religion is "love as thou wilt".

      The thing that most excited me about this book was the quest for the secret name. I loved the character of Hyacinthe from the start, and was sad when he barely appeared in the second book, so I was very glad at how much of the book was dedicated to this quest. At first it seemed a bit backward, since the overthrow of Drujan would seem to be more dramatic and yet came long before the climax of the book, but the way it played out was very good. I was pleased at the way the breaking of the geis was handled, and Hyacinthe's return to life. It would have seemed too good to be true if he'd just got back what he had before he became Master of the Straits.

      Imriel's subplot was interesting, too. It was good to see a more tender side of Melisande, the love for her son, and was interesting to get to know Imriel -- how different he turns out. I didn't care for that plot very much at first, but it grew on me a lot, until I cheered at the relationship between him, Phèdre and Joscelin.

      Joscelin is, by far, my favourite character of these books. It has to do with his absolute loyalty, which is one of those things I find very appealing in a character. It was very very hard to read how he was tested in Drujan, but it was well-written. I love the peace he and Phèdre make with it all: it's appropriate, and good to see them finding a balance.

      All in all, I really wish I had the Imriel trilogy right now. Unfortunately, unless someone loves me very much and buys me the hardbacks, I'm going to have to wait until all three books are out in paperback in the UK. I'm sure it'll be worth the wait.
    • 4/5
      Much darker than the first two in the trilogy. (Really - not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach.) Phedre spends less time pursuing political intrigue, and more time meditating on mythology, religion, and love. She (and the reader) come to understand that her nature as an anguissette does more than make her an extra-special courtesan; she bears suffering with compassion, to spare others and to balance the scales.
    • 5/5
      My favourite book of the series, so much adventure and grief.
    • 5/5
      brilliant end to a brilliant trilogy
    • 5/5
      JC's Terre D'Ange books are my favorite series, and this book in my opinion is the best of them all. The darkest villain, the hardest journey, bittersweet and wonderful in so many ways.

      I would not read this series out of order, certainly if the first book doesn't appeal to you, Kushiel's Avatar will be more than you can bear.
    • 2/5
      getting tired of series
    • 5/5
      Note: It is possible to read this book as a stand alone as relevant events from Book 1 and Book 2 are reflected upon in enough detail for a reader of Book 3 to grasp the point. However, I highly recommend reading the earlier books so that you get the most out of this book.Set 10 years after Book 2, Kushiel’s Chosen, Phedre and Joscelin have had all that time to settle into their relationship. Both have made compromises to their wants in order to make room for their love. Phedre only takes two assignations a year in Naamah’s service while Joscelin has learned to let his sense of humor show here and there. But through this well-earned and hard-found bliss, Phedre has never forgotten Hyacinthe and his sacrifice for Terre D’Ange and herself. He still lives an isolated life out on the Three Sisters, learning the powers of the Master of the Straights. Then she receives an unexpected missive from an old enemy and one-time patron, Melisande. Phedre’s adventuring days are not over yet.This is a re-read for me. I have enjoyed this series over and over again and it was awesome to revisit this book as part of a read along with several blogger friends. They brought new insights to this much beloved book. I have always found this book to be the darkest of the first trilogy. The entire series deals with consent in its many myriad forms. However, in this installment of the series we see how those lines can get blurred and shattered apart. This epic fantasy is not for the faint of heart.There’s two plot lines for Joscelin and Phedre to solve in this book and one has always been more interesting to me than the other. First, as we know from Book 2, Melisande had a son who she somehow spirited away. Now, it is up to Phedre and Joscelin to track down this long-lost Prince of the Blood, Imriel. Second, the Master of the Straights has passed his powers on to Hyacinthe after a long 10-year apprenticeship. Phedre still searches for the key to free him and will never give up.The search for Imriel is the one that has always held my attention. It deals with child slavery and the broken trust of a child and how, if ever, to recover that trust. Meanwhile, I have never gotten caught up fully in Hyacinthe’s plight. He went into the agreement with full knowledge as an adult. I know the life on the Three Sisters is a complete 180 for him, being trapped on these three isles with only his servants and the Master of the Straights for company. And yet…. Well, I always felt that he was moping about it, for ten years. He wasn’t trying to make the most of the situation. He wasn’t making an effort to embrace the few, yet awesomely powerful, perks of his new station in life and I think that is what dampened my feelings towards him. Meanwhile, Phedre was all in an anguish over him every other chapter and felt this great survivor’s guilt for not having been the one trapped on that isle instead of Hyacinthe. It’s totally in keeping with Phedre’s personality, and yet I still found it a little tiring.So, setting aside that one tiny quibble, this is an excellent book to wrap up the first trilogy. Phedre’s gods ask her to take on a dangerous and most difficult task. The asking is subtle and I feel there’s plenty there for each reader to interpret their own way. The magic of Terre D’Ange is not often direct. Phedre’s deities will be tested by the dark powers that have taken up residence in Darsanga, a land far to the east of Terre D’Ange. Phedre and Joscelin won’t be able to count on any help from friends and allies. My heart really went out to Joscelin on this one. In the past books, Phedre’s actions have often tested Joscelin’s vows, but this is a new level. I think both Phedre and Joscelin lost a little bit of themselves.There’s plenty of travel for Phedre and Joscelin in this story. New lands and new cultures are explored. The Yeshuites continue to play a part in this tale. Indeed, they have quite a significant role in part of the adventure. It’s easy to see how both Phedre and Joscelin have grown throughout the series in this book. They take on meeting new peoples in stride and adapting their own manners to be more accommodating to their hosts. In Book 1 and Book 2, Phedre can sometimes come off as a little conceited. I think she’s really grown out of that here in Book 3. She still observes differences, but she’s not longer simply comparing those differences to the ways of Terre D’Ange.As with the first two books, the author doesn’t shy away from detailed sex scenes. They are always used to move the plot forward or show some aspect of the characters. One of the reasons that I adore these books is that they don’t ignore the fact that sex is a main driver for human behavior and that how we treat someone both outside and inside the bedroom is important (and sometimes is mightily different). This book contains one of my favorite sex scenes of all time. It involves fishing. The scene was moving, beautiful, arousing, loving, sensual, and meaningful.Enough gushing. You know by now that I adore this book even if I find it the darkest of the three. I also find that it holds the most food for thought. The myriad of characters show their strengths, and try to hide their weaknesses, in a variety of ways. It’s not just swords and muscles that will win your way through this adventure. The ending was quite satisfying. Not everyone got everything they were hoping for, but everyone got enough. The Narration: Once again, Anne Flosnik gives a stellar performance. The list of accents needed for this trilogy grows yet again with this installment. I can’t imagine the amount of research she had to put into this before she could begin the narration. Her character voices are always distinct and she holds this accent or that accent steady for each character. I love her little kid voice for Imriel. Great narration!
    • 4/5
      I have loved this series so much, re-reading them over and over. This book always gets to me. This is by far the most taboo of the books in the series, testing even my gut for fiction. I enjoyed it though, in the end.

      Jocelyn is my favorite character and he certainly bring it in this book. I feel bad for him sometimes, he often has to do a lot of the leg work in the sticky situations Phedre gets herself stuck in.

      I always get a little bit bored after the excitment in the first half of the book but the ending picks up and I adore Hyacinth.
    • 4/5
      Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel Legacy trilogy has been fascinating. The first book startled me. From the recommendation I thought it was sci-fi. It is an alternative history with other surprising elements. Inspired by the book of Genesis, Carey creates an Earth that starts in Terre d'Ange (France) and spreads out. This medieval world is revealed through the life and stories of the two main characters, Phedre and Joscelin.
    • 3/5
      his is truly Epic-scale Fantasy and has everything. Though the style still takes some getting used to ('twas brillig, and the slithy toves...") there are several things that I really like about this series, and much of it is due to the immense scale. I wasn't fond of the over-the-top violence, as always, as well as race and gender politics. Still, I enjoyed the time I spent with this book and the characters' journeys through this world and their interactions with gods and supernational beings.
    • 3/5
      This is the last book in Phèdre’s Trilogy, since I had started to read the next book in the Kushiel’s Legacy Series I knew how this book would end, I was mainly interested in seeing how we got there.

      After getting a little tired of Phèdre nó Delaunay talking of her beauty and how Terre d’Ange was a place of beauty and everyone there prized beauty above all other, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to read this book. While reading it I was surprised to discover that this book is better than book #2. Phèdre seems to be more focused on her goal, the reason she has to endure what she is subjected to.

      We get back to the rescuing of Hyacinthe, and Melisande Shahrizai surprisingly (or not) plays a part in it. She has information that will help Phèdre which she will give her, at a price. The rest of the story unfolds from there.

      Like I said I enjoyed this episode better than the last one, there is more focus on what is going on than on Phèdre. It is an end, but also a beginning as the next book starts Imriel’s Trilogy.
    • 4/5
      Took me ages to get going with this (I think it was the third book in the trilogy, and my brain went 'oh, more of the same') but about a third of the way in it just clicked and I loved it. Phedre remains god touched and able to save the day, but the choices she faces and sacrifices she has to make are dark and interesting.
    • 5/5
      Interestingly enough, I have heard that Carey wrote the first book of this series whilst attending a fairly Christian University. This is interesting because this particular volume has a great deal of reference to the one God and his companions and indeed involves the search for his Name - and a great many other things besides.

      Another fact that this is intersting is because the heroine, Phaedre, was born with a scarlet mote in her eye, marking her as Kushiel's Chosen - one to receive pleasure through pain. Phaedre is a compassionate, caring woman, born to take the agony of others and very unwilling to dish it out herself. She is also an adept of the Night Court, following the teachings of Naamah which makes for some rather disturbing sex scenes (particularly in the earlier volumes). Do not read if erotic writings with a massochistic bend disturb you.

      In this, the third book of the series, Phaedre has established herself in a fairly high position following from the events of the earlier books, and after ten years of peaceful living and studying (for which I am relieved, it is nice to let her have a break after the events of the second book) she is given the clue that will allow her to set out and break the curse that has bound her childhood friend, Hyacinthe, to exile as the Guardian of the Straits. Alas, Melisande gets in the way again - in the most unexpected way possible, I must say - and Phaedre's adventures will lead her and her faithful Cassiline companion, Joscelin, into what we would call Africa, and into the very mouth of hell itself.

      Despite the masochistic and erotic elements of the plot, the Kushiel books also have to offer politics and a lot of action, including some moments so tense they almost had me in tears and some deeply emotionally moving situations. It is very evocatively written and definitely worth a read.
    • 5/5
      The final book in Phedre's story is my favorite part because pace of the story is quicker than before. Although our heroine is more mature, her ideas and plans are daring and outrageous as before so it was very interesting to follow the story of a search for a lost prince and a God's true name.
    • 4/5
      9/2010: This time, I kept stumbling over the misuse of abjure for adjure. It's driving me bonkers. Aside from that little copy editing issue, the review stands.

      6/2008: Re-read. Earlier review stands.

      The final volume in the escapist fantasy I've been luxuriating in lately. Lush, sensual, compelling. Not-quite Europe, but very near. The heroine is multi-faceted, brilliant and very vain, her consort is complex and troubled, their quest nearly impossible but taken on regardless. The writing is good, I think, but it's hard to tell because I fall in so far and inhabit the book.
    • 5/5
      Summary: Terre D'Ange has had ten years of peace since Phèdre nó Delaunay helped defeat the plots of Melisande and secure Ysandre de la Courcel on the throne for good. In that time Phèdre and her consort Joscelin have prospered, troubled only by two failures. First, Melisande's son Imriel is third in line for the D'Angeline throne, and thus poised to be at the center of plots against Ysandre and her daughters, but Phèdre has been unable to find him. Secondly, not a day goes by that her childhood friend Hyacinthe is not on Phèdre's mind, but she has been unable to find the one word that will free him from his terrible burden as the Master of the Straits - a burden that he accepted on her behalf. But now the ten years of peace have come to an end, with a terrible dream and a message from Melisande. For Imriel is missing, kidnapped from the temple at which he'd been secreted away, and although Melisande should be Phèdre's enemy, she agrees to look for the missing boy... a quest which will take her farther from her beloved homeland than she's ever been before, and which may ultimately hold the key to Hyacinthe's fate.Review: It's really difficult to do justice to these books in a single review, because they are so big, so complex, and so, so good. I don't know exactly how to start, other than just dissolving into a mess of fangirly "eeee! so good!" gushing all over the page, but: Eeee! So good!I suppose I'll start with the things that are wonderful about the series as a whole. Carey's writing is amazing, lush and beautiful and descriptive and full of wonderfully well-turned phrases. Phèdre's voice is a little bit archaic-sounding in places, but it's never difficult to read, and it adds to the characterization. (That characterization is, of course, also wonderful, which I'll get into below.) I also really like Carey's world that she's built - or more to the point, the way that she's tweaked our world so that she can add in religions and fantasy elements (although really, not that many) and play with the history a bit, but left it similar enough to our world that it feels rich and familiar. This book, as it ventures further afield, was less familiar to me than the previous two, although I loved the sections in Menehkhet (Egypt) and I'm now curious to go in search of some history and legend, just to see how much of Carey's story is based on reality, and how much is invention. Carey also does a good job of keeping her story moving. This book feels somewhat episodic, which I think is unavoidable with a book of this size, but she handles her transitions smoothly. But really, the main reason that I love these books is not the writing or the worldbuilding or the action or the sexytimes (of which this book actually had comparably few); it's that they're incredibly absorbing, and I think a large part of that is down to the characters. Phèdre is a great narrator, strong and smart and not only self-confident but also aware of her foibles and limitations. This book is substantially darker than previous books, especially throughout its middle section, and it was the first time when Phèdre being who she is made me (and, I think, her) truly uncomfortable, but the characterization rings true throughout. Joscelin is... Joscelin. (Read: Amazing. And a lot more present in this book than in the previous, even when he wasn't physically on-screen.) But what really stood out for me in this book was how quickly, and how absolutely completely I fell in love with Imriel. Carey writes him exquisitely well, with the perfect blend of hurt and anger and hesitant trust and old-for-his-age savvy and general ten-year-old-boy-ishness. I don't know that I've encountered another character with such power to simultaneously make my heart break, and melt, on his behalf. If I'm being perfectly honest, I got teary-eyed more than once throughout this book. So. That was gushy and rambly and I have now used up all of the superlatives in the English language, but it basically boils down to: Love, love, love. So good. 4.5 out of 5 stars.Recommendation: Kushiel's Avatar does not at all stand alone. The trilogy as a whole, though, is highly, highly recommended for fans of epic, complex, mature, and beautiful fantasy novels.
    • 4/5
      I fell in love with this series years ago with the first book. Jacqueline Carey is incredibly clever and makes a complex, beautiful world loosely based on the cultures from this one. What I love about this series is that it's a mix of adventure, fantasy, philosophy, and romance. Really, you can't lose with this one.I think this is the most gruesome out of the series so far. The previous two had some bad stuff, but nothing like what Phedre endures while enslaved to the sadistic warlord, the Mahrkagir. However, the reader is spared the worst of it and it's nice that the conflict is enhanced with each subsequent novel. The relationship between Joscelin and Phedre is really put to the test, and Phedre's strength of will to carry out her mission is also challenged. These two characters are so extraordinary that they sometimes seem invincible, but Carey makes sure to never take it easy on her characters. She gives them the ultimate challenges, making life difficult for even them.I really love the relationship between Phedre and Joscelin. They fiercely love each other, and it makes me so happy to read about their story. They accept all of each other: the flaws, the strengths, the quirks. I feel like this is how relationships should be. They hardly ever argue because they are always looking at situations through the other person's point of view, and they respect each other to make the right decisions for themselves. I love it. This is what true love is, and this is what a mature, adult relationship should be.This series is unique in that it just dives right into the dark stuff and keeps going. But amid all the death, torture, kidnappings, and slavery, there are so many great lessons and things to think about for real life. Most of all, what Kushiel's Avatar especially does is show the strength of love. What it is, what people will do for it and because of it, how it tears people apart, brings people together, and how it gives meaning to our lives are all main themes woven through this novel. For that alone, I'd recommend it. However, it also has fantastic writing, an interesting world, brilliant characters, and an entertaining plot. I don't think it's for everyone, because there is a lot of darkness and stuff many may considered "weird," but for those who can take the different culture of the D'Angeline world, you will be enamored of this series.
    • 5/5
      The last book in the story of Phédre no Delaunay de Montréve was just as exciting and well-written as the first two, even though the character is very familiar to the reader by now. I'm glad that the 'Phédre Trilogy' in Kushiel's Legacy is over, but I am looking forward to reading the 'Imriel Trilogy' in the future.
    • 5/5
      Arguably the darkest of the trilogy featuring Phèdre nó Delaunay, "Kushiel's Avatar" also provides the climax and denouement that these characters deserve. Never having forgotten her vow to free her childhood friend from the curse that isolates him on a lonely isle, Phèdre finds herself compelled to bargain with her old nemesis, who claims to hold a clue to her friend's geas. Ultimately, Phèdre walks into a country of terrifying darkness for love of her friend. The travels in the first and second book don't hold a candle to the new countries and realms these characters explore in "Kushiel's Avatar." The vivid descriptions of these places alone are enough to recommend the book, but once again, it is the theme of love that provides the backbone of the narrative. Indeed, it is Carey's relentless obsession with the fortifying, healing power of love that will get the reader through the most dire, horrifying sections of the book. Ultimately, this may be my favorite of the three books, perhaps because it delivers so satisfyingly on the theological and political themes set up throughout the first two books. Phèdre's adventure in obtaining the ultimate key to Hyacinthe's release is unmatched among contemporary fantasy in sheer jaw-dropping awesomeness, in my opinion. This trilogy is a favorite of mine, and I look forward to coming back to it again some day.
    • 5/5
      Ten years have passed for Phedre and Joscelin. Years of peace and happiness uninterrupted by intrigue. The only damper is the knowledge that her best friend, Hyacinthe, is stuck as master of the straights, fulfilling an age old curse. But one again the gods have a higher purpose for them, a message seen in dreams and in the form of a plea for help from the traitor, Melisande. her son, hidden away for the past ten years, has been kidnapped. Thus begins the most imporatant journey of Phedre's life. A journey to not only save an innocent boy, but finally a way to free Hyacinthe and thwart an evil that no one realizes even exists.A fantastic conclusion to the trilogy. Phedre takes Joscelin to hell and beyond and pushed both of their vows, to each other and to their gods, to the test. As they decend into near madness they realize how great sacrifice can lead to such amazing rewards. The journey takes to places few have heard of and brings them back home full of rewards, but scarred for life. This is my favorite book of the series by far. I keep wanting to say more about the story, but I don't want to give too much away for those that haven't read the first two yet. What I can say is that if you haven't read these yet, you must! There is a follow up series that I have all but the first one for, and I know that it has moved up to the top of my wish list for books to buy.5/5
    • 4/5
      Follows Phedre and Joscelin's journey into the dark pit of hell. The dual framing devices of Imri's abduction and Hyacinthe's imprisonment were intertwined well. Reading about their trip through the fantasy world's Africa was fascinating after my own trip to Tanzania and watching "Long Way Down", making me want to visit Ethiopia but not during the rainy season. :) Their mental healing process from the abuse they underwent in Darsanga isn't fully explored, but it's not glossed over either and you get a good sense of how scarred they are by the experience.
    • 5/5
      Kushiel's Avatar is the concluding book in a trilogy that begins with Kushiel's Dart and continued in Kushiel's Chosen, so you should read those books first. Phedre is a very engaging heroine, and Carey writes this pseudo-Renaissance pagan world evocatively and sensually and I love how she intertwines different mythologies in this work. I didn't think hearing about these books that they would become favorites. Phedre is an "anguissette," originally a prostitute by profession whose sexuality is entwined with pain. This is pushed to the limits in this book, which made me squirm at times. This books takes you very dark places, but it's worth the payoff. I rarely cry because of a book--I'm not easy. But this book was one of those rare ones. A truly moving read--this is one book I'll never forget. It hits hard in the way it renders all the different kinds of love and what you're willing to do for it: parental, friendship as well as romantic. The overall series continues with other narrators after this book--I enjoyed those reads and I recommend them--but for me this was the emotional climax of the series so far.
    • 5/5
       A truly great series. It's got everything: court intrigue, sex, fantasy....
    • 4/5
      The most irritating thing about this book is its cover, which features a woman with Phedre's marque, which apparently not only fits on half her back, but also curves around her ribs. Pft! If one is going to bother to include important descriptive elements from the book, one might at least notice the extreme importance of the /placement/ of said details.Ahem. But the /book/. Better than the first, not as good as the second, due in part to some elements that simply pushed my comfort level further than I would have liked (the BDSM comes out in intense fullness here) and in part to a plot that twists and weaves and turns a few times too many.Melisande Shahrizai, the greatest traitor Terre D'Ange has ever known, has a son, third in line for the throne. He has been missing since the events of the second book, a span of ten years. And now, he is /missing/ - he's disappeared from his hiding place, and his mother requests Phedre's help in finding him. She buys Phedre’s help with the promise of information – information that could free her true friend Hyacinthe from a curse he took on for Phedre’s sake in the first book.Phedre's quest gives Carey the opportunity to keep drawing her world outward, now exploring the middle east and portions of Africa to fascinating effect, but this time the trip feels a little too windy. I could have done with a few less curves, a bit more to-the-point.For the first time, as well, I see some validity to the description of Carey's work as 'overwrought.' It doesn't bother me overmuch - I like my works thick with emotion, even emotional pain - but it's heavier here, and heavier-handed, than her other works. Part of this is because the journey Phedre takes in search of Melisande’s son, Imriel, is very, very dark. This is not a book I’d hand to people who are wary of that for any reason.What’s interesting about this book, though, is that it asks questions about justice and fairness (Phedre believes that Imriel’s disappearance is due to his mother’s sins against Terre D’Ange), as well as about the nature of service to a god, or to a grander plan. It also explores some questions of choice and sacrifice – Phedre has spent ten years trying to rescue Hyacinthe, but her choice to follow that path now would mean abandoning a child to a nasty fate – as well as about power.I also continue to adore Joscelin through this book and like Imriel surprisingly well (ten years old tends to be a hard write for many authors, with the in-between of child/teen that the age involves). Phedre edges a bit close to ‘too perfect, too capable’ a few times, but Carey walks the line. I’m pleased to see significant changes and growth in relationships in that ten-year gap between the last book and this one.
    • 5/5
      This novel takes place 10 years after the second novel, 10 peaceful years promised Phedre by the old blind seer. Yet this becomes a novel of great travel, great sacrifice and it finalizes two remaining story lines-where is Melissandes son and how to get Hyacinthe off the island where he is trapped
    • 5/5
      Imriel de la Courcel, son of Melisande Shahrizai, the greatest traitor Terre D'Ange has ever known, is missing, and it is Phedre and Joscelin whom Ysandre commission to find him. They will travel to a distant land where an ancient evil resides in order to save the young prince - and it will take strength beyond measure from both Phedre and Joscelin to survive. At the same time, Phedre is still searching desperately for the key that will free her childhood friend, Hyacinthe, from his island prison - a journey that will take her to the very ends of the earth, to a civilization long-forgotten by time.
    • 5/5
      This is, in my opinion, the darkest of the series so far. It gets brutally difficult to read at points, but that only speaks to Carey's talent as a writer. She pushes the edges of the map here, taking Phèdre and Joscelin to the edges of their known world and beyond. A dazzling conclusion to the trilogy... but one that makes it perfectly clear the story isn't over yet. After all... "A storyteller's tale may end, but history goes on always". ;)
    • 5/5
      I think I like this book slightly better than the last volume (which had less of other characters in favor of focusing on Phedre), but the last part in the trilogy definitely went slightly more over-the-top than I have a taste for. I still loved it to death and read it in two or three sittings, though.I was actually pretty surprised with the darker tone of this book, too. Jocelin and Phedre chase down Melisandre's son, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery, and they track him down across fantasy-Northern Africa and the Middle East, slay some biblical-type evil, then track down into the heart of fantasy-Africa to find the name of God among the lost tribe in order to summon something that is... well, actually biblical.The child slavery thread was dark, but more dark was the harem/torture chamber that was uncovered in the dark kingdom that Phedre and Jocelin chase Melisandre's son into. I was a little unsettled by the first two-thirds of the book, actually, and I dreaded the dark kingdom the entire time the story took place there. The atmosphere and sense of foreboding was wonderful, though.I did enjoy the last segment, which took place around the lost colony and dealt with Phedre trying to coax the people into letting her into their most sacred and lost temples. The mixing of fictional and existing mythologies in this segment was fantastic.Let's not forget the romantic aspects of it. Of course, there are some wonderful scenes between Jocelin and Phedre, made even more wonderful when the dark kingdom sort of... kills something inside them both, and they have to work to get it back again. There are also deep and multi-level relationships, romantic and friendly, that are examined between most of the regular cast and recurring characters. The portrayal of the characters in this series is like almost nothing else I read, and it's probably what I like about it most.Hence why I enjoyed the ending, the scenes dealing with Phedre and the Prince of Travelers were quite good, though I had imagined more taking place.