A Reader's Diary

Saturday, August 26, 2006

REVIEW: Kushiel's Dart

Today's review: Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey (adult fantasy)

Summary: Phedre, born with a red spot in her left eye, is sold into indentured servitude as a small child, raised first in the Night Court and then bought by Anafiel Delaunay, who teaches her to spy and tells her she is marked by Kushiel, which means she finds pleasure in pain. She enters the service of Naamah and becomes a courtesan, working her way towards freedom while weaving through political plots and schemes. What she learns one night sets her off on a dangerous and desperate path. Phedre, the only anguisette born in three generations, must find a way to save her beloved country, the beautiful and unique Terre d'Ange where all are bidden to follow the commandment of the Blessed Elua: Love as thou wilt.

My thoughts: A beautiful, creative novel that reads like historical fiction yet is filled with the wonder of fantasy. Full of adventure, action, suspense, mystery, intrigue, and romance, there is something for everyone here. My one little annoyance with this story is the lack of any mention of menstrual periods or pregnancy scares among the servants of Naamah. Maybe in a race descended from angels, such things are not issues. The first in a trilogy, I look forward eagerly to reading the sequel.

~Happy reading!