Jacqueline Carey - Kushiel's Dart: Library Edition

Pros: gorgeous writing; first person perspective; colorful imagination
Cons: graphic scenes of S & M; the heroine puzzled/irritated me; not for Christians

According to this epic-like fantasy novel, Kushiel’s Dart, by Jacqueline Carey, when Yeshua ben Yosef, known to us as Jesus, died on the cross and his body was brought down, the Magdalene wept over him and her tears mixed with the earth caused ...

Pros: Stylish, elegant, humanistic story of a very unlikely heroine.
Cons: The subject matter is very adult, even for adults.

I had heard about this one through some talk on the internet. I found a copy, put it on the to-be-read shelf, then promptly forgot about it. After getting a note about the sequel, Kushiel's Chosen, being released, I then spotted the paperback...

Pros: Interesting, imaginative setting, quality writing. Highly original in many aspects.
Cons: Unsympathetic characters. Graphic sex mixed with violence will be disturbing to many. Little humor.

Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey is one of those rare books I find difficult to rate. I should probably give this novel four stars because it is unquestionably above average in many ways, but its flaws are serious enough that I can't bring...

Pros: Impeccable research and shocking plot twists.
Cons: The sexual content will offend some readers.

Warning: This review contains some content not suitable for children. As I have mentioned in prev ...

Pros: Incredible prose, masterful description, indescribable characterization, intriguing and exciting plot
Cons: Content not appropriate for underage unusual handling of religious matter may offend some

I almost didn't read this book. That sentence gives me shivers, but it's true. If I hadn't happened to look at the bottom shelf in the library, I would never have known "Kushiel's Dart" to exist, and that would have been far more dark and disturbing ...

Pros: Well-written, well-paced, smart and sexy
Cons: Slow start

Kushiel's Dart is author Jacqueline Carey's first fantasy novel, but you would never know it by reading it.

The story is about a young girl named Phedre no Delauney. AS a child she was sold into slavery and later became what is referred to in...

Pros: excellent, riveting storyline.
Cons: adult content. a long read.

It’s hard to classify Kushiel's Dart. The best I can do is Fantasy/Romance.

It is a story about a girl, Phedre, who is sold as a slave at a young age. She would have lived her entire life as such, had it not been for a man, Delauny, who...

Pros: Well written with interesting supporting characters and steady pace.
Cons: Graphic sexual content.

For years I held off on reading Kushiel's Dart. The books first person POV did not immediately interest me and I was constantly receiving mixed reviews about the novel. One rainy day I decided to start reading and I simply could not put the book down! ...

Pros: Extremely well written.
Cons: Definitely for mature audiences only.

This book is absolutely fabulous. Fascinating premise and setting. The social structure outlined in the book is bizarre but wonderful. The book's heroine is possibly the strangest one I've ever encountered. Spy, courtesan, and masochist; a strange...

Pros: great world-building, prose, memorable heroine
Cons: does start a little slow

Great epic fantasy is successful when it takes you to places you have never entered before.Authors like George Martin,China Mieville, Robin Hobb, Steven Erikson and Goodkind are examples now add Jacqueline Carey name to this esteem list. "When Love cast...

Pros: captivating, appealing
Cons: Could be difficult reading, not for under 18

The plot is intricate, not hard to follow. I laughed out loud, I cried. It truly is an excellent story. You'll either love or hate Phedre, the main character, who is raised as a spy and prostitute. This is a sort of alternate history of earth. It takes place in Terre D'Ange and surrounding countries, which is basically Europe, the UK, and Ireland. You'll recognize Yeshua, who died on the cross, and the followers are Yeshuites. Phedre's people are from a descendant of Magdalene and the Earth. This could be seen as terribly sacrilegious, but is done in good taste. I found this alternate history universe intriguing.

I do enjoy stories of politics and subterfuge. This book is choc-ful of politics and subterfuge. I look forward to hearing the thoughts of others on this story, especially those who are living in the UK and in the areas this book is based on.

Pros: Good plot well developed characters
Cons: Actually there is nothing I did not like about this.

I am an avid science fiction and fantasty reader. There are not many of this genre that I have NOT read. I was very pleased with this story. It revolves around one woman and her life. Mainly how in her society one who is marked and is traditionally shunned can make a name for herself by overcoming all obstacles by being who she is and not trying to be what she is not.

Yes, this story has some varied sexual acts, some S&M, but nothing too graphic or gory. They are part of this woman and her society and are not thrown in for tasteless fun.

This story is very well organized in character development and plot lines. It has a well developed world that is multi- dimensional, not just flat and confusing. The plot is rich with twists and turns and characters who are interesting and well written. Life in this world is rich in color and life and offers another interesting view on life.

I have read all of the series that is out so far, completely worth the money I spent. I look forward to anything else the author will produce.

Pros: Exciting, gripping, sexy
Cons: Complex

This book kept me captivated for hours at a time. The heroine, Phedre, is one of the most amazing characters I have ever met. This book combines drama, action, adventure, sex, and romance in an epic tale that never gets dull. This book is a must read.