Kushiel’s Dart

Kushiel’s Dart (2001) Jacqueline Carey

I’ve read and heard a number of glowing recommendations for Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Legacy series. It’s a fantasy series written for a grownup audience, that focuses on the theme of sex and sexuality.

In Terre d’Ange, courtesans–members of the Night Court–are blessed, and have the choice of their occupation. In fact, the Night Court is particular about who it allows into its ranks. perfection is a requirement. It is into this would that Phedre is born, only she was born with a scarlet mote in her eye that dedicates her to Kushiel–she is one for whom pleasure and pain are intermingled. Because of this mote her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, and she joins Alcuin as Anafiel’s pupil.

What I found interesting about this book is how sex is depicted as something quite separate from love. Her assignations are described in detail, as she attempts to gain enough patronage to make her marque while gathering information for Anafiel. However, later in the book, when she is not using sex to gather information, the sex scenes are rarely described or are only alluded to, which I thought was very interesting.

I had to say that I didn’t care much for the first half of the book. It struck me as slow and a little tedious, however as Phedre grows and matures and starts acting for herself instead of for others, the story becomes far more interesting. Jacqueline Carey took a little too long building the world and building Phedre into what she became. I found her far more interesting as a grown and independent actor than as a little more than a puppet.

I strongly disliked the final chapter of the book. I think it would have served far better as the first chapter in the sequel. As it is, the final chapter was not a conclusion to this book, but as an enticement into the next book. I really dislike it when authors do that. My desire to read the next book in a sequel should stand upon the merits and strengths of the previous books, not because the end of the books are teasers to force you to read the following books.

I particularly liked the cover of this book, except for one thing. Her marque is described as going straight up her spine, however, on the cover her marque appears on her side. It would have been far better had they just left the marque off entirely, instead of showing it wrong. Because aside from that grievous mistake, this is an excellent cover.

On the plus side, the writing is strong, as are most of the characters. I particularly liked Hyacinthe and Alcuin. I also found the pull between Melisande and Phedre interesting, as it had little do with how the felt, and everything to do with who they were.

Despite these strengths, I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. Partially because of the first half of the book, which I didn’t like, and partially because I just was not in the mood for this book. So I’m going to wait awhile before reading the rest of the series, until I am in the mood for it, so that I’ll enjoy it more.
Rating: 5/10

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