Kushiel's Avatar
Ratings52
Average rating4.1
15
Ratings52
Average rating4.1
Kushiel's Avatar is the concluding volume in Jacqueline Carey's evocative novels about the enigmatic Phèdre nó Delaunay; the third in a triptych of beautifully constructed historical fantasies that combine passion and danger, great battles of the sword and soul, deep eroticism, and mystical enigmas. Phèdre nó Delaunay was chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. Her path has been strange and dangerous, but through it all the devoted swordsman Joscelin has been at her side. But Phèdre has never forgotten her childhood friend Hyacinthe, who struck a bargain with the gods to save Phèdre...and their nation. She is determined to seize one last hope to bring him back. Her quest will bring Phèdre and Joscelin across the world, to distant courts where madness reigns and souls are currency, 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.
Reviews with the most likes.
Absolutely marvelous, but exhausting to read. It's so long, and so much of it is emotionally intense, that I feel worn out!
Full review at SFF Book Review.
I cannot stress enough how much I loved Kushiel's Dart. The second book already was a let-down because there was very little of what made the first book so great. Phèdre's exceptional gift is nothing new anymore, neither is the world Jacqueline Carey has created - magnificent as it may be.
In this novel, I was very happy to get to know the character of Imriel. He lifted the entire story for me. But there was even less of the great things from the previous volumes. Almost no Melisande, almost no Hyacinthe, and way too much travelling.
I'd recommend reading it if you absolutely have to know how certain plot threads are resolved. But as the trilogy goes, it has been getting worse and worse for me. I honestly hope that in the Imriel trilogy, Jacqueline Carey has an actual story to tell, not just a world to travel around in...
Much like the previous two books in the trilogy, intermittent political intrigue, violence, and sex, but no pirates this time. Fairly obvious story line - I saw the end coming and I had to take a break half way through, but managed to finish it.
Series
3 primary books5 released booksPhèdre's Trilogy is a 4-book series with 3 primary works first released in 2001 with contributions by Jacqueline Carey.
Series
9 primary books10 released booksKushiel's Universe is a 10-book series with 9 primary works first released in 2001 with contributions by Jacqueline Carey.
Series
6 primary books7 released booksKushiel's Legacy is a 7-book series with 6 primary works first released in 2001 with contributions by Jacqueline Carey.
