Helpful Score: 15
A fascinating tale of love, lust, betrayal and power, finely plotted and set in a lavishly imagined alternate renaissance Europe. Long, but fully realized and well worth the time spent on both this debut and the sequels.
The story includes some very adult (erotic) situations but the descriptions are not as graphic as can be found in other books.
The story includes some very adult (erotic) situations but the descriptions are not as graphic as can be found in other books.
Helpful Score: 14
This book has made it's way on to my favorites list. I've started the 2nd book in this series and the 3rd book is already waiting on my shelf at home.
Do not give up early on this book! It does take about a 1/3 of the way through before it hits that "can't put it down" mode. But the history and background in the beginning are necessary.
I promise if you stick with it you will fall in love with the characters and this story. I laughed, cried and was in the "edge of my seat" during dramatic moments in the story.
Do not give up early on this book! It does take about a 1/3 of the way through before it hits that "can't put it down" mode. But the history and background in the beginning are necessary.
I promise if you stick with it you will fall in love with the characters and this story. I laughed, cried and was in the "edge of my seat" during dramatic moments in the story.
Helpful Score: 11
#1 Kushiel's Legacy fantasy series, and first novel for Carey. Quite an ambitious first book at over 900 pages, but it captivates you right from the beginning and seems to read much quicker. WOW! This fantasy series is loosely based on our world, probably in medieval times, with fairly easily identifiable parallel countries/cultures, and a similar religion to Christianityâyet totally different. LOL I know that makes no sense but it's hard to describe. The story is told by Phêdre, a Servant of Naamah (basically a well-trained whore whose service is seen as a religious offering) whose marque (an intricate tattoo done on the backs of these Servants) is bought by a powerful, mysterious man involved in many political intrigues. Phêdre is trained not only to please her patrons sexually, but as a keen observer who reports back to the head of her household. Intricately woven, well-written and totally amazing first novel.
Helpful Score: 7
Although this book took a bit to get going and to read (900 pages), the story was excellent. Contrary to popular belief, the sensuality of the book was less than I had expected. Very good adventure, spy story, war story with a satisfying conclusion. A very good read
Helpful Score: 6
Intense, fabulous, wonderfully detailed, erotic, one of the best fantasy novels I've read. Be warned there is some S/M and bondage though not overly graphic or very uncomfortable for the reader. However, this isn't for people who are put off by reading things like that. If you get embarassed easily by fictional love scenes, skip this book. The mild S/M and bondage are essential to the storyline for the heroine has the rare birthmark of Kushiel's Dart meaning she experiences both pain and pleasure in the same way without any distinction between the two.
