Amazon.com
In this engrossing adult fantasy tale, the fascinating Phèdre nó Delaunay fights to save her queen and country in a battle whose greatest weapon proves to be Phèdre herself. This sequel to Carey's accomplished debut novel, Kushiel's Dart, finds Phèdre, now Comtesse de Montrève, once again plying her skills as an anguissette--a courtesan for whom pain becomes pleasure--and her talents as a spy. She uncovers a conspiracy of treason and murder and begins an adventure that takes her once more to distant lands in the company of an intriguing cast of characters--and a new confrontation with her old enemy, Melisande Shahrizai.
There's some evidence of haste in this novel: the writing is not always as tight and controlled as it was in Kushiel's Dart. Nevertheless, Carey's fans will certainly enjoy this return to Terre d'Ange, and those new to her work will find a satisfying combination of fantasy, sex, and adventure, as well as a smart and engaging heroine. --Roz Genessee
From Publishers Weekly
After Carey's boldly imaginative fantasy debut, Kushiel's Dart (2001), in which the dauntless Phèdre nó Delaunay used intelligence and sexual skill to triumph in politics and war in a Renaissance-like world, Phèdre, elevated to the peerage and resuming her anguisette duties, returns for further fabulous, if at times redundant, adventures, determined to rest on something other than her laurels. While the first novel told a coming-of-age story, the sequel covers only a relatively brief period, though it has enough plot lines and melodrama for six heroines. The action first focuses on the recapture of Phèdre's evil nemesis, the dominating Melisande Shahrizai, who has escaped from prison and death. Alas, the initially fascinating Melisande turns into a tiresome harridan. Later plot twists include everything from a journey to the Venetian La Serenissima to imprisonment at Melisande's hands in a mountainous jail on a lonely island. For opulence, a costume ball rivals that of Broadway's Phantom of the Opera. Carey is adept at bringing both her exotic settings and vast cast of characters fully to life. The dream of every man and not a few women, Phèdre is too much to handle for all but her faithful Joscelin, the Cassiline monk who defied his vows to remain her loving companion. Phèdre's first outing deservedly won her a host of followers, but wordiness and needless complexity combine to make this hefty novel less of a stellar achievement than its predecessor. (Apr. 16)Forecast: A push that includes national print advertising, regional author appearances and targeting to romance readers will bring back the faithful, but if too many of them are disappointed, Carey might do well to give her heroine a rest and apply her considerable talents to fresh challenges.Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
When Phedre no Delaunay, Comtesse de Montreve, receives a direct challenge from the traitor Melisande Shahrizai now an escaped fugitive from the land of Terre d'Ange she undertakes a bold venture to find the treasonous noblewoman and bring her to justice. She dons once again the symbolic sangoire cloak of her former profession that of courtesan in service to the Temple of Naamah, the angelic patron of love in all its forms and uses her special talents to ferret out a conspiracy that threatens her realm and the life of its queen. Set in a richly detailed Renaissance-like world, this sequel to Kushiel's Dart boasts a wealth of stunning visual images and vivid, complex characters. Carey's sensual, often erotically charged prose, reminiscent of the best efforts of Tanith Lee and Anne Rice, adds an unmistakably sexual tension to an already tautly plotted tale of conspiracy, intrigue, passion, and, ultimately, love. Highly recommended for a mature fantasy audience, this title belongs in most libraries. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
*Starred Review* Carey's second extravagantly sensuous novel fulfills every promise made by Kushiel's Dart [BKL Jl 01]. Phedre no Delauney, courtesan, spy extraordinaire, and now Comtesse de Montreve, continues as confidante and champion of Queen Ysandre of Terre d'Ange. Phedre's worthy opponent, the beautiful and devilishly Machiavellian Melisande Shahrizai, has escaped from prison with the aid of unknown conspirators. Although she can't prove it yet, Phedre just knows that there is a plot afoot to depose Ysandre, and that it involves Melisande. Sworn to the service of the gods Kushiel, Naamah, and Asherat-of-the-Sea, Phedre follows a path of danger, mystery, pain, love, and betrayal. Yet many in her life love and labor to protect her: the Cassiline warrior-priest Joscelin, the love of Phedre's life; Kazan Atrabiades, a pirate with a blood curse on his head; Phedre's Boys, three former sailors pledged to serve her; and a host of others. Masterful treatment of those relationships of Phedre's and the depth and complexity of the major characters make this book powerfully compelling, and Carey's ability to take readers inside Phedre's head and heart fully and completely gives it tremendous emotional punch as well as an unforgettable heroine. There is seemingly something for everyone here: a great love story, intense spirituality, high eroticism, and lots of adventure, intrigue, and swordplay. Paula Luedtke
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
"Kushiel's Chosen is elegant, intricate, sensual, and captivating. Once you pick it up you won't want to put it down."--Robert Jordan
"There is seemingly something for everyone here: a great love story, intense spirituality, high eroticism, and lots of adventure, intrigue, and swordplay." -Booklist (starred)
Review
"Kushiel's Chosen is elegant, intricate, sensual, and captivating. Once you pick it up you won't want to put it down."--Robert Jordan
"There is seemingly something for everyone here: a great love story, intense spirituality, high eroticism, and lots of adventure, intrigue, and swordplay." -Booklist (starred)
Book Description
Mighty Kushiel, of rod and weal
Late of the brazen portals
With blood-tipp'd dart a wound unhealed
Pricks the eyen of chosen mortals
The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassed beauty and grace. The inhabiting race rose from the seed of angels and men, and they live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt.
Phèdre nó Delaunay was sold into indentured servitude as a child. Her bond was purchased by a nobleman, the first to recognize that she is one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. He trained Phèdre in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber--and, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze.
When she stumbled upon a plot that threatened the very foundations of her homeland, she gave up almost everything she held dear to save it. She survived, and lived to have others tell her story, and if they embellished the tale with fabric of mythical splendor, they weren't far off the mark.
The hands of the gods weigh heavily upon Phèdre's brow, and they are not finished with her. While the young queen who sits upon the throne is well loved by the people, there are those who believe another should wear the crown... and those who escaped the wrath of the mighty are not yet done with their schemes for power and revenge.
About the Author
Born in 1964, Jacqueline Carey was an avid reader since early childhood. She began writing in high school, not realizing her hobby would become a permanent vocation. After receiving B.A. degrees in psychology and English literature from Lake Forest College, she spent time living in London and working in a bookstore, then traveling throughout Europe. While living abroad, the desire to become a professional novelist emerged as a driving passion.
Upon returning she embarked in earnest on a writing career, which came to fruition some ten years later. During this time, she worked at the art center of an area college, gaining a strong background in the visual arts. This, along with her early studies in literature and psychology informs her work, as does a lifelong interest in mythology. She enjoys doing research on a wide variety of arcane topics, and an affinity for travel has take her from Finland to Egypt to date. Although often asked by inquiring fans, she does not, in fact, have any tattoos.
Jacqueline currently resides in west Michigan, where she is a founding member of the oldest Mardi Gras krewe in the state. She is the author of the critically acclaimed Kushiel's Legacy fantasy trilogy, including Kushiel's Dart, which received the Locus Award for Best First Novel and the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Fantasy in 2001. Other previous publications include a nonfiction book, various essays and short stories.
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