Kushiel’s Chosen is one of my grocery store finds. I find some of my greatest treasures in grocery store book sections, most times I never find them anywhere else. This book has a uniqueness about it though. The author herself says it eloquently enough.
“What is easy, how is the problem.”
Carey writes in such poetic pose, I almost could not get into the book. However if you can keep on past ten pages you’ll make it. She spends the book giving you a clear idea of what is going to happen but you hang on for the how. Even at the end she distinctly tells you what is going to happen in the next book through the character’s speculation how ever it is the puzzle that will make it a good read.
Phedre is an exotic courtesan who is touched by the hand of many a god. Set in a french like fantasy realm, any one should recognize the rich world mythology that Carey draws on. Phedre is challenged by her enemy to find her, forcing her back into Naamah’s Service, putting a wedge between her and her lover. Trained as a spy as well as a lover she plans to start in her home court of Tera D’Ange. Frought with the intrigue of court life at many levels this book promises to keep your mind going.
Take note this is not a book for children. Kushiel is the god Phedre is truly beholden to. He has made her one who feels pleasure in pain. Though I can count the sexually violent scenes on one hand with the sexually beautiful ones they are graphic in every context.
This is also the second book in the series. Feel free to start with this one though. Throughout the book, the author gives you a good grasp of the history that has gone on before. Again giving the what without much of the how. For that you’ll have to read the first one.
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