Jacqueline Carey

[Devillishgirl]

I've looked through the past threads and didn't see any that mentioned this relatively new author. She has an incredible triology out that takes place in a skewed renaissance world. The first is Kushiel's Dart, followed by Kushiel's Choosen and then Kushiel's Avatar. The books aren't for the weak hearted and there is some heavy sexual content at times but I would highly recommend them.

[Mark Robson]

I like the titles. I might look these ones out on amazon.

[dwndrgn]

I've seen these around and have usually been intrigued enough to read the back cover - but as yet I haven't actually read them. I may have to do so now that someone has recommended them. Thanks!

[knivesout]

I've heard differing views on this author. Some seem put off by the central character, and her percieved lack of real control over her life, a certain excessive passivity that put them off, rather than any sexual content. Is that a fair critique? What are the sort of themes being dealt with here?

[rune]

I was attracted to the first book in the series by this little known author by the cover, it was very good


However, the storyline is a bit hit and miss for me. Lots of political intrigue that if you like that kind of thing will pull you into the plot. But very little magic, and to be honest I like a story with magic. The slave element and the way people are used in the story doesnt appeal to me either

[Devillishgirl]

Originally Posted by knivesout

Some seem put off by the central character, and her percieved lack of real control over her life, a certain excessive passivity that put them off, rather than any sexual content. Is that a fair critique?

The heroine, Phedre, is an orphan who is sold into servitude to a spy. He has her trained in the arts of espionage as well as the arts of making love. She is ruled by two demigods, one of sensual love and one of sado-masochistic pain(Kushiel). Phedre stumbles on a treacherous plot and that leads her onto the path of adventure among many other things. I would say that she is passive in many things, but such is the role of a follower of Kushiel. She is strong and intelligent and ultimately she does what needs to be done to save all that she loves.

[Devillishgirl]

Just wanted to bring this author up again since I just started her new series, The Sundering. First book is titled Banewreaker and its as different from the Kushiel books as night from day. I love it so far! Has anyone else read it?

[rune]

Originally Posted by Devillishgirl

Just wanted to bring this author up again since I just started her new series, The Sundering. First book is titled Banewreaker and its as different from the Kushiel books as night from day. I love it so far! Has anyone else read it?

What did you think of this book, Id love a bit more detail as I liked this authors style despite not liking the theme she wrote in her first series

[McMurphy]

Originally Posted by knivesout

I've heard differing views on this author. Some seem put off by the central character, and her percieved lack of real control over her life, a certain excessive passivity that put them off, rather than any sexual content. Is that a fair critique? What are the sort of themes being dealt with here?

I am reading the first book, Kushiel's Dart, of the Kushiel series at the moment, and the possibility of controversy is certainly there. It wasn't so much that a reader could find the sexual content (and the main character's views on it) as the most offensive part of the plot or the heavy amount of bondage motifs that tie tightly into the plots (and the character's core talent) as bothersome for most open-minded readers. What made me pause in the narrative a few times, however, is the age in which the characters started earning freedom against their marques, or, at least, when they started their training to do so.

Carey clearly has a well groomed writing ability that rises above some of the other authors she sometimes gets lumped into for possibly no other reason than because she is a female fantasy writer. From what I understand, her later books start to rely on the formula she had put forth in the first book, but I must note that my source had paid the extra money for a hard cover copy of her last book because she couldn't wait for the paperback form to be released.

I would recommend this book (thus far) to whomever has taken the time to search out this author's name in the Chronicles search engine, but only if he/she (and the series does feel as if it is written with a female audience in mind) is not easily offended by sexual conduct and fringe sexual activities placed into a fantasy world. The book is a surface only novel (i.e.: to take all events on its face value), and not recommended for potential readers in the mood for stories involving duel meanings, socioal-economic relevance, or a work of fiction offering up some sort of personal enlightment.

[Sathai]

I love Jacqueline Carey's books. I've read the Kushiel series and the Sundering books. Has anyone read her newest book Kushiel's Justice yet?

[McMurphy]

Originally Posted by Sathai

I love Jacqueline Carey's books. I've read the Kushiel series and the Sundering books. Has anyone read her newest book Kushiel's Justice yet?

I haven't, but my girlfriend has immediately upon release onto hard cover. She found it very lackluster, although I find it basic human nature to expect more from a series, not less, when one gets deeper and deeper into the newest editions. Have you read it?

[Sathai]

Originally Posted by McMurphy

I haven't, but my girlfriend has immediately upon release onto hard cover. She found it very lackluster, although I find it basic human nature to expect more from a series, not less, when one gets deeper and deeper into the newest editions. Have you read it?

Nope, not yet. I'll probably wait until a good buy comes along. Sorry to hear your girlfriend found it lackluster.

[the smiling weirwood]

It's not lackluster in my opinion...it just has a different focus. Whereas in the first series sexuality plays a role as a major theme and plot focus in the newer series it is more of a backstory element; the major focus is the life and development of a young man. Kind of ironic, isn't it?

I found both to be very rewarding. Kushiel's Justice is more of an exploration into the inner landscape and an adventure through human relationships and not so much a rip-roaring tale of exotic escapades as was the first series.

[Tickle]

I love this series. Phedre is one of my favorite characters. I read this series several times a year. I'm waiting on the last 2 books to be printed in paperback before I get them, but I can't wait. I would recommend this to everyone.