Kushiel's Avatar Update

[Avoiding Reality]

Hi everyone, I recently found this forum from google and I'm surprised it managed to pass me by for so long...then again, I spend more time reading than finding things out about them. I've been enjoying reading various different opinions on some of my favourites and so here I am and I look forward to contributing.

Anyway, I'm starting off by asking for help.
I've just ordered Kushiel's Scion and couldn't wait for it to arrive, so I had a look at the first chapter exerpt on Jacqueline Carey's website and then realised I'd forgotten some important parts of Kushiel's Avatar and I don't actually have the book (borrowed from library).
There's basically two main things I think I need to know and I'd appreciate any help. (Oh, and there's spoilers for anyone who hasn't read the book)

1. Phedre and Melisande made a deal that Melisande wouldn't do .... if Phedre raised Imriel instead of Ysandre. I know Phedre wanted Melisande to promise to stay in the (temple, I think it was...) and never to try to harm Ysandre (or usurp the throne, can't remember which). But I don't know what they agreed on in the end. Since Melisande has disappeared I guess she didn't promise the first, but I just want to check exactly what agreement they came to.

2. Hyacinthe - it says in the exerpt

Hyacinthe, who is the Master of the Straits

I know Phedre spoke the Name of the One God and freed him - but is he still the Master of the Straits? What does he do now?
I know...forgetting the main part of the plot...I haven't read it in ages.

I'd really appreciate any outline as to what happened in these situations.
Thanks in advance.

[Somebloke]

Originally Posted by Avoiding Reality

Hi everyone, I recently found this forum from google and I'm surprised it managed to pass me by for so long...then again, I spend more time reading than finding things out about them. I've been enjoying reading various different opinions on some of my favourites and so here I am and I look forward to contributing.

Anyway, I'm starting off by asking for help.
I've just ordered Kushiel's Scion and couldn't wait for it to arrive, so I had a look at the first chapter exerpt on Jacqueline Carey's website and then realised I'd forgotten some important parts of Kushiel's Avatar and I don't actually have the book (borrowed from library).
There's basically two main things I think I need to know and I'd appreciate any help. (Oh, and there's spoilers for anyone who hasn't read the book)

1. Phedre and Melisande made a deal that Melisande wouldn't do .... if Phedre raised Imriel instead of Ysandre. I know Phedre wanted Melisande to promise to stay in the (temple, I think it was...) and never to try to harm Ysandre (or usurp the throne, can't remember which). But I don't know what they agreed on in the end. Since Melisande has disappeared I guess she didn't promise the first, but I just want to check exactly what agreement they came to.

2. Hyacinthe - it says in the exerpt
I know Phedre spoke the Name of the One God and freed him - but is he still the Master of the Straits? What does he do now?
I know...forgetting the main part of the plot...I haven't read it in ages.

I'd really appreciate any outline as to what happened in these situations.
Thanks in advance.

YOU MEAN THERE'S ANOTHER BOOK?????? I must start saving...

The promise (and I quote directly from the book here):

"Two things," I said, holding up two fingers. "One: You will swear to me, in Kushiel's name, that you will do naught to jeopardize the lives of Ysandre de la Courcel and her daughters. Two: You will make no attempt to leave this place, but will live out your days in sanctuary, seeking only penitence and not worship."

- and which point, Melisandre laughs and agrees to only honor one wish. Phedre chooses the first.

As for the second question:

Hyancinthe is freed, yes, but the power of the Master of the Straits is based on knowledge rather than a tie to the islands; hence he retains his abilities. After receiving a hero's welcome in the capital, he leaves with Sibeal (the sister of the current king of Terre D'Ange) to set up a home in Alba. He promises to give Phedre the ancient scrolls that contain the alphabet used by the Master of the Straits to control the winds and waves.

Any idea when the book is due?

[Avoiding Reality]

Thanks for the reply

It's already out in the US, and out 12th of Jan in the UK (but you can order it already from Amazon in the UK, that's what I did)

It's the first in another trilogy and the second (Kushiel's Justice) comes out later this year
It's from Imriel's point of view now.
If you want more info, and the first chapter you can see her website. I'm new so I can't post the URL, but if you search on google for 'carey kushiel' then the first thing should be her official website.

Thanks again for the help

[Somebloke]

No problems. The series has everything you would want in a series; complex storylines, fascinating use of magic, compelling descriptions, amazing swordfights, truly magnificent villains and yes, kinky sex scenes. I should be spending the money on rent...hmmm.....

[Avoiding Reality]

Yep, I agree totally with you there...though I'm not really sure how I view the use of so many sex scenes...
Good luck with the choice, I tend to be a bit of an impulse buyer when it comes to books so I don't have time to think about what the money really should go towards.

It's a pity there isn't a 'Jacqueline Carey' sub-forum on the authors bit. I would've thought there would be one but searching, I think I've found only 3 threads about her books specifically, including this one. People have mentioned her in other threads though. Maybe it's because her books really are for mature readers, and I think this is considered a family site. But she has written that other series 'The Sundering' which I don't think is for mature readers only - at least she says in an interview somewhere that there's no sex.
Oh well, maybe in the future

[Somebloke]

Originally Posted by Avoiding Reality

Yep, I agree totally with you there...though I'm not really sure how I view the use of so many sex scenes...
Good luck with the choice, I tend to be a bit of an impulse buyer when it comes to books so I don't have time to think about what the money really should go towards.

It's a pity there isn't a 'Jacqueline Carey' sub-forum on the authors bit. I would've thought there would be one but searching, I think I've found only 3 threads about her books specifically, including this one. People have mentioned her in other threads though. Maybe it's because her books really are for mature readers, and I think this is considered a family site. But she has written that other series 'The Sundering' which I don't think is for mature readers only - at least she says in an interview somewhere that there's no sex.
Oh well, maybe in the future

i've heard rumors about another series but I haven't found any copies anywhere.

[Avoiding Reality]

Yeah, you can find more information on her website. I don't know a lot about it but I think the books are called 'Banewreaker' and 'Godslayer'.
I don't know much more than that, though I'll be interested in reading them after Kushiel's Scion.

[the smiling weirwood]

They are totally unrelated and a surprisingly different style. Carey tries her hand at Tolkien-esque fantasy and I was pleasantly surprised despite the fact it isn't my particular favorite writing style.