Kushiel's Dart Jacqueline Carey: Should I read it?

[Shingetsu]

I bought the first book of the series a few days ago while I was still finishing up the The Symphony of Ages by Elizabeth Hayon. I think I'm open minded enough to accept the strange erotica that I read is in the series. Well, I can if the story is good I mean.

I'm just wondering if I should start it, or read The Gunslinger books I got now first. I read a bit about the book, or series, since I dislike bad endings. Or, well, I seem to rather like "happy endings" instead. To me it means enjoying the book or not.

I read that the main character has a relationship through out the series with some guy, but I'm guessing it's not real "love" or whatever from how the series sounds. But I don't know, I tried not to read too much.

Should I read it? Or is it nothing but tragedy for the main character? I grabbed it because it did sound interesting atleast and was on my list. Just seeing what others think too.

[GOLLUM]

From what the reveiws are saying there seems to be a fair share of "rough play" including infliction of pain etc...The general concensus seems to be that it's a beautifully written book but viewpoints differ as to how substantial albeit admittedly complex the main character is portrayed.

Sorry I've never read the book personally but I've seen it heaps of times at the bookshop, so it would be good to get someone's opinon of this one...

[kauldron26]

im a big fan of all 3. i assure u, its unlike anything u have ever read. shingetsu we seem to like the same stuff, so give the first novel a shot.

[Shingetsu]

Yeah, it does seem that way kauldron26. I suppose I'll pick it up in a bit then and see how it goes.

[Lady of Winterfell]

I really enjoyed the Kushiel books (have read the first two), and the erotica didn't bother me. I won't tell you the ending, but in my opinion it wasn't an unhappy one. She does have a relationship, but its a bit 'complicated'. But they are worth the read, so I would recommend you go ahead with them. There is a lot more to the story than the erotic element.

[Anthony G Williams]

I think that "erotica" is a euphemism. The sex is sado-masochistic, sometimes brutally so. Not recommended if you're sensitive about this.

[Shingetsu]

I don't mind as long as it's a good story. I havn't read much yet because of doing other things.

[Carmine Boy]

I rather enjoyed it myself. Carey is one of my favorite authors and this series is my favorite of the 3 she has written that I have read. The prose style is rather nice. I like the history and lore behind world of Terre d'Ange. Also a great set of characters.

[Tickle]

Originally Posted by Shingetsu

I bought the first book of the series a few days ago while I was still finishing up the The Symphony of Ages by Elizabeth Hayon. I think I'm open minded enough to accept the strange erotica that I read is in the series. Well, I can if the story is good I mean.

I'm just wondering if I should start it, or read The Gunslinger books I got now first. I read a bit about the book, or series, since I dislike bad endings. Or, well, I seem to rather like "happy endings" instead. To me it means enjoying the book or not.

I read that the main character has a relationship through out the series with some guy, but I'm guessing it's not real "love" or whatever from how the series sounds. But I don't know, I tried not to read too much.

Should I read it? Or is it nothing but tragedy for the main character? I grabbed it because it did sound interesting atleast and was on my list. Just seeing what others think too.

Definetly read this story. It is one of my favorites and yearly re-reads. The main character is great and not your average heroine and her sidekick is awesome. The characters will pull you in. Jacqueline Carey did a great job with the world of Terre D'Ange and you will not be disappointed. There is a sexual background to this world, but it is part of the culture/religion of Terre D'Ange and not just sex. Try it and let us know what you thought of the first book.

I also love Elizabeth Haydon. Did you enjoy the Symphany of Ages? That is also one of my yearly re-reads.

[the smiling weirwood]

So, comments? How did you like it?

The series is one of my favorites. I thoroughly enjoyed the second trilogy as well. I just got done with Kushiel's Mercy...good stuff.