As a young child Phedre is sold by her mother to one of the Houses in the Night Court. When she is thirteen she is taken in by Anafiel Delaneuy who has her trained both in the arts of a servant of Namaah (a courtesan) and as a spy.

These skills lead Phedre into a world of intrigue and danger and she must ultimately use all of these skills to save both her life and that of her nation as forces within the court engage in a dangerous game that might destroy all of Terra d'Ange.

The rich descriptions and the well developed characters, Carey creates a rich alternate history of the world of medieval Europe that is easy to lose one's self in.

There wasn't anything that I didn't like about this novel - it was absolutely wonderful.

To read the sequel, which I've just bought; Kushiel's Chosen, and as soon as I have time I'm going to read it!

As though I was along with Phedre on her adventures and made me immediately want to find out what happens to her next.

This is Jacqueline Carey's first novel, and I eagerly anticipate her sophomore work as well as the planned conclusion to the trilogy involving Phedre with equal relish.

I am not a big fan of fantasy or sci-fiction for that matter, but I was drawn to this book and simply couldn't put it down - all 962 pages!

For a first novel this is one of epic proportions and promises great things to come.

Interested in buying this? Support Writing.Com by making your purchase of Kushiel's Dart   from Amazon.Com!

Created Dec 04, 2002 at 7:08pm • Submit your own review...