TEST
This book could probably stand alone, but as it’s the third book in a trilogy I can’t recommend that you read it that way. To do so would be to limit yourself to the appreciation of only a few small designs in this intricately patterned tapestry of intrigue, deception, romance, adventure, philosophy and theological magic that has been woven with such genius. Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel trilogy has one of the most richly and beautifully crafted backdrops of history, religion, and fantasy intertwined that the genre has ever seen.
Phèdre nó Delaunay has risen from abandoned child to sought-after courtesan in a culture that prizes such activities and regards them as holy. As this final installation of the trilogy opens, she has become a countess and most-honored Companion of Queen Ysandre de la Courcel, reigning monarch of Terre D’Ange. For the past ten years and more, Phèdre has tried to figure out how to free her oldest friend Hyacinthe from his bondage as Master of the Straits, a doom he accepted to save her. But her search is interrupted by a request from Melisande, an old enemy to whom she is inextricably bound. From her own prison in La Serenissima, Melisande – whose schemes have threatened Phèdre’s life, Ysandre’s reign, and caused countless deaths – begs Phèdre for help. Melisande’s son Imriel, whom she planned to use to surplant Ysandre, has been kidnapped. Struck by Melisande’s uncharacteristic sincerity, and lured by the promise of information to aid in her own private search, Phèdre agrees to find Imriel, and in doing so begins the darkest and most dangerous quest upon which she and her ever-present and beloved Joscelyn have ever embarked.
The beauty of this book and trilogy lies both in the twisting tale and in the amazing backdrop against which it is set. Carey has created a religion that branches off Christianity just as Christianity branches off Judaism, and the culture that she founds on that religion mingles so seamlessly with history as we know it, that it’s all but impossible to know for sure where one ends and the other begins. Terre D’Ange probably corresponds closest in geography to Charlemagne’s empire. Alba is the island we would call Britain, and Eire, of course, is Ireland. La Serenissima is actually an old name for Venice, on which it is obviously based in these volumes. And so the similarities and derivations continue.
In terms of religion, Phèdre studies with the Yeshuites in her search for the key to free Hyacinthe. The Yeshuites follow Yeshua ben Yosef, and speak Habiru – or as we would say, they worship Jesus, son of Joseph, and speak Hebrew. But most of Terre D’Ange follows the teachings of Elua, son of Yeshua, who sprang to life from the commingling of Yeshua’s blood and Mary Magdalene’s tears at the Cruxifixion. The religion of Elua and his Companions – fallen Angels who chose to leave Heaven to follow Elua – is too complex to go into completely here, but its richness and intricacy enhance the story and underlying themes of the trilogy. Particularly if you’re an afficionado of comparative religion, history or linguistics – and I geekily and proudly claim all three.
And of course, there is the romantic aspect. Normally, I am the last person to enjoy a romantic triangle, but the one presented here is heartwrenching. On the one hand, Phèdre loves Hyacinthe, her oldest friend who took her under his wing when they were children, both outcasts, and who accepted her as she was when no else did. Hyacinthe gave up his own freedom to preserve hers. On the other hand, there is Joscelyn, who her long-ago master hired to protect her. Joscelyn is the only person to fully understand what Phèdre has been through in her life, because he was there every step of the way. And slowly, he transformed from reluctant and judgmental bodyguard into beloved companion, who left the Cassiline order and broke his vows to remain with her as her lover, her friend, and her protector. Still, he struggles with her nature and calling as a servant of Elua’s Companion Namaah, to give pleasure, and as the chosen of the Companion Kushiel, to receive pleasure from pain. Phèdre loves them both, and it is that knowledge that compells her to free Hyacinthe even as she clings to Joscelyn.
Just as I recommended that you not read this book without enjoying the others first, to enrich the experience exponentially, I need to make some other recommendations at this point. Because of certain aspects of the culture and Phèdre calling and nature, this book may not be for everyone. If you feel that you could never enjoy a book featuring a person who derives sexual pleasure from pain, I recommend that you pass on this trilogy. If there is some doubt however, I urge you to try the first book. It’s not what I would have expected to find intriguing, but such is the genius of the suthor that she is able to not only make Phèdre likable and sympathetic, but also makes her situation into a spiritual dilemma – not to mention that the understanding that comes to Phèdre as a result is thought-provoking. In addition, I would like to warn that the culture in which Phèdre resides regards homosexuality as no more unusual or unethical than heterosexuality; if this is something with which you would feel uncomfortable, this story is not for you. Equally appropriate is the disrecommendation for those who feel that they could not accept a culture in which prostitution is not only accepted, but considered a spiritual experience. Sexual freedom is a large part of the culture of Terre D’Ange; Elua’s one commandment, after all, is Love As Thou Wilt. For those who think that they might be able to enjoy a story that is not about, but contains, these themes, I do heartily recommend this trilogy.
To sum up my feelings about this book and series, I cannot say enough good things about it. Reading it, you may not always feel comfortable with what you find, but it will make you think. The trilogy is a spectacular journey into the foreign, yet familiar, and this volume is a fitting end to a brilliant tale, an end that is, perhaps, only a beginning. I hope you enjoy it as I have.
Grade: A
Book Type: Fantasy Romance
Sensuality: Hot
Review Date: 29/05/03
Publication Date: 2004
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.