Kushiel’s Avatar by Jacqueline Carey

Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Angels

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassed beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good ... and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. Phèdre nó Delaunay is a woman pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. Her path has been strange and dangerous, and through it all the devoted swordsman Joscelin has been at her side. Her very nature is a torturous thing for them both, but he is sworn to her and he has never violated his vow: to protect and serve. But Phèdre's plans put Joscelin's pledge to the test, for she has never forgotten her childhood friend Hyacinthe. She has spent ten long years searching for the key to free him from his eternal indenture, a bargain he struck with the gods-- to take Phèdre's place as a sacrifice and save a nation. Phèdre cannot forgive-- herself or the gods. She is determined to seize one last hope to redeem her friend, even of it means her death. The search will bring Phèdre and Joscelin across the world, to distant courts where madness reigns and souls are currency, and down a fabled river to a land forgotten by most of the world. And to a power so mighty that none dare speak its name.

Phèdre’s adventures near destroy her and Joscelin. The story takes a dark turn but then are able to turn it all around. While they try to save Hyacinthe and a small boy. They don’t know what their own future is going to hold. The way Phèdre does everything to try and help those that she loves is epic. It is a page turning story that you will be surprised at every turn. It wraps in a nice neat bow. It is an amazing writing that is a must read. I am looking forward to reading the next trilogy, Imriel's Trilogy.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0765347539

Pages: 768

Series: Phèdre's Trilogy

Volume: 3

Kushiel’s Chosen by Jacqueline Carey

Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Angels

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Mighty Kushiel, of rod and weal Late of the brazen portals With blood-tipp'd dart a wound unhealed Pricks the eyen of chosen mortals. The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassed beauty and grace. The inhabiting race rose from the seed of angels and men, and they live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. Phèdre nó Delaunay was sold into indentured servitude as a child. Her bond was purchased by a nobleman, the first to recognize that she is one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. He trained Phèdre in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber--and, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. When she stumbled upon a plot that threatened the very foundations of her homeland, she gave up almost everything she held dear to save it. She survived, and lived to have others tell her story, and if they embellished the tale with fabric of mythical splendor, they weren't far off the mark. The hands of the gods weigh heavily upon Phèdre's brow, and they are not finished with her. While the young queen who sits upon the throne is well loved by the people, there are those who believe another should wear the crown... and those who escaped the wrath of the mighty are not yet done with their schemes for power and revenge.

This is the second book in the series. And sometimes when you read an ongoing series the second book is almost a throw-away. This is so not one of those times. This delves into deeper intrigue. Phèdre again must step up to help her Queen and country. Her old enemies have new plans and hope to hurt her with them as well. This just keeps getting better where you can’t wait to see where this is going to go next. High adventure that just won’t stop. Jacqueline is one of those writers that you can’t wait to read her next book, Kushiel’s Avatar.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0765345048

Pages: 704

Series: Phèdre's Trilogy

Volume: 2

Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey

Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Angels
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassing beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good...and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. Phèdre nó Delaunay is a young woman who was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye. Sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with very a special mission...and the first one to recognize who and what she is: one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. Phèdre is trained equally in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber, but, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Almost as talented a spy as she is courtesan, Phèdre stumbles upon a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland. Treachery sets her on her path; love and honor goad her further. And in the doing, it will take her to the edge of despair...and beyond. Hateful friend, loving enemy, beloved assassin; they can all wear the same glittering mask in this world, and Phèdre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear.

Phèdre nó Delaunay is not your likely hero. And yet she is smart and willing to take on the role. This is a great story that hold intrigue and adventure. This is one of those stories that creates full characters both for the main and back ground characters. I love these kinds of stories. The world that this is set in is one that you can almost touch, it seems that real. The writing is beautiful and well done. This first story starts with Phèdre as a child growing into an adult. I loved it and can't wait to read the next book in the series, Kushiel’s Chosen

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0765342987

Pages: 928

Series: Phèdre's Trilogy

Volume: 1