Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsA Thrilling and Intricate Continuation of the Tale
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2017
In "Kushiel's Chosen," the second book in the Phedre trilogy, Phedre continues her transformation from a courtesan-spy to a powerful noblewoman and a legend, as the action moves out of Terre d'Ange and new countries and city-states are introduced, most importantly La Serenissima, the series' version of Venice.
At the beginning of the book everything seems to be going swimmingly for Phedre and her consort Joscelyn, aka Fantasy's Hottest Hero. (No, seriously. I will challenge you to a duel in the name of Cassiel if you disagree). But trouble, of course, is always looming, especially when you have such a complicated love life. Joscelyn, who does not share or mirror Phedre's anguissette proclivities, is racked with jealousy and guilt over the fact that she takes the occasional assignation, for pleasure as well as business. Meanwhile, Phedre's former patron Melisandre is up to no good, and Phedre is dispatched by the queen to sort things out. Many, many adventures later, the two former lovers finally confront each other.
Like the other books in the series, "Kushiel's Chosen" is a giant, sprawling, epic adventure story, full of twists and turns and impossible escapes from and infiltrations into seemingly secure locations. If you don't enjoy that sort of thing, then you'd probably best just keep on moving. But if you do enjoy massive fantasy tales with intricate worldbuilding and elaborate plotting, then dive right in. Like the previous book, "Kushiel's Chosen" is for the 18+ crowd, although it's less deliberately shocking then "Kushiel's Dart"--Phedre is beyond her original sexual infatuation with the world, and spends a lot more time thinking about politics and morality. We also discover more about the different religious systems of the world Carey has created, which adds a pleasing depth to the story. A worthy follow-up to "Kushiel's Dart," and an exciting read in its own right.
