sleeping_while_awake's review
5.0
Kushiel's Dart
I can definitely understand why so many people love Kushiel's Dart. BUT it is a peculiar book that the romance is going to act as a gatekeeper for many fantasy fans that would really enjoy most parts of the story.
The bad thing going for it, is that the story is extremely long. The first third focuses on the courtesan life of the main character. She is blessed by the god Kushiel to be a masochist. She takes on clients to gain money to complete her marque, and intricate tattoo, that will give her "freedom." I put freedom in quotes because she is not a slave, but the world-building is so incredibly intricate it's hard to put into quick words.
So, if you enjoy the court drama, and you don't mind some scenes of masochism that may border on a little too much, the first part you'll enjoy.
However, after this the book take a sharp turn and honestly is like a Robin Hobb story. It's goes from court/romance fantasy to adventure fantasy. And then the final third picks up some military fantasy as well.
It's kind of crazy it's all in one book, but I guess that is the appeal.
The world-building is amazing and so detailed, really well done. I loved all the characters, Carey brought them to life so well.
Would highly recommend, but if you can't stomach the masochism, then definitely skip.
I can definitely understand why so many people love Kushiel's Dart. BUT it is a peculiar book that the romance is going to act as a gatekeeper for many fantasy fans that would really enjoy most parts of the story.
The bad thing going for it, is that the story is extremely long. The first third focuses on the courtesan life of the main character. She is blessed by the god Kushiel to be a masochist. She takes on clients to gain money to complete her marque, and intricate tattoo, that will give her "freedom." I put freedom in quotes because she is not a slave, but the world-building is so incredibly intricate it's hard to put into quick words.
So, if you enjoy the court drama, and you don't mind some scenes of masochism that may border on a little too much, the first part you'll enjoy.
However, after this the book take a sharp turn and honestly is like a Robin Hobb story. It's goes from court/romance fantasy to adventure fantasy. And then the final third picks up some military fantasy as well.
It's kind of crazy it's all in one book, but I guess that is the appeal.
The world-building is amazing and so detailed, really well done. I loved all the characters, Carey brought them to life so well.
Would highly recommend, but if you can't stomach the masochism, then definitely skip.
soubhi's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
5.0
One of my favorite trilogies! LGBTQ characters, political intrigue, incredible world building.
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