Title: Kushiel’s Mercy
Author: Jacqueline Carey
First published May 31, 2008
653 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780446500043 (ISBN10: 0446500046)
Rating: 4.33
Overview
As Imriel and Sidonie’s love story reaches fever pitch, their country is thrown into chaos. The younger generation supports them, but many can’t forget the past.
To restore peace, the queen makes a decree: the couple can’t marry. The only way to be together is for Imriel to find his mother, Melisande, and bring her back to be executed for treason.
As they prepare for another separation, a foreign force threatens their world. Imriel and Sidonie must join unlikely allies to save their land and discover that love is the strongest force of all.
About the Author
Meet Jacqueline Carey, a successful author and novelist known for her works in the fantasy fiction genre. Born in Highland Park, Illinois in 1964, she pursued her higher studies at Lake Forest College, obtaining degrees in psychology and English literature.
During her time at college, she worked at a bookstore for six months as part of a work exchange program. This experience sparked her interest in writing professionally, which she started pursuing after returning from the program.
Initially, she wrote while working at the art center of a local college, and after a decade of hard work and dedication, she achieved her first big break with the publication of her debut book in 2001.
Currently, Jacqueline Carey resides in western Michigan and is an esteemed member of the oldest Mardi Gras krewe in the state.
Editoral Review
Kushiel’s Mercy by Jacqueline Carey is a masterpiece of epic fantasy literature that is sure to captivate readers with its sweeping scope, intricate plot, and richly drawn characters. Carey is a talented author who has won numerous awards for her writing, and she shines in this latest installment of her beloved Kushiel’s Legacy Series.
The novel was first published on May 31, 2008 and has since become a bestseller among fans of the genre. The Kushiel’s Legacy Series is a unique blend of epic fantasy and alternate history that is set in a fictional version of medieval Europe.
The series centers around the adventures of Phèdre nó Delaunay, a courtesan and spy who is blessed (or cursed) with a divine gift of pain and pleasure. In Kushiel’s Mercy, Phèdre and her companions travel to the frozen north in search of a lost prince who may hold the key to stopping a looming war.
Along the way, they must confront powerful sorcery, treacherous politics, and personal demons. The world-building in Kushiel’s Mercy is breathtaking, with intricate details that add depth and realism to the story.
From the court intrigues of the Carthaginian Empire to the myths and legends of the Celts, Carey weaves together a rich tapestry of cultures and histories that is both familiar and exotic. The characters are also expertly crafted, with complex motivations and relationships that evolve over the course of the novel.
Phèdre is a particularly fascinating protagonist, as she must balance her loyalty to her friends and her country with her own desires and limitations. As with any epic fantasy, Kushiel’s Mercy is not without its flaws.
Some readers may find the pacing to be slow at times, as the novel is filled with lengthy descriptions and intricately woven subplots. Additionally, some of the romantic relationships may be controversial or uncomfortable for certain readers.
Despite these drawbacks, Kushiel’s Mercy is a stunning work of literature that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it. Lovers of epic fantasy, alternate history, and political intrigue will find much to admire in this novel.
Moreover, the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and redemption that run throughout the story are timely and relevant to our own troubled times. In conclusion, I highly recommend Kushiel’s Mercy to anyone looking for a rich and rewarding reading experience.
Jacqueline Carey is a master storyteller with a gift for transporting readers to other worlds and times. This book is a must-read for fans of her work, and for anyone who loves a great story.
I give it five stars.
