Kushiel's Chosen

February 18, 2002
After Carey's boldly imaginative fantasy debut, Kushiel's Dart
(2001), in which the dauntless Phèdre nó Delaunay used intelligence and sexual skill to triumph in politics and war in a Renaissance-like world, Phèdre, elevated to the peerage and resuming her anguisette
duties, returns for further fabulous, if at times redundant, adventures, determined to rest on something other than her laurels. While the first novel told a coming-of-age story, the sequel covers only a relatively brief period, though it has enough plot lines and melodrama for six heroines. The action first focuses on the recapture of Phèdre's evil nemesis, the dominating Melisande Shahrizai, who has escaped from prison and death. Alas, the initially fascinating Melisande turns into a tiresome harridan. Later plot twists include everything from a journey to the Venetian La Serenissima to imprisonment at Melisande's hands in a mountainous jail on a lonely island. For opulence, a costume ball rivals that of Broadway's Phantom of the Opera. Carey is adept at bringing both her exotic settings and vast cast of characters fully to life. The dream of every man and not a few women, Phèdre is too much to handle for all but her faithful Joscelin, the Cassiline monk who defied his vows to remain her loving companion. Phèdre's first outing deservedly won her a host of followers, but wordiness and needless complexity combine to make this hefty novel less of a stellar achievement than its predecessor. (Apr. 16)Forecast:A push that includes national print advertising, regional author appearances and targeting to romance readers will bring back the faithful, but if too many of them are disappointed, Carey might do well to give her heroine a rest and apply her considerable talents to fresh challenges.

March 15, 2002
When Phedre no Delaunay, Comtesse de Montreve, receives a direct challenge from the traitor Melisande Shahrizai now an escaped fugitive from the land of Terre d'Ange she undertakes a bold venture to find the treasonous noblewoman and bring her to justice. She dons once again the symbolic sangoire cloak of her former profession that of courtesan in service to the Temple of Naamah, the angelic patron of love in all its forms and uses her special talents to ferret out a conspiracy that threatens her realm and the life of its queen. Set in a richly detailed Renaissance-like world, this sequel to Kushiel's Dart boasts a wealth of stunning visual images and vivid, complex characters. Carey's sensual, often erotically charged prose, reminiscent of the best efforts of Tanith Lee and Anne Rice, adds an unmistakably sexual tension to an already tautly plotted tale of conspiracy, intrigue, passion, and, ultimately, love. Highly recommended for a mature fantasy audience, this title belongs in most libraries.

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 1, 2002
Carey's second extravagantly sensuous novel fulfills every promise made by" Kushiel's Dart" [BKL Jl 01]. Phedre no Delauney, courtesan, spy extraordinaire, and now Comtesse de Montreve, continues as confidante and champion of Queen Ysandre of Terre d'Ange. Phedre's worthy opponent, the beautiful and devilishly Machiavellian Melisande Shahrizai, has escaped from prison with the aid of unknown conspirators. Although she can't prove it yet, Phedre just knows that there is a plot afoot to depose Ysandre, and that it involves Melisande. Sworn to the service of the gods Kushiel, Naamah, and Asherat-of-the-Sea, Phedre follows a path of danger, mystery, pain, love, and betrayal. Yet many in her life love and labor to protect her: the Cassiline warrior-priest Joscelin, the love of Phedre's life; Kazan Atrabiades, a pirate with a blood curse on his head; Phedre's Boys, three former sailors pledged to serve her; and a host of others. Masterful treatment of those relationships of Phedre's and the depth and complexity of the major characters make this book powerfully compelling, and Carey's ability to take readers inside Phedre's head and heart fully and completely gives it tremendous emotional punch as well as an unforgettable heroine. There is seemingly something for everyone here: a great love story, intense spirituality, high eroticism, and lots of adventure, intrigue, and swordplay. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)