Review – Kushiel’s Avatar by Jacquline Carey (5/5 stars)

This is my second reading of this book.I am getting ready to start reading the second series having to do with this character set; so I wanted to give the last book in the series a quick read-through.I forget that these are not quick books to read and I also forget how enjoyable they are.

This book follows Phedre’ and Josceline in a whole new set of adventures. Phedre’s quest to free Hyacinthe from the curse of being the Master of the Straights leads her into a greater adventure than she and Josceline could ever imagine. Phedre has further dealings with Melisandre and ends up on a sidequest to recover Melisandre’s missing son. The quest takes Phedre and Josceline on a more hellish journey than either of them could have imagined; the burning question remains will they be able to survive it both physically and in spirit?

I love these books. There is no character that I admire more than Phedre. She seems to be so graceful and at peace with what she needs to do. Even though Phedre often despises herself for what she must do; the book is written so beautifully that you can’t help admire her commitment. Throughout that book I often thought of the phrase that formed the thought behind the previous books “that which yields is not always weak.” (or something to that effect).

The book is beautifully written and wondrously crafted leaving me with a content and peaceful feeling upon reading the book.There is something for everyone; action, love, adventure.Some how Carey makes you really care about the characters; even those that only make a brief appearance.In Melisandre’s son, Imriel, we meet a wonderful new character.

I love the way that Phedre’s and Josceline’s relationship has matured. So often characters are left right after the happily-ever-after happens; we never find out what happens after the boy gets the girl (or vis versa). In this book you see how Phedre and Josceline’s relationship has matured into the type of relationship “normal” people are more often in. Of course throughout the book pervades the premise of these novels; the following of Elua which is simply to “love as thou wilt”. This book reminds us that love comes in many forms from children, to spouses, to the love of the pursuit of knowledge or pursuit of the game.

Again I should say I have just loved this series. Just keep in mind this is not a quick read. The writing is a little bit more advanced and the descriptions take some time to get through. Still the time spent reading is worth it. I am wholeheartedly looking forward to reading the next series; which is written from Imreil’s point of view.

Here is a link to the book on amazon: