Kushiel’s Dart, Jacqueline Carey
I’m not quite sure why it took me so long to get through my reread of this book, because I still find it incredibly rich and rewarding. It’s true that it can be problematic in some ways — it exoticises various cultures pretty much as a part of the plot, and it’s practically text that white French people are the best in the world (the most beautiful, the most talented, the most educated) because they’re descended from the equivalent of Jesus. And if you’re not into sex, well, there’s several extensive scenes that include plot-necessary information, and even if you don’t mind the occasional sex scene, S&M might be rather less your thing.
Nonetheless, there’s a deep feeling in the novel and it packs in a lot of action. Sometimes reading it I feel like it could be a trilogy all on its own in the hands of another writer. There’s so much going on with the politics and relationships between people, and the sense of history between nations as well. It’s not just about the kinky sex: there’s a whole complex plot here revealed partly through those scenes.
I still love it, though maybe I’m side-eyeing the exotic Celt and Roma analogues rather more this time.
Rating: 5/5
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I could totally use a reread of this one myself. It’s been more than ten years since I first read it, I wonder how I will feel about it now. Probably still love it, but it does have me curious!
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There’s some stuff that bothered me more now, but yeah, it’s still awesome on a reread.
I do love this – it’s so gorgeously written, for all the troublesome aspects (of which there are many, and more as the series went on – but then, every book is basically a retread of the first one with more exotic locations, so).
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Yep, the gorgeous writing is a big part of what keeps me going. Also some of the characters. Joscelin <3
I enjoyed this one some time ago and have been meaning to read the rest of the books. I’ll probably have to re-read this one first.
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They are lovely!