Kushiel’s Dart

Jacqueline Carey
2002

Fantasy is genre with a history of repetitive plots, overused tropes and abundant cliches. When searching for good fantasy it’s a joy to find either an old idea done in a new and exceptional way, or truly original and fresh work. Both are evident in Jacqueline Carey’s novel Kushiel’s Dart.

It has the classic themes of betrayal, a throne in jeopardy and an orphan raised to greatness and heroism, but this is all carried by a rich and vibrant culture, complex and conflicted characters and some of the most descriptive and lush writing I’ve read since I first picked up Anne Rice. Phedre is a child of the Night Court, adopted by Anafiel Delaunay to be trained as a spy and set to his own hidden agenda. Their country Terre De Ange was the playground of angels and their descendants live there still. Phedre is a servant of Namaah and the chosen of Kushiel, former guardian of the gates of hell and the One God’s punisher.

Struck by Kushiel’s Dart, a mote of red in her eye, she is destined to forever feel pleasure as pain and her patrons pay highly to enjoy her, but there is only one who can match her. Descendant of Kushiel, Melisande Shahrizai is dangerous and subtle, and the only patron who has heard Phedre’s signale - Hyacinthe. The BDSM scenes in this novel are extremely graphic, yet they are lent a solemn beauty and dignity through Phedre’s acceptance and joy in her unusual talent. Far from gratuitous, her ability to feel pain as pleasure and her willingness to yield are the strengths through which she survives and triumphs in adversity.

This novel is set in a version of Europe similar yet also vastly different from our own. History has taken its own course there, and the pantheon of Terre de Ange is a fascinating and integral part of the daily life of the people. They have the blood of their gods in their veins and follow the precept set by Elua and his companions to love as thou wilt. Yet the servants of Namaah must serve out their bond debt to their house and make their Marque before they are free to choose their patrons.

The only one of Elua’s companions that did not leave descendants was Cassiel, the perfect companion, and the warrior priests of Cassiel protect and serve in chastity. The Cassiline Josceline is chosen to protect Phedre on her assignations and when she is betrayed and sold into bondage he is with her. He is just as fascinating as Phedre, as he struggles with his vows and his training, and Phedre must teach him to bend without breaking when the safety of their Queen is at stake.

From the wilds of Skaldi in winter to the land of the Picti, Phedre’s unique skills are put to use in sometimes quite surprising ways. This is easily on of the best fantasy novels I have read in years and I sincerely hope that Jacqueline Carey can maintain this standard in her sequels.