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Full review at SFF Book Review.

I cannot stress enough how much I loved Kushiel's Dart. The second book already was a let-down because there was very little of what made the first book so great. Phèdre's exceptional gift is nothing new anymore, neither is the world Jacqueline Carey has created - magnificent as it may be.

In this novel, I was very happy to get to know the character of Imriel. He lifted the entire story for me. But there was even less of the great things from the previous volumes. Almost no Melisande, almost no Hyacinthe, and way too much travelling.

I'd recommend reading it if you absolutely have to know how certain plot threads are resolved. But as the trilogy goes, it has been getting worse and worse for me. I honestly hope that in the Imriel trilogy, Jacqueline Carey has an actual story to tell, not just a world to travel around in...

Coming home on the bus tonight I finished this book with tears in my eyes. Even knowing that I still have Imriel's saga to read, it makes me sad because this is the end of Phedre's saga, even if her life continues on. I loved this series from beginning to end. It toyed with my emotions in a way I (mostly) love. It's not for the faint of heart, nor those who have difficulty reading long books, though it never truly felt long to me. It is incredibly dense, with a wealth of information about this world that few writers really go into. I admit, even I struggled at the end, because there was so much there left to read, but not for love of the book. It just looked shorter than it read, because there was so much left for Carey to wrap up.

I fell in love with these characters. Phedre, for her depth of love for those around her, her admiration for knowledge, and her strength in submission. Jocelyn, for his strength and determination despite everything they had to face, both together and separately. Imriel for his resilience, and all the best parts of both of his parents, not to mention his love and admiration for Phedre and Jocelyn. There are so many great characters in this book that to list all my favorites would make this a Kushiel-length review. But each and every one was expertly crafted, even the ones who were long gone by the time this book starts, and those who lasted but a few chapters, but still managed to touch Phedre and her companions. Even more, I love that Phedre remembers them all, both living and dead, there at the end. We are the sum of those we know and love.

In a few months, once I've finished a few other books I have sitting around, I look forward to returning to this world. I can't wait to see how Imriel will grow up, and what trials he will face, even though I know, like Phedre, his will not be an easy life. It's fascinating to me, that he really feels Phedre's son almost from the beginning, despite the fact that she never bore him. Almost as though he were the son of she and Melisande, rather than Melisande's husband. I love the fact that he has four parents. Two of blood, and two of mind. Even more, I admit to loving the fact that he's Melisande's son, because despite everything, she is a fascinating character, and her son takes strongly after her.

I also look forward to seeing how things have changed in the intervening years when Imriel's story picks up. I want to find out about how Hyacinth is doing in Alba, and whether Phedre and Jocelyn really did settle down (and maybe had a kid of their own blood?). Even more, I look forward to the emotional roller-coaster that Carey will take me on, because I know she will. And I know I'll love (almost) every minute of it.