KUSHIEL’S CHOSEN

Continuation of Carey’s megasized fantasy—each volume, commendably, self-contained—whose setting is an alternate medieval Europe of rare depth and assurance. Among the physically exquisite populace of Terre D’Ange, young Phèdre is unremarkably lovely—except that one eye is marked with a dash of red: Kushiel’s Dart distinguishes her as a rare “anguisette” whose gift is to enjoy any form of sexual stimulation, including pain. In a land where sexual expression is reckoned high art, she’s not merely an exotic sexual toy, but a capable and unobtrusive spy. Following her exploits in Kushiel’s Dart (2001), in which she frustrated Melisande Shahrizai’s devious attempt to seize the throne, Phèdre enjoys the full confidence of Queen Ysandre. Among the tasks Phèdre now confronts: she must unmask the traitor who helped Melisande escape; find a way to liberate her friend Hyacinthe from his unending magical apprenticeship to the Master of the Straits; build a relationship, if possible, with Joscelin, her warrior-priest protector and sometime lover; and learn Melisande’s present whereabouts and current designs. Seizing a chance to gather information, Phèdre accepts a commission from Prince Severio Stregazza of La Serenissima: he will pay ten thousand gold pieces to spend a single night with her! From this remarkable beginning Phèdre will embark on another harrowing journey in pursuit of Melisande, whom she loves and hates in equal measure.

Less intricate and inventive than volume one—the first half’s decidedly flabby—but, still, another captivating saga of powerful women, tormented men, strange gods, sublime sex, and vile treachery.