Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey: A Free EPUB Download and a Fantasy Masterpiece
Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey: A Review
If you are looking for a fantasy novel that combines epic world-building, captivating characters, thrilling plot twists and steamy romance, look no further than Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey. This is the first book in the Phedre's Trilogy, which is part of the larger Kushiel's Legacy series. In this article, I will give you an overview of what Kushiel's Dart is about, who wrote it, why you should read it, and where you can get it.
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Introduction
What is Kushiel's Dart?
Kushiel's Dart is a fantasy novel that was published in 2001. It is set in an alternate version of medieval Europe, where a race of people descended from angels live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. The novel follows the adventures of Phedre no Delaunay, a young woman who was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye, marking her as one chosen by Kushiel, the angel of punishment. Phedre is trained as a courtesan and a spy, and becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue, religious conflict and personal destiny that threatens to destroy her homeland.
Who is Jacqueline Carey?
Jacqueline Carey is an American author who was born in 1964. She has written several fantasy and historical fiction novels, most notably the Kushiel's Legacy series, which has won many awards and has been translated into several languages. She is known for her rich and detailed world-building, her complex and diverse characters, her elegant and sensual writing style, and her exploration of themes such as love, pain, destiny, identity and freedom.
Why should you read Kushiel's Dart?
You should read Kushiel's Dart if you are looking for a fantasy novel that offers more than just swords and sorcery. Kushiel's Dart is a novel that will immerse you in a fascinating and original world, that will make you care about the characters and their fates, that will surprise you with twists and turns, that will challenge you with moral dilemmas and philosophical questions, and that will seduce you with erotic and romantic scenes. Kushiel's Dart is a novel that will make you think, feel and dream.
Summary of Kushiel's Dart
The setting: Terre d'Ange
The novel takes place in Terre d'Ange, a land that was founded by Elua, the son of God and the Magdalene. Elua was rejected by his divine parents and wandered the earth with his companions, eight angels who renounced heaven for his sake. They settled in a land that they called Terre d'Ange, the land of the angels, and gave rise to a race of people who inherited their beauty and grace. The people of Terre d'Ange worship Elua and his companions, and follow their precept: Love as thou wilt. They value art, culture, pleasure and freedom, and are renowned for their courtesans, who are trained in the arts of love and serve as priests and priestesses of the angels.
The protagonist: Phedre no Delaunay
Phedre no Delaunay is the heroine of the novel. She was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye, which marks her as one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. She is an anguissette, a rare and coveted courtesan who can find ecstasy in pain. She is also a spy, trained by her mentor Anafiel Delaunay to observe, remember and analyze. She has a quick mind, a loyal heart and a curious spirit. She is brave, compassionate and cunning. She is loyal to her friends, her patrons and her country. She is also in love with Joscelin Verreuil, a warrior-priest of the angel Cassiel, who is sworn to protect her.
The plot: A tale of intrigue, betrayal and love
The plot of Kushiel's Dart is complex and intricate, involving many characters, factions and events. The main conflict is between Terre d'Ange and its neighboring countries, especially Skaldia, which covets Terre d'Ange's land and resources. There is also a hidden threat from within Terre d'Ange, a conspiracy led by Melisande Shahrizai, a noblewoman who is Phedre's former patron and lover, and who has a mysterious agenda that involves Phedre's destiny. Phedre becomes involved in the political intrigue when she uncovers a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland. She travels across Terre d'Ange and beyond, meeting allies and enemies, facing dangers and temptations, discovering secrets and truths, and fulfilling her role as Kushiel's chosen.
Analysis of Kushiel's Dart
The themes: Love, pain and destiny
One of the main themes of Kushiel's Dart is love. The novel explores different forms and expressions of love, such as romantic love, platonic love, familial love, erotic love, spiritual love and patriotic love. The novel also shows how love can be a source of joy and sorrow, strength and weakness, freedom and bondage. Another theme of the novel is pain. The novel examines the relationship between pain and pleasure, especially through Phedre's perspective as an anguissette. The novel also shows how pain can be a catalyst for growth, change and redemption. A third theme of the novel is destiny. The novel explores the concept of fate and free will, especially through Phedre's role as Kushiel's chosen. The novel also shows how destiny can be shaped by choices, actions and consequences.
The characters: Complex and diverse
Another strength of Kushiel's Dart is its characters. The novel features a large cast of characters who are complex and diverse. They have different backgrounds, personalities, motivations and goals. They are not simply good or evil, but have shades of gray. They have flaws and virtues, strengths and weaknesses, hopes and fears. They grow and change throughout the story, influenced by their experiences and interactions. Some of the most memorable characters are Joscelin Verreuil, Phedre's protector and lover; Hyacinthe, Phedre's best friend and confidant; Melisande Shahrizai, Phedre's nemesis and obsession; Ysandre de la Courcel, the heir to the throne of Terre d'Ange; Alcuin no Delaunay, Phedre's foster brother; Anafiel Delaunay, Phedre's mentor; Drustan mab Necthana, the prince of Alba; Waldemar Selig, the king of Skaldia; Quintilius Rousse, the admiral of Terre d'Ange; Delaunay de Montreve, the master of spies; Marmion Shahrizai, the traitor; Isidore d'Aiglemort, the general; Nicola L'Envers y Aragon, the marquise; Remy de Fournier, the captain; Ti-Philippe L'Envers, Some of the actors and actresses who have been suggested or fan-casted for the roles of Phedre, Joscelin, Melisande and Ysandre are Eva Green, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Dormer and Keira Knightley. Some of the directors and producers who have been mentioned or wished for the adaptation are Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. Some of the platforms and networks that have been rumored or hoped for the distribution are Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime and Starz. However, these are all just speculations and wishes, and there is no guarantee that Kushiel's Dart will ever be adapted into a movie or a TV show.
This is the end of my article on Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey. I hope you enjoyed reading it and learned something new. If you are interested in reading Kushiel's Dart or any of the other books in the Kushiel's Legacy series, you can find them online or in bookstores. You can also join the online community of fans and discuss the novel with other readers. Thank you for your attention and have a great day. 71b2f0854b