Kushiel's Scion (Kushiel's Legacy) by Jacqueline Carey Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Kushiel's Scion (Kushiel's Legacy)
Book Review: A great new beginning to the Kushiel series!
Summary: 5 Stars
As a boy, Imriel was rescued by Phedre and Joscelin. Now on the cusp of manhood, he must face the horrors of his past, the knowledge that his mother is the worst traitor his country has ever known, while trying to live up to the example his foster parents, Phedre and Joscelin, have set. Imri's story is a coming of age story that flawlessly picks up where the original trilogy left off. It was a wonderful, engrossing read!Book Review: Painful. And not in a good way.
Summary: 2 Stars
I'd like to preface my review by saying that I am a huge fan of the initial Kushiel trilogy starring Phedre. These books contain just about everything I look for in a good fantasy. Adventure, romance, eroticism, a well-built world I want to visit again and again. They seem to find the perfect balance between dark and light.
That being said, Kushiel's Scion was a massive disappointment to me. The two stars I have given it are for my love of the series, and the first half of the book, which was good. I loved learning a bit more about Imri, and I enjoyed his relationship with his cousins, the Courcel's and the Shirazai's. The book took a turn for the worse after Imri heads off to college. And the long extended seige/war at the end of the book absolutely ruins it, I was forcing myself to continue reading, sure that there would be something redeeming at the end. There wasn't. I ended up returning this book.
I still have hope for future books in this series. And I will check them out...from the library.
Book Review: Swashbuckling adventure, romance, political intrigue & world building - an altogether riveting novel!~
Summary: 5 Stars
"Kushiel's Scion" is the fourth book in Jacqueline Carey's thrilling fantasy series of life in the exotic realm of Terre d'Ange, a world somewhat similar to our Earth, during a period reminiscent of the Renaissance. The preceding "Kushiel's Legacy" trilogy, composed of "Kushiel's Dart," "Kushiel's Chosen," and "Kushiel's Avatar" are all extraordinary novels, and although it is not necessary to have read them in order to enjoy this one, they do provide a fantastic reading experience and a wonderful introduction to Jacqueline Carey's latest protagonist, Imriel no Montreve de la Courcel. "Scion" is also the first novel in a new trilogy which will chronicle the life of de la Courcel, the foster son of Phèdre nó Delaunay, the Comtesse de Montreve, peer of Terre d'Ange, and her consort, the Cassiline apostate, Joscelin Verreuil.
Imriel, a royal prince of the blood, was abandoned in infancy by both of his treasonous parents. Captured in childhood by pirates, the boy spent his youth in slavery, subjected to abominable & depraved torture until he was rescued by Phèdre and Joscelin, who love him as a son. Now, a handsome and accomplished teen, Imriel is experiencing the normal restlessness and insecurities of adolescence, but is additionally burdened by his past experiences. He finds it difficult to live down his mother's, Melisande Shahrizai's, reputation as an arch villainess who would sell her soul and her son, seemingly, for a kingdom and power. When he unwillingly become involved in court intrigue, Imriel decides to study abroad and takes on an anonymous identity to do so.
Much more than a coming of age tale, Ms Carey dramatically and skillfully changes her point of view from the mindset of a mature woman to that of an adolescent boy with an unusual amount of baggage. Unlike most young men of his age, Imriel must struggle with an infamous heritage and nightmarish memories. While this boy-man is not anywhere near as complex a character as the mature woman, Phèdre nó Delaunay, Imriel is no slouch either. He has yet to acquire Phèdre's life experience, and that is what this novel is about - acquiring experience, adventuring and building character. There are enough complexities in this tale to satisfy the most demanding and discerning reader.
The plot and subplots are unique and stunning. The excitement just doesn't stop. Ms. Carey combines swashbuckling adventure, romance, eroticism, political intrigue and world building. Her imaginative use of historic detail, diverse cultures, the creation of many varied characters and their development, make this series so special. A riveting novel - I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended
JANA
Book Review: Sensual, Intruiging Fantasy
Summary: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/06)
"Kushiel's Scion" is the fourth book in the Kushiel Legacy series. It is also the first in a new trilogy that takes place in Terre d'Ange. It was the first book for me to read by this author. I was not disappointed. The story focuses on Imriel, who is a prince of the blood. As a child he had to endure serious abuse and betrayal. As an adult with a special gift, he fears that he does not have goodness within him, and that he will misuse his gift. His fears about this endeared him to me. He obviously was fighting to overcome some serious issues.
Carey writes in a manner in which her words flow in such a descriptive way that the visual images easily appeared to me. As a new reader to her series, I did not feel like I was left out. I do want to read her other novels because I enjoyed this one so much; however, the book does well in standing alone. Carey includes a "Dramatis Personae" list that reads like a cast of characters. This is really helpful to those just stepping into her story. I was able to look back at the list when I needed to and find out about certain characters.
The sensuality in the story, along with the intrigue, completely wrapped me up in the story. I did not want to put it down. Watching Imriel's battle within himself over good and evil was very compelling. I look forward to catching up with Carey's other novels.
I highly recommend "Kushiel's Scion" to readers who enjoy sensual, intriguing, fantasies.
Book Review: Perhaps not as expected
Summary: 4 Stars
but a good novel nonetheless. This book holds a different tone from the others in the Kusheline series. More character-based than adventure-driven, like the other novels, this novel follows Imriel, Phedre's foster-son. It is largely based on dialogue and Imri's thoughts rather than earth-shattering plot developments, so this book is a bit slower to develop, though still interesting. It keeps Carey's fluid writing style, though the narrative is dramatatically changed from Phedre's graceful melodrama.
Imriel, instead, is a moody teenaged boy. Perhaps more solemn (or haunted) than most, but still full of angst and uncertainty, not ready to fit into the world that is waiting for him.
The first section of the book is interesting, as the reader gets to see Terre d'Ange from new eyes; it takes a different perspective when not from a Servant of Naamah. Disappointingly, there is not yet too much of that to see; Imriel is often to preocuppied with his own discoveries and youth to take much interest in politics. That is quickly cut short as Imriel decides to travel to the University of Tiberium. There, again, it is not filled with the taste of the culture that Phedre would have shown, but Imri's personal antics, challenges, and schemes as he enjoys true freedom for the first time.
Don't worry, though, it's not all deeply introspective & dialogue. Carey keeps her penchant for the philosophical, the scheming, and the bizarrely supernatural, as Imriel is rapidly thrown into situations that would turn his foster-parents' hair grey, from riots and conspiracies to spirits and battles.
Personally speaking, I preferred Imriel's character before this particular book, but I believe that it was because here, he is mostly an angsty teenager, not quite grown up. After coming from a personality as dynamic as Phedre's, which takes a lot to compete, sometimes Imriel's more typical nature makes for slow reading. It promises to pick up with future books, however, as he is greatly matured by the end of the book, and it promises to take note of things perhaps he did not have time for before.
Not her best book, a little slow in places, but a good solid start to a trilogy that should prove very interesting indeed.