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: Disappointed
Summary: 1 Stars
I'm totally devoted to her Kushiel storyline...but i tossed this one. I was very disappointed in this last book, and wish i could say otherwise. I was hanging in limbo for the book to be finished for months, but read about half of it and that was all i could read. Book Review: I hope she keeps this up
Summary: 4 Stars
Another great addition to the Kushiel's series. This time the book centers around Phedre & Joscelin's adopted son, Imriel. It deals with a lot of his internal conflict as he faces the legacy of his bloodline, the horrific encounters of his past, the treachory of his parents, and most of all himself. It is interesting to see the character develop and discover who he wants to be.
Now, I admit, I like the first three books of the Kushiel's series better, but this one is still a great read. I hope she follows it up with another good one!
Book Review: I love Imri!
Summary: 5 Stars
So, after Kushiel's Avatar, I was totally wondering what was going to happen to Imri! I'm so glad that in this book we find out! I loved him before and now I'm glad he grows up so well. Book Review: A tepid tale
Summary: 2 Stars
To begin with, I should say that I haven't read Ms. Carey's first Kushiel series, which may make me unique among those who have reviewed this book thus far. I'm familiar enough with the premise, however, that the last thing I would have expected from this novel was to be bored by it. Yet that's exactly what happened.
Ms. Carey's writing style is graceful, there's no doubt about that, and she knows how to pace a novel. What this book lacked, however, was a solid emotional core of any sort. Imriel is nice enough, but ultimately colorless and uninteresting. One might even call him shallow. The fact that he suffers from PTSD as a result of abuse suffered during childhood automatically makes him an object of sympathy, but not necessarily a compelling adult. He might become one with time, but we don't see that happening here.
Ms. Carey's fantasy world is also worthy of remark. She's set her action in what is basically early Renaissance Europe, minus Christianity, and with what appears to be a curiously stunted version of English, Gaelic, and German culture. The French are way out ahead of everyone, as a result of their noble houses (but not the commons, I guess) being descended directly from the apostles (who might be angels of some sort; it's impossible to tell) of an ersatz-Jesus named Elua. This will be gratifying to admirers of nobility in general and French nobility in particular, but to those (like myself) who do like to see the gritty reality of 'normal life' in their fantasy, this focus will disappoint. And apparently, if you want to find *real* depravity in this world, you've got to go to the Muslim areas of the map to do so. Yes, I know, there are no more Muslims in this book than there are Christians in it, but when you use a pseudo-real-world backdrop for your book, and then locate the Worst Guy Ever in a Muslim region, people will notice. Not that this has much to do with anything in this particular book; I just found it curious. And unimaginative.
All things considered, I can't recommend this book. There is no suspense in it. The best I could muster was mild interest. I suppose if you're a diehard fan of Carey's, you'll want to read it. Otherwise, you'll probably be better served by giving it a pass.
Book Review: As good as the original!
Summary: 5 Stars
Imriel's story is as good as Phedre's, with the potential to be even better. If you enjoyed the Kushiel's Legacy trilogy, then you will not be disappointed in Scion. I can hardly wait for Kushiel's Justice in 2007. This is one of those rare books that you will want to read again.