Kushiel's Dart cover art

Kushiel's Dart

Kushiel's Legacy, Book 1

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Kushiel's Dart

By: Jacqueline Carey
Narrated by: Jessica Whittaker
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About this listen

Winner of the Locus Award for Best First Novel, Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey is an intoxicating fantasy of intrigue, betrayal and desire – perfect for fans of Sarah J. Mass and Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Servant. Seductress. Spy.

All Phèdre nó Delaunay has known is a life of servitude – until now. When her bond is purchased by a nobleman, Anafiel Delaunay, he transforms her into a charming courtesan and skillful spy. He’s also the first to recognize what she is: one touched by the god Kushiel’s dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one.

But when Phèdre uncovers a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland, she’s thrown into a world of deadly courtiers, heroic traitors and one truly Machiavellian villainess. Her journey will take her to the edge of despair and beyond. For false friends, loving enemies and beloved assassins all wear the same glittering masks – and Phèdre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear.

Continue the journey with Kushiel’s Chosen by Jacqueline Carey.

©2011 Jacqueline Carey (P)2023 Macmillan Publishers International Limited Action & Adventure Fantasy Fiction Historical Romance Espionage

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Critic reviews

"A very sophisticated fantasy, intricately plotted and a fascinating read." (Robert Jordan)

"With her provocative debut novel, Jacqueline Carey introduces herself as an extraordinarily talented writer... Ms Carey weaves an exquisite tapestry of politics, intrigue, history, magic, desire and fate into a breathtaking epic that will captivate readers." (Romantic Times)

"Superbly detailed, fascinatingly textured, and sometimes unbearably intense: a resonant, deeply satisfying and altogether remarkable debut." (Kirkus Reviews)
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Overall this seems like a great and interesting start to the series and you can see why this is consistently recommended as an OG romantasy series (albeit the protagonist could have been 10 years older when embarking on her career, and that she’s not really dates this work). I’d continue listening to the series, with two minor pet peeves; 1 - the author consistently using ‘somewhat’ when only ‘something’ works (which tbf seems like a toxic trait across the genre - I guess authors think it sounds more medieval?), and 2 - the narrator, who otherwise does a great job has for reasons best known to herself decided to do a Scouse accent for the King of Alba?!

Well crafted fantasy

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This is one of my again and again stories. Where is the next? Can’t wait!

Totally love this!

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A perfect narrator to a beautiful book. The accents are well done, the prononciation even more so.

Beautifully done

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for those interested in being immersed in a masterfully curated fantastical Universe, filled with truly compelling characters as well as with an intricate - though easy to follow and get into - political plot, the Kushiel's series is definitely a must in such a one's library.

This series wildly exceeded my expectations.

Everything about this work is fantastic

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I can't write a better summary than what the author has provided, so read that to get the gist of the book. I think I first read this story 20ish years ago, so it was interesting to see it made into a modern audiobook. I wasn't disappointed.

Performance: Jessica Whittaker does an amazing job with the VERY odd names, places, titles, gods, and other words that I wouldn't have the vaguest idea how to pronounce. I mean, our main character is "Phèdre nó Delaunay " good luck with that! And yet Whittaker manages and brings life to Phèdre's tale.

Story: At times I had difficulty keeping track of the characters, places, relationships between them as we tried to figure out who was promised to who, who was supposed to be sitting on which throne, etc. And don't get attached to the characters, they have a tendency to kill them off frequently.

Get the next in the series? Yes, but not right away. Phèdre has a Happy For Now ending and I kinda want to give Phèdre a chance to relax (at least in my mind) before she ends up in whatever hell that her life seems to be. That girl just does NOT get a break.

Epic forward-thinking fantasy

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I first read this on kindle a few years ago but came back to try the Audio version and this doesn't disappoint. The narration is top class and really brings out the story and the characters. Also there are things missed the first time round which make more sense on a second reading.

This is one of those books that is just brilliant with a mixture of adventure, comedy intrigue and sex. Throw in a forbidden romance and is up there with the best of the best.

Really great and lovable characters especially Phedre our heroine. Even the evil rival is a fully developed 3D character who its hard not to like. Its maybe a little slow to start but once it gets going its a real page turner and holds the interest to the end and beyond...
Its the first of a Trilogy and the other 2 books don't disappoint either
Absolutely recommend this, its one of the best of its genre

Absolutely Epic would give it 6 stars if I could

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Firstly, and most importantly, I did really enjoy this. Although, it felt like it could have been 3 separate and more manageable books.
The narrator did a great job 90% of the time, but mixed up when words should have silent ‘t’ and when the ‘t’ is spoken. I wondered what a ‘doubley’ was and looked at the text to find out that it was the garment ‘doublet’!
Also, the sexual encounters at the beginning of the book are the most detailed, when the characters are still undeveloped and the reader/listener cares little. Whereas, the sexual interactions between highly developed characters when the reader/listener is really invested in the story get glossed over.
However, overall, still worth a listen/read.

Loooong, but compelling story. The narrator needs a pronunciation lesson though!

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Give it time - the characters develop over the first few hours but the pace gathers and once you get going the breakneck gallop draws you into its heart pounding embrace as Phedre and friends navigate the exotic, erotic political and literary DE Angeline mansions to the brutal Skaldi winters.
I never expected to like this book which came as a recommendation following my reading #(listening) of "A Discovery of Witches" and the "Witcher" books and was bemoaning the use of the credit after an hour but i persisted because of the reviews, both here and on "Goodreads". And, some 25 hours later - over 50, if I include Part II, by gum I'm glad I did!!
The book, the narration all come together in a harmony of excellence - I hate comparing books, movies, TV shows etc or ranking them but this one is right up there with my other favourites - and I have added Carey to my other beloved authors - too many to list here.
Just try it out if you like adventure and action laden period pieces with the merest soupcon of elegantly-described, fragrant and flagellant (sic) BDSM Erotica - never graphic or coarse.

Slow start accelerates to a resounding climax...

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