Kushiel's Dart
A Fantasy Romance Full of Magic and Desire
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- 7,49 €
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- 7,49 €
Beschreibung des Verlags
Winner of the Locus Award for Best First Novel.
'Rich, intricate worldbuilding meets swoonworthy romance. . . Phédre and Joscelin’s story is the beating heart of every romantasy to follow' Olivie Blake
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.
‘Sophisticated fantasy, intricately plotted and a fascinating read’ Robert Jordan
‘Superbly detailed . . . sometimes unbearably intense’ Kirkus Reviews
‘Brilliant and daring . . . an assured and magnificent book’ Publishers Weekly
Kushiel’s Dart is an intoxicating fantasy of intrigue, betrayal and desire – perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Continue the journey with Kushiel’s Chosen by Jacqueline Carey.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This brilliant and daring debut, set in a skewed Renaissance world (people worship Jesus-like "Blessed Elua" but also demigods), catapults Carey immediately into the top rank of fantasy novelists. In the character of Ph dre n Delaunay, "a whore's unwanted get" sold into indentured servitude in opulent Night Court, the author has created a particularly strong and memorable female lead, and has surrounded her with a large and varied cast, from nobles and priests to soldiers and peasants. An engrossing plot focuses first on court intrigue and treachery, then, in a surprising shift, on high adventure, travel in barbarian lands including Alba (England) and war. Two demigods rule Ph dre: Naamah, for sensual love; and Kushiel, for sado-masochistic pain, his "dart" being a blood spot in Ph dre's eye. Not everyone will go for Ph dre's graphic if elegantly described sexual encounters, which usually involve the infliction of pain, whether from lashing, branding or even cutting. Ph dre, however, is no clich d sexpot but a complex character motivated by religious zeal. In one amusing scene, a group of sailors on the march chants: "Whip us till we're on the floor, we'll turn around and ask for more, we're Ph dre's Boys!" At the end, the heroine reminds one of an equally strong-minded sister whose home was Tara. No mere feminist novel, this is an assured and magnificent book that will appeal to both male and female readers.