Kushiel's Chosen

By: Jacqueline Carey

Narrated by: Anne Flosnik

Length: 27 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassed beauty and grace. The inhabiting race rose from the seed of angels and men, and they live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. Phèdre nó Delaunay was sold into indentured servitude as a child. Her bond was purchased by a nobleman, the first to recognize that she is one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. He trained Phèdre in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber---and, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze.

When she stumbled upon a plot that threatened the very foundations of her homeland, she gave up almost everything she held dear to save it. She survived, and lived to have others tell her story, and if they embellished the tale with fabric of mythical splendor, they weren't far off the mark. The hands of the gods weigh heavily upon Phèdre's brow, and they are not finished with her. While the young queen who sits upon the throne is well loved by the people, there are those who believe another should wear the crown...and those who escaped the wrath of the mighty are not yet done with their schemes for power and revenge.

©2008 Jacqueline Carey (P)2009 Tantor

Critic reviews

"There is seemingly something for everyone here: a great love story, intense spirituality, high eroticism, and lots of adventure, intrigue, and swordplay." ( Booklist Starred Review)
"Reminiscent of the best efforts of Tanith Lee and Anne Rice.... Highly recommended." ( Library Journal)

Great story, great narrator

This is a great story, and very well narrated. The thread of the story gets a little unspooled in the second half of the book, but the payoff is worth it and overall it’s very compelling.

I want more!!

I was hooked from the first book. Can’t wait to start the next! Great author!

Does not disappoint!

I am now half way through the book. Carey and Flosnik do not disappoint at the very least in the politicking and intrigue of the inner workings of Terre D'ange and its nobles.
Carey describes Phedre's pain, despair, and might so vividly. She's also very creative.
I am going to #3 just as soon as I am done here. :)

Fantastic

This is an excellent follow up to Kushiel’s Dart, in fact I like it better. The storyline is solid and the characters are relatable and the reader is top notch. She does an excellent job of bringing the story to life.

A tale I return to again and again

Where does Kushiel's Chosen rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This series is among my favorite of all time. I return to them again and again.

What other book might you compare Kushiel's Chosen to and why?

Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel's Legacy series are unlike any others I have found. They are incredibly well written with characters you come to love and some you love to hate. There is intensity, there is love. This is a series not for the squeamish or light of heart but for those willing to take a leap and leave the safety of their world for a little while it is well worth the trip.

The closest I can think of is the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Characters there are too are very well written and story lines well laid out and researched. Both series are ones I will always return to.

Decent second book.

This book was a bit heavy on the intrigue and light on action (and sex) but still enjoyable.

oh the French

this is the second Kushiels' book I have read. the French names & places were a little easier this time but still disconcerting. the story & reading fly above it though.

Not your average love story!

This is an awesome read! I will tell you that this is not for the average reader and please do not read these books if you do not have an open mind!
If you do... This is the series for you! Carey uses reality to weave a wonderfully woven story intermixed with things and ideals of our world into the world of Elua and his chosen. You will love the beauty of Ann Flosnik's voice as she gives life to the characters in this book and series.
This is book two of 6 in the Kushiel's series and then there is now a Naamah's series and should prove to be as additive to those that loved Kushiel's books.

I am enthralled with the characters and story line

from the first line of kushiel's dart I have been hooked. Jacqueline Carey has a masterful way of creating an entire world, religion included that feels so real you can almost see it around you as you read. I cry for all the cast and their plights.

love these books though parts drag

love the books, all nine of them. second time I'm reading, first time listening instead of reading actual books. gave the story part four stars because the author drags out the tension too much in some parts, I won't say which as I don't want to spoil anything. I think I notice now because it's being read to me rather than me speed-reading through, skipping ahead a few sentences by reading just a few words.