Naamah's Kiss

By: Jacqueline Carey

Narrated by: Anne Flosnik

Length: 26 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Once there were great magicians born to the Maghuin Dhonn, the folk of the Brown Bear, the oldest tribe in Alba. But generations ago, the greatest of them all broke a sacred oath sworn in the name of all his people. Now, only small gifts remain to them. Through her lineage, Moirin possesses such gifts---the ability to summon the twilight and conceal herself, and the skill to coax plants to grow.

Moirin has a secret, too. From childhood onward, she senses the presence of unfamiliar gods in her life: the bright lady and the man with a seedling cupped in his palm. Raised in the wilderness by her reclusive mother, it isn't until she comes of age that Moirin learns how illustrious, if mixed, her heritage is. The great-granddaughter of Alais the Wise, child of the Maghuin Donn, and a cousin of the Cruarch of Alba, Moirin learns her father was a D'Angeline priest dedicated to serving Naamah, goddess of desire. After Moirin undergoes the rites of adulthood, she finds divine acceptance...on the condition that she fulfill an unknown destiny that lies somewhere beyond the ocean. Or perhaps oceans. Beyond Terre d'Ange where she finds her father, in the far reaches of distant Ch'in, Moirin's skills are a true gift when facing the vengeful plans of an ambitious mage, a noble warrior princess desperate to save her father's throne, and the spirit of a celestial dragon.

©2009 Jacqueline Carey (P)2009 Tantor

different from the first books in the series. .

It took some getting used to at first, but I hung on and enjoyed it

Won a New Fan!

I am first time reader of Jacqueline Carey. Naamah's Kiss, its narrator and audio production effortlessly delivered an historical fantasy epic. I tend to shy away from series of any kind, not confident as to which novel in a series to read first. I would have given 5 stars if Naamah's Kiss were a complete novel in unto itself. It's sequel, "Naamah's Curse", arrives to hardcover June 2010. (I am counting the days!)
Yes, the eroticism surprised me! I wasn't sure what to make of it at first. I prefer literary fiction, classics, stand alone fantasy and sci-fi, nonfiction and short stories. The few series I have read, JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, I easily compare to Jacqueline Carey. There is palpable philosophy and religion in Carey's alternative history. The few negative reviews I see listed here I take no issue with, excepting that of Anne Flosnik's narration. Flosnik is brilliant! The narration is first person. She is spot on with her accents for each character. I especially liked the Breathing Lessons from an Asian Master, I compare these segments to guided meditations! As per the sexuality... Naamah is the "Aphrodite", the Desire Goddess of this realm. If one shies from explicit eroticism, perhaps Jacqueline Carey's other works would be a better fit.
Jacqueline Carey would be a talent sorely missed for all readers of fantasy genre.
Thanks! (This is my first written review after near a year of Audible. I hope it helps you in your choice.)
"Love as Thou Wilt"

Narration makes the words come to life

character building is the authors' speciality. a view of the world wholly different from Phedre, yet just as captivating.
on to book 2

The epic adventures of Moirin

This book takes place after the Kushiel series, and references back to Kushiel’s Justice all through the story. As that’s book 5 of 6 in the Kushiel series, you might not be ready for that commitment;). It is not necessary to read 1 or all 6 Kushiel books to enjoy this book; it would just add more depth.

The Publishers Summary has enough info to decide if you have any interest in the story. This story is not explicit or truly graphic, but it’s not for someone with issues about sex.
It’s also not for someone who’s impatient - not at 8 minutes shy of 27 hours.

I enjoy the book and series and I’ve read it 3-4 times over the years before posting this review.
Flosnik does a great job of narration.
Recommend

Attn Audible Tech Support: This is the third attempt to post a written review.

Smart & Spicy

Such a well written book. Well fleshed out characters and storyline, beautifully executed…and just enough spice to raise my temperature. Like all the books in the Kushiel series, this tale continues to intrigue.

Interesting heroine

Although the love story is not as well developed as Kushiel series, tale is gripping.

YES!!!

Jaqueline Carey has done it again! I was a little apprehensive when i found out that the characters of her previous two trilogies, which i have grown to love, were no longer in this new one.But i have fallen in love with Moirin and cant wait for the next book!!! I love Anne Flosnik as the narrator in this audiobook, she can take you through the pages and into the story with her voice and its amazing!!!

Top narrator

What did you love best about Naamah's Kiss?

Narrator's lilting pronunciation of Irish brogue

If you’ve listened to books by Jacqueline Carey before, how does this one compare?

First listen

What about Anne Flosnik’s performance did you like?

Wonderful Irish brogue and subtle intonation to indicate emotion

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Several--main character's disappointment and sadness when leaving her mother

Any additional comments?

Way too much sexual content for my tastes

Great story, wonderful narrator!

What does Anne Flosnik bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

the language, pronunciation - I would never have figured how to pronounce some words, and the accents help you to associate the world with our current world.

Pretty good.

Would you try another book from Jacqueline Carey and/or Anne Flosnik?

Oh definitely! I love most of Jacqueline Carey's writings, and I think Anne Flosnik is an excellent narrator.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I can't really answer that, changing one thing would change too many others.

What about Anne Flosnik’s performance did you like?

I like her separation of the characters. She gives each character their own "voice" and that doesn't just mean the voice tone. She brings accents, accentuation, and style to each character that really brings the story alive.

Could you see Naamah's Kiss being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No.