This is a very long book, too long. However, if you liked Kushiel's dart, this book will satisfy. The story has great twists and turns and the narra..Show More »tor is very good.

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This is one of my favorite fantasy series, and Anne Flosnik's narration really helps to bring Phedre, Joscelin, Imriel, Melisande, and others to life...Show More » The first Kushiel trilogy comes to triumphant conclusion as Phedre and Joscelin embark on a quest to find the kidnapped boy Imriel, son of Melisande and third in line to the throne. Their search leads them to Ptolemaic Egypt, then to Khebbel-im-Akkad, as they pursue a dangerous and degrading undercover mission to the harem of a mad cult leader.

Carey's alternate-history Europe, where Christianity remained a minor Jewish cult and Islam never rose in the Middle East, is brilliantly realized, as are her landscapes and cultures. The D/s themes and frank sexuality of these books mean they're not for everyone, but they are an amazing escape to another world... Highly recommended, and I look forward to starting the next Kushiel trilogy.

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The story builds slowly, and it probably helps to have read the first three books in the series, but the last three can stand on their own. The charac..Show More »ters are interesting, and the story is fun to follow. It's also deeply frustrating, because it leaves off so you have to read the next book. These shouldn't be read if you embarrass easily. There is some serious adult content. If that doesn't bother you, then the world the author creates is interesting, and you'll be left wanting to know how things turn out.

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I have read all the books preceding to this one. Carey is a detailed author so if at this point you haven't found that out or this is your first - bew..Show More »are. The story does not reveal itself in an hour and end in the next.
Carey weaves intricate lines of lineage, history, and associations to create another masterpiece.
The sensuality, the adventure, and dedication was wonderful. I felt like the listener literally grew up a little more with each of Imriel's years and experiences. I did also enjoy Simon Vance - just wait till Kushiel's Mercy to see his talent bloom even more.

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I have read all the books in this series, and yes, it helps to know the background of the characters, but it is a good story on its own as well. This..Show More » author tends to sort of set the stage in the first book, further complicate the plot in the second book, and then bring it all to a grand and satifying conclusion in the third book, which this is. The first book featuring Imriel(Kushiel's Scion) is now out on Audible, but not the second, so hopefully that will soon change. I must admit that I listened to this production three times because I enjoyed Simon Vance's narration so much - he does a particularly excellent job here. I would like to see all of this series on Audible.

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