I loved the book - and could hardly put it down before the last page was turned. I have read all of the books in the Kushiel series and this one is among the better. There were no long battles or endless wars, and all though I miss Phedre, - this time her her fosterson made up for it. The author took us back to places we have been before - and let us meet caracters from previous books, it was like seeing old friends again. I reccomand reading Kushiels Mercy - and if the Kushiel books are new to You, start with the first and lose yourself in endless hours of exciting reading.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/08)

There is only one major problem when you get your hands on a huge book that you can't put down; your eyes get really, really tired! This was the case for me with "Kushiel's Mercy." The adventure spans over 650 pages, and I had a hard time taking a break from my reading. Needless to say, for two days straight, I went to work with very sore, tired eyes. Someone even asked me if I had been crying! Well, maybe a little...

"Kushiel's Mercy" tells the story of Imriel and Sidonie. Having loved each other forever, they are finally in a place where they are ready to announce it to the world. The only problem with that is that Imriel's birthmother is somewhat of a hated woman. She betrayed Sidonie's people which resulted in the death of many loved ones. Not having heard much good about his mother, and not having known her, Imriel is issued a huge challenge if he wants to marry Sidonie. He has to find his mother and bring her back for her execution. He agrees.

Before any of this can happen, a treacherous man who wants Sidonie for himself has a spell cast over the land. The magic causes Sidonie to forget that she loves Imriel. The people of her land are given false beliefs. Imriel has to find a way to help Sidonie and stop this magic. One way to do this is to go to his mother and ask her lover to tell him how he needs to overcome this evil. This drastically changes his plans. Imriel will do anything for his love. So he sets off on his journey. Along the way, he has many adventures.

One of the things that I loved most about reading "Kushiel's Mercy" is that is shows you that love can conquer all. I really got caught up in this story. The people in it were three-dimensional and constantly evolving as individuals. Even when overcome by evil magic, Imriel sees the good in the people. No matter how hard it gets for him, he never gives up. "Kushiel's Mercy" by Jacqueline Carey is destined to be a classic.

If you liked the previous books in this series, you're going to LOVE Kushiel's Mercy. The whole world of Terre De Ange is suddenly turned upside down, and characters have to find themselves all over again. I think I read this book in just a few days, I couldn't put it down inspite having a newborn in the house.

This book is the best of the Imriel series, in my opinion. The pacing is strong, and I think if you'd never read any of the other books, this would stand on it's own well. Part of the magic of Kushiel's Dart was the anticipation - you knew what Phedre was going to be, but it took her a long time to get there. It works again in Kushiel's Mercy - you know Imriel and Sidonie will get back together, but what will happen to them along the way and how they will survive it isn't certain, so it keeps you reading furiously until it's done.

I'm so grateful to be able to read reviews of books such as the Kushiel series that no one in my circle of friends nor my book club would be interested in at all. And I've enjoyed reading the reviews of the latest Kushiel book, which I finished last night. The overriding feeling I had throughout most of the book was disbelief that JC would use this weird spell to further the plotline. As I read along, I could definitely understand the need she had to come up with "something" to allow Imre and Sidonie a chance to fall in love all over again, and I have to admit that I really enjoyed what happened to both starcrossed lovers as a result of the spell. And I thoroughly enjoyed the ending. But I never did shake the astoundment I had when the spell was first introduced and when it didn't work but oh yes once they came back to Terre d'Ange it worked again blah blah blah. I just wish JC could've come up with another way to created the storyline without stretching my sensibilities so much.

That being said, I still yo-yo'ed between wanting to see what happened next and slowing down so the adventure could be drawn out a bit longer. I almost read the last chapter at a couple of points, something I NEVER do, just to make sure everything turned out ok @ the end. This book is definitely worth the ride, though I do agree with some other reviewers that I enjoyed the Phaedre part of the Terre d'Ange saga more.

I have read the trilogy now and the three previous books leading up to the trilogy.
Six fantastic books that kept me on the edge of my seat and reading into the night!
Kushiel's Mercy introduced us to some really bad guys and also some wonderful characters: Leander, Sanjit, Katos Of course we have our favourites brought back and also the backstory is woven in just right to bring the reader up to speed.
Her intricate weaving of backstories got me hooked in the first place.
Exciting! Wonderful characters! Excellent story! Carey weaves a hypnotic story again!
For those who haven't read the Kushiel series..RUN to the nearest story and get involved in one of the best series I have ever read.
Melisande,Phedre,Joscelin,Imriel,Ysandre,Sidonie and more all have sexy qualities.
Love it!

Don't get me wrong, I love this series. But, I really miss Phedre & Joscelin. I'm sorry, but niether Imriel or Sidonie are even remotely as complex and make for a less compelling story. I realize Carey can't write about Phedre forever, but the previous 5 books gave the reader such a wild ride full of intrigue and often gut wrenching character growth, that it's hard to expect anything less. I'll continue to read much of what Carey publishes because she is incredibly talanted, but I'm hoping she'll put out something that will more reflect her vehemence for the story and characters.

Once again Carey gives more than we hope for and continues to thrill and excite with her stories. What's next? I can't wait.

Great book, real page turner...best of #4-6 BUT, as some reviewers noted, I found the magic in this book odd...it doesn't fit..... didn't it strike you odd that Drustan and others in Alba didn't figure out the role of magic pretty quick given what was revealed about their knowledge in this arena in book #5? -- once Drustan left Terre D' Ange I cannot believe he would have returned completely clueless and unprepared; to fall under the spell again. Not a big enough hole to ruin the book, but odd.....and much less "spiritual" or "Gods based" than the previous volumns. Still not to be missed, but to me, it seemed oddly disconnected from the previous 5 in terms of focus.

bezzer, an earlier reviewer has made me brave.

I was somewhat heartbroken by this book but couldn't decide if it was b/c the series was over or b/c of the plot. A little of both I suppose; but I was disappointed in the storyline b/c of the lack of machinations, too little interaction with Melisande and Imri's complete adoration of Sidonie. It was sweet at times but a little too much of a good thing. I guess my problem is that I never got into Sidonie; Carey made her such an antagonist to our protagonist that I've never been able to fully warm to her. So when Imri waxes on and on about her, I tend to get irritated.
As usual, whenever Phedre gets mentioned, my heart beat speeds up, but I'm left down again b/c it's only a mention. In fact Joceline and Phedre reminded me of my parents, sort out of the loop and marginal characters which is hardly a tribute to their stature of old. A better way to handle them peripherally was when they were away on an adventure. They were still strong, I hated reading them like this. And yes, a lot of parallels between Phedre's story and Imri's where they were repeating the previous books. It really did feel like a retread b/c the main conflict wasn't enough to differentiate it if she's going to add all that stuff from Phedre's books, but I guess we should be proud that JC is not trying to milk this b/c she knew the material was finite (I'm looking at you LKH). And that part with Hyacinthe just did not ring true. Don't get me wrong, I read the book intensely but I won't be purchasing it, and that says a lot for a person that's bought all of JC's books and even had Kushiel's Scion autographed by the author herself.

I'll miss you Phedre, Joceline and Imriel. Elua keep you.

Purchasing a Jacqueline Carey book is an investment that always pays off in hours of enjoyment and delight. Kushiel's Mercy is the third book of a trilogy and concluded the series in a very satisfying way. Carey's beautiful use of language brings the characters to life in a way that delights. Highly recommended: it's sexy, intelligent, and deliciously written.

Well, I've been waiting for nearly 12 months for this book. I really didn't know what to expect so I had no preconceptions about the plot. I was desperate to find out how the problem of Melisande would be resolved and looked forward to finding out what Machiavellian plot Carey would think up. In the previous 5 books this has been what I enjoyed most - the political machinations, the wicked characters who show no remorse when their actions result in thousands of deaths, the roguish characters who turn out to be loyal, brave and trustworthy and help the hero or heroine save the day.

Did I get any of this? Barely. The main plotline regarding the magic spell was cheap and tawdry. If you think back to Darsanga, the 'magic' there was more spiritual in its origin (albeit from an evil source) but the Carthaginian magic is of the Derren Brown variety. It just feels like a cheap stage trick.

Where was the exciting resolution of the problem with Melisande? This felt like a cop-out rather than the ironic twist that it was presented as.

I know Carey has tried to bring in certain incidents and scenarios to 'echo' events in previous books. This is brave but doesn't really work - it just feels like we are getting recycled storylines that are less convincing the second time around.

Although I feel this book falls way short of the standard of the previous 5 books it was still a good read. I loved the bit where Imriel is being someone else - the writing here is exciting and innovative and explores new topics. My favourite character of the whole book is Kratos - he is solid, dependable, calm and surprisingly intelligent.

So, I know a lot of you will disagree with my comments but I felt I had to offer an alternative view in the midst of the glowing praise as my experience was less wonderful. I too would enjoy a new series on Terre D'Ange set a few hundred years later - I feel sure that new characters would revitalise Carey's view of this world.

Kushiel's Mercy ends the saga that Jacqueline Care started in her very first book. Yes it is sad to see end, but it couldn't have ended any better. Her main theme being in all the books love as thou wilt comes to life in such an epic manner. All that challenges that Imeril has to go through to win over his love, to rescue her, and even make her fall in love with him again. Everything that he gives to get her back, and everything he almost loses. Yes it does have action in and sorcery, like one would expect from a fantasy, but in the end it is a love story about a man who love a woman so much he would give anything to be with her and see her safe. And that is why it is one of her best books. Because in the end it is a love story that conveys her message of love as thou wilt. And that is a message that we can all learn from.

As I knew I would, I thoroughly enjoyed Jacqueline Carey's third and final book in the second Kushiel's trilogy. Unfortunately, my enjoyment of the book was tempered by the... as usual... horrendous service by UPS. I paid for overnight shipping that took OVER A WEEK, and when it finally DID get here, my MAILMAN brought it to my door; apparently, the idiot UPS delivery driver left it at my mailbox, BY THE STREET.

Amazon was gracious enough to refund my shipping costs, but until Amazon adds other fast shipping options BESIDES UPS (I don't care if it's more expensive, I just want my products here when I pay for them to be here), I don't think I'll be ordering fast shipping again.

Thanks, Amazon, for trying to help. UPS, you suck.

As an avid reader of the Kushiel novels, i was supremely pleased with how it all ended. It was all and all a fantastic end of one of my all time hands-down favorite series. This book will become like all the rest of this series in my collection; read so many times that all of the pages are starting to fall out. I applaud Carey for this book.

Oh and i also applaud amazon for sending me the book over 2 weeks before its release date by accident. That was the most awesome birthday present I could have wished for. LMAO!! (the release date was june 12 2008, I recieved the book may 23 2008, and my bday was may 21. Not bad eh?)

As an avid reader of the Kushiel novels, i was supremely pleased with how it all ended. It was all and all a fantastic end of one of my all time hands-down favorite series. This book will become like all the rest of this series in my collection; read so many times that all of the pages are starting to fall out. I applaud Carey for this book.

Very well written like all the others in the Kushiel line. Still hooked and wanting more.

(WARNING: SOME TEASERS)

I started this volume of Ms Carey's series, not without some trepidation. The last story, while filled with great adventure in the middle part of the book, had a rather long and tedious introduction and also ending. I hoped she would not do that again. Well, Ms. Carey has taken to heart what her fans say, (or maybe she doesn't, and it just turned out awesome by default!), but this one is a real humdinger.

My only dislike, was another long intro (well, 130 pages, about), which worried me. I guess she likes to do that to develop the relationship between Imri and Sidonie, so you can see how much they love each other and how destined they are to be together. Somehow it doesn't work for me. I tend to scan over the loving making scenes, as, unfortunately, nothing so far has been able to compare with Phedre and her "epsiodes". Also, Phedre going mad was just plain...weird... but then this wasn't Phedre story, so....

Needless to say, the action picked right up (as we knew it would), and you are off like a rocket! Wonderful stuff, and in particular, Imri being made to be another person for intrigue, was a stroke of genius! Not to mention well-needed humor as well! That whole section is my favorite, from the buying of slaves to the hair pomade to the chess sessions to his relationship with Sunjata the jeweler. Wonderful.

The ending was done well too, not wound down for chapters and chapters like that last. A true big bang American closing. I partic liked the demon bowing to them. Nice touch. It seemed to me that Ms Carey was ending the series, the way she wound it down, had all the characters accounted for and tied up neatly. She did leave an opening or two to come back to it, if her fans clamor or other novels don't work out, though. So we shall see.

Kudos to Ms Carey!

As with all of the other Kushiel Novels, i am entranced and pleased with the story, characters and authors writing style.
I look forward to another Terre D'Ange Series ... Ms. Carey? Yes Please?

When I got to the part of the book, where Imriel, who is about the only sane one left, believes himself to be another person completely, I was about to get very unhappy. But it was so well written and so wonderfully done, filled with suspense as to when he would remember who he was so he could help Sidione remember who she was that I didn't mind it at all! I loved the book, and all the books in both series. I feel a bit of a loss today because I am done with the book and I want MORE! Her characters are so real and pull you in so deep that you want to know everything! Whatever her next book is, I will get it.

is that we'll have no more time with Imriel. I loved Phaedra's adventures in the first series, but I really connected with Imriel as a character. This final story is a fine conclusion to the trilogy and continues with some truly heart-wrenching moments. Imriel finally gets the chance come into his own as a hero of the realm, not just in learning to live with himself. It was nice to see some familiar faces making appearances, but it did leave me wanting more! More Barqiel, more Eammon, and More Alais!

Kushiel's Mercy isn't quite as good as Justice, but it is still the best book I've read this year. Each one of her books makes me feel that sadness that I get when I finish a series, and this is the trilogy-ender, so it is doubly painful. Ms. Carey really has an extraordinary ability to imbue her characters with an emotional attachment to her readers.

Mercy has one of the darkest twists I've ever seen in a book, and the plot for the first 3/5's of the book is truly gut-wrenching emotionally, if a little light on action. The last 2/5's of the book is basically a clean up for the series, bringing things to a close, though it does have its moments. Everything is stood on its head in this one: old friends act out of character, and the main character becomes someone else quite literally and falls in love all over again.

As other reviewers have said, Ms. Carey has a great thing going here: She has built a compelling, sensual world rife with additional plots and characters to follow. As long as the quality and commitment remains her 'Legacy' can continue far into the future.

I share the opinion of the other reviewers that this is an excellent book, though I must admit, I had been reading the advance blurbs and was therefore expecting a quest for the head of Melisande Sharizai. Obviously, this was a complete red herring, and I was initially unhappy with the turn the book quickly took--rescuing Sidonie and freeing Terre d'Ange from an evil spell.

Nevertheless, I got over my surprise and throughly enjoyed this book. There were a few minor plot inconsistencies. For instance, it is announced early on that Melisande's sentence of death has been commuted to one of exile for her aid in helping Imriel. However, at that point, Sidonie and her mother, Queen Ysandre, were both ensorcelled. There was nobody, in fact, to issue such a proclamation except Imriel, and he has no authority. Oh, well, a small quibble. The book is filled with daring escapes, quick moving action, new friends, old friends and new enemies. Phedre and Joscelin play less of a role this time, but that is appropriate to the situation. This is Imriel's book, after all, and it is entirely right and proper that he take the center stage.

The book ends with the hint of future adventures, and I've recently read some speculation that Carey is planning a new series set in Terre d'Ange some hundreds of years further in time. I hope she does so. We need more great books from this terrific author.

As the second - and please Elua, not final - cycle of the Kushiel's Legacy series comes to a close, the central question most fans will be asking is, Will Imriel and Sidonie live happily ever after? Rest assured, Carey gives us plenty of these two star-crossed lovers (complete with requisite scorching hot bedroom scenes - whee!). But she's not content with just giving us their love story, oh no. She's not even content with giving us another of Imriel's soul-seaching, personal growth quests. In "Kushiel's Mercy," the pattern more closely resembles that of Phedre's trilogy, as Imriel finally gets his chance to save the world, and the woman he loves, from evil magic and the threat of war.

Part of the joy in this book comes from the way Carey skillfully brings everything full circle. In the past, Melisande Shahrizai has been the greatest threat to Terre d'Ange and the one impediment to Imriel and Sidonie's happiness; now she is the realm's, and the princess's, only hope for salvation. In "Avatar," Phedre and Joscelin sought the secret name of God in order to bind an angel; here, Imriel and Sidonie must find the magic word that will free a demon. In "Chosen," a loyal Barquiel l'Envers held the City of Elua while Queen Ysandre raced with her army to avert a coup; in "Mercy".... Well, I'll let you read that one for yourself.

Can I wax rhapsodic for a minute about the fact that one seriously undervalued character, who's been around - and maligned - almost since Day One, finally gets his due? I've had a guilty crush on Barquiel l'Envers for ages now, and it's nice to see my conviction in his wonderfulness finally justified. I love that he steps up here and that he finally gets the recognition he deserves. Terre d'Ange got the better part of the bargain when the l'Envers wed into House Courcel, and not just because of Ysandre. Barquiel has proved himself again and again to be one of her greatest heroes - albeit one of her more prickly, bitter, sarcastic ones. I also love that Alais gets a moment in the sun. She's one of those characters who, no matter how much face time Carey gives her, I want more of. Her ability to stand up for herself and choose her own future - even if it's not the one I would have chosen for her - is one of the happiest outcomes of the entire book.

"Mercy" doesn't quiiiiiite meet the amazingly high bar set by "Justice," in my opinion. Carey leans a little too heavily on a few moments that should just float freely, while not giving enough weight to some other scenes that should be filled with emotional significance. The much-anticipated reappearance of Melisande Shahrizai was rather anticlimactic. And by the 87th time Carey ended a chapter by having Imriel and Sidonie cuddle each other to sleep, I wanted to yell, "We get it! They love each other! So sweet! Get back to the naughty sex!" These are minor quibbles, though, in such a magnificent work.

Meanwhile, one of the most disconcerting - and, I fear that for some fans, disappointing - aspects of this book is that almost all of the major characters spend so much time acting very much out of character. Imriel goes mad and then believes that he's someone else, Sidonie loses a large chunk of her memory, and - most heartbreaking of all - the entire City of Elua falls under a spell that turns them into delusional paranoiacs, barely recognizable to us. I hadn't realized just how much the series still relied on Phedre's resourcefulness, Joscelin's grim determination, Ysandre's wry strength, and Drustan's good humor until they were gone. Terre d'Ange without those beloved characters is a strange and alien place. The madness that haunts the City was, to me, a worse tragedy than any hardship that befell the two young lovers. It really serves to drive home Imriel and Sidonie's despair at what's befallen their homeland, and lends some serious emotional weight to a truly nervewracking climax, but I worry that some readers might not be able to handle it. All I can say is, stick with it! The payoff is well worth the pain (which is pretty much the motto of the entire series, now isn't it?)

Did I mention that I love, love, love this book? Quibbles and nitpicks and worries aside, I simply cannot imagine this series ending any other way. I was torn between racing to see what happened next, and trying to drag out every page to make the experience linger as long as I could. "Kushiel's Mercy" is the perfect conclusion to the Legacy, even if I'm still not ready for it to end!

I quote Yeats with Melisande Shahrizai firmly in mind. For the last two books I've waited to see the perilous beauty again, knowing she'd have to appear again at some point. Her machinations and her legacy have always been at the heart of the series, even when she was unseen.

At the beginning of _Kushiel's Mercy_, Melisande's shadow lies heavily over her estranged son, Imriel de la Courcel. Imriel is in love with the Dauphine, Sidonie, but Sidonie's mother the Queen does not fully trust Imriel. And, too, there are many other D'Angelines who are suspicious of Imriel as a result of Melisande's crimes. The Queen forbids Imriel and Sidonie to wed unless Imriel finds his mother and brings her to justice.

Before Imriel can do that, though, a terrible enchantment falls upon the City of Elua, and Imriel is the only one who can save both Sidonie and Terre d'Ange. And the only people he can trust to help him in his quest are two of his greatest enemies.

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoyed the previous five. It has it all: dire magic, forbidden love, transcendent spirituality, devastating war--and yes, sex. There is not as much sex as there is in some of the previous installments, but what's here is beautiful, lit as it is with Imriel and Sidonie's love. If you liked the waterfall scene between Phedre and Joscelin in _Avatar_, you will like the love scenes in _Mercy_.

I can't say much more without ruining the plot, but I will say that when I turned the last page, I cheered Jacqueline Carey for a job well done.

I waited patiently for Kushiel's Mercy and the wait was not in vain. I will not hint at any spoilers but I will say that true Jacqueline Carey fans will not be disappointed. She wraps things up quite nicely, though I wish there were a few more details about certain characters.

There are new friends and old with many surprises thrown in. The adventure is nothing short of fascinating and I can't wait to see what JC has in store for us next. I know this review is not very forthcoming about what actually happened, but if you're that curious, you'll read it for yourselves.

Awesomeness. There've been enough people doing synopses, so I won't attempt another, I just wanted to add that this book is a page-turner and the best of the Imriel books. Definitely a pleasant surprise.

Mere words do not do this book justice, and yet it is ties up Carey's second Terre d'Ange trilogy in ways I didn't think was possible. I'm not going to spoil the fun, but if you are fan of good books. This is one of the best.

I had fallen in love with Phedra and her consort in the first three books of the series. When Imriel's story came out I was nervous because Phedra and I connected on a character/reader level. I shouldn't have worried though because Jacqueline Carey once again proved to the literary world just how brillant of a writer she is.

This is the third book from Imriel's perspective and by far the best. As he struggles to prove his loyalties to the Dauphine as well as to Blessed Elua he fights against himself, the Unseen guild and everyone who denies his love for Sidonie while he struggles to bring his mother to justice.

This is a very difficult task Sidonie's mother has asked him to do, but the right one from the 'Queen's' perspective. Imriel once again journies across land and sea and he as well as the reader uncovers startling discoveries about other characters as well as himself.

This book is not to be missed and I can only hope that Carey continues the story with another characater's perspective. She has shown what few writers have: the ability to transition to younger characters while still maintaining the integrity of the storyline and plot.

I would give this book, like her other books, perfect scores. Her imagery and depth is breathtaking and sucks the readers into her world.

I had a strong preference for the earlier trilogy before reading this last offering. The first Imriel book (Kushiel's Scion) was interesting but lacked the driving back story that Phedra's storyline had provided. The second (Kushiel's Justice) started well enough but nearly two-thirds of it becomes Imriel treking through the wilderness alone; it got boring. This one looked like it might go the same way til the wicked plot twist created maybe the best adventure of the whole series. I agree with an earlier reviewer that the resolution of each portion was disappointing in the face of the build up to it, but life is like that (6 months of planning for a 15 minute wedding ceremony). I was expecting some new difficulty at each turn to ruin the flow but that didn't happen much (with one glaring exception involving an entirely new plotline that wasted pages, time and a lot of lives).

Prince Imriel de la Courcel struggles with the deaths of his wife and their unborn son although he loves Princess Sidonie, heir to the Terre D'Ange throne. Still with her help he begins to move on and hopes to marry his beloved soon. However, Sidonie's mother Queen Ysandre places a stipulation on their marrying; she orders Imriel to bring his evil seditious mother Melisande Shahrizai to justice or he will never obtain permission to marry her daughter.

As the royal prepares for his quest, a spell is cast that convinces everyone in the capital including Imriel that his beloved Sidonie loves the visiting prince of Carthage; she obviously believes it too as she sails to Carthage to wed him. Imriel seems to be the only one to recall that he and Sidonie have been in love, but when no one believes him he realizes great magic is afoot. As he prepares to rescue his beloved, he also struggles to prevent a crippling war from occurring.

The finish to the second trilogy (see KUSHIEL'S SCION and KUSHIEL'S JUSTICE) is a superb entry due to the excellent characterizations even with sexual themes less active than in previous books. Imriel and Sidonie are a wonderful pairing trying to overcome her mom's opposition and a devious enchantment that challenges the power of love. Fans will appreciate KUSHIEL'S MERCY as Imriel is trapped between his deep loyalty to his people on the brink of a deadly war and his ensorcelled beloved on the brink of a deadly marriage.

Harriet Klausner

Book number six in Kushiel's Legacy concludes (?) Imriel's story where he is finally with his love, Sidonie, but despite all the previous challenges of Imriel's love, the Queen gives one more challenge in order to allow the two to marry. Imriel is given the challenge of finding his mother, Melisande and bringing her back to Terre d'Ange to meet justice. However, this isn't going to be a straight up quest for his mother - that's been done before, after all. The plot twist that Carey presents is a stroke of pure heartbreaking genius that turns everything that we know about the characters upside down - the details of which I hope no future reviewers spoil.

This is one of the few fantasy series I have read where every book stands on its own as an individual work that does not rely on the previous book for its success. That being said, you are going to be really confused if you have not read the previous books. Start with Kushiel's Dart, the beginning of Phedre's story. At the very least, start with Kushiel's Scion. This is not the book to start with, for part of its success lies in the connection that has developed between the readers and the characters in the past few books.

One of the weaknesses of the book is that there are times where thing suddenly go from detailed, drawn out tension to solved in comparatively few pages. There are some character tensions that could have been explored more and some that could have been not focused on as much. But those are minor weaknesses. Over all, the book is well written and a very creative way to wrap up the series. I highly recommend this book, particularly if you have been following the previous books.

The third installment of Imriel's story promises to be an epic adventure and it is. After Kushiel's Justice, there were questions to be answered: Will Imriel earn the Queen's and the realm's approval to marry Sidonie, the Dauphine? What about Melisande, Imriel's mother and traitor of Terre d'Ange? And, will the mystery of the Unseen Guild be unraveled?

For those new to the Kushiel series, it brings to us great adventures full of horror, surprise, tenderness, betrayal, hope, and love. It should also be noted that although part of the plot, it does contain adult sexual material. Throughout the two trilogies, the main theme is love leads to courage. Descended from angels, the D'Angelines hold a mystery of their own: They are touched by their gods. Where other cultures hold empty rituals for their gods, the D'Angelines are guided, blessed, and cursed by theirs. Like Phedre, who is Kushiel's tool and the main character of the first trilogy, Imriel is a scion of Kushiel and a wielder of his justice...whether he likes it or not. But he's a kind person, who loves deeply and strives to be a man untainted by his mother's plots. However, throughout the world, the children of Elua are accepted by some, yet there are others who are jealous and would exploit them.

Not to ruin the story, in this one Imriel and Sidonie will try to keep their promise to not break Blessed Elua's precept, "love as thou wilt," for in the end it could be what saves them. How can the traitor's spawn find acceptance when the realm see he's doing exactly what they feared: seducing the Dauphine to gain the throne? How can a son bring his own mother to her execution? And, can Terre d'Ange survive the political schemes of their neighbors? Imriel's quest takes him across the world to Cythera (Cypress), Carthage (Africa), and Argonia (Spain), through sea voyages, battles, and foreign cities and cultures. Previous characters make appearances and youngsters blossom into the leaders they were meant to be. In the end all the loose ends are tied up with a hint to more tales from other character's perspectives, which would be a welcome addition penned from such an imaginative writer.

Finally, what does the series endeavor to show us? For all things in life, we need great adventures whether to amuse us or to show us what's deep down in our souls...to prove our worth. The Kushiel series laments on a deeper journey, finding love and acceptance in the balance of life: from deep sorrow comes great love, from unerring deception comes enduring trust.