Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Orbit (2008), Edition: paperback / softback, 768 pages
Description
Erotic Literature. Fantasy. Fiction. Literature. HTML:Imriel de la Courcel's birth parents are history's most reviled traitors, but his adoptive parents, the Comtesse Phedre and the warrior-priest Joscelin, are Terre d'Ange's greatest champions. Stolen, tortured and enslaved as a young boy, Imriel is now a Prince of the Blood; third in line for the throne in a land that revels in art, beauty and desire. It is a court steeped in deeply laid conspiracies---and there are many who would see the young prince dead. Some despise him out of hatred for his mother, Melisande, who nearly destroyed the entire realm in her quest for power. Others because they fear he has inherited his mother's irresistible allure---and her dangerous gifts. As he comes of age, plagued by unwanted desires, Imriel shares their fears. When a simple act of friendship traps Imriel in a besieged city where the infamous Melisande is worshiped as a goddess and where a dead man leads an army, the Prince must face his greatest test: to find his true self..… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member nilchance
A lot of what drew me to the original trilogy had changed. It went from an epic to a coming-of-age story. From Phedre, a flawed but engaging narrator, to Imriel, who brooded and kvetched and never actually got called on his shit. From a POV character who's an active conspirator and participant in
And also, on a shallow note: not nearly enough sex for me, thank you very much.
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history to a POV character who things happen around. Honestly, Carey put a lot of power and depth into her worldbuilding, but the one culture that never engaged me in her first trilogy (Tiberium) was the culture that she chose to set her plot within. It didn't bring Tiberium into deeper detail. The Claudia subplot didn't engage me, and indeed made me want to smack Imriel upside the head. And also, on a shallow note: not nearly enough sex for me, thank you very much.
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LibraryThing member surreality
Plot: Set a few years after Kushiel's Avatar, and it relies - in some parts heavily - on knowledge of the previous installments in the series. The plot itself exists in the background and its main purpose is to provide a frame for the scenery. There is not much forward movement to speak of in the
Characters: The point of view shifts from Phèdre to Imriel. There are few of the old characters present in this book, making room for an almost full cast of new ones. Characterization is well done for Imriel and some of the more important figures, but lacking in the side characters.
Style: Voluptuous and descriptive. The book exists mainly for the style. Symbolism is heavily used, as are little stylistic experiments. Not much background information is given anymore; the sex content has been toned down considerably.
Plus: A new point of view. Imriel brings much-needed freshness into the series.
Minus: The plot is at times nonexistent. Some of the scenes slow the story down and could have been cut without losing much. The sequel has been set up with a very heavy hand.
Summary: A slow-moving, relaxing read.
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first half of the book; in the second half, the plot picks up a little. Characters: The point of view shifts from Phèdre to Imriel. There are few of the old characters present in this book, making room for an almost full cast of new ones. Characterization is well done for Imriel and some of the more important figures, but lacking in the side characters.
Style: Voluptuous and descriptive. The book exists mainly for the style. Symbolism is heavily used, as are little stylistic experiments. Not much background information is given anymore; the sex content has been toned down considerably.
Plus: A new point of view. Imriel brings much-needed freshness into the series.
Minus: The plot is at times nonexistent. Some of the scenes slow the story down and could have been cut without losing much. The sequel has been set up with a very heavy hand.
Summary: A slow-moving, relaxing read.
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LibraryThing member slpenney07
Summary: Melisande has escaped from her temple sanctuary and plots abound in Terre d'Ange. Is her son, adopted into Phedre no Delaunay de Montreve's household, a part of them? All Imriel desires is to escape his past.
The Take-Away: It was good to see how the next generation of heros from Terre
My biggest complaint about the last title was the over-blown language that dominated Phedre's narration. Imriel is plain-spoken; it was much appreciated. While this is technically the fourth in the series, it the first of the second trilogy. You could start the story here as Carey does an excellent job handling the back story.
Recommendation: Pick it up.
The Take-Away: It was good to see how the next generation of heros from Terre
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d'Ange continue protecting the kingdom. Imriel desires to outrun his past. Who hasn't felt that? However, as third in line for the throne, he finds it quite challenging.My biggest complaint about the last title was the over-blown language that dominated Phedre's narration. Imriel is plain-spoken; it was much appreciated. While this is technically the fourth in the series, it the first of the second trilogy. You could start the story here as Carey does an excellent job handling the back story.
Recommendation: Pick it up.
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LibraryThing member Aerrin99
I read this monster in a day and a half, almost in one straight sitting on a fine Saturday afternoon. It's fairly clear that I liked it, a great deal.
Kushiel's Scion is at its heart a coming-of-age story, and as such, I can see how it may be a less-favorite for some. The focus here shifts starkly
Imriel's coming of age is not easy, and it's filled with a lot of angst. However, I found it to be a fascinating tale of overcoming your past and the demons and fears that live there. Imriel is a survivor of some pretty intense abuse, something that may sit uncomfortably with some in how frankly it's dealt with, but that's also what I found interesting. Most of this book is about Imriel learning who he is and who he can become, and how to integrate the things that happened to him with the person he wants to be.
Unfortunately, there are some side pieces shoved into this more interesting tale, and those side pieces are the center pieces of the remaining novels. His 'romance' with Sidonie is abrupt and appears to be related entirely to hormones. After Phedre and Joscelin, I expected an interesting and nuanced love story. Instead, we mostly get 'we decided we are in love and so we are'.
While it doesn't hurt this book much, it most certainly hurts the next - I never bought the foundations of their love, so it becomes almost impossible to buy it as epic.
Still, I liked Imriel's growing-up and Carey's Terre D'Ange so much that I can't much regret any time spent there.
Kushiel's Scion is at its heart a coming-of-age story, and as such, I can see how it may be a less-favorite for some. The focus here shifts starkly
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from Phedre and Joscelin and settles on their foster son, Imriel.Imriel's coming of age is not easy, and it's filled with a lot of angst. However, I found it to be a fascinating tale of overcoming your past and the demons and fears that live there. Imriel is a survivor of some pretty intense abuse, something that may sit uncomfortably with some in how frankly it's dealt with, but that's also what I found interesting. Most of this book is about Imriel learning who he is and who he can become, and how to integrate the things that happened to him with the person he wants to be.
Unfortunately, there are some side pieces shoved into this more interesting tale, and those side pieces are the center pieces of the remaining novels. His 'romance' with Sidonie is abrupt and appears to be related entirely to hormones. After Phedre and Joscelin, I expected an interesting and nuanced love story. Instead, we mostly get 'we decided we are in love and so we are'.
While it doesn't hurt this book much, it most certainly hurts the next - I never bought the foundations of their love, so it becomes almost impossible to buy it as epic.
Still, I liked Imriel's growing-up and Carey's Terre D'Ange so much that I can't much regret any time spent there.
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LibraryThing member lewispike
This book doesn't quite work as well as those in the previous trilogy. The reason? I don't think Ms. Carey writes Imriel as well as she wrote Phèdre - I think she's struggling to write adolescent male as the central character, and her desire to make him clearly different to Phèdre has taken him
Despite those reservations, there's a solid story, there's a fair bit of intriguing and there are some lovely new little bits of the world shown. There is also a nicely done sense of growing up and making friends and some nicely done battle scenes.
It's interesting enough that I will look for the next one to come along.
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too far away from a place she feels comfortable writing.Despite those reservations, there's a solid story, there's a fair bit of intriguing and there are some lovely new little bits of the world shown. There is also a nicely done sense of growing up and making friends and some nicely done battle scenes.
It's interesting enough that I will look for the next one to come along.
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LibraryThing member Uffer
Years after the events of the first trilogy, Imriel de la Courcel is coming to terms with his past, and that is mainly what this book is about. Written from his point of view, there is naturally a lot of self-obsessed introspection going on, often to the point where you want to tell him to stop
It's part of getting through adolescence, though, and just something we have to put up with as he flounders through, trying to be good and never quite sure whether he can, or how.
There are other things happening along the way, of course - not least the sudden and rather disturbing disappearance of Imriel's mother Melisande for reasons unknown but undoubtedly underhand, but on the whole there is more coming-of-age in here than either action or intrigue. The end result, though, is to carry Imri from being the extremely battered and shaken child of the finale of the first trilogy to become a young man whose future is certain to be eventful. I suspect this trilogy could never have worked without dealing with the issues addressed here, and dealing with them in the depth they deserve.
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over-analysing himself and just get on with it.It's part of getting through adolescence, though, and just something we have to put up with as he flounders through, trying to be good and never quite sure whether he can, or how.
There are other things happening along the way, of course - not least the sudden and rather disturbing disappearance of Imriel's mother Melisande for reasons unknown but undoubtedly underhand, but on the whole there is more coming-of-age in here than either action or intrigue. The end result, though, is to carry Imri from being the extremely battered and shaken child of the finale of the first trilogy to become a young man whose future is certain to be eventful. I suspect this trilogy could never have worked without dealing with the issues addressed here, and dealing with them in the depth they deserve.
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LibraryThing member Flamika
I enjoyed this book a lot. It's less epic than the previous novels, but it's also a journey of the self, which Carey carried off masterfully.
LibraryThing member Cecrow
I didn't realize how much I enjoyed the world Carey created in her first trilogy until I had this chance to revisit it. I like the change in POV and I'm looking forward to the rest of this second trilogy. In terms of serious action and highstakes this book was a bit lacking, but the story of
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Imriel's finding maturity and coming to terms with elements of his past I think really did need to be covered before moving forward with this character. As with previous volumes in the series the anticlimax is 50-100 pages too long (minor quibble). Very good, very satisfied. Show Less
LibraryThing member whitewavedarling
I have to admit I was skeptical when I realized that this story would restart the story with a new narrator, but the book drew me in just as the others have--as strong or stronger--and comes highly recommended. There's no other fantasy series that's currently being added to that I recommend as
And on a side note, I did start Carey's other series, and was sincerely disappointed--don't decide whether to pick up this series based on her other, because this one is well worth the time (and addiction).
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highly--or series in general, for that matter.And on a side note, I did start Carey's other series, and was sincerely disappointed--don't decide whether to pick up this series based on her other, because this one is well worth the time (and addiction).
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LibraryThing member jshillingford
The original Kushiel trilogy was phenomenal. Phedre was an aguisette, destined by the gods to experience pain and pleasure as one. She was trained as both spy and courtesan. Her adventures were exciting, to say the least. So, I was a little hesitant to lose her as the protagonist. I shouldn't have
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worried - her foster son, Imriel, has the potential to be even better! Imriel is descended from a line of traitors and so is not trusted by anyone but his foster parents. So, he journeys to foreign lands to find his purpose and discovers new and unstelling things about himself, and his people. Awesome start to a new trilogy! Show Less
LibraryThing member ryvre
Kushiel's Scion is the fourth book in the Kushiel's Legacy Saga. It is narrated by Imriel, Melisande's son who is fostered by Phedre and Josceline. Overall, it's a very engaging book, but it's not nearly as strong as the first trilogy.
The first half of the book rehashes Imriel's past and Phedre's
When the plot finally picks up, Imriel is swept along, but he never seems to do much. The characters around him shine, while he continues to try to find himself. Imriel never comes into his own in this book. He's a weak reflection of the people who shaped his life- Phedre, Josceline, and Melisande.
The first half of the book rehashes Imriel's past and Phedre's
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adventures. Since I've read the first three books, I found this incredibly boring and much longer than it needed to be. When he's not thinking about his past, Imriel is brooding about his mother and his lack of friends. When the plot finally picks up, Imriel is swept along, but he never seems to do much. The characters around him shine, while he continues to try to find himself. Imriel never comes into his own in this book. He's a weak reflection of the people who shaped his life- Phedre, Josceline, and Melisande.
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LibraryThing member meriamon
I just love Imriel and his struggle with being his mother's son and wanting to be like Phèdre and Joscelin. It was great to see him growing up in the course of the book.
There was not much happening besides growing up, but it didn't matter at all. I enjoyed every single page, and now I'm sad that
There was not much happening besides growing up, but it didn't matter at all. I enjoyed every single page, and now I'm sad that
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I've finished and have to wait for the next installment. Show Less
LibraryThing member silentq
After reading Banewreaker I was worried about the quality of this book, but it was all for naught - I happily tore through this one. It's the tale of Imri growing up and growing into his skin. The writing reflects his progression from a self absorbed pre-teen to an almost fully mature adult at 18.
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He seeks healing for the scars of Darsanga and learns more about what it means to be a scion of Kushiel's line. It's neat to see Phedre and Josceline from Imri's perspective, and I'm hoping that the loose ends that the author left will feed into another book, especially as I want to read more about him visiting House Valerian and hopefully getting together with his cousin. :) Show Less
LibraryThing member JKCollins
At first I was somewhat uncomfortable with the change from Phedre's narration to Imriel's, (the first 3 Kushiel books are written from Phedre's point of view) but once I adjusted it was fine. Not quite as much tension and adventure in this episode in the lives of Kushiel's descendants but Imriel is
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still a teen. I'm hoping the next episode will see an increas in that area. Even so, I still love this world and enjoy spending time with it's characters. Show Less
LibraryThing member noirem
So I finished Kushiel's Scion last week and have started rereading the first three books for comparative purposes (and the pleasure of re-reading a good series) and, unfortunately, the comparison is serving to underscore my initial misgivings regarding the new book: it's disapointing.
The narrator
Carey set the stage for things to happen in subsequent books, but didn't actually acheive anything in this one.
The narrator
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(Imriel)'s voice wasn't terribly strong. Phedre always maintained a strong narrative presence, balancing the story of her life against what she knows by the end of the book, creating tension without losing the immedite moment or tipping her hand as to what the future holds. The occasional digression from the narrative stream developed characters, and painted a richer portrait of the stage against which she acted; pauses in the string of actions to highlight the players without bringing everything to a halt. Kushiel's Scion kinda felt like one long diatribe. The plot advancements of 700 pages would have taken at most 150 in Phedre's story. The rest of the book is him worrying about what it means to be his mother's son. Phedre was a catalyst rather than a player, swept up in events, not controlling them, but changing things by being there; Imriel is a half-hearted witness, with nothing to pull him beyond the mire of his self-doubts.Carey set the stage for things to happen in subsequent books, but didn't actually acheive anything in this one.
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LibraryThing member whitewavedarling
I have to admit I was skeptical when I realized that this story would restart the story with a new narrator, but the book drew me in just as the others have--as strong or stronger--and comes highly recommended. There's no other fantasy series that's currently being added to that I recommend as
And on a side note, I did start Carey's other series, and was sincerely disappointed--don't decide whether to pick up this series based on her other, because this one is well worth the time (and addiction).
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highly--or series in general, for that matter.And on a side note, I did start Carey's other series, and was sincerely disappointed--don't decide whether to pick up this series based on her other, because this one is well worth the time (and addiction).
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LibraryThing member rbtwinky
Returning to Carey's world of Terre D'Ange was a delight! Are the sex scenes a little gratuitous and unescessary? Probably, but they're fun and titillating. No worse than the sex scenes we see in movies everyday. What I loved was the characted-driven drama. I cared about these characters so much,
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and every single one of the main characters grew as the story unfolded. It had enough action, drama, suspense, foreshadowing, and excitement to keep me picking the book up every chance I got. A great book! One of the best I've read in a long time. Show Less
LibraryThing member hjjugovic
I read the original trilogy a long time ago and wasn't sure if I'd be able to pick up the series without rereading the older books, but have no fear - Carey catches you up without boring you. I also wasn't sure if I'd like a book focused on Imriel and not Phedre, but, wow was I wrong. This book is
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great reading. Gripping plot, beautiful setting, fascinating alternate history, and well-thought-out characters. Although it's long, the writing is spare and lovely and never slow. This book deals extremely frankly with alternate sexuality and will be hated by bible thumpers and prudes everywhere. It is not appropriate for younger readers. I think anyone else will find it enchanting. Show Less
LibraryThing member hoosgracie
New series featuring Phaedre's foster son Imriel. Imriel is the opposite of Phaedre. Brilliant coming of age story.
LibraryThing member RogueBelle
Your heart will ache for Imriel, guaranteed. Carey adeptly switches voices here, and gives us a more in-depth look at a different culture -- that of Tiberium. Imriel is thus drawn into the cycles of political intrigue that ensnared the previous generation, but struggles "to be good" despite it all.
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While this book doesn't quite match the thrilling pace of Avatar, it's an excellent novel, setting up Imriel for his destiny. Show Less
LibraryThing member Miss_Thing
Just finished reading this...so satisfying. Her world building and characterization is so good - I had to pull myself out of the story so I could eat and work, I was so absorbed. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book.
LibraryThing member krau0098
When I heard that the new trilogy in the Kushiel's Series by Jacqueline Carey was not going to be from Phedre's view but from her foster son, Imriel's, view I was a bit worried. Would the story be the same without Phedre leading it? I shouldn't have worried this is a very good book.
As soon as I
All the above being said this book could have almost been broken down into maybe two books and I think it would have been better. If the book would have ended when Imri set off on his voyage to the University, that would have been perfect. As it stands the last third of the book started to drag on for me. Once they started with the siege, I was bored and hard pressed to even finish the book. This usually isn't a problem for me as I love these books. The end of the book didn't really deal with Imri that much and I thought that most of the siege was unnecessary. I understand that the siege had both some plot development points and was supposed to drive home the fact that you don't have to be *the* hero to be important. Still, I found it boring and laborious to get through.
If it hadn't been for the slow last third of the book I would have given this book 6 stars if I could. But the last part really hurt my opinion of the book. I am still excited to read the next book, but I will need a break before I delve into that book.
As soon as I
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started it I gave a sigh of relief. This book is again beautifully written and does justice to the three previous books that take place in the same world. This book is entirely about Imriel, Phedre's foster son. It is basically a coming of age story and there is a lot of character development. Imriel changes a lot from the beginning of the book to the end. There is a lot of intrigue as in the previous books. Although this book is less about ordinary people doing extraordinary things and more about the importance of ordinary people doing ordinary things.All the above being said this book could have almost been broken down into maybe two books and I think it would have been better. If the book would have ended when Imri set off on his voyage to the University, that would have been perfect. As it stands the last third of the book started to drag on for me. Once they started with the siege, I was bored and hard pressed to even finish the book. This usually isn't a problem for me as I love these books. The end of the book didn't really deal with Imri that much and I thought that most of the siege was unnecessary. I understand that the siege had both some plot development points and was supposed to drive home the fact that you don't have to be *the* hero to be important. Still, I found it boring and laborious to get through.
If it hadn't been for the slow last third of the book I would have given this book 6 stars if I could. But the last part really hurt my opinion of the book. I am still excited to read the next book, but I will need a break before I delve into that book.
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LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
I'm a huge fan of Carey's first three Kushiel books centered around Phedre: Kushiel's Dart, Kushiel's Chosen and Kushiel's Avatar. They precede this book chronologically and I'd read them first.
This book begins a second trilogy built around Imri, who was introduced in the Kushiel's Avatar. I found
This book begins a second trilogy built around Imri, who was introduced in the Kushiel's Avatar. I found
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this book and trilogy less amazing than the first books, but that's only because Carey raised a very high bar. I do love the world she created--it's unique, even if initially disturbing. There's a lot of sexual kink built into this paganistic world where in Terra D'Ange prostitution is a respected, even prestigious, profession. But these books have heart as well, and I enjoyed reading about Imriel trying to find his place in this world. Besides, as a friend of mine said when explaining why she likes this second trilogy even better than the first, Sidonie is the most kick-ass princess in fantasy. Show Less
LibraryThing member willowcove
This part of the series was good, but not as good as the original
LibraryThing member satyridae
Re-read.
Number 4 in the Kushieline saga. I'm hooked, completely. Carey's a good writer, I buy the premise, and I care about the people and their Byzantine intrigues. Hell, after 4 books this size, I know these folks as well as I know some of my own family members. In this book, Carey changes
Number 4 in the Kushieline saga. I'm hooked, completely. Carey's a good writer, I buy the premise, and I care about the people and their Byzantine intrigues. Hell, after 4 books this size, I know these folks as well as I know some of my own family members. In this book, Carey changes
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viewpoints from Phedre to Imriel, and I found the switch to be done well. Show Less
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — Science Fiction/Fantasy — 2010)
Gaylactic Spectrum Award (Nominee — Novel — 2007)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2006-06-12
Physical description
768 p.; 4.92 inches
ISBN
1841493619 / 9781841493619