Kushiel’s Avatar

by Jacqueline Carey

TOR, $27.95, 702pp

Although this story is three years old now, I felt it worthy of a review to, perhaps, convince more of you to read this wonderful new writer. This book is the third in a trilogy; and granted, due to the size of each book, it’s a lot to read. But if you’re looking for some new, original, adult fantasy – this is worth the effort.

Phedre is a woman of many gifts, not all welcome. She was trained by the best to be a courtesan of surpassing talent and a spy. And she was chosen by the gods – several of them – to be their avatar. The gift from the gods that most defines her and gives her both her greatest joy and sorrow is from Kushiel. Phedre is an anguissette – one to whom pain and pleasure are the same. She has used this trait to both seduce and betray enemies of her Queen. And she will need all of that experience to survive what she now faces – at the behest of all her gods. She must save the son of her most deadly enemy, topple an evil empire and find the Word of God that will save her oldest and most beloved friend from an eternity of immortality with aging.

Carey has created some of the most fascinating gods I’ve ever encountered. Her characters are so well defined they leap off the page into my dreams. And her plots…are just wonderful and enthralling. And I don’t use these excessive descriptions lightly… – Catherine Book