Kushiel’s Justice

by Jacqueline Carey

$26.99, Warner Books, 703pp

Here’s the second of Imriel’s story and it’s just as wonderful as each and every one before it. In fact, I might go so far as to say, it’s the best of Carey’s series.

Imriel is uncertain of his position at court, uncertain of his future, uncertain of his own physical needs and desires, but pretty certain that he detests his cousin, Sidonie, who is first in line for the throne. That lasts until one fateful day when he, unthinkingly, throws himself in harm’s way to save her and they both find their feelings have irrevocably changed. Their attraction keeps growing until both are willing to defy all odds to be together. Sidonie has been raised to rule and, while Imriel has come late to his heritage, both are cognizant of their duty to the realm. They decide that their mutual desire is undesired and, quite possibly, simply infatuation. So, they reluctantly decide to separate – for the space of a year. They believe that if it is only infatuation, then it will fade with time and distance; if it does not… Unfortunately, in their country it is a kind of heresy against their god to deny love and desire. And, in their country, their gods are apt to punish their own for this heresy.

Imriel has accepted an arranged marriage in another country. He tries to do the right thing but spends most of his time obsessing over Sidonie. He realizes that it is unfair to the sweet lady he has married but grows more miserable daily. Meanwhile, the local powers-that-be have foreseen dire consequences for their country from his marriage. But, instead of simply telling Imriel what they see and work to change the outcome, they try to manipulate him. They find a way to use his desire for Sidonie to control him against his will in order to force him out of their country; so he goes to a local magician for protection against their magic. The protection is a charm that seals off his desire and memories of Sidonie. Without the constant longing for Sidonie distracting him, Imriel discovers that the woman he married, Dorelei, is quite lovable herself. Their relationship blooms and a child is eventually anticipated. This is the scenario that the dark magicians have foreseen will lead to a child who will murder them off when he is a grown man. Since their efforts are thwarted, they resort to murder – of both Dorelei and the unborn child.

Thus comes Kushiel’s justice – from Imriel’s hands. After he recovers from the brutal attack, he sets himself the task of tracking down the one responsible and bringing his head back to lay at the feet of his wife and son. With no more need to control Imriel, the deed is done; the charm is broken and Imriel’s long-suppressed love and desire for Sidonie is released. But he is much matured and finds he can bear the longing and still pursue his purpose. His pursuit carries him into distant and dangerous lands with a handful of men at his back. But as events progress, these men fall away one by one until Imriel is completely alone in his search for justice…or maybe, just vengeance. He has already angered one god with his denial of his love for Sidonie; if his quest is for vengeance, and not justice, he might just anger another god.

This was such great storytelling, such really good writing, great plotting, superior characterizations, yadda, yadda, yadda... The writing is so good that certain passages actually made me tear up. Carey gives me such satisfaction in these few pages that I more than received value for the cost of the book and my time. - Catherine Book