J
Jacqueline Carey
American writer, primarily of fantasy fiction.
Kushiel's Dart
Phèdre nó Delaunay was born with a scarlet mote in her eye, marking her as one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, destined to experience pain and pleasure as one. Trained as a spy and courtesan, she uncovers a dangerous plot that threatens her homeland. Phèdre must navigate a world of deception, love, and honor to save everything she holds dear.
Kushiel's Dart concludes its primary narrative arc within the single volume, offering a satisfying resolution to Phèdre's immediate quest. While it sets the stage for future adventures, readers will find a sense of closure regarding the central conflict.
Kushiel's Dart is the first book in the Kushiel's Legacy series, which continues Phèdre's story and expands on the world introduced in this novel. The subsequent books delve deeper into the political and personal journeys of the characters.
The world of Terre d'Ange in Kushiel's Dart draws heavily from medieval and Renaissance European history, particularly France, with its intricate court politics, religious structures, and cultural aesthetics. Readers will recognize parallels to historical figures and societal norms, reimagined through a fantasy lens.