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India Press Store - Kushiel's Mercy (Kushiel's Legacy)
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List Price: $26.99
Our Price: $13.94
Your Save: $ 13.05 ( 48% )
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Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN: 9780446500043
ISBN: 0446500046
Label: Grand Central Publishing
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 672
Publication Date: 2008-06-12
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Studio: Grand Central Publishing
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: A satisfying end to Kushiel's Legacy
Comment: Mercy is the third of the Imriel trilogy, the sixth in Kushiel's Legacy. Usually after six books the plot is lagging with cliches and tired writing. Not so with Carey's work (although I won't be discussing the sad disappoinment that Banewreaker was). It's been a while since I've read her stuff, so it was admittedly quite hard to immerse myself, so I did a quick skim of the previous two books. If she has one weakness, it's her ambitions regarding detail. 95% of the time it works, but the other 5% can be convoluted, and to the first time reader I know full well that even beginnin with Dart, this series can be pretty intimidating in the sheer complexity of Terre D'Ange and the number of characters-I'd almost compare it to LotR in that respect. However, an avid fan like me had little trouble picking up the plot. Honestly, the amount of time and effort she must put into these books-there are twists and turn every other page and there is constant action.
Carey is truly a phenomenally gifted writer. Her characters have depth and despite the massive character roll, they are all unique with distinguishable personalities. Something I especially loved about Mercy was the fact that when Imriel was Leander, there was a complete shift in personality and perspective but there were still subtle shades of Imriel evident underneath. Her fantasy world is the most intricately detailed and well realised otherworld of fiction I have ever come across and her poetic descriptions never fail to do it justice.
I loved this book as much as I loved the rest of the Imriel trilogy, which means slightly less than the books that focus on Phedre but still a heck of a lot. Something I've always had trouble with that I struggled with in this book-it gauls me to have Phedre and Joscelin relegated to minor characters, although I recognise the necessity. But I have a lot of trouble with the fact that they are old, and *so* changed. There's no getting around the fact that they are both now staid, middle aged and given to calling people "love" (and goodness, how that was annoying), not the feisty, desperate circa 19 year olds I fell in love with. I miss Joscelin most of all-there're still hints of Phedre's rebellious past in her character but Joscelin seems to have misplaced his personality between series. Some people might call it personal growth, but I want my stuck-up-prig of a Cassiline back, complete with hatred of Phedre and poncy Cassiline ideals.
But I have to admit, Imriel has developed into a very likeable character after a dubious beginning. The persistence of 99% of the country in their refusal to to understand that one is not responsible for one's parents actions *before one is even born* can be grating but it's a conceit necessary for the plot. He's not as interesting or feisty as Phedre but he's got some kind of integrity and strength of character and a good ethical/moral compass that makes him quite passable.
The story is, as usual, mind blowingly intricate. Sidonie is basically ensorcelled and kidnapped by a Carthaginian(?) prince, and she forgets everything, including her love for Imriel, and becomes a pawn in the game for Ysandre's throne. Imriel follows her trail and eventually in desperation is forced to ask his mother, the infamous Melisande, for aid. The rest of the book is filled with the quest and its aftermath.
The plot is strong and the characters compelling, although I got pretty tired of the love story between Sidonie and Imriel fairly quickly. They're in love, they're young, it's a forbidden union, we get it already. There's no need to shoe-horn in a supposedly erotic sex scene every five pages out of pure gratuitousness. In Dart, Chosen and Avatar the sex scenes were few and far between and all the more effective for it. Sidonie also grew up considerably in this book, and I like her the better for it-her snobbishness always alienated her from me and I loved seeing her stand up to Ysandre, who I am sorry to say I think became a first class b**ch as soon as Phedre handed her her throne.
I was in two minds about Melisande's ultimate fate. It was hard to move on from my five book long hatred of Melisande and to accept that they didn't execute her. I realise that Imriel's birth and existence changed her, but I can't just forget the havoc she wreaked in Dart and Chosen. I was also surprised at Imriel's reaction to her-it was very muted, none of the emotion I expected from the son whose entire life has been influenced, always to his disadvantage, by the actions of a mother who came close to committing genocide 20 years before. But I have to say, as a villain she's excellently conceived, she'd have to be one of the most intriguingly Machiavellian bad-guys I've ever read, and it is certainly impossible to outright hate her despite the previously mentioned genocide attempt.
The one thing about the Imriel trilogy that I'm not sure I liked is the amount of magic in it. I liked the first trilogy because it pushed that boundary but rarely crossed: when it did, with Hyacinthe etc, it was very well handled. I prefer to see this fantasy world as being more similar to our own, an alternate Europe, and less of a mystical otherworld place where demons and spells are rampant, as it was in Dart and Chosen.
Hyacinthe broke my heart yet again in this book-I'm one of the few fans who, while they love Phedre and Joscelin to death, secretly think that she belongs with Hyacinthe. And finally, I can barely express my love for Barquiel L'Envers. It's been creeping up on me throughout the six books, and in this one it just exploded and his hotness and awesomeness just about up and smacked me in the face. He's far from being your average hero, and he is so not Joscelin, but his status as my favourite You-love-to-hate-them character is cemented. He's enigma, bastard and anti-hero all rolled up in one.
I understand that the next book is to focus on Alais's ancestors, and I for one will really miss this cast of characters. Perhaps one day she will write a sequel and we we finally learn more about the enigmatic Delaunay, and see the long imagined showdowns between him and Melisande, and L'Envers.
People who read those insipid Twilight novels-seriously, this is the kind of thing they should be reading. A fantastically intriging series that's got it all-fantasy, history, romance, mystery and not a Mary Sue in sight.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Sex, politics, and insanely convoluted plots? It must be a Kushiel novel.
Comment: In reading and reviewing Kushiel's Mercy, I feel it best to keep in mind that I knew full well when I picked up this book the constant problems in Jacqueline Carey's writing -- her annoying tendency to catch a word or phrase and repeat it ad nauseum, her overwrought plots with a cast of characters big enough to sell out Madison Square Garden. I knew this and bought it anyway, paying full price and staying up until 2am for more than one night, tackling its over 600 pages, just as I had done with the other books in the two Kushiel trilogies. And, so, the question must be asked -- why? What makes these books so appealing?
The answer, of course, is epic fantasy, espionage, and lots of sex. Jacqueline Carey knows what I want out of a guilty read and is prepared to contrive elaborate quest plots in order to provide/sell it to me. Kushiel's Mercy stays true enough to its roots to make for a compelling book. Having announced their love to the realm, Imriel and Sidonie de la Courcel face the challenge of bringing Imriel's traitorous mother to justice, but, before this can happen, a new threat... okay. Seriously, does the plot even matter? Suffice to say, it follows the theme of Imriel's long and complicated story, that he will find love and lose it, again and again.
Carey keeps the adventure going until the end, and there are enough spies and sex to satisfy the kind of itch that the Kushiel books traditionally relieve. Those looking for more about Phèdre and Joscelin would be better off rereading Kushiel's Dart, the original and still the best novel in this series. While the Imriel stories lack some of the steam and excitement of the Night Court, they bulge with swordplay and political intrigue. And although I wonder at the sheer number of people wandering around this book, Carey's new supporting characters, particularly Kratos, are welcome additions. All in all, Kushiel's Mercy is an entertaining end to the Imriel trilogy and will doubtless provide many hours of escapist pleasure for readers who have come to seek their thrills in Terre d'Ange.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Masterpiece filled with intrigue, passion, politics, age-old magics, loyalties, and love
Comment: In a nutshell: This is the sixth book in one of my all-time favorite series! Another masterpiece filled with intrigue, passion, politics, age-old magics, loyalties, and love. Encompassing the arts, religion, culture and politics of a fantasy-Renaissance type period with hints of actual history create a strong and wonderous story that is sure to captivate readers. When I first started reading the second trilogy (this book completes the second set), I didn't think I would like it as well as the first, but it is just as good! Imriel de la Courcel (a traitor's son) is in love with the queen of Terre d'Ange's daughter Sidonie. The queen, her husband, and the people of Terre d'Ange are against the love-match (which goes against their basic beliefs of 'Love as thou wilt') because they fear treachery on Imriel's part. In order to marry, the couple must make a choice: Imriel must bring his traitorous mother back to Terre d'Ange to face execution, or they can marry and Sidonie will be disinherrited. Imriel begins searching for his mother when a leader from another country uses old magics to control the City of Elau in Terre d'Ange, and to get Sidonie to marry him. Now Imriel must find a way to save Sidonie and Terre d'Ange! He seeks help from unexpected places, including his mother! Carey writes in a flowingly eloquent manner, entrancing the reader from page one. The story contains darkness and light, evil and good, all cleverly woven together to complete a beautiful love-story! Readers will enjoy catching glimpses of actual history and culture that Jacqueline Carey has cleverly included in the the story of Terre d'Ange and surrounding countries! (Terre d'Ange is a cleverly told Paris/France, Aragonia is really Spain, Alba is our England, etc)
My Review:
There is so much I would like to say here, but I will keep to my promise to keep it short and sweet. In addition to my In a Nutshell comments, let me add that I loved the transformation that some of the characters from other books went through in this book. Barquiel L'Envers was a man I loved to hate - never thinking he would amount to anything good - I was pleasantly surprised here. Melisande Shahrizai was another such character - after being so power-hungry, it was nice to see a slightly softer side, a woman who has come to see her values change and her focus become less-destructive and more nurturing.
Characters: Carey has brought back characters from the preceeding books, as well as introducing us to new ones. Each character is remarkable, and integral to the story-line! Some of my favorite characters are the supportive "thinking" or "learned" characters: those who are teachers or learners, providing extensive detail and knowledge to the main characters. Carey has done a marvelous job of bringing her characters to life, giving them strength of character, as well as a few weaknesses! I love the fact that many of the characters are strong, both men and women!
Story-Line: With so much going on, the book is amazing. From time-to-time, I found myself wondering how on earth the author was able to keep everything organized (keep in mind that this book is over 650 pages). I was truely amazed. The story moved with grace from one area to the next, maintaining congruency throughout. The amount of details involved really helped bring the story to life.
Readability: I found the book easy to read (once I got a handle on all the exotic names of people and places), and actually found reading it to be a beautiful experience. Jacqueline Carey seems to be able to write each of her books in a way that makes the words flow, sounding eloquent and amazing all at once. I was engaged from the first page to the last.
Overall: PLEASE, if you haven't checked this series out already, give it a try - I am truely amazed at how wonderful these stories are. I have read each of the previous books at least two times, if not more. The books are amazing in their detailed descriptions and imagery, their character development and intricate plots. In a book this long (yes - I think 650+ pages is long), I think it is almost impossible not to get immersed in the characters, settings and the story. I couldn't wait to finish the book so I could see what happened to the characters I have come to know and love.
Dare we hope for a third series within the Kushiel's Legacy story - perhaps focusing on Alias?? Or maybe giving us a look at a new era in Terre d'Ange with Imriel and Sidonie's children?
Favorite thought of the book: Happiness is the highest form of wisdom. (This thought is found throughout the book, and wonderfully explained!)
Customer Rating:
Summary: Hopefully the end of Imriel's tough journey
Comment: This book concludes the second Kushiel trilogy by Jacqueline Carey which features Imriel as the lead character. This book was a perfect conclusion to this trilogy. It's a long book, very long. Imriel's journey in this book is just as immense as in the last book. This book felt like it encompassed more than one story, it could have (again) been more than one book. Unlike the last book, I feel that that worked for this book. This book wasn't a struggle to get through. It flowed beautifully, was action packed, and had you holding your breath until the very end.
Imriel and Sidonie confront Ysandre about their relationship; which threatens to tear the realm apart. Sidonie stands to inherit the throne and her relationship with Imriel is less than appreciated considering his mother was a traitor to the crown. When confronted Ysandre says only one thing will sway her into allowing their relationship; Imriel must find his traitorous mother and bring her back to Terre d'Ange for execution. As Imriel starts this difficult task, there is an unexpected entourage from Carthage. The visit from Carthage sets events into motion that no one could have imagined.
I really enjoyed this book. I was sad that the characters were put through so much torment. There is no one in this book who is left unscathed in the end. As usual Imriel and Sidonie take the brunt of it. One again Carey does an excellent job of character development. We really see Imriel and Sidonie grow into adults and it is wonderful to watch them become comfortable with who they are.
The writing is beautiful and perfect, as with the rest of this series. I thought that the pacing of this book was much better than the last book. The action stays consistent throughout. The only point at which I found myself wanting something to happen was when Leander and Sidonie were spending time in Carthage together. I think this was done for a purpose though and did a good job in conveying the helplessness of their situation there.
Some wonderful new characters were introduced in the way of Leander and Kratos. I am always amazed at Carey's skill in making even minor characters have depth and history.
SPOILER ALERT*********
I have to mention this because the skill with which it was executed amazed me! When Imriel took on Leander's self, the style of writing totally changed to reflect Leander's thoughts and actions. Then as Imriel's love begins to break down the spell that makes him Leander, you slowly see Imriel's personality revert back to Imriel's. I thought it was very cool that Carey could make this personality change so subtle and realistic.
SPOILER ENDED************
I really did love this book. Even though it was lengthy, I was a bit sad when it was over. Then ending was perfect and beautiful as it the rest of the book. I am beginning to wonder if we will see a trilogy focused around Sidonie's sister Alais next. Carey seemed to be hinting that Alais is going to go through some struggles in the future. Hopefully the two catch phrases in that book "Love as thou wilt" and "All knowledge is worth having" will carry on to any future work she does.
karissabooks.blogspot.com
Customer Rating:
Summary: Would give this a seven star rating if possible...
Comment: I have read every book of the Kushiel series and have been so impressed with Carey as an author. To be honest, Phedre and Jocelyn were my favorite characters, but Imriel has steadily grown on me until in this, the conclusion of his story, I found myself on the edge of my seat, cheering him on, laughing, crying and hoping that the story would end well.
From the very first page I was drawn into the world of Terre de Ange and its citizens. I found myself reading at every opportunity, sometimes over a hundred pages a day. I have never been more drawn into a story the way that I've been with this series. Carey has such a way with words that it is impossible to not feel as if you know the characters. You laugh with them, cry with them, cheer them on and stay on the edge of your seat through the ENTIRE book.
I've seen on her website that she will continue with the Kushiel series, only it will be about a 100 years in the future. I'm sad to see this group of characters go. The only thing I would have liked to have seen was an epilogue. I wanted to see what the future held for Imriel and Sidonie, oh well, maybe she will touch briefly on it in her new triology.
A definite must read! I rated this 7 stars because I have read this series twice and it was just as enjoyable both times. This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you've finished the last page.
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Editorial Reviews:
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From Jacqueline Carey, New York Times bestselling author of Kushiel's Scion and Kushiel's Justice, comes the final adventure in the Imriel Trilogy.
Having paid dearly for ignoring Elua's edict to love as thou wilt, Imriel and Sidonie have finally come forward to publicly confess their love for each other---only to watch the news ignite turmoil throughout the land. Those who are old enough cannot forget the misdeeds of Imriel's mother, Melisande, whose self-serving lies plunged their country into war.
In order to quell the uprising, Queen Ysandre hands down a decree: she will not divide the lovers, but neither will she acknowledge them. And if they decide to marry, Sidonie will be disinherited.
That is, unless Imriel can find his mother and bring her back to Terre D'Ange to be executed for treason....
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