Kushiel's Mercy (Kushiel's Legacy)

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.

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!)

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.
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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.

This one was truly amazing. It was a good book to end the trilogy about Imri. I've read all of the books in the series and was not disappointed. I highly recommend it to anyone that has been following the series.