Phèdre was born and has been trained in the Night Court, which specializes in services of the “night” arts. The unusual red mote in her eye marks her as one pricked by legendary Kushiel himself. As soon as she is old enough, Phèdre enters the service of Anafiel Delaunay’s household, and begins a career in both her distinctive arts and one of political intrigue.

The book’s setting is a world which shares our history only up until the advent of Christianity. Instead, the cards of history fell in a very different way. Readers will recognize Europe and some of its peoples and geographic regions, but it’s very, very different.

When the book started, I was greatly worried that the pain-loving was going to detract from the rest of the book. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was well integrated and contrasted well with other types of duty and sacrifice.

I teared up a few times while reading it, empathizing greatly with Phedre. Talented writing—well done.

6.2001
10/10 Stars

Astonishingly good, especially for a first novel. It’s refreshing to find a long, well-spun tale that satifies the need for the familiar and something entirely out of the ordinary.

Beautifully written, with lots of eroticism and adventure. The political intrigue in the first third of the book is a bit hard to follow, but who cares. It’s the characters that keep the pages turning. (Plus all that sex.)

love it, absolutely love it. bit lost in the politics—it’s a good idea to focus on the names &roles early on, but even if you don’t, it’s gorgeous..