Capivating from the first page !!! a real page turner, this is actually the second time I have read this book and the second reading, dare I saw, was better than the first.

First, I am not historically a Fantasy reader. I found myself bookless at my boyfriend's house & he suggested I pick this one up. The first third of the book (I still can't believe I stuck it out that long) was PAINFULLY slow. Too many characters and lands with unnecessarily long titles, too many wordy explanations. I couldn't stop squirming as I read.

But then...

It got GOOD - REALLY GOOD. The story hit it's stride, developed tentacles and sucked me in; I couldn't put the gosh-darn thing down. Invariably, I had to check that I was still breathing after each intense twist and turn. Read other reviews for character and plot details. This reviewer's intent is to simply encourage that you READ ON! It's very, very worth it.

Carey's Kushiel's Dart creates a brilliant alternate history as it presents fully three-dimensional characters caught in the tide of destiny.

Phedre is raised as a courtesan, trained as a spy, and born to a "gift" from the god Kushiel--the gift of finding pleasure in pain. Thrust into a dangerous web of conspiracy, Phedre must
save her country from invasion.

A brilliant, gripping saga.

I got this book because I was looking for a fairly hefty "historical fiction." This book completely delivered! I found myself swept up in the whole fantasy of the story. I am not going to give any specifics away lest I ruin it for anyone else. This was one of the best books I have ever read. I am going out to get the other books in the series because this one was so great.

Once I opened this book I was hooked. I couldn't not put the book down by choice. I enjoyed every moment and loved the great detail. I tell all my friends that they should at least try to read this book. It is a little bit of everything. Mystery, spies, Love, and a little bit of royal politics as well.