And it’s still as good as the first time reading it!

Too many characters that hold no relevance to the story introduced. Would have preferred third person writing. I liked the sample but after that it was just too much for too little.

Tedious to read. Did not finish.

I just had a hard time going on this adventure. The language is fancy and it often feels like the original draft was written more naturally and then re-written with thesaurus in hand to replace mundane words with the most unusual choice of adjectives. So much so that they served more as speed bumps to the flow of language rather than an indication of Phédre’s sophistication. I didn’t care for the first-person perspective either. I get it, it’s her story, but I just feel third-person would have served better to immerse me into the story. The recounting of a moment and saying she will or will not go back to that in more detail didn’t create a, “what happened next,” feel for me. It makes it more of a story from someone who only wants to hear themselves talk. I could also do without telling the reader how smart someone is, instead of showing us; complete turn off and it happens several times. Readers are not dumb and we do not need to be spoonfed a statement in place of an observation. What did I like? I liked the descriptions of things, places, and events/actions. Often times they are very vivid even though the language may feel forced; I certainly didn’t feel confused about a picture in my mind’s eye. I didn’t read a sample before buying this. Do yourself a favor and check it out. Obviously plenty of people LOVE the story just as it is.

I stumbled across this book when my mother owned her book store and I still have my original paperback that I picked up in 2002, which I have read [the whole trilogy] at least six times so far. My husband also enjoyed this trilogy along with the several friends I have recommended it to. It is obviously a matter of opinion on whether someone will enjoy the contents of this book or not, but for me, I enjoy the great writing about a plot blended with everything: adventure, politics, fighting and battles, gods and legends, different cultures, romance and love, and getting to see the best and worst of people. Truly this book has something for everyone.

The world woven in this book is intricate and consuming; the book itself is engaging and incredibly difficult to put down. It can be hard to follow, as learning any new culture can be, but once you get the hang of names and their subsequent provinces, following the court plots and shifty alliances becomes much easier. You are then able to immerse yourself completely in the storyline and appreciate the complexity of the epic.

Incredibly well-written, sensual and powerful. Not for the straight-laced, though.

I love this series and would recommend it to anyone!

I bought the first book (Kushiel's Dart) at a garage sale. FInished it in three days. Went to the bookstore and bought the next 2. A week later I bought the next three. Everyone I have lent them to hates me because they cannot put them down once they get started. You have to be a bit brave to give them to someone to read, they are very sexy. I love Phedre, Joscelin, Imriel and Sidone and yes Melisandre!

I'll be man enough to admit it, I picked this book up for the cover, but let me say that no cover could ever portray the amazing writing within. It's intrigue, action, love, and seduction all at once and this was the first book leading to my purchase of all the rest of the series. If you are a fan of fantasy, this is a must buy. Carey is a great writer and storyteller; I lost lot of sleep staying up late to finish the last 500 pages of this and every following novel.