Kushiel's Chosen by Jacqueline CareyMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I think Jacqueline Carey was channeling Mary Renault and Guy Gavriel Kay while she was writing this novel. The fantasy setting is recognizable as a version of historical Renaissance Europe, altered to accommodate Carey's plotline. Straight historical fantasy would be too limiting, so she makes adjustments like Kay does. She also includes supernatural elements, slightly more prominently than Kay's work. Once the action arrived at Carey's version of Crete, I couldn't help but think of Mary Renault's ancient history settings, especially as Phedre meets the descendants of King Minos.
So, in this fantasy setting, Carey writes a sexy spy thriller. Phedre reminds me of Angelique from the multiple-book series by Anne Golan featuring the French adventuress. Somehow, Phedre is always at the centre of things, despite her lowly beginnings. Her sexuality is part of her rise to prominence (like the aforementioned Angelique), combined with her covert training with her deceased sponsor, Delaunay. She has skill as a linguist and is a devoted student of literature and history. When stated like that, she sounds like a Mary Sue character, but I tended to overlook that because so many things seem to go wrong with her plans.
The largest supernatural intervention in Phedre's world seems to be the influence of the gods in the lives of their worshippers. Several times in this novel, they seem to intervene to save Phedre's life, only to leave her in yet another desperate situation. It is maybe not an advantage to be marked by a god.
The action is unflagging, there are twists and turns, and for the last few chapters I couldn't set the book down. Even after the major plot is dealt with, there remain urgent tasks requiring attention. Only the very last chapter lets the reader come back to reality gently, willing to let go of Phedre until the time comes to pick up the next volume.
Book number 426 of my Science Fiction & Fantasy Reading Project.
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