Series: Book 1 in the Phedre Trilogy series
Rating: ****
Tags: Fiction, General, Fantasy, Lang:en
Summary
HThis brilliant and daring debut, set in a skewed
Renaissance world (people worship Jesus-like "Blessed Elua"
but also demigods), catapults Carey immediately into the top
rank of fantasy novelists. In the character of PhŠdre
n¢ Delaunay, "a whore's unwanted get" sold into
indentured servitude in opulent Night Court, the author has
created a particularly strong and memorable female lead, and
has surrounded her with a large and varied cast, from nobles
and priests to soldiers and peasants. An engrossing plot
focuses first on court intrigue and treachery, then, in a
surprising shift, on high adventure, travel in barbarian
lands including Alba (England) and war. Two demigods rule
PhŠdre: Naamah, for sensual love; and Kushiel, for
sado-masochistic pain, his "dart" being a blood spot in
PhŠdre's eye. Not everyone will go for PhŠdre's
graphic if elegantly described sexual encounters, which
usually involve the infliction of pain, whether from lashing,
branding or even cutting. PhŠdre, however, is no
clich‚d sexpot but a complex character motivated by
religious zeal. In one amusing scene, a group of sailors on
the march chants: "Whip us till we're on the floor, we'll
turn around and ask for more, we're PhŠdre's Boys!" At
the end, the heroine reminds one of an equally strong-minded
sister whose home was Tara. No mere feminist novel, this is
an assured and magnificent book that will appeal to both male
and female readers. (June 4)Forecast: With blurbs from Delia
Sherman and Storm Constantine, plus major print advertising
both genre and mainstream, this first novel could rack up
impressive sales. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Trained from childhood to a life of servitude and
espionage, Ph?dre n? Delaunay serves her master, Anafiel, as
a courtesan and spy, ferreting out the dangerous secrets of
the noble houses of Terre d'Ange. When she uncovers a
treasonous conspiracy, however, her life takes on a new and
deadly purpose. Set in a world reminiscent of late medieval
and early Renaissance Europe, Carey's first novel portrays a
society based upon political and sexual intrigue. The
author's sensual prose, suitable for adult readers, should
appeal to fans of Tanith Lee, Storm Constantine, and Terry
Goodkind. Recommended for adult fantasy collections.
From Publishers Weekly
From Library Journal
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.