Kushiel's Dart

by Jacqueline Carey
Kushiel's Dart cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Fantasy
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 4595
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780765342980
  • Publisher: Tor UK
  • Published: 2002-03-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Kushiel's Dart is the first book in Jacqueline Carey's critically acclaimed Kushiel's Legacy series, blending rich historical fiction with elements of fantasy and romance. The story follows Phèdre nó Delaunay, a courtesan and spy in a world where angels and demons are as real as the people who serve them. Phèdre's journey is one of passion, power, and the complexities of human nature, set against the backdrop of a vividly imagined medieval-inspired world. /n/n The novel is renowned for its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and lush, evocative prose. It explores themes of love, loyalty, and the consequences of one's choices, making it a compelling read for fans of epic fantasy and historical fiction alike.

Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
engaging 4.00

Kushiel's Dart is a richly detailed and immersive fantasy novel that blends political intrigue, romance, and mythology. The protagonist's journey is compelling, though some readers may find the pacing slow and the world-building overwhelming.

Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey is a sprawling epic that transports readers to a vividly imagined world inspired by Renaissance Europe and Middle Eastern cultures. The story follows Phèdre nó Delaunay, a courtesan and spy, as she navigates a complex web of political alliances and personal desires. The novel's strength lies in its intricate world-building and the depth of its characters, particularly Phèdre, whose journey is both captivating and emotionally resonant. However, the pacing can be slow, and the sheer volume of detail may overwhelm some readers. The blend of romance, political intrigue, and mythology creates a unique and engaging narrative, though it requires patience and attention to detail. They appreciated the novel's originality and the richness of its setting, but acknowledged that it might not be for everyone due to its length and complexity.

Quick quotes

    The world-building is exquisite and immersive, transporting readers to a vividly imagined realm.

    Phèdre's journey is both captivating and emotionally resonant, making her a memorable protagonist.

    The pacing can be slow, and the sheer volume of detail may overwhelm some readers.

thequilltolive.com · Unknown · 2020-06-11
mixed 3.50

The book is praised for its practical methods to teach effectively and helps teachers become evidence informed. However, there are some issues with the meta-analysis approach used in the book.

Many teachers find the book to be an excellent starting point for engaging with research, despite some concerns about the meta-analysis approach. The book is seen as very practical and helps teachers become more evidence informed. However, there are some criticisms of the book's approach to research, with some teachers feeling that it is not rigorous enough. Some teachers have also expressed concerns about the book being used to justify ill-informed policy decisions. Overall, the book is seen as a useful resource for teachers, but one that should be approached with some caution.

Quick quotes

    Visible Learning is an excellent starting point for teachers to engage with research, despite there being some issues with the meta analysis approach he deploys, but so much of the book is about very practical methods to teach effectively and helps teachers become evidence informed.

    My tip would be grab a hold of Hattie’s ‘The Science of Learning’ — it is a must read for every teacher.

    I feel like John Hattie is Charlotte Danielson all over again; good scholarship has been appropriated to mandate bad policies.

A Dab of Darkness · 2015-08-07
magnificent 4.50

They praised the magnificent worldbuilding and the setting, which felt like a character itself, shaping the plot and the characters' journeys.

The reviewer was highly impressed by the worldbuilding in Kushiel's Dart, describing it as magnificent and nearly a character unto itself. The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the plot and the development of the characters, adding a layer of richness to the story. They appreciated the intricate details and the immersive quality of the world that Jacqueline Carey has created. The reviewer also noted the complexity of the characters and the engaging narrative, which makes the book a standout in the fantasy genre. The depth of the worldbuilding and the thoughtful exploration of the characters' journeys are particularly noteworthy.

Quick quotes

    The world building is simply magnificent in this book.

    The setting is nearly a character unto itself, affecting the plot and the shaping of our characters.

    The intricate details and the immersive quality of the world that Jacqueline Carey has created.

Smart Bitches, Trashy Books · Betty Fokker · 2015-06-27
Enjoyed 4.50

The reviewer enjoyed the blend of fantasy, romance, mystery, and thriller elements, finding the book to be a compelling read. They appreciate the unique combination of genres.

Betty Fokker found Kushiel's Dart to be a captivating read, praising its unique blend of fantasy, romance, mystery, and thriller elements. She appreciates how the book seamlessly combines these genres to create a rich and engaging narrative. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to keep her engaged and entertained throughout, making it a standout read. The combination of different genres adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    The book, Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey, gave me a fantasy, romance, mystery, and thriller all rolled into one.

    It's a book that kept me engaged and entertained from start to finish.

    I found the blend of genres to be particularly compelling and well-executed.

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