Hey guys, Ashten here with one of our newer segments, Reader’s Repository, where we talk about books that we’re currently reading, books that we’ve read, and books that we are looking forward to.
As of right now, I’m reading Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey; it was published in 2001 by Tor Fantasy. It takes place in a world that is almost Europe with lore that is almost biblical in a land that’s almost fantasy. In the story, the main character, Phèdre, worships Naamah (an Angel), who was a companion of Elua (a Christ-like figure), and Naamah laid down with strangers out of love for Elua. The worshipers of Naamah use sex as a religious practice and have refined the act into artistry. Phèdre is trained equally in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber, but above all, the ability to observe and analyze.
Set in a world of cunning poets, deadly courtiers, heroic traitors, and a truly Machiavellian villainess, this is a novel of grandeur, luxuriance, sacrifice, betrayal, and deeply laid conspiracies. I am currently halfway through the book and the plot is heating up in a very spicy way! Without giving away too much right now, you should read with me and see if Phèdre nó Delaunay can survive her arduous adventure.
