Kushiel's Justice [Audiobook, MP3 Audio, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

It's officially summer, the season of strappy sandals, sexy sundresses, barely-there bikinis, and the latest offering from Jacqueline Carey. Yes, June is no longer just about summer vacation and fruity girlie drinks on the beach - it's also the time to immerse yourself in the sweet and sexy world of the Kushiel's Legacy series.

"Kushiel's Justice", of course, is the fifth and most recent in the series. It's also the second book in Imriel's subtrilogy - and, in an almost unheard-of development, in this case the middle book has actually surpassed the first. Fantasy fans know what I'm talking about - it's an unwritten rule that the second book of any trilogy is the weakest link. It even held true in Phedre's trilogy - "Kushiel's Chosen", while still fantastic, didn't quite measure up to "Dart" or "Avatar". However, "Justice" takes the bar set by "Kushiel's Scion" and blows it out of the water, if I may mix my metaphors. It is at once darker, more personal, and yes, more erotic than "Scion" - in fact, perhaps more than any other book in the series.

Imriel has returned from his rebellious phase in Tiberium, a little older, a little wiser, and prepared - he thinks - to finally prove to his enemies that he is not tainted by the treason of his parents. He will marry a princess of the Cruithne and provide Alba with a half-d'Angeline heir. It will cement Terre d'Ange's alliance with Alba and help silence the grumbling against Queen Ysandre's own half-Cruithne heirs, and thus, Imriel hopes, establish once and for all his devotion to his country. (If this paragraph has just blown your mind, it is only proof that yes, you do need to read the entire series from the beginning to understand what's going on.)

But you know what they say about the best-laid plans. Before the royal wedding can commence, Imriel finds himself head over heels with the last person he ever expected to capture his heart - his first cousin, twice removed, the Dauphine Sidonie. I must admit, this was a coupling that blindsided me when it was first hinted at in "Scion." But here, Carey makes it clear that everything we've seen of Sidonie to date is her public face, very different from her private side. She then sets about introducing Sidonie in such a lovely way that she makes it very easy to understand why Imriel falls in love with her.

But although it breaks his heart, Imriel chooses duty over love - a huge no-no in Terre d'Ange, where the only commandment is "Love as thou wilt." He marries his Cruithne princess, Dorelei, and leaves Sidonie for Alba. Once there, however, a power darker and older than even Earth's Eldest Children seeks to control him by using his love for Sidonie against him. Tragedy ensues (I was terribly spoiled on this point, but it still shook me up, big time. Still, I won't ruin it for anyone else) and Imriel vows vengeance, never realizing how far his vow will take him, nor how much it will cost.

Once again, this is a book about Imriel's personal journey, rather than the save-the-world plots that characterized Phedre's trilogy. I like the execution here much better than in "Scion"; rather than being a bit player in a relatively unimportant conflict, in "Justice" Imriel is cast in a singular and lonely quest that alienates him from the world and from his loved ones. He is forced to confront his own worst failings and weaknesses, and realize that he can't blame Melisande for all of them. In fact, irony of ironies, it is in part his mother's tenacity and perseverance that see him through the worst of his trials.

I can't even say how much I loved this book. It might even edge out "Dart" as my favorite in the series so far! The emergence of Sidonie as a major character; the resolution of several minor storylines from previous books (and I might be the only one who squealed in delight at the brief return of Childric d'Essoms); Phedre and Joscelin going off on their own, completely unrelated adventure for most of the book (which gave me warm fuzzies for some reason); fascinating secondary characters, including Dorelei, Alais, and Maslin; Carey finally establishing a distinct and authentic voice for Imriel, rather than 'Phedre Jr.'; and oh, yes, yes, YES! The amazingly hot sex. Did I complain that the sex in "Scion" fell flat? Well, maybe Ms. Carey thought so too, because "Justice" more than makes up for it. This is some of the best erotic fiction since... I don't even know, for some reason I can't focus. Suffice to say, Imriel has, indeed, grown up. A lot. Ahem. And Sidonie! You naughty, naughty Dauphine.

Readers of Jacqueline Carey, this is simply a can't-miss. I cannot wait for the final installment, and I only pray that it is not the end of Terre d'Ange! Of course, now I only have those fruity girlie drinks to see me through the rest of the summer.

Following Kushiel's Scion, this book is a return to what made Jacqueline Carey's work so intriguing. It's actually possible to have skipped the events of Kushiel's Scion to read this book if you understand the precedent that was set up by the original trilogy, particularly the lines of the D'Angeline and Alban thrones.

On the one hand, it's a refreshing change to have Imriel as the protagonist. While "Scion" was meant to reorient the reader into his personality and life, it was, alas, boring. He does not have the same magnetism as Phedre and I sensed a slight difficulty to write as the opposite gender. Imriel has been established as not being "Phedre Jr.", but it is only in "Justice" that he makes his mark on what kind of man he actually becomes. This book also sets him out on a quest which sends him into completely new territory and follows up a small loose end from Phedre's journeys. While interesting to see new parts of this fantasy world interpreted in Ms. Carey's unique way, they are outshadowed by the reason for the journey itself, in a far different way than has ever been presented by Ms. Carey, at least in the first person.

Readers who expect to see a lot of Phedre and Joscelin in this book will be sorely disappointed. While present, they are secondary players and their involvement is clearly only to support -- but this is exactly what a reader should expect given the focus on Imriel and the way in which they have raised him so far. What readers will see is more insight into the dealings of the D'Angeline and Alban courts. While Phedre had a privileged view of the court given her social standing, Imriel has had court intrigue thrust upon him.

And here is where the key difference in this book of the series lies. For the first time, we see Imriel involved in a relationship which involves true emotion rather than lust. Oh yes, there is lust, but I have always found that Ms. Carey's writing is far more involving when there is love at stake. This was made even more clear by the dearth of any such emotion in "Scion". The real kicker to this particular twist is that it also involves the D'Angeline beliefs about the nature of love that eventually sets up the major events in this book.

Readers who do not want spoilers but at least want to be prepared for what's in store should remember the precept of Blessed Elua: Love as thou wilt. And it is the return to this simple statement, which lies at the core of this fantasy world that has me giving this novel 5 stars. It isn't flawless but it made me remember what makes Ms. Carey's work so memorable.

"Kushiel's Justice" is a sprawling adventure that begins where "Kushiel's Scion" left off. Not only does it surpass "Scion", but it is right up there on par with the earlier "Kushiel" novels.

Imriel has arrived home from his adventures in Tiberium and Lucca, and has finally read his mother's letters. The content of those letters only increases his tumultuous emotions, as Imriel continues to try to do the right thing, and to be good, in the hopes of making up for his mother's treachery. With his decision to wed the Cruarch's niece and secure Terre d'Ange's place in Alba's line of succession, he seems set on this path.

But neither he nor Sidonie reckoned on their explosive connection, as the two begin an illicit affair that, if discovered, could split the realm asunder. But they are young and unsure, and both hope fervently that their feelings will fade. And so Imriel goes forth to marry his Alban bride, Dorelei mab Breidaia, and forge a life as an Alban prince. There, he is caught in a web of Alban magic, as the country's oldest inhabitants struggle to discern the shifting future.

After a startling twist halfway through the book, Imriel's life is shattered and he embarks upon a mission of vengeance that takes him into unknown lands. That journey tests him and changes him in ways he could never have expected.

Words cannot adequately describe the beauty and mastery of "Kushiel's Justice". The story unravels and weaves and unravels again in breathtaking succession, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next. The power of Carey's descriptive prose is on display here, as she sets up new lands and new characters and guides us expertly through their histories and motivations. I loved the many intricacies in the plot, the way certain things tied together, and the way so many unexpected obstacles prove that such journeys are never easy. Imriel learns this, too, as even the man against whom he has sworn vengeance shows him that even an idea as righteous as justice or an emotion as clear as hatred is not always so simple.

During the course this book, we see Imriel at his best and at his worst. We see the nature of the Shahrizai and Courcel blood in him, as well as the influences of Phedre and Joscelin. We see him lose himself and find himself repeatedly, and we see the forging of a powerful young man who has finally come to terms with himself. Other main characters include:

Sidonie, in whom readers finally glimpse the subtle cracks in her cold exterior, the insecurities she has struggled with. There is not as much focus on Sidonie's individual character as there is on her interaction with Imriel, but we still see the strength and intelligence and compassion in the young woman.

Dorelei, who serves to ground Imriel and put things into perspective for him. I really enjoyed the portrayal of her character, and found it to be realistic and refreshing.

Alais, who finally comes into her own in Alba. Like Imriel, she begins learning more about herself and her heritage in "Justice", and an interesting groundwork is laid for her in the next novel.

Urist, the commander of the forces who serve Imriel as Lord of Clunderry in Alba. He's an experienced man who doesn't miss much, and his support of Imriel provides a nice balance during their travels.

Many other characters also make appearances throughout the novel, including: Ysandre and Drustan, and his heir, Talorcan; Eammon and Brigitta, and the Lady Grainne; Hyacinthe and Sibeal and their children; Maslin de Lombelon, with whom there's a surprising and satisfactory twist; and of course Phedre and Joscelin, who, despite their comparatively small roles, prove to readers that at heart, they are who they've always been.

I simply do not have enough good things to say about "Kushiel Justice". My only criticism pertains to certain repetitive phrases in the writing, which at times did become a little annoying, but in most places were easily overlooked. If the upcoming "Kushiel's Mercy" is anywhere near as good as this book, Carey will have ended her second "Kushiel" trilogy by setting a standard that few authors today can meet.