Review: Kushiel's Scion by Jacqueline Carey
The Second Trilogy Begins the Journey of Imriel, Son of Darkness
Jan 9, 2009
There are currently six books in the Kushiel Series. The first three trace the journey of Phedre: heroine, courtesan and Queen's Companion. She is remarkable and likeable, mysterious and dark. Her consort, Joscelin, is quite nearly the stereotype of the perfect man. He is kind, protective, listens and waits.
The next trilogy in the series begins with Kushiel's Scion (and follows the journey of Imriel, Phedre's foster son and biological son of Melisande, Phedre's long time lover and nemisis.
Themes in Kushiel's Scion:
The broad theme in all of these books is this: "Love as thou wilt." The various houses (or places of pleasure) described in the book each have properties that would appeal to different clientele. In Scion, Imriel must learn how to deal with the darkness that comes with being a scion of the dark god Kushiel, who delivers punishment laced with compassion. Imriel's past, which began in the last book of the previous series, is dealt with in full.
In this first novel that focuses on him, he finds healing, both emotional and physical, while being ensnared in much the same political intrigue Phedre and Melisande dealt with in the previous trilogy.
Themes of darkness versus light are also ever present. Carey seems to point the reader toward a definite balance, suggesting that for all the goodness and light, there is also evil and darkness, although those qualities are not always what they seem on the surface.
Love is the primary motif. It crosses gender lines easily, flowing from men to woman and back, although Imriel realizes his preference is for women. Indeed, the tenant of Love as thou wilt is strongly adhered to all the way through.
Loyalty and Honor in Kushiel's Scion
These are key issues in the series, and particularly for Imriel, who has no idea who is against him and who remains on his side. The two people he trusts without reservation are Phedre and Joscelin. Otherwise, the reader can follow Imriel's confusion as he continually tries to understand the nature of friendship.
It is easy to see why other (minor) characters feel the need to be loyal to Imriel, as Carey has created in him a character easy to love. Characters fight and die in the interest of loyalty, and more than once Carey leaves the question hanging of whether it is always good to be loyal, or if there are causes to which one can be mistakenly loyal.
The Author
Jacqeline Carey is the author of 10 books, and two upcoming: Naamah's Kiss (June 2009) and Santa Olivia (May 2009). Her website has a list of links, fan photos, fan tattoos and upcoming work. She currently lives in Michigan.
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