Read-along: Kushiel’s Chosen by Jacqueline Carey (week 2)

 

We’ve returned to Terre d’Ange, and to the court of Queen Ysandre, but there’s no time for sight-seeing as Phèdre packs her bags and sets sail for La Serenissima in pursuit of traitorous secrets. Who, if anyone, can be trusted in this game? Place your bets, ladies and gentleman, as we delve deeper into the world of Kushiel’s Chosen.

This week’s prompts have been posed by that wisest of bookwyrms imyril of There’s Always Room for One More (who levelled up this week – please go wish her happy birthday if you haven’t already). Each week’s prompts, links to other readers’ responses and the reading schedule can all be found on this Goodreads page here.

 

SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS! And now let’s begin …

 

Week 2: Chapters 18 to 30 inclusive

Marmion Shahrizai has a sudden fall from grace this week. What’s your take on how he handled Persia’s treason – and on how Ysandre handles him? Do you feel sorry for him? Do you think we’ll see him again?

I didn’t see this coming at all. I was expecting Marmion to become a much bigger player in the game. And, if I’m honest, I did feel a little sorry for him, but only a little. I still don’t like him much and that was a hell of a thing he did to his sister, Persia.

However, since his punishment is only exile and not death, I am half expecting him to pop up again later. I’m not at all sure he’s going to be the big player I thought he’d be though. Carey just keeps on surprising me.

 

What do you make of Nicola L’Envers y Aragon? Do you trust her? Do you think she’s right in her assessment of Barquiel L’Envers?

Oh boy, I hope I don’t regret saying this, but yes, I do think she’s on the level. She just doesn’t seem to have the guile needed for the game Phèdre’s involved in. And I like Nicola. She tries so hard to make Phèdre see that she and Barquiel are on the same side, and she gives Phèdre the L’Envers family code word. I just don’t think that any of this is a ruse. I get the feeling she’s had the same discussion with Barquiel as she’s had with Phèdre, but these two are so suspicious of each other (and nearly everyone else, not knowing who they can trust right now) that they just can’t see that they really should be allies.

 

Phèdre returns to the Night Court as a patron, seeking help to understand her dreams. How have your impressions of the Night Court evolved since we first met Phèdre in Cereus House?

This was fascinating. I’m enjoying learning a little more about the different Houses than comprise the Night Court (whilst blushing furiously whenever things get rude). I was intrigued to know what help Phèdre would get from Gentian House for her disturbing dreams, and I admit I laughed when that help was sex. All the relaxing bathing and massage beforehand made me think that maybe, just maybe, not everything boiled down to the horizontal boogie, but nope. Sex fixes everything. I have to keep reminding myself that it is an act of worship for the D’Angelline.

I’d really like a list of all the Houses and their areas of expertise. I love that Carey is slowly expanding her world, but I do like things to be laid out and categorised for me sometimes, and I’m still struggling to truly comprehend the D’Angelline religion.

 

Much has been made of Joscelin standing at a crossroads. Did any of his choices this week surprise you? Any thoughts on what roads he may walk down – and where they may lead him?

Joscelin is starting to annoy me. He’s got a real stick up his butt at the moment about Phèdre returning to her calling and he needs a swift slap. I just don’t see how things have changed. He has always know Phèdre as she is now – neither of them have ever been anything other than an anguissette and a Casseline for as long as they’ve been acquainted. They’ve both acknowledged that they love one another, so why don’t they talk things through?

What’s surprising me at the moment is that he’s making such a big deal over it all. I’m confused as to what the Yeshuite religion offers him – forgiveness? – that he seems so torn. And I’m frustrated that he’s not talking about what’s on his mind. I don’t like the ‘strong silent type’ thing much as it is, but having Joscelin clam up after we got to know him so well in Kushiel’s Dart is downright exasperating.

And of course, behind all my annoyance is the fear that he’s going to leave. I may not understand why, but I can see that the Yeshuites offer Joscelin something he’s strongly moved to take, and I’m half expecting him to do so.

 

On the road again… Phèdre discovers she has friends in unexpected places and allies in every port. What was your gut reaction to the confrontation with the Unforgiven? Any predictions for what may await in La Serenissima?

Oh my goodness, the confrontation with the Unforgiven was badass! Phèdre might be uncomfortable with her new status, but I frigging loved it. And I find it fascinating that she represents redemption for them, that Kushiel’s punishment is seen as redemptive in nature.

And then Kushiel spoke through her! That was pretty intense. Where’s that going?

After the information they’ve gained from the Unforgiven I feel like the Somervilles are now under the most suspicion as the traitors of Troyes-le-Mont, which makes me sad. I like Ghislain and his dad Percy seemed OK too. And I don’t understand what their reasons for helping Melisande might be.

As for predictions, I have a bad feeling about La Serenissima. After the wonderful reunion with Quintilius Rousse and Roxanne de Mereliot – ah *happy sigh* friends! – I think there aren’t going to be any more friendly faces for a while. I’m expecting courtly intrigues and back-stabbery to come. This may be the point at which Joscelin chooses to move on too, and that makes me sad. And finally, I’m expecting to see Melisande some time very soon. And I’m not looking forward to it.

 

The next post for this read-along can be found here:

Week 3 – Chapters 31 to 44 inclusive

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