Kushiel's Dart cover art

Kushiel's Dart

Kushiel's Legacy, Book 1

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Kushiel's Dart

By: Jacqueline Carey
Narrated by: Jessica Whittaker
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About this listen

Winner of the Locus Award for Best First Novel, Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey is an intoxicating fantasy of intrigue, betrayal and desire – perfect for fans of Sarah J. Mass and Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Servant. Seductress. Spy.

All Phèdre nó Delaunay has known is a life of servitude – until now. When her bond is purchased by a nobleman, Anafiel Delaunay, he transforms her into a charming courtesan and skillful spy. He’s also the first to recognize what she is: one touched by the god Kushiel’s dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one.

But when Phèdre uncovers a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland, she’s thrown into a world of deadly courtiers, heroic traitors and one truly Machiavellian villainess. Her journey will take her to the edge of despair and beyond. For false friends, loving enemies and beloved assassins all wear the same glittering masks – and Phèdre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear.

Continue the journey with Kushiel’s Chosen by Jacqueline Carey.

©2011 Jacqueline Carey (P)2023 Macmillan Publishers International Limited
Action & Adventure Fantasy Fiction Historical Romance Espionage

Critic Reviews

"A very sophisticated fantasy, intricately plotted and a fascinating read." (Robert Jordan)

"With her provocative debut novel, Jacqueline Carey introduces herself as an extraordinarily talented writer... Ms Carey weaves an exquisite tapestry of politics, intrigue, history, magic, desire and fate into a breathtaking epic that will captivate readers." (Romantic Times)

"Superbly detailed, fascinatingly textured, and sometimes unbearably intense: a resonant, deeply satisfying and altogether remarkable debut." (Kirkus Reviews)

What listeners say about Kushiel's Dart

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good story developed characters

3.5 star narration - some mispronunciations, and also awkward pacing / timing compared to how it would be read. As if it were at a higher speed

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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floraly language and dark undertones

I struggled to appreciate the accented floraly language used inline with the darker parts of the story. stopped and then came back to it and pushed through. The names and storyline of some characters were hard to follow. But all in all it was worth the credit spent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Slow start, but the world building and story unfolding was worth it.

Amazing. Left me breathless and wanting more. The world and character building was wonderful and the performance of it was spectacular.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Poetic, spicy, and adventurous

An absolutely beautiful, poetic, spicy and adventure-filled book, thoroughly enjoyed. Loved the French inspiration, and the great range of experiences this book takes you on.
Highly recommend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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An Absolute Must

An amazing first book in this series. The story line is full of intrigue, corruption and seduction. I couldn't get enough of this book and went on to listen to the rest of the series. The narrator does an amazing!!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The best

This book is a long time favourite of mine, my all time favourite. so much so, I have in print, ebook and audible and repeat it often. The recording is well spoken, bringing the words alive. This book is is not a light thing, but is so very rich and deep and vast, that reading it takes you through a journey of emotions all over the spectrum. It's a story of intrigue, betrayal, romance, heroism, sorrow, joy, spirituality, culture... it's difficult to put it in mere words. The characters are colourful, the story winding and exciting, and the language is utterly beautiful. Cannot rate it enough.

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Storyline and reading style

Fictional masterpiece by Jacqueline Carey. Brilliant reading by Jessica Whittaker bringing all the characters to life.

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