Kushiels Dart

Phèdre nó Delaunay is a young woman who was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye. Sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with very a special mission...and the first one to recognize who and what she is: one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one.

Phèdre is trained equally in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber, but, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Almost as talented a spy as she is courtesan, Phèdre stumbles upon a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland. Treachery sets her on her path; love and honor goad her further. And in the doing, it will take her to the edge of despair...and beyond. Hateful friend, loving enemy, beloved assassin; they can all wear the same glittering mask in this world, and Phèdre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear.

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. Not since Dune has there been an epic on the scale of Kushiel's Dart — a massive tale about the violent death of an old age, and the birth of a new.

Phèdre nó Delaunay is a young woman who was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye. Sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with very a special mission...and the first one to recognize who and what she is: one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one.

Phèdre is trained equally in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber, but, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Almost as talented a spy as she is courtesan, Phèdre stumbles upon a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland. Treachery sets her on her path; love and honor goad her further. And in the doing, it will take her to the edge of despair...and beyond. Hateful friend, loving enemy, beloved assassin; they can all wear the same glittering mask in this world, and Phèdre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear.

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. Not since Dune has there been an epic on the scale of Kushiel's Dart-a massive tale about the violent death of an old age, and the birth of a new.

Upon returning she embarked in earnest on a writing career, which came to fruition some ten years later. During this time, she worked at the art center of an area college, gaining a strong background in the visual arts. This, along with her early studies in literature and psychology informs her work, as does a lifelong interest in mythology. She enjoys doing research on a wide variety of arcane topics, and an affinity for travel has take her from Finland to Egypt to date. Although often asked by inquiring fans, she does not, in fact, have any tattoos.

Jacqueline currently resides in west Michigan, where she is a founding member of the oldest Mardi Gras krewe in the state. She is the author of the critically acclaimed "Kushiel's Legacy" fantasy trilogy, including Kushiel's Dart, which received the Locus Award for Best First Novel and the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Fantasy in 2001. Other previous publications include a nonfiction book, various essays and short stories.

Questions for Discussion

1. Anafiel Delaunay opened his home to Alcuin and Phèdre, gave them his name, and treated them like family. Yet at the same time, he benefited from their services to Naamah as a means to spy on his enemies and gain insight into plottings against the throne. Alcuin and Phèdre in turn would do anything to please Delaunay, even risk their lives. Do you feel that Delaunay knowingly took advantage of Alcuin and Phèdres loyalty to him? Do you feel Delaunay allowed Phèdre to accept dangerous assignations, knowing that her love for him would drive her to do anything to make him proud?

2. Delaunay often spoke of Rolandes rashness as being the cause of his downfall in the Battle of Three Princes. Did you feel that Delaunays better judgment was also clouded by his obsession to avenge Rolandes death and his solemn oath to protect Rolandes only daughter, the Dauphine?

3. Delaunay had treated Phèdre like a daughter and was the only person to turn her “curse” into a blessing. Yet when Phèdre discovers Delaunay and Alcuin are romantically involved, she cries bitter tears of despair. Did you feel she was upset because she wanted to be intimate with Delaunay? Or did you attribute her despair to sibling rivalry? Was she jealous of Alcuin for once again being Delaunays favorite pupil?

4. Melisande Shahrizai proves to be a dangerous woman to Delaunay, Alcuin, Phèdre, and all of Terre dAnge. Shes a lethal combination of blinding beauty, cunning intelligence, and evil ambition. Yet she is first introduced as a friend to Delaunay. Do you feel that with all of Delaunays knowledge of human nature he should have seen Melisande as a threat much earlier on? Or do you feel he was always aware of how dangerous she was and neglected to protect himself, Alcuin, and Phèdre from Melisandes deceitful machinations?

5. Hyacinthe is Phèdres only real friend, since before she even enters Naamahs services. Up until the war in Alba, their relationship had always been platonic. Or was it? Did you feel that there were feelings of unrequited love for either of them? Did Phèdre harbor feelings to one day be with Hyacinthe? Do you feel Phèdre and Hyacinthe have some unfinished business to settle in the sequel to Kushiels Dart?

6. When Joscelin and Phèdre are first sold as slaves to the Skaldi, theyre treated fairly well by many of them, in particular, Hedwig and Gunter. Gunter even allows Joscelin to defend himself against Evrard the Sharptongued, after which Joscelin is allowed to join the Skaldi as Gunters bodyguard. Its not until they are traded to Waldemar Seligs steading that they are truly mistreated. Would you have liked to know that Gunters steading had escaped the war without injury? When Joscelin and Phèdre escape Seligs steading, did it upset you when Phèdre was forced to kill Harald the Beardless, one of the thanes in Gunters steading who had been kind to her?

7. Blessed Elua says “Love as thou wilt.” Yet when Joscelin Verreuil does just that with Phèdre, he is cast out of the Cassiline Brotherhood. While it was Joscelins choice to remain with Phèdre, did you feel that the Cassilines should have respected Eluas will?

8. Joscelin has a difficult time accepting Phèdres status as an anguissette and the services that accompany the role of one of Kushiels servants. In the sequel, do you feel that Joscelin will learn to accept Phèdres need to serve Kushiel? Or is this something that could eventually destroy their relationship?

9. While reading Kushiels Dart, did you find yourself wishing that Phèdre would stop being an anguissette and settle down to marry Joscelin? Early on in the book, did you think that Delaunay and Phèdre might end up together?

10. Jacqueline Carey has left Kushiels Dart wide open for a sequel. What are some of the things youd like to see happen in her next book? How would you like Joscelin and Phèdres relationship to develop? How will the book resurrect Melisande? Will Phèdre be able to resist Melisandes charms? Do you hope Hyacinthe will return as a main character again?