Kadomi reviewed Kushiel's Mercy by Jacqueline Carey (Kushiel's Legacy (6))
Review of "Kushiel's Mercy" on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
Kushiel's Mercy concludes the Imriel Trilogy, and as such, was a satisfying conclusion that was a pleasure to read. It's not perfect, so more 4.5 stars for me, but that's because I still find Imriel somewhat annoying. Brooding angst in young guy doesn't seem to work for me. It is rather harmless compared to the first two books, the angst. Story-wise, we get new exotic locations, as Imriel has to travel to Cythera (I am assuming this is supposed to be Cyprus) and then later Carthage, where General Astegal dreams of creating an empire and uses dire magic on Terre d'Ange in an effort to start conquering Aragonia. Imriel has to take on the guise of another man in order to break the spell on his country and most importantly (to him) to free Sidonie who got mind-controlled to believe herself in love with Astegal and married him. Of course …
Kushiel's Mercy concludes the Imriel Trilogy, and as such, was a satisfying conclusion that was a pleasure to read. It's not perfect, so more 4.5 stars for me, but that's because I still find Imriel somewhat annoying. Brooding angst in young guy doesn't seem to work for me. It is rather harmless compared to the first two books, the angst. Story-wise, we get new exotic locations, as Imriel has to travel to Cythera (I am assuming this is supposed to be Cyprus) and then later Carthage, where General Astegal dreams of creating an empire and uses dire magic on Terre d'Ange in an effort to start conquering Aragonia. Imriel has to take on the guise of another man in order to break the spell on his country and most importantly (to him) to free Sidonie who got mind-controlled to believe herself in love with Astegal and married him. Of course Imriel but also Sidonie save the day. The final scenes wrapped up both Phedre's and Imriel's stories nicely for me, bringing back characters from both series, and I have to admit to sniffling quite a bit.
Of course, there is a downside, a general flaw, but I am not upset enough about to downrate the book. Yet, it's there. What a stupid turn of character for Melisande, the ultimate villain, the person capable of the greatest intrigues in fantasy fiction. From fascinating plotter who always wins to doting mother who helps her son because she has pangs of...conscience? Guilt? The whole Unseen Guild stuff was a let-down.
