Kushiel's Justice

By: Jacqueline Carey

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Imriel de la Courcel's blood parents are history's most reviled traitors, while his adoptive parents, Phedre and Joscelin, are Terre d'Ange's greatest champions. Stolen, tortured, and enslaved as a young boy, Imriel is now a Prince of the Blood, third in line for the throne in a land that revels in beauty, art, and desire.

After a year abroad to study at university, Imriel returns from his adventures a little older and somewhat wiser. But perhaps not wise enough. What was once a mere spark of interest between himself and his cousin Sidonie now ignites into a white-hot blaze. But from commoner to peer, the whole realm would recoil from any alliance between Sidonie, heir to the throne, and Imriel, who bears the stigma of his mother's misdeeds and betrayals. Praying that their passion will peak and fade, Imriel and Sidonie embark on an intense, secret affair.

Blessed Elua founded Terre d'Ange and bestowed one simple precept to guide his people: Love as thou wilt. When duty calls, Imriel honors his role as a member of the royal family by leaving to marry a lovely, if merely sweet, Alban princess. By choosing duty over love, Imriel and Sidonie may have unwittingly trespassed against Elua's law. But when dark powers in Alba, who fear an invasion by Terre d'Ange, seek to use the lovers' passion to bind Imriel, the gods themselves take notice.

Before the end, Kushiel's justice will be felt in heaven and on earth.

©2008 Jacqueline Carey (P)2009 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Superbly crafted...unforgettable.... Highly recommended." ( Library Journal)
"Another stunner in the Kushiel series." ( Booklist)

Another amazing tale from Jacqueline Carey!

Perhaps I'm biased as Kushiel's Legacy is my favorite book series, but it's a more interesting read than the LotR tomes if you're into that sort of thing.

I love this series.

This book is always a pleasure to revisit. It's a solid build into the third.

Carey’s writing

What a beautifully written book, characters are deep and flawed and beautiful, I cried reading this on the treadmill.

Another chapter to Imriel

I have read all the books preceding to this one. Carey is a detailed author so if at this point you haven't found that out or this is your first - beware. The story does not reveal itself in an hour and end in the next.
Carey weaves intricate lines of lineage, history, and associations to create another masterpiece.
The sensuality, the adventure, and dedication was wonderful. I felt like the listener literally grew up a little more with each of Imriel's years and experiences. I did also enjoy Simon Vance - just wait till Kushiel's Mercy to see his talent bloom even more.

Nice with the series

I enjoyed the continuation of this series but I do wish that the original characters played a stronger part. I wouldn't actually consider it a part of the series, rather a continuation of the fictional world of the first 3 books. But, a great listen none the less.