A dark, edgy fantasy not for the faint of heart. The story starts slow; establishing the rich and immersive world of Terre d'Ange, where history and mythology are one. Some may find the read a little tedious, but it is well worth it; setting the stage for a world as vast as Tolkien's. Just when you've gotten comfortable and familiar with Its character's and way of life, Carey throws a curve-ball and circumstances change entirely. The cast of characters is are both dynamic and diverse; from a daughter of the night-court to the monk, who must challenge his every vow to defend the one he is sworn to protect. Though often taking a serious tone, the story is not without humor. It is both tasteful and entertaining, it is by no means predictable. what sets it apart, however, is the proper and elegant vernacular used by Phèdre, as the story unfolds through her eyes. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a unique and engaging read. #imagineteencontest

I enjoyed this book. The beginning of the book was a little slow which often happens when a novel seeks to create a land and culture foreign to the reader. But it became quite an enjoyable read and I found the world interesting. The story was complex with lots of twists and turns and the characters were memorable.

This book could have benefitted from some serious editing, especially in the first half. (It takes several hundred pages before the story even really starts.) All in all though, it was an enjoyable read. The world is interesting, the politics complex, and the love sincere.

Finding that this book topped the 100 list of the Decade's SF/F at Tor.com, I decided to read it. After reading half the book, I could not understand why it was at the top of the chart! Was the stereotype true - that most SF/F readers were geeky teenage boy wannabes? The only reason that it hit the top of the list was because of the lurid sex scenes? I debated about putting it down. I didn't have another book, so I kept reading. Finally, after getting enslaved by the Skaldi, it started getting interesting. The plot started moving. There were adventures, dangerous situations, conflict and battles. Now I understood what had to happen in the first half of the book - too bad it took so long to get there.

This is an excellent book. The rest of the series is awesome too. I've reccomended it to several people in the past, and they've all become addicted to it as well. Part of the allure is the strong female characters, the vivid storytelling and the complex plots. Carey paints a beautiful and captivating world that draws you in.

Well written but just not enough fire.

The story takes WAY too long to really get going, but once it does it is hard to put down. After page 450 or so.... Which is about how long it takes to get used to the flowery language.