Discover books similar to "Kushiel's Dart"

Jacqueline Carey

Kushiel's Dart

4.03

"Kushiel's Dart" by Jacqueline Carey is a richly detailed and intricate fantasy novel that explores themes of love, power, and identity. The story is set in a world inspired by historical Europe, where a complex political and religious system governs the lives of its inhabitants. The protagonist of the novel is Phèdre nó Delaunay, a courtesan and spy who is marked by the god Kushiel with a small red dot on her eye, signifying that she is one of his chosen ones, meant to experience pain and pleasure as one. Phèdre uses her unique abilities to serve her country, navigating the treacherous waters of court intrigue and political maneuvering. Carey's writing is lush and descriptive, immersing the reader in a fully realized world that is both familiar and foreign. The characters are well-developed and complex, with Phèdre's journey of self-discovery and acceptance at the heart of the story. The novel explores themes of power and submission, love and loyalty, and the blurred lines between pleasure and pain. "Kushiel's Dart" is a long and intricate novel, but it is never dull. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, with Carey's masterful storytelling keeping the reader engaged from beginning to end. The novel is the first in a series, and it sets the stage for a rich and complex world that continues to unfold in the subsequent books. Overall, "Kushiel's Dart" is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and historical fiction. Carey's world-building is exceptional, and her characters are complex and compelling. The novel explores themes that are both timeless and relevant, making it a thought-provoking and enjoyable read...

List of books similar to "Kushiel's Dart":

Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora

If you enjoyed the intricate political intrigue and complex characters in Kushiel's Dart, you'll love The Lies of Locke Lamora. This book follows the story of Locke Lamora, a gifted con artist, and his band of thieves as they navigate the treacherous waters of noble society in the city of Camorr. Filled with wit, humor, and suspense, this book is a must-read for fans of political fantasy.

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Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind

For those who appreciated the rich world-building and intricate plotlines in Kushiel's Dart, The Name of the Wind is an excellent choice. This book tells the story of Kvothe, a young man with a mysterious past who recounts his life story, including his education at a prestigious university and his adventures as a member of a traveling troupe of actors. Filled with magic, music, and adventure, this book is a true gem of modern fantasy.

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Joe Abercrombie

The First Law Trilogy

If you enjoyed the dark, gritty world of Kushiel's Dart, you'll love The First Law Trilogy. This series follows the stories of several morally ambiguous characters as they navigate a world filled with violence, political intrigue, and magic. With its sharp wit, brutal action, and complex characters, this series is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy.

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Mark Lawrence

The Broken Empire series

For those who enjoyed the complex morality and anti-hero protagonist in Kushiel's Dart, The Broken Empire Series is an excellent choice. This series follows the story of Jorg, a ruthless and cunning prince who will stop at nothing to claim the throne of his fallen kingdom. Filled with dark magic, political intrigue, and shocking twists, this series is not to be missed.

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R.F. Kuang

The Poppy War

If you appreciated the blend of politics, religion, and magic in Kushiel's Dart, The Poppy War is an excellent choice. This book tells the story of Rin, a war orphan who rises through the ranks of a prestigious military academy to become a powerful mage. Filled with action, intrigue, and heart-wrenching emotion, this book is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.

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Katherine Addison

The Goblin Emperor

For those who enjoyed the political intrigue and courtly drama in Kushiel's Dart, The Goblin Emperor is an excellent choice. This book tells the story of Maia, a half-goblin prince who is suddenly thrust onto the throne of a hostile empire. Filled with courtly drama, political intrigue, and rich world-building, this book is a must-read for fans of courtly fantasy.

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Seth Dickinson

The Traitor Baru Cormorant

If you appreciated the political intrigue and moral complexity in Kushiel's Dart, The Traitor Baru Cormorant is an excellent choice. This book tells the story of Baru, a young woman who is sent to infiltrate the ruling class of a rival empire and bring it down from within. Filled with political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and shocking twists, this book is a must-read for fans of intelligent fantasy.

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China Miéville

The City & the City

For those who enjoyed the intricate world-building and complex plotlines in Kushiel's Dart, The City & The City is an excellent choice. This book tells the story of two cities that exist in the same physical space but are completely separate in every other way. Filled with mystery, intrigue, and a unique blend of fantasy and noir, this book is a true original.

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R. Scott Bakker

The Darkness That Comes Before

If you appreciated the complex characters and dark themes in Kushiel's Dart, The Darkness That Comes Before is an excellent choice. This book tells the story of Anasûrimbor Kellhus, a mysterious and powerful warrior who sets out on a quest to save the world from destruction. Filled with complex characters, dark themes, and a richly imagined world, this book is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.

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Aliette de Bodard

The House of Shattered Wings

For those who enjoyed the blend of politics, religion, and magic in Kushiel's Dart, The House of Shattered Wings is an excellent choice. This book tells the story of a fallen angel who must navigate the treacherous waters of a magical Paris as she seeks to rebuild her house and reclaim her place in the world. Filled with rich world-building, political intrigue, and a unique blend of fantasy and noir, this book is a must-read for fans of intelligent fantasy.

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