Welcome to the final week of our readalong of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel series.  Kushiel’s Avatar is the third in the series and I’ve really loved it.  If you’ve already read this then please join in with the comments.  The full schedule is here and this week Allie at Tethyan Books is our lovely host.  Before reading further: a word of warning – there will be spoilers lurking below.

So, moving swiftly on:

1.  Phedre stops by to extract a promise from Melisande.  Why do you think Melisande chose the condition she did, out of the two that Phedre asked for?  Do you think she has some other scheme afoot that no longer involves the d’Angeline throne?

It didn’t surprise me that Melisande didn’t promise to remain in sanctuary – that would just have been too restrictive really and Carey would then have to make her break her promise if she was going to use her in future novels.  This way the door is open and she doesn’t have to break her promise to Phedre.  As to promising not to make any attempts on Ysandre and her daughters – I’m thinking Melisande will probably be a bit like the fae and find a way of, not getting out of the promise, but adapting it.  Plus, she didn’t promise not to go after anybody else did she!  I don’t know, I don’t think that promise was precise enough.

2. When Phedre gets back to the City of Elua, she faces Ysandre’s anger.  Do you think Ysandre treated Phedre & Joscelin fairly?  What do you agree or disagree with in her reaction?

At the time, no, I didn’t think Ysandre treated them fairly, but, on reflection and having read the rest of the chapters it’s easier to see that she was making a point more than anything else – and I think that’s fair enough.  After all, if everybody decides to ignore her commands it won’t go very well for her will it!  So, yes, at first I was really resenting her if I’m going to be honest.  Then I calmed down a bit and thought that Phedre had pushed her luck – twice!  Plus, Ysandre did stand by her promise and grant Phedre her boon.  I think at first I thought her decision was a little harsh on Hyacinthe more than anything else but in reality he was only going to wait 3 more months – which is longer than Phedre kept Ysandre waiting to see Imriel.

3.  The next major event of the story is the confrontation with Rahab.  Did this go how you expected, or were there any notable surprises?

I wouldn’t say this went how I expected to be honest because I hadn’t really thought about it but that being said I don’t think it was a surprise.  It was a very intriguing and tense scene though.

4. Do you think Hyacinthe will (or should) pass on his knowledge and power at some point? Also, how much of an impact do you think he will have on the Tsingano culture?  

It would be a shame to lose all that knowledge (and power) but I suppose it depends on whether Hyacinthe can find somebody who is worthy, capable and willing doesn’t it?  It does feel like a huge burden in many ways but, like I said, it would be a shame to let it fade into nothing wouldn’t it?  Then again, on reflection perhaps it would be better to let the power and knowledge slip – I can’t make my mind up.  Perhaps there shouldn’t be somebody with all that power at their fingertips!  I do think Hyacinthe will have an impact on the Tsingano culture – but I don’t think this will be massive or overwhelming.  I don’t think the Tsingano are quick to make changes so whilst I think they will be proud of Hyacinthe it’s unlikely to make any earth shattering changes to their ways but maybe make differences over the course of time.

5. At the end, all is well, and Phedre seems content with her life.  Was there anything that stood out to you in the resolution of the story, or in Phedre’s massive party in Night’s Doorstep?  How do you feel about the way her trilogy has ended?

I thought the party was a really fitting way to end it to be honest.  It was like she was going back to where she started and not only that it meant everyone was included.  It was a lovely note to end on.  It seemed that she and Joscelin were happy with their relationship and Imriel completes them really.  I guess the only slight hitch was the feelings that Phedre still seemed to hold for Hyachinthe – it did feel a little like she’d just got him back and lost him all at the same time.  But, let’s face it, Hyacinthe was never really going to be her partner was he and it would have been a bit sad for Joscelin to have to sit on the sidelines watching the two of them.  Plus, I think that Hyacinthe had already made up his own mind what he wanted.!  I think the ending was the best for him and leaves the way open for his involvement in future stories.  As to what happens next – well, I think that we’re probably going to move onto Imriel’s story next – which will be very interesting and sad at the same time as I have enjoyed following Phedre – I’m hoping that she’ll still be involved.

This has been a great readalong.  I’ve really enjoyed it and discussing the story with everyone.  Thanks to everyone for the really thought provoking questions (and answers) and I hope we get to take on the next instalments in the New Year! 😀

I think, so far that this is my favourite out of the series.  Such a good story and Jacqueline Carey wins at storytelling.

The other participants:

1. Susan at Dab of Darkness
2. Allie at Tethyan Books
3. Lisa at Over the Effing Rainbow
4. Me at Lynn’s Book Blog
5. Emily at Emma Wolf