Kushiel’s Justice Review: Imriel Comes Into His Own
My review of Kushiel’s Justice by Jacqueline Carey, book 5 of Kushiel’s Legacy and the second Imriel book. He grows up, and I liked it more than the first.
The second trilogy in Kushiel’s Legacy was a slower sell for me, but this is the book where it turned a corner. This is my review of Kushiel’s Justice, book two of Imriel’s story and book five in the saga overall, and I came out of it liking the new direction more than I had before. Imriel grows up here, into his honor and his heart both, and Jacqueline Carey takes you through that journey with the same lush world and lyrical prose that hooked me on this series in the first place. If you found Kushiel’s Scion a little stumbly, this is me telling you it gets even better.
Lush world building, lyrical writing and compelling characters will keep you turning the pages. ~ Under the Covers
This post contains affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Kushiel’s Justice by Jacqueline Carey
Imriel’s Trilogy # 2
June 14, 2007
Read this if you want:
- a hero who finally grows up
- a love story that makes you hurt
- the same lush world and lyrical prose, plus cameos that make you smile
Imriel Still Isn’t Phèdre
It’s always a pleasure to immerse myself in this world. What I’ve noticed after several books is the fact that this second trilogy with Imriel as the narrator is definitely different for me as a reading experience than Phedre’s. That not necessarily a bad thing, but I think what I struggle is the fact that I’m missing that deep level of despair that Phedre was going through. Imriel is a younger character and while he’s still going through a lot of serious things and, wow has he matured in two books with what life has thrown at him, he’s not Phedre. And I keep waiting for that same feeling to come to me.
Where Kushiel’s Justice Won Me Over
So putting that aside and just thinking about this book, I definitely enjoyed this one more than the first. Imriel doesn’t start out as a “spoiled” child (and I say that loosely because he really never was that bad). We now understand his love for Sidonie and you hurt along with him when they are torn apart not knowing what their future will be. Imriel grows into his sense of honor and responsibility, which I was proud to see. There was introspection and a level of self awareness that he reaches that wasn’t an easy task for him to achieve and Ms. Carey did a wonderful job at taking us on that journey with him. And of course, any cameos of Joscelin and Phedre always put a smile on my face and we got some of that in this book as well.
Who Should Read It
If you haven’t read this epic story and are looking for something to transport you out of this world, then I highly suggest these books. Lush world building, lyrical writing and compelling characters will keep you turning the pages.
Favorite Quotes:
Would you like to save this?
Enter your email below, and we’ll send this post straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll join fellow readers and receive my book recommendations each week!
To my surprise, Joscelin rose. “Phedre-” He began, then halted. Sitting below him, I watched him smile to himself, quiet and private. “Phedre yields with a willow’s grace,” he said softly. “And endures with the strength of mountains. Without her, life would be calm; and yet lack all meaning.”
“It is a dangerous thing to bring a dream to life….I have watched my deepest, dearest hopes take shape, and I am not entirely sure I like the shape they have taken.”
Where Kushiel’s Justice Falls in the Reading Order
Kushiel’s Justice is book five overall and the second book of the Imriel trilogy. As always with this world, read it in order. If you are new, start with Kushiel’s Dart. You can get the full order in the Kushiel’s Legacy reading guide.
Kushiel’s Justice Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kushiel’s Justice better than Kushiel’s Scion?
For me, yes. I enjoyed this one more than the first. Imriel has matured, he grows into his sense of honor here, and the story pulled me along more than Scion did.
Do I need to read the earlier books first?
Yes. Kushiel’s Justice is book five overall, so read the Phèdre trilogy (Dart, Chosen, Avatar) and then Kushiel’s Scion before this one. The series is meant to be read in order.
Is the Imriel trilogy as good as the Phèdre trilogy?
The world and the writing are just as gorgeous. Honestly, I still miss the deep despair Phèdre carried, and Imriel reads as a younger, different narrator. But he has grown on me, and Justice is where that paid off.
Is Kushiel’s Justice the last book?
No. It is the middle book of the Imriel trilogy, followed by Kushiel’s Mercy.
Is Kushiel’s Justice spicy or explicit?
Yes, in keeping with the series. It is adult, with explicit content.
Pin this for later
