A complex, lushly drawn coming of age story with the intrigue of high court, desire, disappointment, plenty of action and an assortment of deities, there is something for everyone here. At ten years of age Imriel de la Courcel, a prince of the blood was abducted, sold and enslaved by the barbaric bone-priests who served the Mahrkagir, a demented, sick lunatic who delighted in subjecting those of his harem to pain and utter degradation. Although eventually freed by his loyal guardians, Imriel never forgot his experiences during captivity, experiences that tempered him as much as the blood flowing through his veins. His mother was Melisande, who in a bid for power became the most notorious traitor in the history of his people. Because of her actions, Imriel finds himself the object of fear and suspicion, a difficult burden for a young man to shoulder, especially when he must come to terms with the gifts given to him by blood ties.
Ever mindful of his place as third in line to the throne, Imriel attempts to overcome his dark heritage and simply live his life as a good person. It’s not an easy task as strong desires begin to pull Imriel in different directions until he flares up at those closest to him and sets out on an unexpected path. He winds up in a besieged city where a long time friend is transformed by a rampaging spirit, becoming “the man with two faces” who will open the gates of hell. Eventually Imriel comes to terms with himself as he negotiates the treacherous path to adulthood and self-acceptance.
Told in the same sweeping tone as Kushiel’s Avatar, this first book of Imriel’s trilogy is a deep, absorbing tale that explores the depth of human nature in all it’s nuances. At 753 pages this isn’t a quick read and in this case, that is a good thing as this should be savored.
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