It's been several years since I've read Kushiel's Dart, so it was interesting to read this book from Josceline's perspective and try to remember details and plotlines I'd forgotten. You learn more about his childhood and training and how it was very different from Phaedre's!

What a joy to come back to this world through this POV. I am excited to visit this book and Kushiel’s Dart together in a seminar.

I’m newer to this fandom but absolutely became obsessed with this series. This new book was really good, full of what I have come to expect from Jacqueline! I really hope more books come out. Full of adventures and intriguing characters

Everything I hoped for & well worth the wait. I don’t usually love rewrites from another character’s POV but it was wonderful to revisit this story from Joscelin’s POV.

Kushiel’s Dart introduced the world of Terre d’Ange and a young courtesan named Phèdre, who was chosen by Namaah to serve in pleasure and pain. Joscelin was the bodyguard who becomes her companion as Phèdre becomes the only person who can save her country from treachery. Now, it’s time to see the story through Joscelin’s eyes.

In Terre D’ Ange, the people follow the faith of Elua, the son of Jesus, born when His blood was shed at Calvary, and His angelic companions. Joscelin Verreuil is the middle son of his noble family, sworn to serve in the Casseline Brotherhood, dedicated to Cassiel, the Perfect Companion. He is taken from his family to start his training at ten years old. The book spans those ten years, showing the cost of Joscelin’s vows and what shapes him into the man he is when he meets Phèdre. When he is selected to be Phèdre’s protector, it’s far from what he desired. Their values seem absolutely contradictory in many ways. However, an act of betrayal puts them in mortal danger and terrible hardship, an experience that binds the pair together in a way that’s deeper than the skin.

Cassiel’s Servant is a still an epic read, despite its much shorter length than Kushiel’s Dart. Joscelin, an enigmatic, highly romantic, larger than life figure in the previous book, is even more appealing when the story unfolds through his eyes. He struggles with his vows to serve Cassiel (through celibacy) and by upholding his vow to protect and serve his charge even up to death. As he grows to love Phèdre, that vow changes and blooms like a flowering tree. He grows from a young man whose narrow view of the world initially and narrowly shaped his values to an increased understanding of human nature and the complexities of emotion, from sexual desire, familial love, and the desire to serve one’s country even at the cost of self-sacrifice. Joscelin’s fighting skills are beautifully depicted, as he demonstrates the time and discipline of ten years of training in the Brotherhood. He is a fully and beautifully realized character, whose flaws make him even more lovable.

Readers who enjoy large scale stories about political intrigue will appreciate the depth of that narrative in what initially seems will be a more intimate story. Despite the far-reaching, epic scale, Carey keeps Joscelin and Phèdre central to the happenings. These two beloved characters have the reader on the edge as they find themselves in harrowing circumstances, relying on their unique skills and learning to trust and support each other. The magic is intrinsic for the world-building of this novel, but it’s subtle and never used as a crutch. However, there are moments where the reader is reminded in such awe-inspiring ways of the otherworldly and the spiritual underpinnings in this series. There is so much to love about this book. Readers who were enthralled by the Kushiel Legacy series will feel like they have come home again with Cassiel’s Servant.

Jacqueline Carey looks at Terre d'Ange from Kushiel's Dart in which Naamah's servant, the courtesan Phedre discovers a plot against the throne. In Cassiel's Servant, she represents Joscelin, a Casseline protector of Phedre.
A lush and complicated fantasy about an alternative and very different world. Joscelin breaks his vows to save Phedre and discovers a world of love. Very great fantasy.

Tells the 1st story in Kushiel's Legacy from the perspective of Cassiline warrior-priest Joscelin, who loved Phèdre nó Delaunay, and shared her adventures in and beyond the realm of Terre d'Ange.

Series fans will know how the arc of the story flows as Phèdre and Joscelin save Terre d'Ange from a Skaldian invasion and win the favor of young Queen Ysandre, but it is fascinating to see how this ill-starred romance develops from Joscelin's point of view.

QUICK SUMMARY
Cassiel’s Servant is Joscelin’s story. Who’s Joscelin? Well, if you’re not familiar with Carey’s books, Joscelin is a character from the trio of books that make up Phèdre’s trilogy, beginning with Kushiel’s Dart. The story mostly takes place in a country called Terre d’Ange, where the people are said to be descendants of angels: Blessed Elua and his eight Companions.

Kushiel’s Dart is about Phèdre, a courtesan trained as a spy who uses her various skills and talents to save and secure her country. Phèdre is marked by the angel Kushiel, one of Elua’s Companions, by a red mote in her eye, making her an anguissette, someone who experiences pleasure from pain and submission. Kushiel’s Dart is a coming-of-age novel, as we follow Phèdre from a child growing up in the Night Court (the pleasure houses) until she’s basically adopted by Anafiel Delaunay and trained by him as a spy. As protection, Delaunay hires a Cassiline priest (the deadliest warriors) — Joscelin — to protect his charges, Phèdre and Alcuin.

And so Cassiel’s Servant is basically that entire story but from Joscelin’s perspective, following him from a kid growing up around his brothers and sisters in Siovale, to being pledged to the Cassiline Brotherhood, to becoming a full-fledged Cassiline priest. Of course, due to being hired by Delaunay and becoming Phèdre’s companion, we also get his perspective on being betrayed by Melisande, escaping Skaldia, and helping Ysandre (princess of Terre D’Ange) secure her throne.

MY THOUGHTS
It was great. I enjoyed it. I was so hooked reading it that I didn’t want to put the book down (something I haven’t done in a while), and when I completed it, I wanted to reread Phèdre’s books and move on to the others in the series.

I don’t know if I realized or admitted it in my reflections on the Phèdre books, but I love Carey’s writing and storytelling. It’s descriptive, it’s rich, it’s compelling, it easily pulls me in and brings the world and characters to life. There are many parts I highlighted and wanted quote throughout my reflection here, but because I read an ARC, I’ll refrain from doing so.

The world in this series has so captured my curiosity! I want to learn more, and absolutely loved it when it expanded in the later Phèdre books. Although the countries visited and cultures encountered are obviously inspired by countries and people in the real world at certain times in history, I’m still fascinated by how they appear in the story. I’m also intrigued by the mythology that’s the basis for the D’Angelines’ belief, which is inspired by Catholicism. Although the fantastic, and thus the gods, aren’t prominent in the story, I’m curious to find out if they become more so in the books I haven’t read (there’s a hint in the second Phèdre book and an actually sighting of something magnificent in the last one).

However, it was interesting to learn of the world and the beliefs from Joscelin’s perspective. From Joscelin, we get the perspective of an almost-regular D’Angeline (what the people of Terre D’Ange are called), at least up until he’s hired by Delaunay. Joscelin is from a noble family from the countryside (already vastly different from Phèdre) who are descended from the angel Shemhazai, who treasures all knowledge (here’s something he has in common with Phèdre from an early age — interest in knowledge). It’s said that noble families that honor tradition pledge their middle son to the Cassiline Brotherhood, and that’s what Joscelin’s family does to him. Just as his uncle was pledged before him. Motivated to bring honor to his family and late uncle’s memory, Joscelin devotes himself entirely to the Cassiline Brotherhood, vowing to be the best. But, as is foreshadowed several times during his training, things do not go as he hopes.

While reading the Phèdre books I often wished to have Joscelin’s perspective on things, so I appreciated getting it here. We get his thoughts and feelings about being held captive in Skaldia and the struggle he has, several times, to maintain his Cassiline vows, as he’s driven to break almost all of them. You can’t help pitying the dude. I enjoyed reading the fight scenes from his perspective and getting his impression of Phèdre — there’s a part where he talks of Phèdre having a vague look, as if listening to music no one else can hear, which I knew to be when Phèdre is hearing Kushiel’s wings (something like that) which was fun to see someone else observing. I also appreciated getting his impression of the City of Elua, which Phèdre loves (she’s a city girl) but Joscelin thinks isn’t so pristine close up. Little things like that make me want a Joscelin book for each of the Phèdre ones. Oh man! I want to know his thoughts and feelings while he was in La Serenissima — so much angst between him and Phèdre there. And what about his experiences and feelings in Daršanga in the last book before the healing that came while they were with Imriel in Saba?

Oh man! This book made me realize how much I like Joscelin’s character, and often feel sorry for him. I remember thinking the dude is way too uptight back when I read Kushiel’s Dart, but now I understand why that is — and realize, too, that my impression was influenced by Phèdre’s regard of him. Reading Cassiel’s Servant made me realize that I’d forgotten several details since reading Kushiel’s Dart, mostly things leading up to Hyacinthe’s fate, which made me want to do a reread even more.

Some other notable things from Cassiel’s Servant is that we learn Joscelin had a friend, something I didn’t even consider when reading Kushiel’s Dart because of all the political intrigue we’re wrapped up in there. I wondered how Carey would pull off including this friend, since he’s never mentioned in Kushiel’s Dart, but she found a way. He’s basically included to help develop Joscelin as a character, but I like Selwyn and kinda wish he and Joscelin could have another conversation, especially after the adventures in this book. Also, I can’t remember if we got any strong criticisms from characters in the Phédre books regarding Delaunay raising Phèdre and Alcuin to be prostitutes from they were kids (since Phédre has been devoted to Naamah’s services since birth, it seems), but we get it in this book from Joscelin’s perspective when he denounces it, saying it’s wrong to raise children in such a manner. I only remember that in the later Phèdre books she uses her influence to make changes to the Night Court.

As for where in the series to read this book (although folks new to the series probably wouldn’t be reading or skimming this review), I’d recommend either after the first book, Kushiel’s Dart, or, like me, after completing all three Phèdre books. Actually, it might be best to take a little break from the story, miss it, and decide to dig back in with this book as a partial reread.

OVERALL: ★★★★★
To be honest, I gave it 4 stars after I was finished reading. I have no idea why. Maybe I was just being hard on the book and myself for no good reason because I enjoyed this. I love the story and the character. I was happy to get this different perspective and to dip into this world again, even though I was reading a story I’m already familiar with. It was a great time, and it left me wanting more. I consider the series a favorite, and this is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.

I love everything that Jacqueline Carey deigns to write. I was very excited to get this book and it lived up to everything I could have hoped for. I gushed about it on my socials and will continue to do so, for this, and the rest of the series.

I immediately bought the original series. I love getting a story from someone else's point of view because it's always interesting seeing events from someone else's perspective; it's neat how differently things can be interpreted.

I was very excited to learn of a new tale by Jacqueline Carey set in the same world as the excellent Kushiel's Dart (paper) which I read twice. Cassiel's Servant (hard from TOR) is exactly the same tale, told from the viewpoint of Joscelin, her Cassiline warrior-priest and protector, which leaves out a lot of the bondage sex. There is new information, because the two were separated a few times, but I think the original is still better.

This is the fantasy romance I've been waiting for! Jacqueline Carey really gave us an entire detailed background on a characters and a world we were sure we already knew and made it feel entirely new. I loved it, it had everything you could want as a fan of these books plus more to keep it feeling fresh. You can definitely see the growth in the author's writing while keeping the same magic of the original series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review,

Lush is the right word for all of Ms. Carey's writing. Her wonderful world-building skills are beyond par, her characters richly drawn, and her plot and storytelling is exquisite. In this new edition to the Kushiel series, we have the story from the viewpoint of Joscelin, the long-suffering (in my opinion) lover of the prostitute Phedre, who loved her loyally without end. This tale is wonderful, I actually liked it even better than "Kushiel's Dart" and finally we get to really know how Joscelin thought and felt as he acted as protector and soulmate to Phedre. It is a truly lovely story and I am SO GLAD Ms. Carey decided to write it. I cannot wait to get my paper copy. If you want to know what a truly life=changing, all encompassing love story is, read this book. You won't be sorry. Ten stars!

I received this as an eARC via Netgalley.

I absolutely adored this.

This is a re-telling of Carey's first book in her Terre d'Ange series, Kushiel's Dart (2001), from the point of view of Joscelin Verreiul, who is Phedre's sworn companion and protector. (Kushiel's Dart is from Phedre's point of view).

If you haven't read Kushiel's Dart, this volume will still make sense, but I highly recommend reading Kushiel's Dart just on principle. It's fantastic. One of my favorite fantasy settings ever, period. High political intrigue with unique approaches to religion and sexuality, and how they intersect with high political intrigue.

Carey does an excellent job of making the politics understandable as Phedre and Joscelin navigate potential war in Terre d'Ange. The worldbuilding is still lush and thorough. These books are more than 20 years apart. Carey is of course a much more experienced writer than when Kushiel's Dart was published, and her deft hand at characterization, politics, and action sequences has only gotten better. Revisiting these characters was a joy and a pleasure, and I may need to reread the whole series again.

Listened to audio narrated by Owen Findlay. After Listening to Anne Flosnik narrate this series, I had a small adjustment to make to this new narrator but I thought he did a great job and was easy to listen to. His dry tone completely fit Joscelin's character.

Joscelin Verreuil is a third son and was raised knowing he would devote his life to being a servant to Cassiel as a warrior-priest. He is devoted to protecting and serving, never guessing his first post will change the course of his life forever.

The first thing I want to say is that if you haven't read the first book in the series Kushiel's Dart you should. This story will be the richer for it, but it isn't required.

I loved Joscelin's story as we follow him as a young boy, and his training through the years gives a deeper insight as we read the beginning of this epic tale through his eyes. As a devoted priest and skilled warrior, he is assigned to protect Naamah's servants, an anathema to him. But he will protect and serve, only to find it is a much more challenging task and the fate of Terre D'Ange rests on his abilities.

Watching Joscelin grow and endure unbelievable hardships and mental anguish with Phèdre and falling so deeply in love against all he previously believed will take you on a deeply emotional journey with them.

Phèdre is betrayed and they are thrown into captivity together. Facing brutal challenges, bloody battles and harrowing experiences at sea, this book has a bit of everything for a wide variety of readers. I can't wait for the next installment. I'll also be re-listening to this series to keep everything fresh in my mind.

For more of my reviews follow my blog at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/

If you prefer to listen to my reviews, you can find my reviews on Spotify here: https://anchor.fm/wyldheart-reads

DNF at 35%

As a massive fan of the original book I was excited to read from this POV, but I found myself struggling after we finally met up with Phedre in her story. I really wanted to see more of how Jocelin was feeling and emotions but instead it felt like reading a brief summary of each chapter of Kushiels Dart with minimal additions.

I don't think the writing was bad I think the retelling was too much for me so close on the heels of a reread.

I will say that first 20% or so with his backstory was incredible and really engaging.

Honestly, usually I look at such tag lines in descriptions and scoff, except in this case? Kushiel's Dart did exactly that. Oh my heart, I have no idea how this is going to live up to the perfection of that series through the eyes of my 20 year old self.

The answer? No, it did not live up to that series.

It's hard for me to tell whether it was a difficulty with the character of Joscelin just being less compelling inside his own head, or whether I knew the other book too well that this one really just felt as though there were bit patches missing in it basically from the point that Joscelin first meets Phedre.

In a lot of ways, I feel as though this book would have been better if it ended at the point where Joscelin recieves his assignment and arrives at the door of Anafiel Delauny.

Don't get me wrong, there are really good moments in Joscelin's story, and the friendship between him and Selwyn is as compelling as it is tragic. But that too ends before he arrives at Anafiel. Despite the fact that the author continued to try to make that friendship relevant in Joscelin's thoughts through the rest of the novel, I really didn't feel like it paid off.

And so instead we are left with Joscelin forming friendships with little known side characters from Kushiel's Dart while trying desperately to form conversations that aren't just a rehash of the ones we've already read before when going through this plot.

The other thing that sincerely didn't work for me was that Joscelin's dislike and discomfort with Phedre being an anguisette came across too often as her not consenting and it not at all being something that connected her to the divinity she was born under. That was probably the most unforgivable thing to me, because that aspect, of the pain and pleasure that she experiences, was probably the most forward thinking thing that the original novel brought us all the way back in 2000.

Unfortunately this was a book I could just not get into. I think that the main issue for me was the writing. I ended up dnfing around the 200 page mark. I found it to be so overly descriptive, that I found my mind wandering and could never fully get immersed in the story because it felt so overwritten. I would like to revisit the original trilogy and see if I still feel the same way. It just felt like so much of this could be edited down and still be a beautifully written story.

“Ah, Elua; her face, the look in her eyes. Knowing how profoundly precious that last ounce of dignity was to her. That was the first chisel stroke, the first crack in my heart. Tendrils of an emotion I didn’t recognize crept into the breach in my innermost sanctum, delicate and inexorable. If I’d known what it meant, I would have been scared out of my wits. I was Cassiel’s Servant and there was no room in my heart for aught else. Or at least so I believed.”

Like all of Carey’s books, this one is so well-written. I will admit that I skimmed parts of this and felt a little bored at times, but that’s also because I read Kushiel’s Dart a few weeks ago so I knew everything that was going to happen. But it gave me a much, much deeper understanding of Josceline and Phedre, and seeing her through his eyes was so beautiful. Watching their love bloom through their trials was a joy to read about again, and I’m so glad this book exists!! I’d definitely read his perspective of book 2, but I’d rather get a new series from her 👀. We shall see!!

3.5 stars rounded up. Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC of this book, it was exciting to come back to Terra D'Ange!

Until this book, I hadn't read a romance or romance adjacent retelling from the alternate perspective. It certainly fleshed out Joscelin's character and gave insight on his family and a significant pre-Phedre friendship. Jacqueline Carey's writing is lovely, as always, and I had a good time with this. However, rather than cementing itself in my mind in its own right, it made me want to go back to the original.