Kushiel’s Scion takes the Kushiel's Legacy series in a new direction with Imriel as the new narrator. Carey uses beautiful rich language to impart the young Prince’s insights to the reader.

This is very much a coming-of-age story centering on Imriel. While many of the characters from previous books remain, they are not the focus of the story. Phedra and Joscelin are his adoptive parents and Imri adores them, but finds it difficult to live up to their reputation.

Still scarred by his abduction and subsequent abuse, he finds relationships difficult to understand – and what teenager doesn’t? He is also overshadowed by his mother’s treachery. Because of her history, his loyalties are questioned at every turn. He tries hard to be good and deserving of Phedra’s love and Joscelin’s approval, but counts himself short more often than not. Note for fans of the first books, the sex in this book is toned down considerably from the previous books, in keeping with the discoveries of a boy coming into his manhood.

The second half of Scion has Imriel going away to the University of Tiberium, where he ends up stumbling into a large and powerful Guild of spies. He finds himself embroiled in schemes and plots, most of which he wants nothing to do with. In addition to spies and power brokers, Imri makes friends with students from other countries, forming ties that may come into play in the future. The one thing that seemed out of place was the ending battle. It didn't seem to have much to do with Imriel; it was more a case of circumstance than design.

While slow at times, Carey’s skill with prose makes certain the book doesn’t become boring. Like any epic book, this one could probably have been cut down, but doing so would have been a loss of information and insight into the character. If you loved Carey’s other books, you will enjoy Kushiel’s Scion as well.

Reviewed by Vicky Burkholder
6/29/2006

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