I wanted to write down my first impressions of this novel. I received it as a christmas gift and I think it's absolutely perfect. The cover shows Sidonie, Dauphine of Terre d'Ange on the cover dressed for the Longest Night as if she were the Sun Prince. For those of you who have kept up on this saga, and have read Kushiel's Scion, you'll know what the outfit is all about. If you don't, reread Scion and you'll understand right away.

I'm about half way or perhaps slightly more through the book and I have a very hard time putting it down. I am trying to take my time reading it, forcing myself to do things in between, but it is quite difficult to do so. I've always loved the imagery that Jacqueline Carey creates with her writing. This book is no different.

In this piece of the saga you continue to follow Imriel de la Courcel through his impending marriage, a love affair and magic that is new to him. He may have broken the one precept set forth by Blessed Elua and in doing so he and Sidonie may have to pay for it, how I don't know yet, I haven't gotten far enough.

What I do know is that while there isn't any adventure in first several chapters of the book, there is love and danger, blessings and curses that keep you turning the pages. Phedre and Joscelin accompany Imriel on his trip to Alba. Eamonn and his Skaldic shield-maiden (wife) Brigitta return to the story. Hyacinthe has made a decision regarding the powers he holds as Master of the Straits. Adventure begins as Phedre and Joscelin make there way to their destination to do what they came to decide with Hyacinthe regarding the pages of the Book of Raziel. This book is still about Imriel, though and I am sure it will continue to follow him as he tries to make Alba his home, to try to love his wife and, of course, tries to be good.

I am going back to reading again. I hope you have the courage to read this saga, starting at the beginning of course, with Kushiel's Dart.

Kushiel's Justice prevails, as I predicted it would. Imriel goes through many emotionally wrought travails in this novel. I finished it last night, or rather early this morning, just before 1 am. I couldn't put it down, after what happened when he and Sidonie went against Blessed Elua's precept they were punished, or rather, the Albans were punished in my opinion. I thought it was harsh and cruel and I didn't know what to think. I felt huge amounts of sympathy for the Albans and I wanted to strangle both Imriel and Sidonie.

Imriel has grown and so has Sidonie. Maslin has changed as well and will become a diplomat in a new young country. I wonder how many more crazy and dangerous adventures it takes for people to think they are cursed and Imriel tends to think he is with all the horrible things that have happened to him throughout the past couple of years featured in this novel. He and Phedre suffer from bad luck, being in the wrong place at the right time and a lot of people usually end up dead or exiled. Luckily those who end up dead or exiled usually deserve it. This one the one person I truly liked and thought that would make a difference in the future ended up dead.

I can only tell you so much without ruining the entire story and for this I apologize. I wanted to cry, I wanted to laugh, and at times I wanted to throw the book across the room. That's how I know that this novel is worth reading and the saga is worth my continued devotion. If my reaction had been any less, then I'd have to finish as quickly as possible with the next book to find out what happens next and possibly move on. But I won't. I will continue to read the story of Phedre and Joscelin and now Imriel with his Sun Princess.

I don't know what else to say about this novel. It was obviously a great read if I finished it in the time I did, trying to take my time and do other things in between reading it. I couldn't put it down last night, I had to find out what happened. Imriel had a quest, Phedre and Joscelin were doing something with the Book of Raziel and weren't there to help him. There was a war that was missed by all three of them and that's strange because usually they are in the middle of it somewhere.

Again, if you haven't started this saga, don't read this book or you'll have no clue as to what's going on. Start at the beginning with Kushiel's Dart.

Joie to all and remember to Love As Thou Wilt.