Throwback Thursday: Jessie recs epic fantasy romance

I was scouring my library for a book … you know how your library always starts in order but later books are piled every which way … and re-discovered my Kushiel's series. Ah, I had an impressive and long love affair with Joscelin, and decided he or Phedre should star in this week's Throwback Thursday post. Enjoy!

Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey

This is by far one of my favorite books of all time. Jacqueline writes an intense book that centers on a young woman who has a scarlet mote in her left eye. She is a courtesan, and one who enjoys pain and pleasure. What follows next is a huge novel stuffed with intrigue, death, political maneuverings and some seriously messed-up-yet-hot bedroom scenes. This is not a light read to pick up before bed but rather one that will haunt you long after you close it. I have had numerous philosophical conversations with my cousin and friends on Joscelin and breaking his vows, on Phedre and Elune's dictate, and all I can say is this is some serious writing and some serious skill. She is a master, but I'll warn you that you have to be into exploring beyond your boundaries.

The books:

Kushiel's Dart

Kushiel's Chosen

Kushiel's Avatar

Kushiel's Scion

Kushiel's Justice

Kushiel's Mercy

Naamah's Kiss

Naamah's Curse

Naamah's Blessing

Urban fantasy

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

This is on our fantasy list because Yelena is so hard-core. She's about to be executed for murder and in a turn of events (or is it?) she's offered a unique option: die or become the food taster for the Commander of Ixia. Yelena chooses to be the food taster and embarks on a journey of discovery, pain and love. Ah, man, who hasn't read this and had dreams about Valek? He is so hard, so beautiful, and the two of them are intense. This entire series holds audiences captive, and I have whored this book out to friends and family alike. The Commander, Valek and Yelena get even better throughout the series, and I often find myself rereading her adventures.

The series:

Poison Study

Assassin Study (1.5)

Magic Study

Fire Study

Power Study (3.5)

Ice Study (3.6)

Religious fantasy

Archangel by Sharon Shinn

Normally, I'm not a fan of religion in my books, but Sharon Shinn tackles good vs. evil, biblical characters and angels in alternate universes well. Rather than being a religious romance novel, it's an amazing read centering on old laws and retribution, without a lecturing tone. I love Gabriel. He's so proud and demanding. Watching him explain things to Rachel was humorous and entertaining. Rachel (who has been a slave) is not who Gabriel would have thought himself with. I loved the first two books in this series.

The series:

Archangel

Jovah's Angel

The Alleluia Files

Angelica

Angel Seeker

Jessie Potts, also known as Book Taster, adores books in all forms. She is a top 1,000 reviewer on Amazon and also does reviews for Bitten By Books and AllRomance.com.