The Black Jewels Trilogy

My favorite series!

This is a dark, dramatic story that immediately draws you in and keeps you hooked until the very end. The plot is original and unpredictable, while feeling familiar. The interactions between the characters is enthralling and original. Anne Bishop's use of language is vivid and descriptive without feeling tedious and dull. By the time you finish the book, you feel like intimate friends with the characters and celebrate and mourn along with them.

I accidentally fell upon this series a few years ago and it immediately became my favorite. It has been my favorite book to bring along on vacation. I've gifted it to several of my friends and they in turn have passed the book on.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great fantasy read

The Black Jewels trilogy is very nicely written with plenty for everyone. Nice world(s) development then characters to populate them who are easy to get attached to. Enough twists, plots and themes to keep you interested and wanting to know what happens next.
It encompasses all emotions, the characters are exceptionally well developed, and I recommend this trilogy to any who value these. I couldn't put it down!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is the series that hooked me!

When I first got this book it was a complete accident. I had a 12 hour plane trip and I needed something to keep me occupied. This book did that and so much more. The 3 books this edition contains mesmerized me. Once I started this book I was unable to put it down until I had completed it. Anne Bishop drew me in and kept my attention throughout the entire reading, there were no lulls as there are in most books. She was able to paint a picture of the characters throughout time and bring them together in a believable fashion. The world she created for her characters is no less creative and original. Only two other authors have grabbed my attention like this and kept it. She has cemented her place as one of my favorite authors of all time.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Amazing!

This is one of the best series that I have ever read, and I can't believe I almost bought something else. The story is like a riptide, you start reading the first few pages and then you get dragged into a violent whirlwind of evolving characters and raging storylines until you realize you've reached the last page...and then you run out and get the next 3 books. At least, that's what I did. The writing style is very similar to Mercedes Lackey's, only on the darker side of the spectrum. The story is based off of a matriarchal ruling system, with women in power that have been abusing that privilege, and a girl born to wage war with these perverse creatures. The first three books (included in this huge book) are the the pinnacle of Anne Bishop's career, and if she can continue to write such enthralling novels, she will never have to worry about her fanbase dwindling.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The Jewels

were a magnificent series. I enjoyed all three of the first books and have since read two more (including Tangled Web). The characters are rich with personality and take on a life of their very own. You begin to identify with them from the very first book and cannot wait for the next book to find out what will happen to your wonderful new friends. Anne Bishop's writing style is simply magnificent!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Give me a hot cup of coffee, a blanket, and a thick novel!

Never before have I read a book as mindfully captivating as this, pregnant with profound character development, enchanting plot, and a bewildering myraid of emotions. The personalities of Daemon, Lucivar and Saetan togethere make for an epic trio of males any women would die to have around. Not to mention Jaenelle, the wonder of the trilogy, is a character any girl can see and want to be. She puts herself through Hell (literally) and back to save those she loves, even though she doesn't know them. Her body is her own tool that she both uses and destroys, needlessly aimed to help those who need it by way of her immense knowledge, innocence, and power. Driven and aided by her trio of male power, she focuses on ridding her world, her precious Kaeleer, of the tainted Blood. Daemon, acting as her lover, disposes himself to her will to do what must be done...the friend who must become an enemy to remain a friend. Saetan, the father of her soul, guides her immense power to her will and aims for emotional control. Lucivar, her erratic brother, has a sole focus to obey and protect (which ulitimately leads to her great annoyance, but hey, what are big brothers for?) This novel is, perhaps, the greatest thing written since the publishment of the Bible...and it goes perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, a thick blanket, and rain pattering against the windowpane...

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Good summer read, but nothing great.

Good summer read, but nothing great.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

MOTHER NIGHT ANNE BISHOP!

this was the book that forced me to read other books!!! i swear this has to be the most amazing novel i have ever read in my ENTIRE LIFE!!! i was NOT expecting something like this to end up as my x-mas present HAHA! though it was 2000 pages, each and every single word was worth it. and i read this when i was 13, so seeing someone as young as me (well now i'm 14 XD) post a review about this story is great since most kids don't read. i fell in love with the characters immediatly, especially the Sa'Diablos i love them to death. the plot was amazingly original and something you would not find everyday. i literally laughed out loud at plenty of parts and i couldn't help myself but to read the book outloud, making things more interesting. i even cried at times. i even made out loud comments while reading! and i use to always say, 'hell's fire, mother night and may the darkness be merciful!' has a book ever done all of that to you? if not, then you MUST get this book and read. though sometimes i do get lost with what's happening around, you will experience all of these emotions unexpectedly. anne bishop is the dreams made flesh for writing! GREAT JOB ANNE BISHOP!!! angelina

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I read introductions when they're included. You can get insight

I read introductions when they're included. You can get insight into the material and the author. So, when I read, "What if a culture was based on the dark side of fantasy?..." I expect something deep, intriguing, complex. I think, "Hey! This might be a new riff on fantasy along the lines of Salvatore's Dark Elf." Well, it's supposed to be a story of a ruthless game of politics and intrigue, with magic and romance, too, but falls well short because the concepts are well beyond the storytelling abilities of the author. She's competent, but RA Salvatore she is not.

Now before fans go nuts, let me tick off the problems:

1. Editorial: I'm not talking spelling or grammar. This omnibus is about 200 pages too long, evident in book 2 where a whole section about a war is included. It really adds nothing to story, for we've repeatedly seen that Jaennelle's dangerously powerful. She done more core character development, but she didn't. She also adds chapters of Saetan's mundane activities. Good short stories, but misplaced.
2. Characters lacking development: We all know books that have a whole slew of complex societies, worlds, and characters. Tolkien, Salvatore, Brett, Rothfuss. However, what to do with a "dark fantasy" that suddenly gives you unicorns? Ridley Scott's Legend does this masterfully, but Scott is a masterful storyteller. Bishop is not. Again, an editor would have asked, "What's the purpose here?" She introduces peoples at random - for perhaps humane behavior and ecology themes - but they show up at odd times adding no value.
3. Overhyped: It's competent writing but not great writing. It's like a General Hospital Ice Princess sequel. Then I see this review: "A uniquely realized [?!] fantasy filled with vibrant colors and rich textures. [What is this? Ethan Allen?]" The Romance Times. AH! Yes, fans. It's a romance novel with adventure. She's channeling Joan Wilder. Cue Fabio shot.
4. What complexity?: She says she wants to explore dark themes and cultures, but she doesn't here. By contrast, Jim Butcher constructs a solid world. Bishop's people DO stuff, but there's no reasoning. We even hear of some "protocols" and guides, but we don't hear anything more. Oh yeah! One of the characters is handed a book to read. Lucky him.
5. The Flip-Flops. Supposedly this "culture" is matriarchal. Women rule. Not really. At some points, men do some awful stuff and get away with it. If there really were a matriarchal code where men serve, then those things would not happen. Period. Moreover, when a woman does try to exert her influence (aside from the evil queen duo), it's hit or miss if she succeeds.
6. Dallas In Chains. Apparently dark fantasy to Ms. Bishop means that S&M is required. Unlike Dark Elf, we aren't talking complex issues outside of perverse sexual conduct. Why? Because it isn't dark! The "evil" characters are sadists, sure, but that alone doesn't make them evil. The evil witches don't really get fair treatment, save for "Look! Those are evil witches! Hate them." Disney's Snow White is way darker. In this series, you have dark characters, but it is not a dark place. You want dark and twisted? Read the Dresden files books that feature the Faerie Queen. Bottom line: Having evil characters who do evil things does not make a story dark, nor does adding "black" to your series title.

So, did I hate it? No. Is it OVERRATED? Heck yeah!

Amazing Book

Anne Bishop creates amazing characters that you can't help but be drawn into. She deals with daily relationship issues of parent, sibling, child, lovers and the challenges of ruling so smoothly and honestly. It is a refreshing read that will have you laughing, crying, and connecting to a world that is full of magic.

must read

This book is a eye catching heart thumping from start to finish. were author's create a little world you get sucked into Anne Bishop makes a Universe not only with the black jewels trilogy but books such as Shadolor's lady and the invisible ring that involve similar places and people that co-inside with the original story line. i couldn't put any of them down and it was non stop reading for weeks to get all the books involved with this series finished

Amazing

This is one of the best books I've ever read. The storyline and characters are so original. I've read every book in the series and loved every one of them. I've also read all of anne bishops other series and was not disappointed. These books are a definite must read.

Favorite Series/ Favorite Author of all time!!

This book was recommended to me by my mother.. she said it was hard to explain the entire story like (which is true) but that it was worth reading. That was four years ago and since then I have gone on to read 4 other books in this series and have reread them all at least twice! I love the complexity of the main characters and the intensity of their emotions. I also really like how the traditional male dominated concept is reversed so that the women are the ruling power but the men are still strong and powerful. Also, I'm a sucker for a love story and I LOVEE how these books blend the love story of Jaenelle Angelline and Daemon SaDiablo with the rest of the storylines so it's equally important but not overpowering. I recommended this book to my boyfriend who has a very different taste in books than I do (if he reads at all) and he also loved them! It's def. worth buying/reading!!!

Wonderful page turner I could not put down!

This is quite a different perspective than i'm used to, with a very feminine dominated setting. A very dramatic, racy, dominating, and some situations a little disturbing, and all the more mind sucking. Anne Bishop definately was not afraid to go places most authers wont, and i have the utmost respect for that. As large as this book was, i read it in two days..I just could not put it down!! If your seeking an escape from reality, in a world packed full of fantasy..this is your book! Not to mention it's nice and thick for all you readers just like me, who get bored of books shorter than 300 pages, cause you read through them like water! :)

Perfect for Fantasy fans

Its very diffrent from any other book i have read. In a very good way you never really konw what is going to happen next. It is a bit gory at times and seem like more of a masculine book, Most of the story is thourgh a male character eyes, but not always. Its really nice to see things fromt he "evil" side. Its from the point of view of Saetan and his two sons Daemeon and Lucivar who are all tide to gether to serve a queen they have been wating thousands of years for Janelle. There are sex slaves childern being raped and many disturbing moments so if your sesitive do not read it,Oh and the women are the dominat sex. I would highly recmmend this book if your not a violence sensitive person. The story is a wonderfully diffrent.

The Black Jewels Trilogy

It's an absolutely amazing series that I love and had been looking for. I can't wait to get the remaining two of the four novels that I don't have to complete my set.

A world of magic and intrigue, where women are in charge, but have become as corrupt as men, where sexual violence is used to control men and women to prevent them from reaching their most powerful potential, all but one.

In a world where dark forces prevail, the common theme that power corrupts is made new, when characters most often related to the dark side provide the most compassion for others and hope for a better future. The Prince of Darkness, commonly associated with death and destruction, takes on the role as the protector for a young queen who could bring a brighter, more compassionate, future to a world based upon sexual domination by women. One of many role reversals make the story more compelling and suspenseful. The reader is never sure who will show us their dark side and who will be the light. Ultimately, the story reflects the power and triumph of the human spirit, despite great odds and horrific acts of violence.

Amazing!!!!

Ann Bishop is an amazing read. Her capability to create a new and almost realistic world is phenomenal.

Who would have thought that so much love and a true romance could not only bloom but come gloriously to fruition in the dark realms including hell.

I picked up the book and couldn't tear my eyes away until I finished. And then I read it again. This is a more than love story. I have never been so facinated by such a rich tapestry of landscapes and its peoples. The love between a father, Saetan, and his sons Daemon the Sadist and Lucifer is both powerful and tender and terrifying. Janelle who is Witch, is all their hope and dreams wrapped up in a little girl. A little girl that they have waited centuries for,the most powerful being in their world and in their hearts. I laughed out loud at the dialogue between Saetan and Daemon when, at the ripe old age of 12, Janelle has then both bamboozled with questions or doing the impossible and giving them fits. Its a love story of a family, and a true romance between a man and a woman like no other. It's a story so well written I couldn't help but fall in love with all of them. I lived in their world and hated their enemies,enjoyed their friends, laughed, and cried, and at the end wanted more. I immediately went out and bought and read all the other books in the series written so far and can't wait for more.

wonderful and original.

the black jewels trilogy is amazing. i have read this set 3x withen the past 4 years, and i end up in tears everytime like it was the first. there is nothing like the work of Anne.