Daughter of The Blood (Black Jewels Series #1)

Flawed but ultimately moving.

Several people recommended I try Anne Bishop's Black Jewels Trilogy based on my love of Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel's Legacy series. I can see why -- both books share a similar forthrightness about the act of love, particularly love tinged with sado-masochism. However, right off the bat it became obvious that while in the Kushiel novels sado-masochism was about trust, in Daughter of the Blood it is about power.

Every character in the novel except for Jaenelle is involved in power plays large and small; there is no trust to be had between any two individuals (again, excepting Jaenelle). This made the novel incredibly frustrating for me -- I hate it when the entirety of the conflict in a novel could be solved by a few of the people sitting down together, talking things out, and taking that (to me, easy) leap of faith that they aren't all trying to stab each other in the back. That that lack of trust meant that Jaenelle was being sexually abused (blindingly obvious to me from page one, though none of the men that supposedly loved her noticed) for almost 400 pages with no one to step in and rescue her made me very angry at times.

Many things in the novel created a low level of frustration. The magic system was too much like in an RPG; I never got any sense for the physical landscape; I could have used a cast of characters but none was provided; there were too many places where the most obvious choice was taken in a scene. (How many times do I have to see/read a character get offered a handkerchief, blow his/her nose in it, then wonder whether to hand it back to the person who offered it?) On a larger level, Daemon's rigidly controlled lust for Jaenelle left a bad taste in my mouth -- I don't care that her soul was Witch, and ageless; both her body and her consciousness were that of a 12-year old girl. Given Daemon's character as it had been set out prior to their meeting, his strong physical reaction to her presence didn't fit. I didn't accept their relationship until several chapters in, when Bishop showed Jaenelle bringing out his playful side and giving him a glimpse of the childhood he never had.

But that scene served as a sort of turning-point for me with this novel. At that moment I finally believed in Jaenelle and Daemon as people, and once I believed I cared desperately what was going to happen to them. I read the final quarter of the novel breathlessly, rooting for a happy ending with all my heart. Therein lies the real difference between the Kushiel novels and Daughter of the Blood: from page one in Kushiel's Dart, Carey treated her heroic characters like real people, showing their flaws and hesitations, showing their epic qualities, and always balancing those bits with their humor and lightheartedness and joy. That balance between the heroic and the mundane, the dark and the light, captured my heart immediately, while Bishop took almost 300 pages to do the same. I will be continuing the trilogy, because I finally did break through and love Jaenelle, but I certainly can't put it in the same breath as Jacqueline Carey's masterpiece yet.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Doesn't belong in the Sci-Fi / Fantasy Aisle

This is not a fantasy along the lines of Jordan, Goodkind, Tolkein, Hobbs, Douglass, Brooks, etc . . this is a Romance novel in a fantasy setting. The story jumps right in and dumps a lot on you immediately, most of it confusing and not connected well in my opinion. The premis is the worship of the dark and evil, but the characters are all looking for honor, trust and friendship the mix doesn't work for me. I'll read all three just because I bought the trilogy soft cover compilation. If I had it to do over again, I'd pass on it. I was sucked in by the overwhelming number of positive reviews, but I have to guess that most were either kids or Romance readers fantasizing about getting sweaty with Satan or one of his boys. Like I said, it doesn't belong under fantasy, and I feel ripped off. P.S. to all the romance readers out there talk dirty to your significant other once in a while, and you won't need this crap any more.

2 out of 9 people found this review helpful.

A dark, erotic, and horrifyingly brillaint fantasy!!

Wow! I mean Wow! Daughter of the Blood is one of the most mesmerizing, powerful, unforgettable books I have ever read. If I could give it a million stars I would. This book has it all, and it makes you laugh, cry, cringe, think, and hope. Talk about making a splash with your first novel; Anne Bishop does that and more. This is the kind of complex, intricately crafted novel that almost demands multiple readings if one is to grasp all of the nuances worked seamlessly into the story. First off this book deals with very dark issues, including abuse and the kind of society that result when trust, respect, and honor between men and women is destroyed. What's saddest about it is that a few people have systematically destroyed those bonds in order to gain power for themselves. Bishop comes on strong right from page one, showing us her strange world unapologetically in all its bizarre and nightmarish glory. But don't be put off by the book's initial shock value - the author delivers a fully realized, complex plot, a unique magic system and social culture, and vivid characters. Daemon is a splendid creation, radiating with sexual energy and brooding intensity. He bursts into every scene with such charisma that I couldn't help but cheer whenever he is allowed to shine in all his terrifying glory. Bishop's male characters are balanced out by her equally stunning female characters, specifically Janelle and Surreal, who we will get to know better as the series progresses. My only complaint is that Bishop tries to include too many characters. By the end I felt I needed a chart to keep them all straight and some of the lesser ones had already faded into the background. Anne Bishop weaves these dark threads with those of hope that with the coming of the new queen, Jaenelle, that thing will change. If they can protect her long enough for her to grow up. Anne Bishop's wonderful sense of humor is expressed in many of the scenes between Jaenelle and the other main characters (namely Saetan and Daemon). This precocious 12 year old never fails to confound them, and the encounters can become hysterically funny as they try to find a way to deal with a young girl with powers beyond anyone's imagination. She's got enough power to do the unimaginable, but can't do the simple things. Their sheer terror at what she is capable of (or sometimes not capable of doing), is humorously mixed with exasperation, frustration, and tenderness. You really MUST read this book if you like dark fantasy, because if you haven't read it you really don't know what you're missing.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Love the book, hate B&N policy

All of the books in Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series are amazing. Just an FYI, these book are all also DRM protected, which means you can only read them with a Nook, and you are not able to convert them!

1 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Introduction to a Bewitching Series

The story drew me in from the start. I was intrigued by the magical matriarchal society, with a shifting power dynamic determined by caste, rank and class depending greatly on magical power--and the title heroine, long prophesied and awaited throwing a joker into this deck. Bishop is adept at making this child protagonist intriguing and yet act her age. And though this is (rightly) described as a "dark fantasy" there is a great deal of leavening humor in the novel. I like Bishop's inversion of the demonic, and in this novel Saetan, Lucifar and Daemon are well-drawn, endearing characters. There are disturbing elements in this novel; depictions of child abuse are an integral part of the story, but I was entranced by this introduction of a magical world unlike any other I've encountered in fiction. This one is a keeper I've reread more than once. There are two other novels, Heir to the Shadows and Queen of the Darkness that together complete the story.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Amazing

The entire series is addictive and hope Ms. Bishop continues to add to it.

Addictive

I bought the three in one volume. The author's writing helps you dive into this world of the witch and yet not feel like its part of the feminist ideal. Even with different realms and many characters, all are tied in and no loose threads left.

I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!

Anne Bishop masterfully composes a society built on an inverted reflection of what we know; but goes beyond the Matriarch, revealing the subtleties we live with evreyday in a fantasy that seems more reality with every turn of the page.

Wonderful Read!!

While I wouldn't necessarily consider this "teen" reading, this was a wonderful novel. The character development was superb, the world setting was rich and dynamic, and the plot kept me hooked until the very end. I can't wait to start the next book in the series. Personally, I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone under the age of 16 or 17 due to some sexual themes.

Highly recommend: Read whole series and have gone back for 2nd reading.

If you read fanatasy, this author is for you! Her characters are real and likeable. Dark and light combined. Full of tongue in cheek humor. Most people, even at their angriest can relate to a moment of humor or chagrin. Truly enjoyable!!

I was excited due to the number of positive reviews surrounding

I was excited due to the number of positive reviews surrounding this book. The writing and characters are deeply intriquing and it, as a whole, was a good book. However, I was seriously dissapointed that Daemon didn't end up with Surreal. I clearly completely misunderstood Tersa's foresight and thought her mention of "lover" to Daemon meant Surreal, not the kid. I get Jaenelle's got a heart of gold and an old soul, but when it boils down to it, she's a kid. There is mention of unease due to how young Jaenelle is, but not enough to ease my instilled belief that children are not to be seen in a sexual manner. I found myself breezing through the pages to see Surreal and Daemon become an item, only to be sorely mistaken. The ending was certainly dark, as reviewers have described. It was a good book, but it created some serious cognitive dissonance for me. It's strange--part of me likes that it challenged my beliefs, while part of me hates it. One thing is certain, this is not your typical read and it delves deep into a darkness that is taboo in our culture. Read it for yourself and form your own opinion.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Its like watching a train hit a cattle truck.. you know its nast

Its like watching a train hit a cattle truck.. you know its nasty, you know there is going to be horrific stuff but you still have to look..
This book has every element that I hate; rape, child rape, mutilation & still I couldn't stop reading. The language is so compelling that you feel transported in a way. The characters are well developed & storyline is unexpected..

Favorite

This is the first book to my favorite series. I enjoy the chacters a great deal. Though what drew me in the most was the universe and that she crafted it down to the finest detail without causing me to become bored in the slightest.

Love me some Bishop!

I love this book! I suggest it to everyone I know! Well the whole series not just this book. o0o did I say I love Anne Bishop!?!

Slow start, interesting ending.

The beginning of the book dragged. As another reviewer said, it dumped a lot of stuff on you and was was rather disjointed in its presentation. Some things it didn't even bother explaining or delving into, it just mentioned them and moved right along. I don't usually mind this type of in medias res storytelling, but it should really be followed up with at least some pertinent exposition.

The concept of taking traditionally 'evil' elements and putting a positive light on them is not all that new to this reader. Bishop takes it in a fairly predictable direction, but it is a sensible and interesting direction nonetheless.

This is at its core a romance, and not my usual cup of tea. (Moreover, it is only the beginning, as the full arc of the romance storyline spans most of the trilogy.) However, once things get rolling with the political, moral, and fantasy elements it all mixes well into a fairly interesting read. Feel like reading about cold, stoic men softening due to the machinations of a mischievous yet innocent young princess? This book is for you.

Recomended

I found this book a little difficult to get into at first. I started it and then left it a couple of years. When I picked it up again I could barely do anything else but read it. I love the heroes, strong and sometimes vulnerable as they are, and loved to hate the villians. The setting is also great. I will be reading this series again in future.

Paranormal Readers-Check this Author!

Generally Anne Bishops books could be classified as urban fantasy. But paranormal readers really need to check out her stuff. Start with the Back Jewels set. The trilogy is all available on E-book! She does have other series but this is the best.

I don't think you will be disappointed...I sure wasn't!

If you like Diana Gabaldon, Jacqueline Carey, J Frost, P Briggs, JR Ward, check out this series. You'll easily get hooked on both the characters and the world.

Amazing

I have read and reread this series over and over. It is one of my favorites of all time!

5 Stars

Every book in the Black Jewel series is absolutely amazing. I havent found another author that can compete with Anne Bishops unique writing. Each book keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens next. The Tir Alainn and Ephemera series are also great books. Completely worth reading.