It’s week three of the KUSHIEL’S DART read-along, and this week’s read was a lot of fun: some really intense political machinations going on at this point in the story, a nice change of pace. Alcuin remains my favourite character, but societal schemer Melisande ‘s been a very interesting character to follow as well.
Week 3: May 25, Chapters 19-26, is hosted by Lisa at OVER THE EFFING RAINBOW. You can find the read-along schedule HERE, and anyone and everyone is welcome to join in. There’s also a Goodreads group for SF/F read alongs.
**SPOILERS FOR CHAPTERS 19–26 BEYOND THIS POINT**
Returning to Cereus house was one of my favourite moments of this section. I can’t believe it’s been six years! The scope of this story blows my mind.
And oh man, Alcuiiinnn, my poor favourite character. He really got put through the wringer this time around. I love how utterly different he is to Phèdre in many ways, and alike in others.
If you’d like to hear other answers to these questions, the other participating websites are below:
Week 1: May 10, Chapters 1-8, Hosted by DAB OF DARKNESS.
Week 2: May 17, Chapters 9-18, Hosted by Allie at Tethyan Books
Week 3: May 24, Chapters 19-26, Hosted by Lisa at OVER THE EFFING RAINBOW
Week 4: May 31, Chapters 27-36, Hosted by Caroline at Beauty Is a Sleeping Cat
Week 5: June 7, Chapters 37-45, Hosted by Igret at Igret’s Corner
Week 6: June 14, Chapters 46-54, Hosted by Grace at Books Without Any Pictures
Week 7: June 21, Chapters 55-63, Hosted by Dolce Bellezza at Dolce Bellezza
Week 8: June 28, Chapters 64-73, Hosted by Lynn at Lynn’s Book Blog
Week 9: July 5, Chapters 74-83, Hosted by meeeeeeee!
Week 10: July 12, Chapter 84-END, Hosted by Lisa at OVER THE EFFING RAINBOW
Allie says
I didn’t really flag her comment about the signale, but now that you mention it, that was pretty terrible. BDSM doesn’t really work safely if the people involved see using the safeword as some kind of failure or embarrassing weakness.
nrlymrtl says
Yes, it was pretty cool to see Phedre return to Cereus house, this time as a patron. It was probably a bit surreal for her.
Very good point about the signale. I think Melisande knows exactly what she is doing in praising Phedre for not giving the signale. However, I think Prince Baudoin is just a bit of a fool and not really into the whole BDSM thing, so there’s no toying with or scheming on his part in regards to Phedre.
Lisa says
Now that you’ve put it that way, I’m inclined to agree about the signale business. I think the fact of the rarity of real anguissettes is maybe shining a novelty light on Phedre for a lot of people, but where Melisande’s concerned I do think she’s giving that praise for a reason.
That said, it doesn’t erase the resulting implications. She is pretty antagonistic, even if we don’t know her motives or her game yet…