Reading as a Writer: Cassiel's Servant

I received a copy of Jacqueline Carey's Cassiel's Servant, a retelling of Kushiel's Dart from the love interest's point of view, from the World Fantasy Convention's book bags. On the advice of my writing group, I read the Kushiel's Dart trilogy a couple winters ago and really enjoyed them, but I was apprehensive about reading a re-telling by the same author.

I shouldn't have worried. I fell into this book so easily, and finished wanting to re-read all of the Kushiel books all over again.

As I've mentioned over a few other book reviews, I've been struggling to finish epic fantasy novels over the last couple years. It's concerning: who am I, as a nerd, if I no longer enjoy fantasy epics? This book gave me the answer. I don't dislike fantasy, and I'm not growing out of my reader's roots. As the world around us has grown more full of fear and unease, I've increasingly struggled to read through tension in books that often have life and death stakes.

In Cassiel's Servant, I knew all the twists. I read this book without fear, because I knew already that Jocelin would survive. I haven't felt so relaxed while reading an epic in years. Of course, this book also nailed themes of grief, longing, forgiveness, and holiness--but for me, the best part was the stress-free reading experience. I can't remember the last time I was so sad about finishing a 500 page book!

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Fall writing update - 2

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