The Black Jewels Trilogy - Anne Bishop

Rating: 5

Daughter of the Blood
Heir to the Shadows
Queen of the Darkness

"Seven hundred years ago, a Black Widow witch saw an ancient prophecy come to life in her web of dreams and visions.

Now the Dark Realm readies itself for the arrival of its Queen, the Witch who will wield more power than even the High Lord of Hell himself. But the Queen is still young, still open to influence - and corruption.

Whoever controls the Queen controls the Darkness. Three men - sworn enemies - know this. And they know the power that hides behind the blue eyes of an innocent young girl. And so begins a ruthless game of politics and intrigue, magic and betrayal, where the weapons are hate and love - and the prize could be terrible beyond imagining..."

I first read The Black Jewels Trilogy about 18 months ago, while on a ship in Libya of all places. It was recommended to me by Rhinoa, and I did really enjoy it, but it wasn't love. I have since read the follow-up books, Dreams Made Flesh and Tangled Webs, and suddenly found the desire, nay the need to reread the trilogy.

It is now official. I love The Black Jewels Trilogy, and indeed this entire world Anne Bishop has created. Few stories have gripped me in this way, even fewer upon reading them for a second time. I have actually found myself struggling to get into the car in the morning, because I couldn't put the book down. I even snuck away to a hidden corner in the office (a la Nymeth!) some lunchtimes to have a read.

Anne Bishop is a fabulous storyteller. There is no other way to explain what it is about these books that draws the reader in. It is not simply her writing, or her characters, settings or plots, it is a glorious combination of all the above that blend together forming a delicious concoction of fantasy, magic, with a large dollop of darkness that simmers with suspense, and a touch of the erotic. Set in a world where in each race, there are some people who are Blood, and some of these wear the Jewels, and possess the varying strength and power given to them by these Jewels. A trio of male characters form the backbone of this story, each wears a dark Jewel, and each has his own trials and tribulations throughout the trilogy. It is their shared desire to love, serve and protect Witch that brings them together and ultimately shapes their paths. Thousands of years pass, but when Witch finally appears, she is not what anyone expects, a mere child, vulnerable to physical and emotional attack and corruption. These men must pull together in order to help this young girl shape herself into the woman she must become if she is to rule and save the Blood who have been tainted by evil for millenia.

To describe Bishop's world as detailed would be an understatement. This may be a little daunting at first, but the reader soon gets used to it. Bishop has created a hierarchy amongst the Blood, Protocol by which the courts must abide, and an emotional intensity among her characters that rarely translates well onto the page. Almost every character here is somewhat unstable. Emotions are heightened, especially rage, loyalty and lust. Traditional gender rules have also been changed, with females generally more dominant. Two of the main male characters have spent centuries as pleasure slaves, making them bitter, resentful and dangerous. This danger is palpable. It practically leaps off the page and grabs you by the throat.

When I read Dreams Made Flesh, it was Lucivar's character that I enjoyed following the most, but upon rereading the trilogy, I find myself far more drawn to Saetan, the High Lord of Hell. He is the glue who holds this family, this alliance, together until Jaenelle is old enough to come into her full power and status as Queen, and more importantly as Witch. He is ancient by our standards, and yet youthful in comparison with other characters. He is a formidable opponent for most, yet trembles in the glory of Witch. His strength and vulnerability are what make him one of the most interesting characters. Just when I think I have his character pegged, he does something to surprise me. I still love reading about Lucivar, his impulsive and independent nature, yet his overwhelming desire to serve and protect Jaenelle, and his willingness to die for her, and what she represents. But the other part of the story that really captured my attention far more this time round was the Kindred, animals who are also Blood and wear Jewels, who are also responsibly for dreaming Witch into existence. They more than any other Blood in this story are the ones that trust and hope, placing their faith in the Witch, when even the best of men and women would doubt.

I dearly hope that Anne Bishop continues this saga. With Dreams Made Flesh and Tangled Webs, the author showed how a story can be continued and developed without detracting from the power of the original trilogy, and there is much more potential for character development within the world she created. It pains me that Bishop's work is largely unheard of in the UK, and I for one will definitely be sharing it with friends who are fans of fantasy fiction. I cannot recommend these stories enough.

Other blog reviews:
Things Mean A Lot
Confessions of a Book Addict (Daughter of the Blood)
Confessions of a Book Addict (Heir to the Shadows)

Have I missed yours?