Phèdre's Trilogy

I loved the relationship between Phedre, Joscelin, and Imriel. I was emotionally invested into their adoption of Imriel and living together as a family. In this final book, I felt myself not super interested in Hyacinthe’s plot. Perhaps I was feeling invested in Phedre and Joscelin’s family and Hyacinthe was coming between them.

The relationship between Phedre and Joscelin was the highlight of the series to me. To that end, if I had to pick one, I’d say the second novel was my least favorite of the three. Still enjoyable, but I was glad when they reunited and grew closer again. The addition of Imriel in the third book solidified their relationship as the best part of this series.

Second to that was the world. The books were composed primarily of Phedre’s adventures around the world. As it is sort of an alternate history of Earth, I enjoyed relating where they were to their real-life counterparts. It was fascinating to look the real-life equivalents and learn things I was unfamiliar with such as the Lost Tribe of Dan.

I was left with a vivd image of the mountains of Siovale: with their estate, the monastery where Imriel was hidden, and Joscelin’s family home. It was idyllic and captured my imagination. Not just Siovale: their journey through the desert of Jebe-Barkal towards Saba and really the whole world invoked vivid imagery as well.

There is a second trilogy (and eventually a third) following Imriel. That’s about all I know. It doesn’t seem to receive as glowing praise and I’m sure I’ll miss Phedre’s narration. It still might be worth trying out.