First, the basics. The first trilogy is made up of Kushiel's Dart, Kushiel's Chosen, and Kushiel's Avatar. The trio wraps up in a way that you could easily quit there (in fact, I would argue that you could read Kushiel's Dart as a stand alone, if you really wanted to). If you want to continue on, though, you move on to Imriel's trilogy (Imriel is a character introduced in the last book of Phedre's trilogy).
Second, a disclaimer. As amazing as this series is for various reasons I will address in a minute, if you cannot handle (or enjoy a book the portrays) violent sex (sometimes consensual, sometimes not) and rape, or don't think you could enjoy a book that portrays it, this probably isn't the book for you. That said, the sex is generally furthering the plot - indeed, in the first book in particular, it's pretty central to the plot. It's not generally there for no reason. And, it's also portrayed through a character that is very empowering - she's no one's victim. So take all that into consideration before picking this book up.
All that being said, it took me a long time to pick up the first book for that reason. Here's the Amazon description for Kushiel's Dart:
A nation born of angels, vast and intricate and surrounded by danger... a woman born to servitude, unknowingly given access to the secrets of the realm...
Born with a scarlet mote in her left eye, Phédre nó Delaunay is sold into indentured servitude as a child. When her bond is purchased by an enigmatic nobleman, she is trained in history, theology, politics, foreign languages, the arts of pleasure. And above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Exquisite courtesan, talented spy... and unlikely heroine. But when Phédre stumbles upon a plot that threatens her homeland, Terre d'Ange, she has no choice.
Betrayed into captivity in the barbarous northland of Skaldia and accompanied only by a disdainful young warrior-priest, Phédre makes a harrowing escape and an even more harrowing journey to return to her people and deliver a warning of the impending invasion. And that proves only the first step in a quest that will take her to the edge of despair and beyond.
Phédre nó Delaunay is the woman who holds the keys to her realm's deadly secrets, and whose courage will decide the very future of her world.
Not since Dune has there been an epic on the scale of Kushiel's Dart-a massive tale about the violent death of an old age and the birth of a new. It is a novel of grandeur, luxuriance, sacrifice, betrayal, and deeply laid conspiracies. A world of cunning poets, deadly courtiers, deposed rulers and a besieged Queen, a warrior-priest, the Prince of Travelers, barbarian warlords, heroic traitors, and a truly Machiavellian villainess... all seen through the unflinching eyes of an unforgettable heroine.Reading this, I was sort of expecting fantasy version of 50 Shades of Grey (I'm not at all bashing it, if it appeals to you, it's just not really an area I read much in), so I really didn't think I would like it. But it was on so many must read fantasy lists I stumbled across, though, so I eventually gave it a try. (Side note, I see it as a Kindle deal for $1.99 fairly regularly, so if you're really not sure, wait for it to go on sale. Or better yet, borrow it from a library.) I was wrong, and sorry I waited so long. Yes, there's a lot of sex, but as I mentioned above it's integral to and woven into the plot. And there is a lot more going on than sex.
Alright, now that I've told you all the reasons not to read the books, let me tell you why I loved them. They're chock full of political intrigue, interesting cultures and religions, and strong and interesting characters. In other words, they check all the boxes for me. They also have some great romance, if that interests you. If it doesn't (as it doesn't me, particularly), it doesn't detract from the story either.The major protagonist and the major villain are both women (hurray!), and they are compelling and interesting women at that. As with George R. R. Martin's Petyr Baelish, I feel I'd really enjoy reading this same story again from the villain's point of view - I want to know what she is thinking and why she does the things that she does. The political intrigue here is top notch; there's spying, lying, back stabbing, intricate plots and pretty much everything you could want in political fantasy novel.
Also like Martin, Carey isn't afraid to kill off important characters we know well - although she's certainly not in Martin's league - which adds to the tension and sense of urgency as you're reading. I won't say you can't guess what will happen - I think you can, especially in the last book - but you definitely can't be certain, and even if you guess some of the broad strokes, the details may surprise you.
The other really enjoyable thing here is the different cultures and settings. Phedre does a lot of traveling through all the books, exposing herself and the reader to lots of different cultures - everything from a nation reminiscent of ancient Egypt to a snowy mountain setting that might remind you of Beyond the Wall in Game of Thrones.
I feel I'm making too many GOT parallels here, but it definitely did remind me of the political intrigue and world building of GRRM, yet Carey has absolutely created her own world here. If you're wondering where's the magic? it is subtle. Again like GRRM, this is fantasy where the fantasy doesn't predominate - it's a part of the plot but not the plot. Here the primary fantasy element is that it clearly isn't our world (at least as it exists now), and that the Gods are very much considered to be/have been real people, and they are very much drivers in Phedre's personal story and journey.
Overall if you like strong world building and political intrigue, I really think you'll love this trilogy
it's already in my pile of things to re-read, and I've also already bought Imriel's trilogy. It far surpassed my expectations, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
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