Books that I’ve read include:

Patrick Rothfuss’s ‘The Name of the Wind’ is absolutely amazing. One of the best books I’ve ever read. It sort of reminds me of Patricia A. McKillip. (Who is my most favorite author.)

I found ‘Storm Glass’ by Maria Snyder to be predictable. The writing is only mediocre, but it’s still a satisfying read if you’re looking for something comfortable in its familiarity.

Marillier’s ‘Wildwood Dancing’ was very enjoyable. A nice fairytale sort of story.

Trudi Canavan’s ‘Magician’s Guild’ is a series I’ve not thought about in a while. Honestly, I don’t really remember much about it except that it was surprisingly good. I remember thinking I wouldn’t like it.

‘Flesh and Spirit’ and ‘Breath and Bone’ are absolutely amazing! I’ve only just finished the series and I am so sad to see it finished. It’s the best thing I’ve read since Patrick Rothfuss. I actually emailed Carol Berg to tell her how much I liked it and she wrote back saying that it’s her favorite child right now. (She seemed so nice!)

Anyway, you’ve inspired me to put a dent in my own ‘To Read’ pile. I’ve had ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ in my Unread pile for a long time. Maybe I’ll start there! I hope my opinions help you out!

The enjoyment was still there, but I finished the book feeling unfulfilled. Yes, eager for the next installment, but the book was not as evocative as her other work.

This is not to say that Bishop has lost her flair for rich description – it’s just that the picture she was painting had fewer depths and shadows. The tone of the book was much less action and much more emotional – which is fine, but the dark action and reactions were what drew me to Bishop’s work in the first place.

I agree with you about the Kaeleer storyline – it was distracting. I would have rather that subplot be put into a different book or novella than squished in with the Terreille sequences. It was interesting but out of place.

I am sure to continue reading anything and everything Ms. Bishop publishes, but I fear my typical avid re-reading will leave Shadow Queen a bit dusty. I would rather re-read the Black Jewels or Tie Alainn trilogies for their depth. When I need an easy read, I will likely turn to Shadow Queen and its descendants, but I dearly hope that Ms. Bishop returns to the depths we know she is capable of.

I think with the Kushiel series, based on your tastes, it may feel like you’re biting off more than you can chew. Carey delves much deeper into the political part of Fantasy writing with that series and it can sometimes be overwhelming if that’s not what you’re used to. As an avid Wheel of Time reader this is the type of book I prefer.

I’ve tried several series that have not come close to what Black Jewels is. Like with the Sunny books- it’s all about sex. Bishop had a brilliant way of blending that into the world and into the plot without overwhelming the reader. I don’t know many who do it quite like her.

With that being said try Maria V. Snyder’s Study series (starts with Poison Study). She has a remarkable talent in writing. If that doesn’t do it to you, come back to me again and we’ll try and find another! At least until I run out of suggestions.

Cheers,
Jamie
Ps. Feel free to email me to discuss in more depth jamie(at)figments-of-fantasy(dot)com

The Mona Lisa Books and Lucinda Books are great, yet I don’t see them as fantasy like The Black Jewels, more like sex and well, sex. There is a story and it’s a good one, but I think the sex sticks with you the most like Merideth Gentry books by Laurell K. Don’t get me wrong, I have all of them and I’ll keep reading them but if your not into lots of sex scenes, don’t put them on the top of your list.

I am looking for books like the Black Jewels and hope maybe you can help….

Also- the following titles were recommended by my Facebook followers:
1. Graceling
2. Sinner