Dreams Made Flesh (Black Jewels, Book 5)

I honestly think 7 exclamation points is a perfect title for this review. Finally we have an ending to the Black Jewels Trilogy (sorry if that killed it for those who haven't read it yet, but at least you won't have to wait as long as those who read it did to get a real ending). And what an ending it is! I loved it! Ok, so this book is actually comprised of four stories. The first, in all honestly, I completely didn't understand. One of the things I disliked about the BJ Trilogy was that I totally didn't understand the whole threads and webs thing. But hey, thats just me, maybe you got it and you'll like this story. For those who didn't, well luckily its short and you don't need to understand it. The next story is about how Lucivar met his wife. Ahhhhh what a beautiful story. Some parts are sad, some super happy, some anger, etc. I promise its not cheesy though (well, maybe not too much). There were some parts that made me laugh my butt off too, much more than most of Bishop's work (good stuff, I promise). You get to see more sides of Jaenelle as well; more of her human-like qualities are shown, but she's still a pretty fierce chick. After this story, Lucivar really grew on me, much more than in the trilogy. The third story is basically what happens when you piss Saetan off. It goes back in time, previous to the whole trilogy (if this sounds like it'll throw you off, I promise it won't). You learn more about Saetan's character here, and it explains a few things you might have not understood before. Last, but not least, is the addition to the ending of the BJ trilogy (I guess its technically not the ending, but feels more like an ending than the last one). Those questions you had when you finished the trilogy will all be answered, thank god. Definetly much more satisfying, as well as a great story in itself. One thing I must point out- the cover art is so much better on this book. Its so lame, I know, but I really hated those covers. I'll even look past the fact that Jaenelle is blond, not a brunette, but oh well. If you haven't read the Black Jewels Trilogy, you will not understand this book. It is specifically meant to add on to the original trilogy, so if you try to read it you will be sufficiently lost. But if you have read the trilogy, PICK THIS UP! Even if its been a while since you read them, do it. You can go ahead and re-read them, but its really not necessary. It had been a while since I read them, and I managed just fine. I found this book 50 times more engrossing than the trilogy, and I loved the triogy too. The stories flow better, the characters are more in depth, and finally you can rest easy in regards to what happens to everyone.

I stayed up very late with this one... I really love the Black Jewels books and was really excited when I found out Dreams Made Flesh was coming out. And this one does not dissappoint. Usually I am not a big fan of short stories, but "The Prince of Ebon Rih" and "Kaeleer's Heart" are long enough, and detailed enough to be really satisfying. I really liked the way the story of Lucivar and Marian was fleshed out. My only complaint is that I think it would have been even better if Lucivar had had a conversation with Marian's family... I'm also soooo glad Anne Bishop added a footnote to the end of "The Queen of Darkness." "Kaeleer's Heart" lets the reader know how Janelle's recovery progressed and what her powers are like with twilight's dawn. It adds a feeling of completeness that I missed with "The Queen of Darkness." "Zuulaman" is short, but haunting. It adds on to the story of Saetan and Heketah; it doesn't tell us much we didn't already know, but it adds emotion and depth to Saetan's character--and Hekatah's depravity. This book so completely drew me back into the world of the Black Jewels...Now I have to go back and re-read the rest of the books..again.

I was worried about this book--how could you have a sequel to the Black Jewels Trilogy without it diminishing the story? Most sequels are a disappointment. Not "Kaeleer's Heart". It wrapped up some questions left over from the Black Jewels in a very satisfying way. The trilogy wouldn't have been as powerful if this story had been included; reading it later as a separate story gave closure without spoiling the rhythm of the original series. The other stories in the book were also very enjoyable, and it was a pleasure to visit the characters again. On the negative side, the writing didn't seem to be quite as flowing and elegant as that in the original series. Readers should read the original trilogy before reading these short stories in order to get to know the characters and to get a full appreciation for Anne Bishop's talent. The only other negative impression I had about the book was that some of the character's behaviors and speaking styles didn't seem to mesh completely with the original series. Not a surprise, really, given the years that have passed since the publication of the last of the Black Jewels trilogy. None of these issues were enough of a detriment to keep this book from being one I'll read again--Anne Bishop is one of the great fantasy writers.

Wow. At first I was upset that this book was of short stories, but after reading them, that thought had fled my mind... instead of one story, I got three (and one very short one, the first called Weaver of Dreams, that tells of the orgin of the jewels of power orgininated) amazing tales that take us deeper into the emotional realms of Lucivar, Saetan and Daemon's hearts, minds and souls. It was wonderful to be back in the world of the Dark Jewels again, and Anne Bishop did not drop a beat. Her stories read like one of the trilogy books, haunting, fluid, moving and wonderful. Although they were a bit lacking, but only because I was left wanting more. If you are a fan of Anne Bishop, and want to see deeper into some of the main characters, this book is for you. If you are new to Anne Bishop's world, I would not start here, but with Daughter of the Blood and continue to read read the The Black Jewels Trilogy first, so that this book means more to you.

"The Prince of Ebon Rih". Since his return from the sadistic court in Terreille, warlord Prince of the Blood Lucivar wants nothing to do with women. His sister Jaenelle prevents the rape of a hearth witch by five aristos; then tells the woman that she will be Lucivar's new housekeeper. When Lucivar realizes he has feelings for Marian, he woos her but his mother wants him to marry an aristo and will do whatever is necessary to end this relationship. This absolutely riveting romantic fantasy will appeal to readers of both genres. "Zuulamam". Saetan's wife is pregnant and asks him to help her family out of their financial difficulties. When he refuses, she goes to Zuulamam where she pretends to be a hostage to get what she wants. She and the Zulamam do something horrific that pushes the Lord of Hell into a killing rage. This short story is a great character study that shows the many different faces of Saetan. "Kaeleer's Heart". To save the realm of Kaeleer against its enemies, the witch Jaenelle with her lover Daemon worked their magic; Jaenette almost died. When she came out of the healing webs, Daemon worried that she no longer loved him just as she feared that she changed too much fro Daemon to love her anymore. A witch of the Blood who covets Daemon tries to break the lovers up. Daemon, more powerful than his father Saetan, unleashes his wrath on the realm seeking the person responsible for the attempts on Jaenette's life. This is a beautiful adult fairy tale. These three novellas and the very short story " Weaver of Dreams" are exciting, entertaining and exotic tales in the "Black Jewels" Universe. Harriet Klausner