Despite the incredibly long time it took me to finish it, I loved it! Mentally, I literally befriended Phaedra. I love it! I like the woman she is. I also appreciate Joscelin, the ideal man almost, loyal and faithful to his beloved. I find both touching and have been particularly moved at the end of Volume 2. I look forward to reading volume 3, the last in the saga Kushiel. I must admit that the fantasy world that the author has managed to create is truly amazing! What imagination! Thanks to the many descriptions, it is easy to project into this imaginary world.