Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey

This is a MASSIVE book - double my last 'long' book at 816 pgs. The first 200 pages or so, for the most part, was rather confusing and uneventful. Maybe it's just me, but I found it really hard to remember which character was connected which side/conspiracy. The complicated names were another thing that I had a hard time with. Once I was past that first 200 pages and could remember some of the outlying characters, I found the book quite enjoyable - especially the last 300 pages. This book is told from the point of view courtesan/spy, Phedre. It takes place around a Renaissance-type era, though the names of the countries have changed.
Sold by her parents into the 'Night Court', Phedre is marked by a scarlet mote (dot) on her iris; the mark of Kushiel, a rather masochistic apostle who feels pain and pleasure together. She is eventually taken in by a man, Delauny, who recognizes her value as 'Kushiel's Dart' and she begins her training as a spy to court events. Phedre is given access to court secrets as she practices her 'art.' As she is finishing her 'marque' (tattoo to symbolize her freedom), her world is torn apart. Phedre and Jocelin (who for all intents and purposes is her bodyguard) find themselves amongst savages, escape, then become messengers to the Queen. I enjoyed the challenges Phedre and Jocelin overcome and the growth of their characters.
Overall I would rate this book 7/10
However, I will say that I really enjoyed the last half or so of the book and will read the next in the series.