In my earlier “Confessions,” I promised details later about a small little fandom that drives me mad with hope (was that how I put it?).

Well, it might be more accurate to speak of love instead.

Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels Trilogy–now more often referred to as the Black Jewels World, as she has expanded beyond the original trilogy.

I am in love with this series. I have been since I first read Daughter of the Blood almost seven years ago. I once wrote to Anne that her books were like fine wine–they got better with age. (She’s very responsive to fans.)

Meaning, every time I re-read them, I fall deeper in love. And yes, I have worn several copies ragged. (The Omnibus edition is wonderful for carting around!)

Here is a list of her works in this fandom, in chronological order:
The Invisible Ring
Where the Witchblood Blooms (short story)
Daughter of the Blood
Heir to the Shadows
Queen of the Darkness
Dreams Made Flesh
The Price (short story)
Tangled Webs
The Shadow Queen
Shalador’s Lady
Twilight’s Dawn (scheduled for a March 2011 release)

Both Dreams Made Flesh and Twilight’s Dawn are a collection of short stories about our favorite characters.

Now. Why do I love this series so much? Let me count the ways.

It’s dark fantasy. It’s about powerful people (called the Blood) who have forgotten things like honor and respect; a martiarchial society that denies the importance of the male role and instead subjugates them ruthlessly. It’s about what happens when a very sexual, cast-oriented culture becomes perverted–tainted, as Anne calls it. Until a legend is born, Witch, who will cleanse the taint from the Blood. The only problem is that she’s too young, too powerful, and living in a very dangerous world. But there are three males who serve her–who are Good but also ruthless protectors.

Three ultra-hot, sexy males named Saetan, Daemon, and Lucivar. Anne turns “dark religion” on its head.

Oh, and it is a love story too. :)

Probably what I appreciate most is that Anne never writes from Witch’s POV–we only see her through the eyes of others. This way her character is not overwhelming (I find, personally, she’s a bit of a Mary Sue).

I have written paragraph after paragraph on this subject, but I deleted it all because my words cannot do BJT justice. You’ll have to see for yourself. Or listen–it’s also on audio book. :)

This fandom is certainly small. It was practically non-existent until 2005, when Dreams Made Flesh was published (the trilogy was done in the late 90’s). Yuletide comes in handy here, as it specializes in providing “Christmas fics” for little fandoms that people love. BJT is lucky, because there are a few wonderful writers who never fail to give fans something lovely to read. I know that I am grateful to them!

I could spend all day debating its finer merits. Hell, my favorite pasttime is rehashing the novels, discussing the nuances and subtle meanings, or actions of the characters. Anyone would be hard-pressed to shut me up on the subject. So I’ll do it myself now.

Until next time!

Related Posts:

• Comparing Brothers: Why I Prefer Lucivar to Daemon – from February 25, 2014
• Interesting!! – from April 2, 2012
• blackjewelsfics – from March 20, 2012
• A First Scar – from March 20, 2012
• Black Jewels: Mikal – from March 11, 2012