I liked these books too! I got hassled by a friend for years to read them... went out to buy them and then came home and discovered my mum already had them in her library (which is an actual room full of just books... one of the few things I miss about living in my mum's house!). I agree about the repetition, but now that you link it to classics, I think it makes it easier to swallow...

I admit I wasn't a huge fan of... any of the female characters, good or bad (Jenelle came out just a bit of a Sue for me, but eh), but I lovedadored all the male ones. I might have to go read it again now!

I'm not sure, but I think you might like the Kushiel series too (I like the Phedre arc better than the Imriel arc, but both are good!). It's one of my very favourites... deals with alt history/fantasy and some dark themes also, and is just as intricate as Black Jewels. And I loved pretty much every character, whether or not I hated them- they're all written really well.