The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay

We have three distinctive religious groups that echo three religions we all recognise: The Jaddites (Christianity), The Asharites (Islam) and the Kindath (Judaism). Kay conjures up images of the vast desert that faces the Peninsula, the bounty of Al-Rassan and the attempts to meld different religions into some form of harmony. When you read the book, you can clearly tell it's based on Spain, but The Lions of Al-Rassan is also it's own unique novel.

Yes, Kay creates his own world and it's actually hard to define this book as historical fantasy, historical fiction or fantasy. A fractured Peninsula, with minor kings vying for control, each with his own objective, each wanting to control more of the Peninsula than he currently holds.

The blueprint for Guy Gavriel Kay's fantasy world is medieval Spain.

It had all the elements that I love in an historical fantasy book - interesting characters, wonderful setting and captivating story.Ĭome with me after the jump to see what I enjoyed about the story. A standalone fantasy book that's well worth checking out. Hauntingly evocative of medieval Spain, The Lions of Al-Rassan is both a brilliant adventure and a deeply compelling story of love, divided loyalties, and what happens to men and women when hardening beliefs begin to remake or destroy a world.You know that book that's been sitting on your To Be Read list seemingly forever? That book is The Lions of Al-Rassan. Sharing their interwoven fate and increasingly torn by her feelings is Jehane, the accomplished court physician, whose own skills play an increasing role as Al-Rassan is swept to the brink of holy war, and beyond. In the dangerous lands of Al-Rassan, these two men from different worlds meet and serve for a time the same master. King Almalik of Cartada is on the ascendancy, aided always by his friend and advisor, the notorious Ammar ibn Khairan poet, diplomat, soldier until a summer afternoon of savage brutality changes their relationship forever.Meanwhile, in the north, the conquered Jaddites' most celebrated and feared military leader, Rodrigo Belmonte, driven into exile, leads his mercenary company south. The Asharite empire has splintered into decadent city-states led by warring petty kings. An unmarked copy.Minor edgewear.The ruling Asharites of Al-Rassan have come from the desert sands, but over centuries, seduced by the sensuous pleasures of their new land, their stern piety has eroded.

The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay