The Lions of Al-Rassan - Softcover

Kay, Guy Gavriel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007342063 ISBN 13: 9780007342068

Publisher: HarperVoyager, 2012

Synopsis

Hauntingly evocative of medieval Spain, a deeply compelling story of love, adventure, divided loyalties, and what happens when beliefs begin to remake - or destroy - a world. 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 Asharite empire has splintered into decadent city-states led by warring petty kings. 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. In the dangerous lands of Al-Rassan, these two men from different worlds meet and serve - for a time - the same master. Tangled in their interwoven fate - and divided by her feelings - is Jehane, the accomplished court physician, whose skills may not be enough to heal the coming pain as Al-Rassan is swept to the brink of holy war, and beyond.

About this title

Review:

Praise for THE LIONS OF AL-RASSAN:

‘Impossible to put down’
Kirkus Reviews

‘Genre fans looking for more romance and strong female character development will find this an engrossing tale’
Publishers Weekly

‘A magnificent, deeply moving book’
Locus

‘Wistful and elegiac in tone, with a few clever sleight-of-hand plot twists thrown in for good measure, THE LIONS OF AL-RASSAN weaves a subtle spell. The publication of a Guy Gavriel Kay book has become something of an event in the international fantasy community. He's considered to be one of the (if not the) premiere fantasists of our time’
The Financial Post

From the Back Cover:

AN EXHILARATING EPIC ADVENTURE OF FIERCE PASSIONS, DIVIDED LOYALTIES AND TRIBAL WAR

In the once powerful empire of Al-Rassan, King Almalik Cartada is on the ascendancy, adding city after city to his realm aided always by the notorious Ammar ibn Khairan – poet, diplomat, soldier and assassin. Cartada's empire is threatened only by the ambitious Jaddite kings of the north who are eager to reclaim the lands they once held.

But the Jaddite lands are divided and their own celebrated military leader Rodrigo Belmonte and his war-band are forced into exile. Thus in the exquisite lakeside city of Ragosa, Rodrigo and ibn Khairan meet and serve – for a time – the same monarch. And observing the byplay between the two men, is the beautiful, brilliant physician, Jehane, who herself becomes a crucial player as the peninsula is swept to the brink of holy war...

"An engrossing tale"
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"[A] magnificent, deeply moving book"
LOCUS

"Kay provides insightful glimpses into the goals and motives of this many characters"
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperVoyager
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0007342063
• ISBN 13: 9780007342068
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 656