The Lions of Al Rassan - Softcover

Kay, Guy Gavriel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0061056219 ISBN 13: 9780061056215

Publisher: HarperPaperbacks, 1996

Synopsis

A Master Storyteller Creates an Enduring Legend of His Own

Over the centuries, the once stern rulers of Al-Rassan have been seduced by sensuous pleasures. Now King Almalik of Cartada is on the ascendancy, adding city after city to his realm, aided by his friend and advisor, the notorious Ammar ibn Khairan--poet, diplomat, soldier--until a summer day of savage brutality changes their relationship forever. Meanwhile, in the north, the Jaddite's most celebrated--and feared--military leader, Rodrigo Belmonte, and Ammar meet. Sharing the interwoven fate of both men is Jehane, the beautiful, accomplished court physician, whose own skills play an increasing role as Al-Rassan is swept to the brink of holy war, and beyond....

In a magnificent setting, hauntingly evocative of medieval Spain, The Lions of Al-Rassan is both a brilliant adventure and a deeply moving story of love, divided loyalties, and what happens to men and women when hardening beliefs begin to remake--or destroy--a world.

About this title

Review:

An enormously rewarding novel -- Booklist

Magnificent -- Locus

One of the premier 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: HarperPaperbacks
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0061056219
• ISBN 13: 9780061056215
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 544