Book description
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.
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 on of the (if not the) premiere fantasists of our time'
The Financial Post
Praise for Guy Gavriel Kay:
'A fine, intelligent series. Probably the best of its kind' British
Fantasy Society
'A remarkable achievement. The essence of high fantasy' Locus
'Kay has delivered such a magnificent conclusion - I can't praise it
enough. THE FIONAVAR TAPESTRY will be read and reread for many years to
come' Fantasy Review Guy Gavriel Kay was born and raised in Canada. In
1974-5 he spent a year in Oxford assisting Christopher Tolkien in his
editorial construction of J R R Tolkien's posthumously published THE
SILMARILLION. He took a law degree at the University of Toronto on his
return to Canada and was admitted to the Bar of Ontario in 1981. Guy
Gavriel Kay lives in Toronto.
