The Lions of Al-Rassan - Softcover

Kay, Guy Gavriel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0061056219 ISBN 13: 9780061056215

Publisher: Harper Voyager, 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

About the Author:

GUY GAVRIEL KAY is acknowledged as one of the world’s foremost fantasy authors. He is the author of eleven novels, and his works have been translated into twenty-five languages. Kay lives in Toronto with his family. Visit him online at brightweavings.com.

Review:

"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

"Kay doesn't waste a word or a scene.darker in tone than his previous work, it nevertheless has that certain spark-that almost Shakespearian ability to work with human archetype-that makes Kay's literary voice so distinctive. It's the best book I've read so far this year, and it won't greatly surprise me if nothing comes along to supersede it. In scope and depth, there are few writers who attempt what kay attempts, and even fewer who succeed where Kay succeeds." -- -- Quill and Quire

"One of the book's many pleasant surprises is the strength, variety and versimilitude of the female characters. For the Kindith physician Jehane be Ishak to the arrow-mocking Miranda Belmonte, there isn't a misty-eyed doormat in the bunch. They are every bit as real and vital as there larger-than-life menfolk.the first fantasy masterpiece in a long time." -- The Vancouver Sun

"The Lions of Al-Rassan is an entertaining, sensitive and dramatic epic novel. It should appeal to an audience far wider than just fantasy fans. Except for the not unimportant fact that the world in which these characters live out there tangled lives during traumatic political and social change is specifically invented, it could be considered a fine historical novel.that such a narrative can be profoundly moving, and speak to our common humanity in the starkest terms, is testament to the generosity of spirit that moves through The Lions of Al-Rassan." -- -- -The Malahat Review

"a magnificent, deeply moving book" -- -Locus

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper Voyager
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0061056219
• ISBN 13: 9780061056215
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 554