He is one of those authors that is so prolific, so incredibly well-known, and revered, it’s hard to figure out where to really start with him.
However, I haven’t read anything of his aside from Tigana. I was really in the mood for an epic fantasy that is sweeping in scope but gorgeously written. I’ve been finding solace in books, because that’s where I go to find stories full of people feeling all sorts of things I can’t put into words. It’s been a rough go, and I find I’m either emotionally trigger happy, or just numb and I can never quite predict where I’m going to fall on this spectrum from moment to moment.
So, I’ve been at a bit of an emotional overload. Then, exactly one week later, my dad’s twin brother took the dog for a walk, and died. My mother informed us she’s been diagnosed with incredibly aggressive cancer. Recently, my family has been going through some things. Hauntingly evocative of medieval Spain, The Lions of Al-Rassanis 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.
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. Meanwhile, in the north, the conquered Jaddites’ most celebrated - and feared - military leader, Rodrigo Belmonte, driven into exile, leads his mercenary company south. 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. The Asharite empire has splintered into decadent city-states led by warring petty kings. 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.
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