Art done by Cathy MacLean
The Lions of Al-Rassan - Review
Link to the author's (G. G. Kay) personal website
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Type: Book
Tags:
- Average Age of Main Characters (25)
- Length (5 / 10)
Link to Goodreads
Blurb: 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. 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.
Review: This is an absolute banger of a stand-alone. It's one of my, if not the, top recommendation for those looking for a medium length novel with no ties to a larger storyline that's light on some fantasy elements. The writing is a big standout for this book, and it's one of those where you actually notice the quality. I read this a-while ago, so I'm a bit scared of spoiling anything if I mention more.
Small heads up, push through the initial pages. I found these literal few pages complicated to follow, both because of the jumping of scenes (This doesn't continue), and and that I'm unfamiliar with mass-remembering the style of names used in this book (This fixes itself after a few pages).