The Lions of al-Rassan

by Guy Gavriel Kay

Paperback, 528 pages

English language

Published June 17, 2005 by Eos.

ISBN:: 978-0-06-073349-0

(5 reviews)

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 …

Meanwhile, in the north, the conquered Jaddites' most celebrated — and feared — military leader, Rodrigo Belmonte, driven into exile, leads his mercenary company south.

Hauntingly evocative of medieval Spain, The Lions of Al-Rassan is 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.

11 editions

73pctGeek reviewed The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay

Deliciously tragic

4 stars

Though there are a handful of Kay’s books I abhor (The Fionavar Tapestry, Ysabel), I enjoy the vast majority a lot. Then there are the ones I simply adore, and The Lions of Al-Rassan is possibly the one I love the most. It was my first Kay novel, and I’ve read it multiple times since.

The setting, a fantasy version of Moorish Spain, the believable characters, and the lyrical prose all come together into a sublimely bittersweet book. I’m a huge sucker for the delicious anguish Kay writes so well, and I’ll no doubt re-read “Lions” again in a couple of years.

nemo reviewed The Lions of al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay

Review of 'The Lions of Al-Rassan' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Can you grieve for something that never existed? Is it possible to lament the loss of an entire culture if it wasn't ever real?

The answer, is yes, as I learned by reading this book.

Someone on reddit said that this book solid protagonists and no antagonists. I assumed that would take the form of grim fantasy, akin to [b:A song of Ice and Fire|13496|A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)|George R.R. Martin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1562726234l/13496.SY75.jpg|1466917].

I was both right and wrong. This is not just a book about morally gray characters making the best of a situation.

This is far more than that. This is a book about cultural clashes, and the futility of war. It is no more a fantasy book than [b:The Three Musketeers|7190|The Three Musketeers (The D'Artagnan Romances, #1)|Alexandre Dumas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320436982l/7190.SY75.jpg|1263212], which is what it reminded me most of.

There are things …