The Lions of Al-Rassan

by Guy Gavriel Kay (Author)

• New

  Paperback
  2012

  $14.02

  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.

• Used

  Paperback
  2002

  $8.20

  Based on the classic story of El Cid, THE LIONS OF AL-RASSAN is a highly acclaimed epic fantasy with a denoument worthy of a Shakespearian tragedy. In the once powerful Al-Rassan, King Almalik Cartada is on the ascendancy. Adding city after city to his realm aided always by the notorious Ammar ibn Khairan - poet, diplomat, soldier and assassin of the last of the khalifs. Cartada's empire is threatened only by the ambitious Jaddite kings of the north who are eager to reclaim the lands they once held. But the Jaddite lands are divided and their own celebrated military leader Rodrigo Belmonte and his warband are forced into exile. Thus, in the exquisite lakeside city if Ragosa, Rodrigo and ibn Khairan meet and serve - for a time - the same monarch. Observing the byplay between the two men, is the beautiful, brilliant physician, Jehane, who herself becomes a crucial player as the peninsula is swept by holy war. And as events unfold, Jehane realises that fate has ordained a cruel confrontation. Friends they may be, but their gods and their countries will demand the ultimate price of Rodrigo Belmonte and Ammar ibn Khairan: the Lions of Al-Rassan...