Throughout my time reading, I can’t help but feel that knowledge on Medieval Spain-which I knew next to nothing about-is crucial in order to love this book. Where Tigana was more of a fantasy, The Lions of Al-Rassan is my first experience with GGK’s historical fiction books and after this, I have to remove tons of his books from my TBR.

GGK fans usually recommend either Tigana or The Lions of Al-Rassan when asked on which GGK’s book to start with, this is not the first time I read GGK’s work, I’ve read Tigana and I love that book, I gave it 4.5/5 stars, but this book for me is a far cry from that. At the time of posting this review, there are less than 200 readers-including me-who gave it a 1 star rating, out of 15.7k ratings, don’t let this review alone be a sign for you to not try the book if you’re already interested in it. This is an extremely unpopular opinion and I know a LOT of people loved this book, so please keep in mind that this is just my honest opinion.

I DNF’ed this book somewhere around 60% and because of that I will still give this book a rating, my second 1 star rating the first one was for Uprooted by Naomi Novik. I can’t believe this is happening but here I am, my first ever DNF. 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. 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.

The lions of al rassan review