The Lions of Al-Rassan

By: Guy Gavriel Kay

Narrated by: Euan Morton

Length: 19 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

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.

©1995 Guy Gavriel Kay (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

liked it better the second time

I'm a huge GGK fan, I think his imagery and writing are second to none, across all genres and time periods. He is also not afraid to explore all emotions; his books explore joy, terror, love, loss ... and often there is a melancholy note of what could have been or is lost. On to this book - the love triangle bothered me the first time as these never end well ... and I think of all his books this one hits a little trite in the middle with the main story line, but recovers both of these plot lines by the end. The themes are heroes and heroines, and Renaissance men, as always based on historical events ... and also fathers and sons ... the legacy fathers want to build and leave, and the difficulty living in the shadow of a great father. These storylines are masterfully written from multiple perspectives. Throw in some combat, some romance, what is not to like ... and reflect on if you are so inclined. it also made me go spend a couple hours on Wikipedia reading about the real Reconquista.

One of the Best

This story is one of the best I've ever read/listened to. The ending... wow are you kidding me! Why isn't GGK more discussed? Is a travesty!

Another Stunning Book by Guy Gavriel Kay

This beautiful book made me cry! Euan Morton narrates this story of a land populated by peoples of three faiths, torn by war. The characters are memorable, and their intertwined stories make you think about the meaning of honour and love. The setting is an alternate world which is similar to mediaeval Spain.

not fantasy

it's not fantasy like tigana, but it is a great book. sort of historical fiction, but very fictional.

A great story.

It's a great first step in getting into history, particularly the era tackled: The reconquest.

Another great book by one of my absolute favorite authors.

Written with remarkable insight and grace.
It would be helpful if audible would provide more information in their description section for books like these with multiple characters and numerous locations.

GGK at his finest!

One of his finest works, and they are all so fabulous! The narrator was great.

Magnificent

Would you listen to The Lions of Al-Rassan again? Why?

One day, I will listen to The Lions of Al-Rassan again. It is one of those rare books which, once finished, doesn't allow you to just pick up another one right away. It evokes an emotional toll that takes time to process, and rewards those who take that time. It is a soul-stirring tale of love, loyalty, cultural identity and romanticism, which is by turns infuriating,inspiring, and heart-breaking. Guy Gavriel Kay writes vivid life into his characters, humanizing those on all sides of storys' central conflict. In Lions, he reminds us of the universality of humanity, a lesson as relevant today as it ever has been, and in so doing shines a light on the divisive forces which continue to plague the world today. All of this is done against the backdrop of a thoughtfully and richly constructed world, replete with a troubled past and an ominous future, yet through this there is still hope to be found in the closing passages of the book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite characters (2!) are Rodrigo Belmonte and Ammar ibn Khairan, who are each written as complex and conflicted men, divided between their loyalties to their respective cultures and faiths, and their friendship for one another.

What does Euan Morton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator, Euan Morton, imparts a rich texture upon the story. He does great service to the narrative and its characters. His cadence and pace flow smoothly, and never distract the listener.

Any additional comments?

Prior to listening to this book I would have said that my favorite GGK novel was Tigana. It's very close now between that book and this one.

Brilliant!

What made the experience of listening to The Lions of Al-Rassan the most enjoyable?

The narrator and the storyline was engaging

Who was your favorite character and why?

All of them.

What about Euan Morton’s performance did you like?

He did an admirable job and made it easy to follow the characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes although I would have had to give up working!

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to the next installment.

A finely crafted story

Among ggk’s best and that says a great deal. Beautifully read and beautifully created. It’s hard to have such a wonderful story end.