The Lions of Al-Rassan

By: Guy Gavriel Kay

Narrated by: Euan Morton

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.

This book is incredible

I'm 80% through. This book is just so touching and incredible.
Another book I tried to read of this author had a lot of magic in it and I quit reading it.
This book does not have magic. The stories are simply astounding.

There are no words!

This book has become my all-time favorite, and I am a voracious reader. Every work of G.G.K. is as much poetry as prose, but these characters have never dimmed nor faded with age. In heaven I hope our favorite heroines and heros live again, for I long to be reunited with my friends in these pages.

Interesting from start to finish

Reader was fantastic, story was interesting and overall an enjoyable experience . Extra words to get to fifteen

EXCELLENT: Exceeded Expectations

I have listened to Project Hail Mary, Dungeon Crawler Carl, Brandon Sanderson books, Joe Abercromby books and I never been compelled to play any section more than once because it was so brilliant. I have done this more than once for this book, listened to chapters over and over because I couldn't get enough. The names take some getting used to, but the storyline, the prose, the build up, days would pass before I could listen because I didn't want any of the characters I loved killed. All in all, an awesome book tht should get more acxolades.

Superb

My first GGK novel, and wow. What lyrical language! And a good story to boot, leaving the reader thinking, something I always appreciate in a book. Looking for my next GGK novel now!

sensational

absolutely loved it. amongst the top 'fantasy ' I've read. my only gripe would be ambiguous perspective shifts

One of Guy Gavriel Kay's better books

Any additional comments?

My most favorite book of all time is Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay. This book is not as good as Under Heaven. The reader is amazing. The story is intersting. The people in the book are 3D. The adventure is complete and I recommend the book. I hope your journey is as fun as mine was.

Beautiful Story

If you could sum up The Lions of Al-Rassan in three words, what would they be?

Beautiful Story which reads like Historical Fiction. A bit sentimental, but a good read. Based on the Jews in Spain and parts of the Middle East.

another beautiful tale by GGK

As typical with GGK, the story starts out slow, then builds into a thing of epic wonder and beauty.

beautiful work

absolutely wonderful piece of art. It is lyrical, happy, sad, intense. didn't want it to end