The Lions of al-Rassan: Lions of Al-Rassan, The

Guy Gavriel Kay is a fantasy author who has pulled off the trick of never having written a bad story. In fact, his only "B" effort is his early trilogy "The Fionavar Tapestry." All of his other works are A+. I just finished reading "The Lions of Al-Rassan," and I very highly recommend it. I thought that it couldn't possibly be as good as Kay's "Tigana," but it seems that I was wrong. On the other hand, it's been years since I've read "Tigana," and my memory of the story is hazy—other than remembering that it knocked my socks off but good. So did "The Lions of Al-Rassan." It's a deep story with lots of human sentiment, and multiple layers of meaning. The words are so well-laid on the page that you get the feeling that you are reading poetry, even though you'd have difficulty saying why. As a story, "The Lions of Al-Rassan" gets my highest praise. Like most of GG Kay's books, it scores high in world-building, character development, and narrative excellence. There's even a well-executed twist near the story's end. However, "The Lions of Al-Rassan" is also a clever kind of propaganda. The setting is an alternative Europe in which the Moorish invasion of the Iberian Peninsula endured for centuries longer than it did in our real world. Pushing the Jaddites (Christians) out, the Asharites (Muslims) built a country called Al-Rassan. Their conquering kings were said to be Lions. The third significant population group in the story is the Kindath (Jews). The story pushes the idea that the Kindath are just the best people in the whole world. The most moral. The most principled. The most generous. The most altruistic. The most inoffensive. They get hated by every other race in the world for no reason at all. You know how it goes: it's the whole self-serving B'nai B'rith schpiel. In "The Lions of Al-Rassan" there are no Deir Yassins, no Sabra-Shatilas, no MOSSADs, no Armenian Genocides. All of the military atrocities in the story are committed either by Jaddites or by Asharites—never by Kindath. The only Kindath prime minister (for one of the more liberal Asharite monarchs) is a kindly, self-sacrificing fellow who is quite the opposite of, say, Lazar Kaganovich. There are no Kindath equivalents of Arie Scher or George Schteinberg, pimping poor children. You won't find any Kindath versions of Michael Eisner or Robert Iger, controlling the flow of information among other races, choosing what to suppress and what to emphasize. There aren't any Kindath black market kidney-sellers, either. Nor any Kindath rabbis who launder money for organized crime gangs. And the Kindath of Al-Rassan certainly don't operate any nation-beggaring, usurious banking institutions. Kay uses the Kindath to represent the Jews, but it's a biased and sanitized representation. The poor, innocent Kindath are frequently someone else's victims; they are never portrayed as victimizing others. Asharite and Jaddite religious leaders are portrayed as being mendacious and full of spite; Kindath leaders are portrayed as being honest and full of love. There's even a reference, by a Kindath, to a blood-libel rumor about Kindath eating babies; it's told as dark humor, not intended to be taken seriously by the character who is doing the listening (or by the reader). It looks very much as if Kay used it to slip in the old canard that every blood-accusation is a blood-LIBEL—i.e., that none of them has ever been true. Furthermore, in the story you'll learn that all of the Aristotles, Bachs, Brownings and Michaelangelos were either Kindath or Asharites. No top-ranking philosopher or artist can be found among the Jaddites. And the only Jaddite characters to become worthwhile medical doctors learned all they knew from Kindath teachers. One of them even converts, late in the story, from Jaddism to Kindath. Kay's story is an exceptionally effective work of Jewish propaganda, precisely because it stands far above most modern fantasy stories in terms of technical quality. Go ahead and read it if you want to read a great story. At the end of it, you might decide that you admired the Kindath best of the three peoples. But remember this: The Kindath are FANTASY Jews. The REAL Jews aren't at all like the Kindath in "The Lions of Al-Rassan."

The Lions of Al-Rassan by G.G. Kay is a complicated tale. It doesn't have the sweeping scope of the popular Game of Thrones series but the world of Al-Rassan is comfortably familiar, based as it is on the Iberian peninsula of our own world (well, at least somewhat). The story is as compelling as Martin's series, though, and Mr. Kay's characters are as fully developed as any in the genre. That doesn't answer your main question, though. Should you buy this book? Tough question, and probably a bit hard to answer. Do you like compelling characters? This book has them. Not all the characters were three-dimensional, but the ones who should be were. By the end of the story I actually had tears in my eyes; that might have been allergies, but I don't think so. Do you like heroes? Villains? Heretics? Zealots? Oh, yeah. You can find them here and you won't be disappointed in them. How about intrigue? This book has subtle plots within plots, and explained to the reader just as subtly (which made me happy, so I didn't feel too stupid that I didn't get some of them). Action? Well, of course! War? Sweeping panoramas of it, yet never is it trivialized. Swordfights? Oh, yes, and I have to say I think the author writes action scenes well - they certainly captured my attention, and I could see the swordplay in my mind's eye as I read. (That doesn't always happen for me with some writing styles.) Romance? Yes, in a myriad of interplays that made me ponder how it would all work out. I'd go into details, but there's too much. Let me sum up. This book captivated me and held me through the end, kept me wondering what would happen next (and that isn't usual for me, either), and eventually wrapped it all up in a package that was - well, I won't spoil it, but I was a bit melancholy when I finished. Buy it? Absolutely. Right now.

This was my first experience reading a book by Kay after a friend recommended his work and I was quite glad I did! Kay's narrative voice is lyrical and enthralling and I quite enjoyed it. Things I Liked: Kay's style, as mentioned, is superb. There's a thread of charisma running throughout his characterization that makes all of the characters in this book have a sense of depth to them, not to mention the fact they're just all really talented and interesting people. Even the unimportant characters feel fleshed out. This finesse of description and emotion carries over to the locales, which all feel as if they have history and heart to them (probably owing to the historical basis of Moorish Spain that this novel owes as a basis). Jehane is particularly noteworthy as the kind of female character I'd like to see more of. She is professional, capable, and strong-willed and I enjoyed the perspective she brought as a woman struggling with her role in a world that didn't respect her religion or her gender. Lastly, I very much enjoyed the theme of individuals from various backgrounds coming together, despite their religious differences and a time of war that would usually tear them apart. Loyalty, justice, and patriotism all play a part in their trials and tribulations. Things I Didn't Like: The novel started out very strong but I feel about a third of the way through, it took an anticlimactic turn as far as major character motivations went and the rest of the novel was spent meandering through their various adventures. This made the middle somewhat of a slog, despite the beautiful writing, which was probably what kept me going through the slower parts. As much as I love Jehane, it felt somewhat contrived that either she was in love with the other two amazingly awesome charismatic men or they were in love with her. Romance is fine, but it's acceptable every now and again to have a man and a woman be good friends. It is possible. The love triangle (and occasional square) seemed very played up for melodrama. Finally, as much as I love the lyrical nature of Kay's style, I felt physical description to be sadly lacking by comparison when it came to the characters, beyond a mention of hair and eye color. I feel like I can still envision them, but would've liked more. This is a personal preference, however, as the personality descriptions were so strong I can build my own vision of them and that is perhaps what Kay was after writing in this way. Who Would I Recommend This Book To? Fans of more down to earth mature fantasy will enjoy this story, as it has more in common with historical novels than it does with fantasy epics full of magic. The magic here exists in the power of willful individuals to change the course of history and in Kay's masterful ability to create an immersive world full of patriots, heroes, and zealots in all shades of grey.

This is a story that can break your heart, bring you to tears, and you may find yourself, as I did, aching for more pages to read of this exquisitly emotional saga. Kay has a very select and unique skill of making his characters so real and indelible in one's psyche that their humanity in all its gore and glory deeply resonantes within the mind and heart, so much so that one may find that they cannot soon forget them. The powerful, bittersweet feelings evoked by the poetic message in the final few lines of the book when the three full cups of wine are deliberately placed by Jehane, Ammar and Alvar on the rim of the fountain of water are wrenchingly haunting. They return one's thoughts to similar moments of their time in King Badir's court in Ragosa and flow on to other scenes within the story. Once again to experience that shadowed battle between the young lions Ammar and Rodrigo on the plains at sunset in their unwanted fight to death when time is suspended in a breathless, dreamlike sequence and to feel the pain and profound sense of loss of one of them. Kay has that rare ability of writing in a way that invites a sense of mental freedom within the reader and permits one to savor and interpret his imagry without being bludgeoned by common or heavy handed verbosity. He never overdoes and he never stoops to coarseness or explicit vulgarity. His stories are like spirals within spirals constantly in motion captivating both the heart and mind of the reader into spellbinding surrender. The Lions of Al-Rassan is a hard story of a hard time in history yet the lyricism and poetry of that time is also present through the words of the poet-warrior Ammar ibn Khairan. They soften and touch the story with sweetness, and an invitation to reflect upon the deeper, more gentle philosophy of their way of life. The beauty of the poetry is stark contrast to the hatred between the warring nations with their different gods, religious dogmas and practices all within the matrix of the power conflicts between petty kings as they face off against one another in their conquest of land and dominance. Mr. Kay posesses a wellspring of depth, refinement and keen intellectual mastery within himself and as a writer. It is also obvious that his own parents were wonderfully nurturing for he speaks with that clear, refreshing voice of one who has few, if any, emotional hangups or axes to grind in his writing. His unforgettable story The Lions of Al-Rassan is absolutely a must read for those who appreciate the very best and Mr. Kay truly is non-pariel.

Yes, GGK has a way with words--I think due to his poetic soul--that paints such delicious setting, well developed characters too. But there's something deep about this particular story. He's also done his research into Spain's history quite well and communicates it here. I had to go back and do my own research after re-reading (for the 3d or 4th time) this book. I did that last time but I've forgotten so much over the years. I love how the varying religious differences between the 3 main characters do not interfere with their ability to love each other and find hope and acceptance for each other. It also made me sad to know that humans are so fickle and will become zealot at what seems a drop of the hat, breaking up friendships and families. Made me think about the way so many religions do not want their believers advancing in thoughts, do not want them changing their perspectives--even though life is change. If you don't change, you stagnate. Made me think about learning to cherish and savor the differences between us instead of wanting everyone to be just like I am (how boring!). I've pretty much reread all of GGK's novels and I think this is the best, with the Sarantium Mosaics second, but it's a close race. All 3 of these books are elegant, graceful, beautiful, like seeing a rose bud slowly open. Just makes my heart happy to know a contemporary writer can write this way when 99% of them don't seem to have enough in their hearts, minds, and souls to write anything worth reading.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was surprised to realize it was published in the mid-1990s because the context of the story seems so current, and definitely culturally topical. I suppose that speaks to the timeless themes Kay explores so deftly in its pages. Regardless of the fictional (fantasy?) nature of the world Guy Gavriel Kay creates, it could very well be our world and is instantly immersive. I didn't know what to expect, having picked it up (digitally) at the recommendation of Felicia Day and her buddies via a podcast book review. They loved it and I, looking for something other than non-fiction to read, decided what the heck. And wow. Engrossing, evocative, and thoroughly immersive - I'd say it was a "page turner" except that I also purchased the companion audiobook via Audible and ended up listening more than reading. The narration was exceptional and added an extra element of atmosphere that had me plugging in and continuing the story at every opportunity. I don't think I've ever enjoyed my commute more! The characters are all fully formed, complex individuals who interact with each other and their environments in marvelously complex ways. They are well developed human beings who live in a world equally well realized such that its joys, tragedies, disappointments and contentments bear every resemblance to our own world. I was immersed and, as in the way of all exceptional stories, didn't want it to end. I am eager to read more, but perhaps it's a testament to this extraordinary tale that I'm hesitant to pick up another because it's a VERY hard act to follow. Just read it.

Guy Gavriel Kay is one of the greats of fantasy literature, and The Lions of Al-Rassan is no exception. It’s a story about love, and loss, and especially about loyalty and honor. This all plays across the backdrop of a fantasy version of the Iberian Peninsula prior to the Reconquista. There are moments that are truly heart wrenching and other moments where you celebrate with the characters over an imagined—or remembered—joy. One of the things Kay does better than most is characterization. He crafts characters that are so fully imagined they almost remind you of people you once knew, or possibly of historical figures that could have been your friends or enemies. In The Lions of Al-Rassan the characters shine brightly, capturing and holding your attention. The interplay between Rodrigo Belmonte, Jehane bet Ishak, and Ammar ibn Khairan is masterful. Each of those three is not only a character unto themselves, but a (secularized) representation of the three religions that play a part throughout the story. Using historical analogs, Kay has crafted a convincing tale of a land divided, of people journeying through life, and of the cost of hatred, greed, and power. Of course, Kay has a more literary feel than most genre fiction, and so there is a sense in which the ideas themselves tend to rise to the forefront. Kay is careful here not to allow characters or setting to become caricatures merely in service to the idea. Everything is expertly woven together. The execution of that weaving does have some weaknesses, unfortunately. While the characters are beautifully drawn, Kay tends to use large sections of exposition thinly veiled as an internal monologue. This is particularly true when we haven’t seen a character’s perspective for some time. That character will (conveniently) remember and run through events over the past N weeks. This is forgivable only because Kay’s prose is often so beautiful and he excels at drawing out the readers own emotions. On occasion the plot can also get a bit tangled in multiple perspective jumps that go back to catch up on various characters’ storylines. These weaknesses were frustrating from time to time, but the rest of the book is so good they can also certainly be ignored. The Lions of Al-Rassan is a gripping tale that leaves you with plenty to think about. That’s one of the things Kay always does in his books, leaves me pondering with a bittersweet sense of loss and longing. 4.4/5 stars. 5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile 4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile 3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time 2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it 1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing

Guy Gavriel Kay has given us a true epic in a single volume in The Lions of Al-Rassan. It is a thinly veiled retelling of El Cid and the Reconquista, albeit altered and compressed (the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula did take centuries, after all). Jehane bet Ishak is a Kindath (read: Jewish) physician living in Fezana. Fezana remains under Asharite (read: Muslim) rule but Asharites have grown weak, and Fezana pays tribute to the nearest Jaddite (read: Christian) kingdom. Alvar de Pellino is a young soldier who joins the company of the famed captain Rodrigo Belmonte (heavily based on the historical El Cid). Events early in the book will lead to Rodrigo’s exile and bring the four main characters together. Kay captures the complexity of Reconquista era Iberian politics, which could see a Jaddite mercenary fighting under an Asharite king one day and against him the next. The final major character is Ammar ibn Khairan, assassin of the last caliph and advisor to an Asharite king. The scope is epic and the plot complex. The peninsula is fractured into numerous states on both the Jaddite and Asharite sides. Events on the peninsula do not happen in a vacuum. A Crusade called far to the east will push the Jaddite kingdoms to embark on their own invasion south. Their actions will attract the attention of the Asharites across the strait to the south. Rodrigo and Ammar are men whose actions can topple kingdoms. This is very much a Great Man book. Kay imbues his epic tale, though, with a personal touch at the same time. We see Rodrigo and Ammar as men, not just as Great Men. And Jehane and Alvar bring a more grounded perspective to the narrative. He gets the least attention in the reviews I’ve read, but I found Alvar’s narrative arc to be the most intriguing and satisfying. Rodrigo and Ammar and Jehane know what their place in the world is and what they want it to be (not necessarily the same thing). Alvar spends the book figuring that out. I had many stylistic quibbles with the first Kay book I read, Children of Earth and Sky. I am happy to report that none of those quibbles apply to The Lions of Al-Rassan, which makes me wonder if Children of Earth and Sky is an outlier in the Kay oeuvre. I won’t wait four years to read my next Kay.

Best of Kays books, best of Fantasy in general. This is an author who writes women well. A gripping tale

Comentar sobre um livro de Guy Gavriel Kay não é tarefa fácil. Primeiramente, como não dar spoilers? Ao terminar o livro, fiquei extremamente desesperado para comentar o final. As últimas cenas não saiam da minha cabeça. Aguardei dois dias para finalmente escrever essa resenha. Existem dificuldades ainda maiores. Por exemplo, é difícil de entender exatamente como as coisas ocorrem. Não em sentido de enredo, mas sobre como colocar em palavras a experiência de ler um livro desses e como ela é gerada. O que o autor faz? Como ele faz? Simplesmente não sei dizer. Bons autores fazem com que grudemos nos livros, pulemos pagina após páginas, sem parar até o final. Criam suspense e mistério, criam vínculos. Kay parece fazer algo a mais. Ele faz com que sintamos o livro. Sim, através de sua habilidade para compor cenas e capítulos, frases e parágrafos, somos levados a sentir o livro. Sentimos a tensão, o medo, o amor e a dor de cada personagem. Sentimos as dúvidas, as apreensões. Em suma, não é apenas ler, ele consegue, de alguma maneira, nos aproximar ainda mais dos personagens. O vínculo criado é ainda maior, e passamos a genuinamente nos preocupar por aquelas pessoas (reais?) vivendo situações tão dramáticas. Kay pratica fantasia realista, disso não há dúvidas. Mas o seu realismo não vem de personagens dilacerados ou assassinadis no momento em que faziam suas necessidades. O realismo vem de personagens extremamente verossímeis, de uma narração que insere o leitor dentro da história e da mente dos personagens de uma maneira absolutamente incrível. De conflitos reais, de temas tão modernos que nos fazem refletir sobre nossos próprios posicionamentos. Não irei adentrar demais sobre o enredo. Grande parte da mágica está em descobri-lo aos poucos, conforme a história se desenrola. Mas posso dizer que o livro se passa em uma península dividida entre dos reinos e povos: Esperaña, que anteriormente dominava toda a península; e Al-Rassan (momentos históricos reais são um assunto muito comum na obra de Kay). E narra parte da vida dos dois maiores homens de sua época: Rodrigo Belmonte e Ammar ibn Khairan. Há também a médica Jehane, e um elenco gigantesco de personagens menores, mas não por isso menos interessantes. Esse é um livro que merece ser lido pela maior quantidade possível de pessoas, já considero um dos melhores livros que li em toda minha vida. Mas prepare-se pois ele lhe deixará marcado por um bom tempo.

I've read almost all of Kay's novels (the very new ones don't agree with me) and this one is by far the best in terms of romance. The ending always makes me bawl! 100% recommend!

I libri di Kay sono tutti o quasi di livello altissimo: a metà tra il romanzo storico ed il fantasy (leggero) con trame solide e convincenti, mai banali e personaggi pieni, veri, mai stereotipati. Aggiungo anche se non ho titoli per giudicare la scrittura in inglese, che il linguaggio è ricercato senza essere troppo pesante. Questo è ambientato all'epoca della reconquista spagnola (nel solito mondo parallelo di Kay). Finalmente un autore fantasy che valga la pena leggere, anche se con la robaccia che c'è in giro la competizione non c'è nemmeno.

Exactly what I wanted! いいです。