The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel KayMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A once-glorious empire has been shattered, petty-kings from within look to take over as much as they can while the former rulers of the lands look to reconquer, and everyone is looking to the new tribesmen on the horizon that look to repeat what the now defunct dynasty did. The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay is a historical fantasy that follows the lives several individuals—famous and unknown—in the dying of one era and the beginning of another in the land they call home.
Taking clear inspiration from history of Moorish Spain, Kay weaves a story of people attempting to live the best they can in a rapidly changing world that divides them both religiously and politically. Though the religions practiced are clearly analogs to Christianity, Islam, and Judaism they are defined enough to be their own unique thing in the world Kay created as well as how characters take their faith from in name only to zealotry. The political intrigue throughout the book and how characters deal with the effects of the events helps move the plot—along with religious strife—in relation with their own hopes and fears creating a compelling narrative over 500 pages that keep the reader glued. Kay’s prose and in places effective use of poetry is engaging so much so that I look forward to getting my hands on other books of his.
The Lions of Al-Rassan features analogs of real life religions and history, however Guy Gavriel Kay uses those elements and a touch of fantasy to weave together an amazing narrative that keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end.
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