Thursday, May 1, 2008

Book 72

Book 72 was The Lions of Al-Rassan, by Guy Gavriel Kay.

Lions is possibly my favorite book by Kay-it was the first book I read by him, and has become one of my favorites overall. Lions is set in Al-Rassan, a fictionalized version of Spain during the period it was ruled by the Khalifate. Lions tells of the end of rule of Al-Rassan over the land, and the beginning of the Valledan (native Spanish) rule. 

The story is told mainly from the viewpoint of Jehane, a young Kindath (a Jewish like faith/race) doctor. While doing her work, Jehane happens to meet Ammar ibn Khairan, a notorious assassin, poet and diplomat. After meeting him, her whole life changes, and she becomes involved in the war that is inevitably coming to Al-Rassan. Jehane is the core of the book, and is an admirable character-determined, stubborn and self aware. Honestly, all the characters in this book are a pleasure to spend time with, but I especially enjoy Jehane.

The Lions of Al-Rassan
Guy Gavriel Kay
9/72 

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