From Publishers Weekly
Canadian attorney Kay has eschewed the courtroom thriller for fantasy (A Song for Arbonne, etc.). Here he draws on the crumbling empire of medieval Spain to inspire this tale of brutality and romance. Though the setting is the fictitious Al-Rassan, and there are passing references to the "Star-born," any ancillary connection with science fiction is almost irrelevant to the story. Kay provides insightful glimpses into the goals and motives of his many characters, including King Almalik of Cartada, his advisor Ammar ibn Khairan, a young soldier, Alvar de Pellino, and the compelling female physician Jehane. Mindful of the confusion that alternate universes can create for readers, Kay is careful to periodically summarize the current positions of the various factions in the struggles between the many kingdoms in the empire. Studded with poetry that is evocative of Spain (some selections are reminiscent of El Cid), the story is buttressed with convincing cultural and social details and descriptions of medicine as it was practiced in the 12th century. Genre fans looking for more romance and strong female character development will find this an engrossing tale. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Kay's thoroughly excellent new novel resembles his Song for Arbonne (1992) in that there is no magic in it. Instead, Kay deftly and intelligently bends history at a slightly different angle. The setting is a variant early medieval Spain whose Muslims, Christians, and Jews are also suitably modified. The story turns on the rivalries between the Kingdom of Al-Rassan, once mighty but now split into quarreling principalities, and the kings of the Jaddites. Far to the north, the Jaddites hope to reclaim Al-Rassan, which was once theirs. Into this skillfully imagined, eloquently described stew of war, intrigue, and magnificence happen a warrior from each side and a female physician. The threesome's adventures constitute the bulk of a long but never padded, demanding but enormously rewarding novel. Roland Green



"A magnificent, deeply moving book"


The Vancouver Sun
"One of the book's many pleasant surprises is the strength, variety and versimilitude of the female characters. For the Kindith physician Jehane be Ishak to the arrow-mocking Miranda Belmonte, there isn't a misty-eyed doormat in the bunch. They are every bit as real and vital as there larger-than-life menfolk.the first fantasy masterpiece in a long time."


-The Financial Post
"Wistful and elegiac in tone, with a few clever sleight-of-hand plot twists thrown in for good measure. The Lions of Al-Rassan weaves a subtle spell.The publication of a Guy Gavriel Kay book has become something of an event in the international fantasy community. He's considered to be on of the (if not the) premiere fantasists of our time."



"Kay doesn't waste a word or a scene.darker in tone than his previous work, it nevertheless has that certain spark-that almost Shakespearian ability to work with human archetype-that makes Kay's literary voice so distinctive. It's the best book I've read so far this year, and it won't greatly surprise me if nothing comes along to supersede it. In scope and depth, there are few writers who attempt what kay attempts, and even fewer who succeed where Kay succeeds."



"The Lions of Al-Rassan is an entertaining, sensitive and dramatic epic novel. It should appeal to an audience far wider than just fantasy fans. Except for the not unimportant fact that the world in which these characters live out there tangled lives during traumatic political and social change is specifically invented, it could be considered a fine historical novel.that such a narrative can be profoundly moving, and speak to our common humanity in the starkest terms, is testament to the generosity of spirit that moves through The Lions of Al-Rassan."


-Locus
"a magnificent, deeply moving book"


Book Description
A Master Storyteller Creates an Enduring Legend of His Own Over the centuries, the once stern rulers of Al-Rassan have been seduced by sensuous pleasures. Now King Almalik of Cartada is on the ascendancy, adding city after city to his realm, aided by his friend and advisor, the notorious Ammar ibn Khairan--poet, diplomat, soldier--until a summer day of savage brutality changes their relationship forever. Meanwhile, in the north, the Jaddite's most celebrated--and feared--military leader, Rodrigo Belmonte, and Ammar meet. Sharing the interwoven fate of both men is Jehane, the beautiful, accomplished court physician, whose own skills play an increasing role as Al-Rassan is swept to the brink of holy war, and beyond.... In a magnificent setting, hauntingly evocative of medieval Spain, The Lions of Al-Rassan is both a brilliant adventure and a deeply moving story of love, divided loyalties, and what happens to men and women when hardening beliefs begin to remake--or destroy--a world.


About the Author
Guy Gavriel Kay's distinguished literary career began when he helped complete Tolkien's posthumous masterpiece, The Silmarillion.Kay's own epic trilogy The Fionavar Tapestry appears on "The Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy List." Subsequently the author of Tigana, A Song for Arbonne, and The Lions of Al-Rassan, he has been both a winner of the Prix Aurora Award and a World Fantasy Award nominee. His works have been translated into fourteen languages. He lives in Toronto.

ANNOTATION

In a magnificent setting, hauntingly evocative of medieval Spain, The Loins of Al-Rassan is both a brilliant adventure and a deeply moving story of love, divided loyalties, and what happens to men and women when hardening beliefs begin to remake--or destroy--a world. From the author of A Song for Arbonne.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The ruling Asharites of Al-Rassan have come from the desert sands, worshipping the stars, their warrior blood fierce and pure. But over the centuries, seduced by the sensuous pleasures of their new land, that 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, adding city after city to his realm. Cartada is threatened by forces both within and without. However, rival kings and outlaws, fanatical religious leaders, and the conquered Jaddites of the far north, are as eager to destroy each other as to regain the country they have lost, for their sun-god. In a magnificent setting, hauntingly evocative of medieval Spain, The Lions of Al-Rassan is both a brilliant adventure and a deeply moving story of love, divided loyalties, and what happens to men and women when hardening beliefs begin to remake - or destroy - a world.

FROM THE CRITICS

BookList - Roland Green