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Summary: Enthralling romance of Selim I and his kadin, Cyra.
Review: Kidnapped, sold, and brought into a harem thousands of miles away from her home in Scotland, young Janet Leslie, now called Cyra, must be strong and courageous. Capturing the heart of the future sultan, Prince Selim, she weaves her way through Turkish intrigue and supports her love. Not the only kadin (wife) of Selim, she befriends the other kadins and they love one another as sisters.
But there are many troubles that face Selim and only Cyra can help him be the strong man that Turkey needs. Cyra must also protect her young son, Sulieman, from malcontents that would control him. When Selim dies, she is lost in grief until Sulieman calls her back, still needing her advice. Secretly and quietly, Cyra rules the Ottoman Empire in its greatest moments. But can she keep her power from her son's kadin?
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Summary: Very different from later novels, this one is a gem
Review: I read this book after I had read Small's *steamier* novels, like "Skye O'Malley", "All The Sweet Tomorrows", etc. Wow, this is very different. Oh, "Kadin" still had all the wonderful historical details (I can probably remember the embroidery and color of the damask in the harem), but, shall we say, there were no explicit adult scenes that seem to be the trademark of her other books. I'm not griping about it; I love this book above all the others she has written since. The romance between Cyra and Selim was tender and sweet, and gave me an interesting look in harem life and politics. The plotting and scheming by Besma and other girls in the harem were very interesting. NOW comes my only gripe with this book, and that's the ending, when she returns to Scotland. I find it hard to believe that the people in her society have nothing to say about that fact that she was once a slave, even though she did come up with a story about a kind Christian man buying her and marrying her. Also, I don't think returning to Scotland was true to the spirit of Cyra because that left Khurrem to all her machinations. I believe the real Cyra, the feisty Cyra, would never have consented to the Kind of Scotland's desires (yes, once again, a lusty Scottish King rapes a subject who has no choice in the matter, a la "Love Wild and Fair") or left Khurrem to ruin the empire with her plotting. I like to pretend the part about Cyra returning to Scotland was never written.
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Summary: fantastic, throughly enchanting.
Review: Scottish born Janet is the daughter of the ambassador to a small island. While sailing with her slave, they run into a slaver ship and the slave sells her. She is taken to Constantinople, where she is sold to the highest bidder -- and that bidder is the agha kislar of the Sultan of Turkey. He takes her the harem, where she is chosen, along with five others, for the sultan's third son. On the shores of Magnesia, Selim and Janet, now called Cyra, fall in love. Cyra befriends the other girls in her lord's harem and they become united in their friendship. They back their lord through his governship of Magnesia and his fight for the sultanate. Through it all Cyra is Selim's soulmate. This book paints a very different picture of Sultan Selim I, usually called the Grim. It shows his love for his wives and children, his sense of fairness of the law, and the truth of his father's abidcation of the throne. Bertrice Small researched her facts quite clearly. A must read for anybody interested in Turkish history.
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Summary: The best Bertrice Small book.
Review: This was the first Bertrice Small book I ever read and has remained my favorite over the years. This book complete transports you into it's fantasy world and I frequently re-read it whenever I need an escape. I can laugh out loud at various things I read, but this is the only book that can make me cry. I recommend it to every historical romance book fan.
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Summary: Not too pleased . . .
Review: I too started this book and thought wow, great, but the more I read it the more I was starting to dislike it. I kept reading though because I finish what I start and I thought it would get better. The beginning was great . . . captive slave made wife. ButI don't like politics at all. Just give me a good steamy novel while my husband is out of town. This book made me think about it and the characters so much when it was done that I had to remind myself that it was just a story. Gave me a heart-ache. Small is a good author, I just didn't care for this book amongst all her others.
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Summary: Provocative and disturbing
Review: If I had known this book centered around the theme of polygamy, I would never have started it. Having started it, I could not put it down however distasteful the theme was to me. A testament to what a great writer Small is. There is a tender and erotic beginning between Janet and the Sheik, but it's all pain and heartbreak from there on. I could not finish the book, not because it was dull, but because it was too painful to continue it. Two years after suffering through the book, it still if unforgettable. If you are a glutton for punishment and pain, this is a book for you. In all honesty, this was an absolutely unforgettable book.
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Summary: A Perfect Blend
Review: I never liked romance novels until i read a Bertrice Small book. The Kadin is so much more than a romance novel,its a story of janet/cyras life. I laughed and cried my way through the entire book. This is definitely a book I can read over and over again and would reccommend to anyone. Everyone of Mrs Small's books are great but this is by far the greatest.
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Summary: A Great Book Best Left Unread
Review: In my opinion, this is the best of all Small's works. Even tho they left the last chapter out of the original paperback it is an outstanding read. The historical information is accurate and very informative. The female characters are unusually strong. Just sit back and enjoy.
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