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Summary: Historical Fantasy
Review: Guy does it again! I think that is the number one thing that amazes me about this author is his sheer consistency in writing. I gotta say I don't agree with those who thought this was retreading old ground. Each of his novels reflect particular era of history, in this case the time following the expulsion of the Moors from Spain and the unification of the Spanish countries. (although I am far from an expert on any of this, Mr. Kay certainly is). You certainly get a feel for the Inquisition's treatment of non Christians, Moors and Jews alike. But what really gets me everytime is every aspect of Mr. Kay's writing. He always develops such wonderful characters, never sticking to one POV (in fact, he has a few scenes where you are certain the act is unfolding from one character's POV while it actually is happening from another. A wonderful technique that he uses repeatedly throughout his books and seems to fool me everytime). The plot always flows well and the dialogue is superb. I didn't think this book was quite as good as Song for Arbonne (with which it has the most in common and which is my favorite), but I thought it was better than Tigana and somewhat better than his latest Sailing to Sarantium). I admire the books I do mostly because he is able to achieve a good fantasy novel without resorting to magical plot devices as in Tigana (the trilogy aside--it's a Tolkien/Authurian sequence and to be expected). Don't get me wrong. All of his books are worth reading and owning.
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Summary: Another Excellent Tale From Guy Gavriel Kay
Review: Guy Gavriel Kay is one of fantasy's more individual authors: First, unlike most of his contemporaries, he has abandoned the seriesfor stand alone works; second, each of his books takes place within different and distinct worlds loosely based upon actual historic periods; and, finally, his writing is more mature and skilled than the majority of his peers, verging in style upon that of the traditional historical romance. In "Lions of Al-Rasshad" Kay turns to the period of Moorish Spain for the backdrop to his tale, interweaving the cultural and political conflicts between Moslem, Jew, and Aryan nobility, each struggling to retain their cultural heritage while attempting to achieve dominance over their cultural as well as religious foes. Typical of Kay's work since the "Fionovar Trilogy," the resolution of their mutual struggles and intrigues are neither conclusive nor entirely expected, elevating the story above the typical good triumphing over evil common to fantasy tales. Nor are Kay's characters reduced to architypal caricutures, but instead are motivated by personal and often conflicting motives all too human to be viewed simply in terms of right and wrong. And, as always, Kay brings to his work a freshness in approach that makes his work stand apart from the rest of contemporary fantasy.
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Summary: This blew me away.....
Review: This is the first of Guy Gavriel Kay's books I read (though I plan to read a lot more of them now), and all I can say is man, this guy is incredible. This is the only book I've read in the past five years that made me cry. I've never seen anything quite like the way he blends fantasy with historical fiction, and the intricate plot and superb character developement made it hard to put down. I checked it out of the library for something to read during my breaks from studying for my final exams. I ended up reading it instead of studying, and despite my grades I don't regret a page of it.
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Summary: Kay's done it again.
Review: Guy Gavriel Kay is in my opinion one the best authors alive. His books do not simply tell a story but paint vivid pictures in your imagination. I do not read fantasy on the whole, but I own every GGK book written. If you love well written books, give this one a try.
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Summary: One of the best fantasy books I've read in a while.
Review: The Lions of Al-Rassan is (to me) Kay's best. The complex plot and non-brassy storytelling clearly sets this book out from others in the fantasy field today. I cannot tell you how good I think this book is. I am known as negative when it comes to books, but I really loved this one, so I hope you like it too.
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Summary: ...WOW...
Review: This book is one that I will read so many times the corners will curl, the cover will rip off and the pages will be sun-stained to a bright yellow. It has so many different elements that make it a fantastic book that I will not bore you with a list. Please, for your own intellectual benefit and enjoyment, read this book.
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Summary: Kay loses grip
Review: I've read quite an amount of reviews on several books here, and it continues to amaze me that so many of the customers voice opinions like "if you don't love this book, you're a pale, shallow soul". Ever heard the phrase 'a matter of taste'? Well, about Al-Rassan then... I'm not the greatest GGK fan, but Tigana and especially A Song For Arbonne were better than average in the fantasy genre. As Kay continues in the pseudo-historical vein with this one, you could think that it's a sure shot. I was all the more disappointed when I finished this book and realised it was nothing for me, it didn't make me feel anything. Kay's starting to repeat himself. All that talk about glory, honour and sacrifice - it just leaves me cold. Well, at least Kay has no evil stereotypes here, but what does it help when every single character in the story is so god-awfully clean-hearted and pure-spirited it makes me sick? If he bases his stories on real history, he should learn to be more objective. And the storyline - first, tragedy after tragedy, then a stupid happy ending to solve it all - is suitable for elementary school at most. Not recommended, if you didn't get it by now. But I, for one, am not going to call anyone a shallow soul for liking this book.
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Summary: Masterful blending of reality and fantasy
Review: As a graduate student of islamic spain and a lover of fantasy novels, I was most impressed by Kay's ability to weave the two together. Kay's writing skills, his ability to make every sentence meaningful, and his imagination all added up to a book that couldn't be put down!
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Summary: You will never read a better book.
Review: This is in all honesty the best book that I have ever read in my life. He is a master storyteller and no one can do it better. It will grab you and will never let you go.
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Summary: A worthwhile book.
Review: Once you've read even one of Kay's books, you feel compelled to read them all. I started with the Fionavar Tapestry, and The Lions of Al-Rassan was one of the last of his books that I read. To tell you the truth, it was not one of his best. I loved all the characters, but the plot was too complicated. I just couldn't get into the book like I usually do. I can't say that I didn't like the lack of magic in this book for two reasons.One, I prefer Fantasy, so the Fionavar Tapestry and Tigana obviously were my favorites, but I'm pretty open to all types of books. I really expected to love this book just as much as the previously mentioned ones. Two, I LOVED A Song For Arbonne, which didn't have much magic in it, either. This IS a worthwhile book if you love Kay's writing, as I do. I don't regret reading it at all. The setting was refreshing, and most Fantasy novels are not as historical as this one. But if you're a first-time Kay reader, I suggest you try any other of his novels first. I'd hate to see you miss out on all of his other books because you didn't like this one.
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