Rating: 
Summary: Grand Storytelling
Review: Although I found the plot of Guy Gavriel Kay's Finovar Tapestry too similar to many other fantasy stories, his storytelling skill shown through. I believe that the Lions of Al-Rassan shows the very best his immense writing and storytelling talents. He has woven a tale rich with character, laughter, sadness and wonder. Too many fantasy books today are filled with cliches (how many all powerful evil gods or beings are there ?). It is so refreshing to find a tale like the Lions of Al-Rassan. I looked forward with great relish to his next tale.
Rating:
Summary: A work to treasure all your life . . .
Review: You do not have to be a fantasy loyalist to fall hard for this one, only someone who appreciates fine writing and heart-catching storytelling. I own all of Kay's books, and dearly love his FIONAVAR TAPESTRY. But THE LIONS OF AL-RASSAN is something very special even so. Grand, romantic, funny, richly detailed, with characters you care deeply about and exquisite writing, this book is one to treasure for a lifetime! It achieves true tragic stature.
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Summary: Truly Excellent
Review: This is the truly most outstanding book I've ever read. The detail and the unique Spanish character to the story is a perfect counter-point to the universal themes of dreams, hope, lives, and changing times.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best reads I've ever had
Review: What a tremendous find. This book made me a Kay fan, and I've tracked down and enjoyed his other books as well. What a book. If you don't enjoy this book, you are a pale, shallow soul.
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Summary: The master of historical fantasy strikes again
Review: I rarely find that I am weeping in the first 50 pages of any book. This is not an exposition of sorrow, but a joy in the very poignant portrayl of the characters that Gavriel Kay brings to life. In Lions, Gavriel Kay has displayed all his skills in the depiction of interpersonal relationships, racial tension, political power, cultural perogatives and the need for human beings to not only find meaning, but create it in their day to day activities. This book is adventurous, exciting, frought with tension and compassion. An excellent read for both the fantasy addict and the history student.
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Summary: Epilogue needed?
Review: Is it just me, or do other people feel like the epilogue tarnished the ending? I really liked the power of the final scene and though the epilogue detracted from that.
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Summary: Another great tale by Kay ...
Review: I finished this book a few days ago, and am struggling with my new reading material because it lacks the elegance of Kay's writing. Everything seems coarse and plodding after "The Lions of Al-Rassan", and I can't decide if I want that spell to wear off or not! The carefully detailed insights into each character's persona lend this novel its life and realism. The world Kay created/imitated is full of shifting boundaries--geographical, moral and emotional. I was struck how with one paragraph I was awed by beauty, and by the very next, by brutality. A wonderfully woven story
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Summary: Historical Novel of a Medieval Spain That Might Have Been
Review: If you're at all familiar with Medieval Spanish history and the stories surrounding Spain's national hero, El Cid, then the basic plot of _The Lions of Al-Rassan_ won't come as any surprise. That said, in Guy Gavriel Kay's capable hands, you will still cry at the ending that you know is coming all along. The novel is set in an analog of a Medieval Spain that might have been, at a point when the three conflicting religious groups who share the peninsula are living in a fragile peace with each other. The story is told through the eyes of three main characters, one from each religion: a Jaddite (Christian) warrior, Rodrigo Belmonte, who is the El Cid character, an Asherite (Muslim) warrior, and the female Kindath (Jewish) physician who loves them both. Their personal lives are affected by events on a grand historical scale; you will be drawn into their escapades and dilemmas as the story marches to its inevitable conclusion.
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Summary: Kay's Brilliance shines through again
Review: After reading Tigana a few times and loving it more and more, I found myself skeptical to being drawn into another story so readily or deeply. How wrong I was...I actually began reading this book when I went into the hospital to stay with my wife during the delivery of our first child. Whenever she was asleep and not needing my attention, I was delving through this book like a starved man at a buffet line. This was an absoultely wonderful read...So full of color, history, and unforegttable characters that I actually dreaded reading the end of it in fear of the final confrontation. Kay has the innate ability to create worlds that truly enrapture you within their spirit, and this is certainly one of those sagas. If you've never read Kay's work, then you haven't really experienced what true literary art is all about: Introducing you to another world, making you a part of it, and committing it to your memory. I think I'll just have to re-read this one a few more time! s as I await another masterpiece from the brilliant mind of Mr. Kay...
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Summary: Kay has become a LION among authors!
Review: This was the third Kay book I've read, and each has a lot in common with the other two. They're all great stories, they're all well-written, and they all feature every element readers have come to crave in the world of high (mature) fantasy. Interesting characters, love, war, loyalty, betrayal, intrigue, surprises, etc., etc., etc. I will admit that many authors do a commendable job of incorporating these elements into their stories. But, in my mind, what really separates Kay from everyone else is that his stories are so passionate. They're written with passion and they evoke passion. The reader cannot help but become intimately involved in the causes and concerns of the principle characters. The Lions is a great, great, great read from a brilliant, brilliant, brilliant author. Bravo again, Guy!
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