The Lions of Al-Rassan - Guy Gavriel Kay

Another historical based but actually fantasy setting novel, this time we go to the middle east Moorish Spain inspired lands for a story of intrigue.

And even if this almost 600 page book turns out as garbage, it would have knocked me back half a euro anyways...

In the once powerful empire of Al-Rassan, King Almarik is on the ascendancy, adding city after city to his realm aided always by the notorous Ammar ibn Khairan - poet, diplomat, soldier and assassin.  Almarik's empire is threatened only by the ambitious Jaddite kings of the north who are eager to reclaim the lands they once held.

But the Jaddite lands are divided and their own celebrated war leader Rodrigo Belmonte and his warband are forced into exile.  Thus in the exquisite lakeside city of Ragosa, Rodrigo and ibn Khairan meet and serve - for a time - the same monarch.  And observing the byplay between the two 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...

Well, I`m a bit mixed about this one.  While the setting is attractive due to being something different from most other books, it is unfortunatly not a breath gasping book for my likes.