First published 1995
The once-pious Asharite empire has crumbled into warring city-states. As the ruthless King Almalik rises to power, his advisor Ammar ibn Khairan—a poet, diplomat, and soldier—forges an uneasy alliance with the exiled Jaddite general Rodrigo Belmonte. Their fates intertwine with Jehane, a brilliant court physician torn between loyalty and love. As Al-Rassan teeters on the brink of holy war, these three must navigate a world of shifting alliances, violent conquest, and their own chaotic hearts.
Genres: literary-fiction, historical-fiction, fantasy, political-thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, political-intrigue
Setting: Al-Rassan
Period: Medieval
528 pages · Paperback · Harper Voyager
Content warnings: violence, war