Solomon's Bride

The Tiger and the Dove #2

by Rebecca Hazell

Solomon's Bride is the dramatic sequel to The Grip of God. Sofia, the heroine, a former princess from Kievan Rus' was enslaved by a Mongol nobleman and then taken as a concubine by the leader of the Mongol invasions, Batu Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan.

Now, having fled the Mongols with a price on her head, Sofia escapes into Persia and what she believes will be safety, only to fall into the clutches of the Assassins, who seek to disrupt the Mongol empire. In a world at war, both outer and inner, the second phase of her adventures unfolds.

Facing attacks both on her life and her heart, can she ever find safe haven, much less love and a long dreamed-of reunion with the last surviving member of her family?

Genres: Historical Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2014

About the author

I have loved reading, writing and making art from age two, my first canvases for both being the hall walls. I've been writing for decades, both nonfiction and fiction. My nonfiction included educational materials for public schools, coloring books, and most recently collections of biographies of heroic people, but I have recently made the transition to writing historical fiction. I love bringing the past to life and connecting our present with our past. I have moved across the North American continent twice, among the almost 70 moves I have made. I have also visited Europe, Mexico, and the Antipodes.

My inspiration for how to write comes from Nobel Prizewinner Isaac Bashevis Singer, whose quote I found in a collection of short stories: The purpose of writing is to entertain and inform. I liked that because it reminds me that people want to broaden their world more than they want to shrink into themselves.

Reviews

[Vielka · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book is great!!! I am very sad I have to wait for the book # 3 ... I want to know what is going to be the next step in Sofia's life... Bravo for Rebecca!!! I cried with this book, Sofia is part of you, she is your sister, your daughter, your friend.
You have to read both books, The Grip of God and this one.. I finish this one @ 6: 45 PM, Pacific time.....just and hour ago!!!! See you on the 13 when I post my review in my own words!!!! <3

[Alexandra Engellmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was given a free copy of the book by the author for an honest review

This is the second book in the Tiger and the Dove series, and now that we know Sofia’s character, it moves a little faster. Although it still has many cultural and historical details, the way the author describes them makes it a fascinating and educational read. Even for me, the person who spent half of the History class studying these exact cultures, it was a great journey back into those times, in a much more exciting style.
The romantic subplot and the mystery behind Sofia’s love interest was a pain! But I knew I had the next book as well, so it didn’t leave me a choice but to start reading it right after the second one. I felt sorry for Sofia and how complicated her life was, that even when she did fall in love, it brought her nothing but frustration. However, her character changed after everything she’d been through. In this book, she’s more patient and observant, learning to put her pride in the back to make the best of the situation. I enjoyed being in Sofia’s head, because she’s the right kind of a strong female character. It’s especially interesting when this character has to deal with a world that cares very little about women. Persia has its own exotic beauty, but I can’t even imagine myself in Sofia’s situation, dealing with oppression like she did.
Overall, it’s a great second book of the series, and the next review is coming right away!

[Vivek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fascinating Journey Continues

This stunning series continues east to Iran and then back again West towards Turkey. Rebecca's English is mesmerizing and you feel as though you are right there with Princess Sofia. You get to learn a lot about how people in those lands lived in times gone by.

Her journey in more ways than one is like a candle in the wind, just when you think she's finished some miracle takes place and gives her renewed hope and vigour. You can sense her frustration and helplessness and loneliness.

She falls in love but fate has other plans for her. Her lover is as mysterious as the wind and several questions remain unanswered. She loves him passionately but he seems to have a murky past. More information might be forthcoming in the last book of the series.

It's an amazing book and I highly recommend it to one and all. You'll be a lot wiser once you finish reading it.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Solmon's Bride "the second book in "The Tiger and the Dove" series is a captivating historical novel that I won through Goodreads Giveaways and begins after Sofia Volodymyrovna escapes the clutches of Batu Khan and his Mongol warriors and flees to Persia. But in a harsh, repressive world where women are restricted by Islamic laws and customs Sophia finds herself confined again, unable to continue her journey to Constantinople and subject to fanatics who want to upset Mongol power.

Making the best of a bad situation when she finally breaks free to continue her journey Sofia's injured after her caravan's attacked by bandits. When she's rescued by a handsome knight who hides a devastating secret Sofia never expects to become entangled in a romance that leaves her heart and reputation shattered. This is a story of a woman caught up in turbulent historical events , in a period when women are repressed and condemned for any independent thought or endeavour.

The plot is well-written and filled with detailed imagery that for non-historical buffs might seem tedious at times but which gives a striking look at the impact of the Mongol invasion and religion on society in the Middle East. With skilful dexterity Rebecca Hazell paints a stark picture of Persia during the Mongol occupation as well as the in-fighting between Muslim factions that's brutal, oppressive and violent. In a land of ancient emperors like Cyrus, Darius and Xerxes Mongol barbarism and greed has spawned bribery, rape, looting, killing, and a hatred that extends to landowners who are willing collaborators.

With emotional intensity the author illustrates the impact of religion on all the people during the period from Anna's Christian belief and her rejection of Maryam for Jewish roots that are believed to have resulted in the death of Christ, to the pressure placed on Sofia in Selim's household to accept "The One True Faith" and the gossip mongering that forces her to adopt Catholicism. It is very unsettling when Maryam who escapes the Mahdi's tyranny has to live in a Halib where "men spit on her people in the streets , pull the rabbi's beards and threaten the women". Sofia's stay in Selim al-Din's household gives an intimate look at the Islamic customs, festivals and laws that define men and women in this culture. In a male-dominated world a woman wearing boys clothes as Sofia and Anna do to escape Mongol detection is considered heresy while they also have to marry Selim to be able to interact with his sons on the trip to Alamut.

In a story the deals with the harshness of life, deception, lies, secrets and betrayal, the romance between Anna and Adar al-Mas'ūdi a Saracen hakim and skilled surgeon as well as between Sofia and Sir Joscelin Braissac are refreshing interludes in the mounting tension and suspense of the story although one has tragic repercussions. Even the ending that seems to warn the reader that life for Sofia is about to become harder and that her happiness might be fleeting begs for the next epic installment in her life.

The characters like the plot are well-developed and mesmerizing with all their faults and strengths. Sofia Volodymyrovna, once a conceited princess in Rus 'is highly intelligent, confident, observant and proud. Haunted by nightmares as a slave her yearning for independence makes her defiant, although she is quickly learning patience. Her servant Anna, a young girl of thirteen when the second book begins is trusting, often gloomy and even judgemental. Her Christian faith is transitory when she easily converts to Islam to the delight of her intended husband Adar al-Mas'ūdi. Selim al- Din the wealthy friend who helps Sofia and Anna is a loving family man who's hospitable, kind but wily putting duty to the Mahdi ahead of his responsibility. All these personalities and many more add to the tension, drama and power of this riveting story.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Solmon's Bride " so rich in love, friendship and possibilities in Sofia's life. I intend to read the final book in "The Tiger and The Dove series" hoping that she finally discovers the independence, purpose and happiness she's been seeking.

[Erin Al-Mehairi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solomon's Bride, by Rebecca Hazell, is the continuing story of Princess Sofia, a young Rus girl we meet first in The Grip of God. It is a series of books, called The Tiger and the Dove, and it is best read from the start to fully understand Sofia's life progression and why she is where she is at the beginning of Solomon's Bride. You can read my review of The Grip of God HERE and an interview I had with Rebecca HERE.

Sofia, escaping the Mongols to Persia in the 13th Century, finds she is in a land that is also being destroyed by the Mongols. Kept inside an Iranian palace, our story turns toward the culture and life in Iran during this time period as we discover it visually through Sofia's eyes. Rebecca's writing is gorgeous and authentic, visual and engaging, so that as a reader I feel drawn into the story as if I were truly there as well.

She brings to light the Islamic faith and creates an understanding of it, as Sofia and her servant, Anna, are Christian, they both ask questions about what they are seeing around them. I was pleased that Rebecca wrote such understanding and insight of the faith into her novel. I am not Muslim, but I am very familiar with the religion and as an encourager of all faiths coming together in harmony and peace, I was very pleased with Rebecca's writing. I also enjoyed reading about the history of Iran, and the Arabic world, as much of the same battle is still happening stemming from the eternal battle between the Sunni and Shi'a factions of Islam.

There is such a wealth of well-researched historical fact in this novel from an ancient area that many don't write about yet. It was refreshing to read of this intense history with Sofia as the narrator, creating romance, strife, suspense, and action. Sofia, first innocent and shy, has gone through such a journey in a few of her teenage years that she now has a strong voice, independent nature, and the spirit of a fighter. She must do so not only to stay alive, but to remain true to herself and her people. She keeps hope that she'll one day be joined again to her Rus family. Her goal is never forgotten, no matter what she endures.

I can't help but cheer on Sofia in her journey. She has passion, virtue, and respect for herself as a woman, as well as for other women. As a reader, I feel happy for her strong moments of assertion, sad for her times of despair, and alarmed for her during times of fear or altercations. Though this novel had less intense times of gore, there were still a few heightened times that Sofia had to go through and she becomes quite a fighter for herself and those she values.

As her journey leads her to meet Sir Joscelin, a love story ensues between them, and also by the last section of the book her main goal begins to be realized and we think there might be closure. But there is always something in the way of her complete happiness and it just tears out my heart for her. Life doesn't seem to go exactly how she wishes it to, but she is always in the right place to bring understanding to people of various religions and cultures. I really like that about Sofia, she is so non-judgmental and accepting of others, as well as their beliefs and opinions, yet men never understand her completely, various cultures don't understand her independence, until her true love, which she is denied.

Ah, the ending! Of course! It leaves us unable to wait very patiently for the third book! Through all of Sofia's treks across miles of various lands and cultures, I am a reader who is ready to continue the journey with her. I highly recommend this series if you love medieval history of the Far East and Asia, and even European areas, or enjoy reading about ancient cultures and religions. Solomon's Bride was even more well-written than Rebecca's first book, stringently researched, artistically detailed, heartfelt, and exciting.

[Robin Peacock · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sure that if you are reading this review you are aware of the details of the story so I will not repeat them here. I might be the only reader who thinks that the minutiae, the detail, the intricate repetition of singularly uninteresting and unimportant events begins to dull the senses after the fifth time of reading. The journeys, repeated endlessly with different secondary and tertiary characters do nothing to drive the story; they do however lengthen it considerably. Likewise the descriptions of struggling towns, ruined cities, noisy bazars, various temples and mosques, bustling streets, tranquil gardens and smelly markets do little apart from describe ‘things’. These passages do nothing to give the story impetus or to lead us on but merely serve to interrupt the thread of the narrative and increase the word count.
The winter in Selim’s house seemed to take as long as a real winter; it went on and on with a repeating, metronomic quality that sadly, bored me to distraction. I began playing solitaire to give me some excitement. I struggled with Sofia’s impatience; the passes were blocked in winter but all she thought of was escape? How illogical is this?
Then she travels to Alamut and spends another two years doing the same as she did for the previous six months. The only difference is that she crams a university education in about seven subjects into those two years. Then it is more travelling. Much more travelling. At one point when setting out on yet another caravan ride she comments,
‘Walls are walls and streets are streets, I felt much as I did in a dozen cites I had already passed.’ This encapsulates the problem for me, we have read this a dozen times already. ‘Thus began the next stage of my seemingly endless journey to Constantinople’
She stops in a convent, thinking about becoming a nun but meets a knight! At last, some love interest. Sadly, said knight is about as interesting as a bad cold. After months at the convent she plans to leave. As she tells her knight, he asks her to wait until Christmas so that they might get married. I do not recall him asking her or even suggesting such a thing, indeed, she had given up on the idea, hence her decision to leave. As it turns out her knight is not free to marry her anyway so no great loss there, I feel.
She journeys on, the final leg seemingly over in a day or two. I am guessing the author ran out of travel ideas and may even have noticed that she had used them several times already. We then bounce between Antioch and Cyprus as the Empire gets ready to strike back at the anti-Christ hordes. Sofia manages to become a millionaire in about three months and opens orphanages here and there. This section of the book is hurried compared to the earlier drudgery. She gets more done in the last three chapters than she accomplished in the first seventy. Finally, without wishing to spoil anything, the inevitable ending occurs, posted for all to see about 100 pages previously.
I felt as though I was being dragged through a history lesson but nothing of note or remotely historic happened on the pages. All around the region great events of huge importance were crashing and crushing the populations into terrible turmoil. I got no sense of that at all as I was locked away in a haram or harem or a convent the whole time, insulated from the world outside and thoroughly bored with the whole thing, much as Sofia expressed herself to be a lot of the time.
If you are an insomniac, take this to bed with you.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Thinking I was free from the Mongols forever, I felt such joy that I almost cried my thanks aloud."

Our heroine Sofia exclaims at the beginning of Solomon's Bride, I so wished this was true, and routed for her at the end of The Grip of God, but knew this would not be the case. Like the summary describes, just as she is freed from the Mongols she is befallen by the Assassins, thus starting full circle. By the sounds of it, it could feel repetitive, okay she's kidnapped again, but she is a strong character who adapts (as best she can) to her surroundings and always looks over her shoulder, therefore she must escape, plus there is a third book so she can't die right. Right?

It may sound flippant and a repeat of the summary but I have a point. When the movie Titanic first came out my brother and I went with two friends of ours, both having already seen it. We watched Jack proclaiming he's King of the world and defying love with an upper-class woman, and then Rose said she'd never let go. Jack is dead and Rose appears to be on death's door. Despite the fact that Rose is telling the story and therefore obviously can't die, my brother leans over to his friend and asks "Will Rose live?" His friend replied "Remember the guy with the whistle?" we all start cracking up, during a very serious moment, having to stifle giggles due to dirty looks.

I'll cut my little brother slack as he was only ten, but my long-winded point was that he got so caught up in Rose's story that he worried for her safety becoming enamored, and not just by Kate Winslet's boobs. This is how I felt about Sofia, I grew a relationship for the character making expressions while reading that had other's asking "are you okay?" and "what are you reading?" In other words, it didn't matter that I had assumptions on the ending, it was the how I cared about, how could Sofia survive another tragedy?

As for the Assassins and Mongols who have undoubtedly changed Sofia's life, they can only be compared to this year's American Idol finalists, which one is worse? Like my feelings towards Caleb and Jena I am noncommittal to both. Not to be mean, but neither are very good, and are just plain irksome.

Although like American Idol, of which I watch religiously each week, I enjoy following their journey to the Kodak Theater. That is how I felt in The Grip of God and Solomon's Bride, it is the journey and transformation that has held me captive for so long.

Once again, Rebecca Hazell has managed to enliven the page with technicolor images which makes Solomon's Bride a very easy story to visualize and a pleasure to read.

[Lauralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sequel to The Grip of God. Sofia manages to escape from the Mongol war camp. She flees to Iran. She thinks that is safe, but instead she becomes a prisoner again. Sofia must undergo many more trials and suffering. Yet she learns the Muslims customs and beliefs. Sophia also plans to escape, but it may be her death.

I felt sadness for Sofia. Sofia already had a tough time in the Mongol camp, and now she is a prisoner to the Grand Master himself in Iran. Sofia felt hopelessness, and it is clear that she is a survivor. She is a different person than she was in The Grip of God. She is strong and assertive. She is still determined, and still finds hope. I found myself rooting for Sophia. Sophia also has found love with a knight. Could this knight be the love that Sofia has always dreamed of?

To be honest, I liked this book better than The Grip of God. It is not as graphic as the first book. I liked how the Middle Eastern world and the European world clashed and met through the Crusades. We even get to meet famous historical figures, in particular the French royalty. We even get to learn about both the Islamic and Jewish religions. Sofia finds the two religions in common because they are much like her own. She is able to understand them. In this book there are three religions that are discussed in detail: Christian, Islamic, and Jewish and they all have their common roots.

Overall, this novel is about tragedy, love, loss, survival, friendship, and hope. Because this book is a sequel to The Grip of God, the beginning is not as slow moving, and takes you immediately into the plot. It is action moving, and we get to learn more about different cultures and customs than the first book. This book is a worthy sequel. I am eagerly anticipating Consolamentum to find out what happens to Sofia and where her journey is next. Hopefully, in the next book, Sofia just may find her happy ending. I recommend this book to all those who are interested in the Crusades, and historical fiction. Most importantly, I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the world of the 13th century, for the author does a great deal in bringing that world into life. This book is an adventure and a survival story. This book features a strong woman who is on a quest to find happiness in a cruel world.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)

[C.C. Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca Hazel has created a vivid work of historical fiction with Solomon’s Bride. This book is the second in the series (the first being The Grip of God). The story follows Sofia, a young slavic princess, as she makes her way to freedom from Mongol captivity (the first book) to what she hopes will be safety in Persia. The world is harsh and often oppressive and Hazel brings this world to life painting a visual picture with her words. I felt myself in the midst of this world, and I felt my own hopes rise and fall each time Sofia found momentary reprieve only to have her seeming security snatched from her yet again. The characters are also strongly written. I came to know these people which only heightened the impact of the tragedy they faced. Sofia’s would be protectors face brutal ends and the love that could provide comfort is denied her by the necessities of duty and obedience.

Though I have a fairly good grasp of the current state of the middle east, I was not familiar with this stage of its history. It is an era fraught with conflict and brutality, not only among rival religious groups but between the factions within those groups as well. Viewing this world through the lens of the modern western world of my own experience is often both jarring and disturbing.

This novel will appeal to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. You will come away with a deeper understanding of an era of great conflict. It certainly puts the seeming troubles of the modern world in perspective. But, be warned, this is a treacherous journey. You must harden your heart if you are to sojourn with Sofia. This is not a novel for those seeking a light read or a happy ending (at least not for Sofia, though perhaps she may find this in the next book!).

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

SOLOMAN'S BRIDE by Rebecca Hazell is an interesting Historical Fiction. #2 in "The Tiger and the Dove" trilogy. I feel you really need to read book 1, "The Grip of God" in order to better understand "Soloman's Bride".

This is the continuance of the story of Princess Sofia. The adventure continues for Sofia, who we see in THE GRIP OF GOD has been captured and made a concubine to one of the Mongol invaders captains. Now, she in Iran, a fugitive with a price on her head. She flees to Iran and what she believes to be safety to realize she is once again a prisoner, only this time, to the Grand Master, himself.

Will Sofia, ever find safety, and love? A compelling, and complex tale of courage, slavery, adventure, and a very different world to what Sofia once knew. Not only as a slave of the Mongols but as a young Princess as well. Will she ever find her place, and re-gain her heritage? A gripping tale from beginning to end. I enjoyed "Soloman's Bride" with it's vivid descriptions, and its compelling characters. I don't feel this one is as brutal as THE GRIP OF GOD, but it is intense,emotional, and complex. The third in this THE TIGER AND THE DOVE trilogy will be releasing soon, CONSOLAMENTUM, in which, hopefully, we will see how Sofia's journey ends.

If you enjoy historical fiction, Asian culture, and a complex tale, then you will enjoy SOLOMAN'S BRIDE. Received for an honest review.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: HOT

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Felicity Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the story of the now fifteen year old Sofia and her companion-come- servant Anna (13) as begun in The Grip Of God, part one in the The Tiger And The Dove series. As some of you know just as I don't necessarily have to read a series from the beginning or indeed in order of publication I recommend that in order to get the best out of this series you do just that.

Every bit as impressive as its predecessor. I'm once again struck by a use of language that is both poetic and yet powerful enough that the reader feels themselves transported to another time and place.

It really was a joy to follow Sofia's journey, to see both her character and her relationships develop, to see how she coped with swapping one form of captivity for what was essentially another.

Another exceptionally engaging novel as educational (the insight into Islamic practises and festivals etc I thought exceptional) as it is entertaining. I long to read Consolamentum, the last book in the trilogy (available at a later date), in order to see if Sofia gets the happy ever after worthy of every princess.

Copyright: Tracy Terry & Pen and Paper.
Disclaimer: Read and reviewed as part of a Book Tour on behalf of the author I was merely asked for my honest opinion, no financial compensation was asked for nor given.

[Jayne Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solomon’s Bride is rich, textured, and emotional. This book takes you into an exotic world filled with conflict and beauty.

The book follows Sofia, a young princess, as she continues her escape from her Mongol captors set in the 12-hundreds.

Sofia is a compelling narrator. I enjoyed being in her head. She’s intelligent, resourceful, and I particularly liked the way she framed her situation and explained things that were alien to her and to Anna.

While Sofia is clearly the focus of this story I found myself swept away by the details of the setting and travels. This book transports you much in the same way a Diana Gabaldon novel does. You learn something about an exotic (to me) place and time. That said the description doesn’t get in the way of the story, it flows in and out, and allows you to be on the journey with Sofia.

Rebecca Hazell had done a wonderful job with this novel and if you’re a fan of historical fiction this needs to be on your list to read! It’s an ambitious novel beautifully executed.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read the first book. That is my first confession regarding my rating. It took me almost 200 pages to get into this (that's the other confession). ~200 and on, this is a great story. If you can get there. If you loved the first one, go for it. Otherwise, I'd either give it a pass or start at page 150 and go from there. I gave it 3 stars because I did eventually really get into it. If you like a challenge, go for it. Better yet, read book 1 and you'll probably be more into it than I was.

[Mark Hazell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second volume in a trilogy of remarkable novels set in the 13th century, Solomon's Bride picks up where The Grip of God left off -- I'm not much of a historical fiction reader, but have now read the entire trilogy and was very sorry to see it end.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic story!