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Omar Zagouri #3
Slave Queen
Special Agent Omar Zagouri’s latest case is his most dangerous—and his most personal yet. The discovery of secret sixteenth-century letters unveils a plot between the sultan Suleyman and his chief wife, Roxelane, to change the course of the Ottoman Empire. A descendent of Roxelane, Zagouri learns he has an enemy whose revenge has been centuries in the making.
Targeted by an antiquities collector who’s also descended from a chief rival for the ancient throne, Zagouri soon uncovers a modern-day conspiracy that threatens the lives of his family and the security of a nation.
To expose the plot, Zagouri must team up with Naim, the son of his nemesis, who heads an international black-market operation that may have ties to the killings. From ancient Constantinople to the present-day Middle East, Zagouri is on a collision course with history. Time is running out to solve a royal mystery and stop a ruthless killer—one who has Zagouri’s name on his hit list.
Targeted by an antiquities collector who’s also descended from a chief rival for the ancient throne, Zagouri soon uncovers a modern-day conspiracy that threatens the lives of his family and the security of a nation.
To expose the plot, Zagouri must team up with Naim, the son of his nemesis, who heads an international black-market operation that may have ties to the killings. From ancient Constantinople to the present-day Middle East, Zagouri is on a collision course with history. Time is running out to solve a royal mystery and stop a ruthless killer—one who has Zagouri’s name on his hit list.
368 pages, Paperback
Published August 30, 2016
67 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
H.B. Moore
35 books339 followersHeather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than seventy publications. She writes historical novels and thrillers under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.
Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact
Blog: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Heather B. Moore All About Books
Literary awards: 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner
Alternate Goodreads Page: Heather B. Moore
Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact
Blog: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Heather B. Moore All About Books
Literary awards: 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner
Alternate Goodreads Page: Heather B. Moore
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
August 18, 2016
This is a series I really love for so many reasons. I am always excited to see another addition to this series and I feel like such a lucky girl to be able to read and review them! H.B. Moore is right at home with this genre. It is where she shines for me as an author.
So, this is the third book in this series. You do not have to read the previous books to understand this book as each book has it's own specific story. I would recommend starting at the beginning though. It's such a fun ride and each book is so good.
Now for my many reasons for love. :)
I love how this book jumps from present day to way back in history. As Omar tries to unravel a conspiracy in present-day Middle East that involves a group of people trying to overthrow the government and re-establish their place as royalty, we also get the story of the Sultan and his wife that started the whole thing. It's fantastic. On one hand we have guns and chases, deadly plots and ruthless people. On the other hand we have the rise of Roxelane from slave girl to Queen to the Sultan. The plots are just as deadly, the people just as ruthless, but this side of the story gives us a peek into how it all came about.
H.B. Moore really knows how to write a story rich with history, culture and thrills. As a reader, I feel like I'm stepping into the thick of things right away. I have to admit that my favorite bits are when we are way back into history. The rise of Queen Roxelane is a story I could read all on it's own and be perfectly happy.
If you haven't ever read a book in this series, I would surely recommend that you give it a try. This series is one of my favorites.
Content: A few instances of mild swearing. Slavery. Concubines as part of a harem, and multiple wives. There are references to sexual instances, but nothing described in any detail. There is some violence.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
So, this is the third book in this series. You do not have to read the previous books to understand this book as each book has it's own specific story. I would recommend starting at the beginning though. It's such a fun ride and each book is so good.
Now for my many reasons for love. :)
I love how this book jumps from present day to way back in history. As Omar tries to unravel a conspiracy in present-day Middle East that involves a group of people trying to overthrow the government and re-establish their place as royalty, we also get the story of the Sultan and his wife that started the whole thing. It's fantastic. On one hand we have guns and chases, deadly plots and ruthless people. On the other hand we have the rise of Roxelane from slave girl to Queen to the Sultan. The plots are just as deadly, the people just as ruthless, but this side of the story gives us a peek into how it all came about.
H.B. Moore really knows how to write a story rich with history, culture and thrills. As a reader, I feel like I'm stepping into the thick of things right away. I have to admit that my favorite bits are when we are way back into history. The rise of Queen Roxelane is a story I could read all on it's own and be perfectly happy.
If you haven't ever read a book in this series, I would surely recommend that you give it a try. This series is one of my favorites.
Content: A few instances of mild swearing. Slavery. Concubines as part of a harem, and multiple wives. There are references to sexual instances, but nothing described in any detail. There is some violence.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 6, 2016
I have loved Omar Zargouri from the start and this story had my mind completely swirling. H.B. Moore has an incredible talent of twisting a couple of different plot threads together in a way that completely blows my mind. The book jumps between three different points of view. Omar always seems to be in danger, but it's taken to a whole new level when his personal life becomes involved. On a quest to solve this mystery, he's forced to team up with an archenemy's son, Naim. The story also follows Naim and his adventures in unraveling the mystery as it pertains to him. The reader is also treated to a fascinating account of a sultan and his favored wife, Roxelane, from the sixteenth century. The way all of this comes together in a wonderfully meshed up way is very impressive.
I love the way each part isn't dwelt on for long. I was left on cliffhangers after each chapter, but then found myself immersed into the story lines once again, over and over. Everything is tied together so cleverly and the characters seem so real and believable. I love how there is a subtle (and sometimes outright obvious) love theme that underlines each story, although adventure, excitement, and suspense propelled the plot forward.
These characters are each so amazingly well done! The way the historical figures are portrayed makes me wonder more about other famous, or infamous, individuals in history and what their true-life stories may be. These people come to life right on the pages. The modern characters are also written in a way that rings true. I just can't say enough--I loved this story and always look forward to what H.B. Moore will publish next.
Content: mild language; mild-moderate levels of violence and suspense, although nothing is too graphic; mild romance (kissing, mild innuendo).
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
I love the way each part isn't dwelt on for long. I was left on cliffhangers after each chapter, but then found myself immersed into the story lines once again, over and over. Everything is tied together so cleverly and the characters seem so real and believable. I love how there is a subtle (and sometimes outright obvious) love theme that underlines each story, although adventure, excitement, and suspense propelled the plot forward.
These characters are each so amazingly well done! The way the historical figures are portrayed makes me wonder more about other famous, or infamous, individuals in history and what their true-life stories may be. These people come to life right on the pages. The modern characters are also written in a way that rings true. I just can't say enough--I loved this story and always look forward to what H.B. Moore will publish next.
Content: mild language; mild-moderate levels of violence and suspense, although nothing is too graphic; mild romance (kissing, mild innuendo).
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
August 29, 2016
Another great addition to the Omar Zagouri series.
August 23, 2016
This series keeps getting better and better. Slave Queen is my favorite so far. I hope that there will be many more Omar Zagouri books in the future. (Confession: I haven't read Finding Sheba yet but mean to rectify that shortly). I had a hard time wanting to set this book aside when life called, but was very happy when I was able to pick it up after a pause and continue reading. There are so many characters and interweaving storylines, ancient and modern, that alternate through the story that you want to read fast to get back to one story and then the next. The characters captivate you and their lives are very intriguing that you will find yourself hooked into this wonderful novel.
I love how the author weaves so many stories together and can keep me interested in all of them at the same time. In Slave Queen, the main character is of course Omar Zagouri. He and Mia are still working for the Israeli government but have a family emergency that pulls them to Morocco. Leyla is a student at one of the universities and is applying for a summer intern with Baris Uzuner, a well to do antiques dealer. Naim is a fellow student/recent graduate with Leyla at the university. Aleksandra is a young village girl on the cusp of womanhood, trying to pick a suitor, yet is taken by the Turks from all she has ever known. Now Aleksandra is the heroine of the ancient story woven throughout the book. She is ultimately one of the main reasons for what occurs in the book.
I admit that my absolute favorite part of the book was Aleksandra's story. I loved reading those chapters that delved into her history and life. Yes she is an actual person from history and has an amazing story. Yes this is historical fiction and the author is creating parts of Aleksandra's life and thoughts to fill in the gaps of what we don't know for sure about her life. Yet I felt that the true history(discovered through research) and the author's creative licensing flowed together so nicely. This is definitely a story that I want to reread again and again.
I said that Aleksandra's story is one of the main reasons for that story and so throughout the book in all the chapters, the ancient and modern ones, you learn bits and pieces of her life. The ancient chapters you learn about her earlier life and what leads her to becoming the slave queen. The modern chapters you learn about some aspects of her later life. So as you are reading the story the beginning and ending are slowly (ok not really slowly, it's a good paced novel) converging together until you have a lot of the gaps filled in.
I have said this before in other reviews for books by this author and I am saying it again right now...she knows how to create and write a great novel. It honestly doesn't matter what genre she is writing in, every single book I have read of hers have pulled me in that I find myself turning the pages as fast as I can to take it all in and find out what is going to happen to those characters. If you like suspense novels and a good mystery situation I highly recommend this series. I've really enjoyed every minute of reading them.
I know I didn't really say much about the storyline in this novel aside from how it centers around Aleksandra but I will say that I enjoy all the characters. The good guys are good and the bad guys are bad! That might sound cliche but it's true. I would never want to meet Baris or Adem Bata. I didn't know what to think about Baris with the opening chapter. But I quickly made my mind up as I think you will too. Naim, well he's complicated...is he all that he seems to be, or is he really just wanting to be friends with Leyla? All the characters have several chapters about just them and their backgrounds and those also converge together to create the whole of this novel.
As far as content in this novel, there were a couple swear words. In Aleksandra's chapters there are several aspects that deal with the culture of her people and the time. So you will read about concubines and about the Sultan's harem. Although a harem in that time doesn't mean the same as today. It was more about protection for the women and a place to live and work under the sultan, and also of finding husbands, not all of them became concubines. There are a couple scenes between the slave queen and the sultan, once as a concubine and then as a married couple, both fade to black and is not graphic. There is some violence as there are some battles in Aleksandra's time and in Omar's time there are some gun fights and a couple deaths but again nothing graphic. I would recommend this for mature readers but would say that it is a clean read.
If you can't decide I highly recommend reading it. I didn't start with the first book in the series which worked ok for me but I think I would recommend starting there. You could pick this one up just fine and there's enough fill in for the main aspect about Omar but if you want to experience all of Omar's escapades then start with the first one, Finding Sheba, then The Lost King and finally Slave Queen. There are a couple novellas that go with the series as well. I've read one, First Heist, and it is from Mia's POV meeting Omar. I hope you enjoy as much as I did (or more)!!!
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Happy Reading!!!
I love how the author weaves so many stories together and can keep me interested in all of them at the same time. In Slave Queen, the main character is of course Omar Zagouri. He and Mia are still working for the Israeli government but have a family emergency that pulls them to Morocco. Leyla is a student at one of the universities and is applying for a summer intern with Baris Uzuner, a well to do antiques dealer. Naim is a fellow student/recent graduate with Leyla at the university. Aleksandra is a young village girl on the cusp of womanhood, trying to pick a suitor, yet is taken by the Turks from all she has ever known. Now Aleksandra is the heroine of the ancient story woven throughout the book. She is ultimately one of the main reasons for what occurs in the book.
I admit that my absolute favorite part of the book was Aleksandra's story. I loved reading those chapters that delved into her history and life. Yes she is an actual person from history and has an amazing story. Yes this is historical fiction and the author is creating parts of Aleksandra's life and thoughts to fill in the gaps of what we don't know for sure about her life. Yet I felt that the true history(discovered through research) and the author's creative licensing flowed together so nicely. This is definitely a story that I want to reread again and again.
I said that Aleksandra's story is one of the main reasons for that story and so throughout the book in all the chapters, the ancient and modern ones, you learn bits and pieces of her life. The ancient chapters you learn about her earlier life and what leads her to becoming the slave queen. The modern chapters you learn about some aspects of her later life. So as you are reading the story the beginning and ending are slowly (ok not really slowly, it's a good paced novel) converging together until you have a lot of the gaps filled in.
I have said this before in other reviews for books by this author and I am saying it again right now...she knows how to create and write a great novel. It honestly doesn't matter what genre she is writing in, every single book I have read of hers have pulled me in that I find myself turning the pages as fast as I can to take it all in and find out what is going to happen to those characters. If you like suspense novels and a good mystery situation I highly recommend this series. I've really enjoyed every minute of reading them.
I know I didn't really say much about the storyline in this novel aside from how it centers around Aleksandra but I will say that I enjoy all the characters. The good guys are good and the bad guys are bad! That might sound cliche but it's true. I would never want to meet Baris or Adem Bata. I didn't know what to think about Baris with the opening chapter. But I quickly made my mind up as I think you will too. Naim, well he's complicated...is he all that he seems to be, or is he really just wanting to be friends with Leyla? All the characters have several chapters about just them and their backgrounds and those also converge together to create the whole of this novel.
As far as content in this novel, there were a couple swear words. In Aleksandra's chapters there are several aspects that deal with the culture of her people and the time. So you will read about concubines and about the Sultan's harem. Although a harem in that time doesn't mean the same as today. It was more about protection for the women and a place to live and work under the sultan, and also of finding husbands, not all of them became concubines. There are a couple scenes between the slave queen and the sultan, once as a concubine and then as a married couple, both fade to black and is not graphic. There is some violence as there are some battles in Aleksandra's time and in Omar's time there are some gun fights and a couple deaths but again nothing graphic. I would recommend this for mature readers but would say that it is a clean read.
If you can't decide I highly recommend reading it. I didn't start with the first book in the series which worked ok for me but I think I would recommend starting there. You could pick this one up just fine and there's enough fill in for the main aspect about Omar but if you want to experience all of Omar's escapades then start with the first one, Finding Sheba, then The Lost King and finally Slave Queen. There are a couple novellas that go with the series as well. I've read one, First Heist, and it is from Mia's POV meeting Omar. I hope you enjoy as much as I did (or more)!!!
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Happy Reading!!!
August 19, 2017
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July 21, 2016
I've been following this series and it just keeps getting better. I loved the historical part of the novel between Suleyman and Roxelane. It was so interesting to read!
I also loved the contemporary parts between the two couples, Omar and Mia, and Naim and Leyla. I don't usually like too many POVs but this is one novel where it really works. We get to follow the stories through the eyes of Roxelane, Oman and Leyla.
This story had everything: romance, action, history, and it all works so well.
I hope there will be more books in this series.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I also loved the contemporary parts between the two couples, Omar and Mia, and Naim and Leyla. I don't usually like too many POVs but this is one novel where it really works. We get to follow the stories through the eyes of Roxelane, Oman and Leyla.
This story had everything: romance, action, history, and it all works so well.
I hope there will be more books in this series.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2016
This is the third book in this series and is just as amazing as the first two!! Just like the first two books, there are three storylines--two modern-day and one from the sixteenth century. The two modern-day storylines come together as Omar and Mia team up with the son of his nemesis, Naim, and his friend Leyla. The historical storyline deals with a sultan and his chief wife, Roxelane.
While I love Omar and learning more about him, I always find myself fascinated with the historical storyline. I love the way Ms. Moore tells these stories. They come to life and I feel like I'm transported back to that time period. The story switches back and forth and she does a great job at ending each chapter just as it's getting good. But it works because I'm interested in the next chapter, too. And it continues that way until the very end.
Even though this is book three, you can start with this one since they each stand on their own. Omar and Mia are the two characters that are consistent throughout the series. Their relationship has changed somewhat since the first book, so if you want their complete history, you'll want to read these in order. If you enjoy historical fiction with suspense and romance, this is a series you will want to read! I'm hoping there will be more Omar stories in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
While I love Omar and learning more about him, I always find myself fascinated with the historical storyline. I love the way Ms. Moore tells these stories. They come to life and I feel like I'm transported back to that time period. The story switches back and forth and she does a great job at ending each chapter just as it's getting good. But it works because I'm interested in the next chapter, too. And it continues that way until the very end.
Even though this is book three, you can start with this one since they each stand on their own. Omar and Mia are the two characters that are consistent throughout the series. Their relationship has changed somewhat since the first book, so if you want their complete history, you'll want to read these in order. If you enjoy historical fiction with suspense and romance, this is a series you will want to read! I'm hoping there will be more Omar stories in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
July 20, 2016
Opening line:
"Baris Uzuner turned the bolt in the lock for the second time, double-checking that the front door was secure."
I forgot how much I LOVE the Omar Zagouri series! SLAVE QUEEN is another great addition to the series.
I love love love the romance. I love how the chapters are from different views of characters as well as points in the story. I wanted to know how each story ended so I had to keep reading! I even went so far as to read the Sultan and Roxelane chapters by. them. selves. I did. I cheated.
While I didn't care about the history, it didn't detract from the story and I learned a bit about the era and countries. Moore knows how to write historical stories where the history is the canvas for the story.
Each character is unique and as well written as the story itself. Moore paces the story well. Sometimes I was smiling or giggling and the next I'm gripping my kindle, white-knuckled and wondering what's going to happen to the characters I've grown to care about. There were twists and surprises and mystery that kept me reading too.
Well done!
Thanks to netgalley for the early read in exchange for my honest review!
"Baris Uzuner turned the bolt in the lock for the second time, double-checking that the front door was secure."
I forgot how much I LOVE the Omar Zagouri series! SLAVE QUEEN is another great addition to the series.
I love love love the romance. I love how the chapters are from different views of characters as well as points in the story. I wanted to know how each story ended so I had to keep reading! I even went so far as to read the Sultan and Roxelane chapters by. them. selves. I did. I cheated.
While I didn't care about the history, it didn't detract from the story and I learned a bit about the era and countries. Moore knows how to write historical stories where the history is the canvas for the story.
Each character is unique and as well written as the story itself. Moore paces the story well. Sometimes I was smiling or giggling and the next I'm gripping my kindle, white-knuckled and wondering what's going to happen to the characters I've grown to care about. There were twists and surprises and mystery that kept me reading too.
Well done!
Thanks to netgalley for the early read in exchange for my honest review!
August 9, 2016
I started this book and could not put it down. I stayed up late reading it and finished it in one day. The story grabs you from the first page and you can't put it down until the end. This book is set up similar to the last Omar Zagouri adventure. The storyline goes back and forth between modern day and ancient times. You read Omar's adventure and you get the story of Roxelane the slave queen and how she went from captured slave to adored queen. I love learning the history that is in Heather Brown's books. I feel like I have learned something while being entertained. Thank you for another great read! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys and good adventure based in real history.
August 22, 2016
This is a story which I found to be remarkable in its complexity. The author has taken a bit from history and woven a story which weaves between then and now and it has been done so neatly that it feels like silk to your senses. The plot, characters, and storyline all move toward the grand finale and does not leave the reader wondering what occurred.
I have given this book 4.5 stars and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a book with a different twist on history.
I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.
(As an aside I just happened to be in Istanbul and had the opportunity to again visit and tour one of the sites in the story. Frank)
August 29, 2016
What a great read! It was fast paced, going back and forth seamlessly between the past and the present. The past storyline is about the developing love story between Süleyman the Magnificent and his favorite wife, Roxelane. That storyline was my favorite, and I would love to read more about it. The author did a great job bringing the characters to life, and I really felt their trials and tribulations. The present storyline was the fast paced thriller part, with a race against time between Turkish Royalists and those that they're threatening. Once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2016
Not one but two exciting stories, switching between the present and the past. The historical part helped me to understand the apparent madness demonstrated by Islamic sects with respect to their leaders. The present story is an exciting tale of treachery, romance and religious extremism. Definitely worth reading more than once.
August 29, 2016
Slave Queen is book 3 from An Omar Zagouri Thriller series. I enjoyed this installment. It is my favorite one of the series so far. It was full of action, suspense and mystery. I could not put it down. Highly recommended. 5+ stars
August 18, 2017
Another fun read from HB Moore! She knows how to weave a good story, rich with historical detail. I especially enjoyed reading about Roxelane's journey from captive to queen.
September 9, 2016
I love these great books by H.B. Moore! I love the way that you get both a modern story with Omar Zagouri and Mia, and you also get an ancient story with Aleksandra and the Sultan. And even better, the stories tie together. It just makes these way fun!
This book is intense. Omar Zagouri is on the case, well...it's more of a personal assignment than a case. His mother has been attacked and he knows he has to get to the bottom of what's happened to her, because the attack seems to have been centered on him. It will take all of both his and Mia's brain power to figure out just what's going on.
There are some really great supporting characters in this one. There's Mia, of course. But in addition there's Leyla, a young woman whose summer job turned out to be way more than she bargained for, and her friend, Naim. She's known him at the university, but there's something more about him that doesn't seem to quite add up. Leyla gets herself into some crazy situations that she has a hard time getting herself out of, but it seems like Naim is always there to help her.
And I really loved reading Aleksandra's story. A young girl with her whole future ahead of her. But that future changes in an instant when she's kidnapped by a bunch of Turkish soldiers and she's made a slave. There are lots more changes in coming in her future. I was amazed at just what happened to her, and how much her future differed from what she had planned for herself and her life. I also loved that the author includes the real story of this young woman at the end, letting us know just a little more about her.
This book has plenty of action and adventure. And, of course, there's a bit of a love story too. I loved that it was fast moving, basically clean (there were a few mild swear words), but this book kept my attention from the very beginning and I didn't want it to end.
I was sent an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is intense. Omar Zagouri is on the case, well...it's more of a personal assignment than a case. His mother has been attacked and he knows he has to get to the bottom of what's happened to her, because the attack seems to have been centered on him. It will take all of both his and Mia's brain power to figure out just what's going on.
There are some really great supporting characters in this one. There's Mia, of course. But in addition there's Leyla, a young woman whose summer job turned out to be way more than she bargained for, and her friend, Naim. She's known him at the university, but there's something more about him that doesn't seem to quite add up. Leyla gets herself into some crazy situations that she has a hard time getting herself out of, but it seems like Naim is always there to help her.
And I really loved reading Aleksandra's story. A young girl with her whole future ahead of her. But that future changes in an instant when she's kidnapped by a bunch of Turkish soldiers and she's made a slave. There are lots more changes in coming in her future. I was amazed at just what happened to her, and how much her future differed from what she had planned for herself and her life. I also loved that the author includes the real story of this young woman at the end, letting us know just a little more about her.
This book has plenty of action and adventure. And, of course, there's a bit of a love story too. I loved that it was fast moving, basically clean (there were a few mild swear words), but this book kept my attention from the very beginning and I didn't want it to end.
I was sent an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2016
Another interesting book in this series and, as before, I really enjoyed the historical story and I tended to like those chapters more than the modern-day action, although the characters and story lines of both were well done and interesting. Besides the Omar/Mia love story, this book also introduces us to Naim and Layla. There are many struggles for those 4 characters in modern times and how they're racing to stop the theft of valuable artifacts, as well as stop murders of men believed to be descended from Sultan Suleyman and Roxelane.
I really found Alexandra/Roxelane's story fascinating, her capture as a slave and then her rise through the household of the sultan and all the politics and deceit and more that played into that between the women in the sultan's harem and household. I was fascinated by the everyday aspects of that lifestyle and the protocols that each aspect of her life entailed (the eunuchs, the other harem women, her training through the sultan's mother in order to be even considered as a concubine, and more), not to mention the viciousness of the women as they vied for the sultan's attention (the snake Roxelane pierced to the dinner table with her yataghan was so intriguing and daring!). I can only imagine how hard the lifestyle of a harem woman wanting to rise in favor would be.
While I know the story of these real-life historical characters was highly fictionalized by the author, I appreciate the amount of research and detail that she took care with that comes through in her writing and in the story. I think that is what makes the historical parts of her Omar Zagouri series so fascinating to me.
***I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.***
I really found Alexandra/Roxelane's story fascinating, her capture as a slave and then her rise through the household of the sultan and all the politics and deceit and more that played into that between the women in the sultan's harem and household. I was fascinated by the everyday aspects of that lifestyle and the protocols that each aspect of her life entailed (the eunuchs, the other harem women, her training through the sultan's mother in order to be even considered as a concubine, and more), not to mention the viciousness of the women as they vied for the sultan's attention (the snake Roxelane pierced to the dinner table with her yataghan was so intriguing and daring!). I can only imagine how hard the lifestyle of a harem woman wanting to rise in favor would be.
While I know the story of these real-life historical characters was highly fictionalized by the author, I appreciate the amount of research and detail that she took care with that comes through in her writing and in the story. I think that is what makes the historical parts of her Omar Zagouri series so fascinating to me.
***I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.***
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2016
This is the third in the Omar Zagouri series. You don't have to read them in order, but they build on each other. You can understand the story, but the background from the others makes the story richer.
Each of the Omar stories is split between current time and in ancient times. In Slave Queen, Special Agent Omar Zagouri’s latest case is his most dangerous—and his most personal yet. The discovery of secret sixteenth-century letters unveils a plot between the sultan Suleyman and his chief wife, Roxelane, to change the course of the Ottoman Empire. A descendent of Roxelane, Zagouri learns he has an enemy whose revenge has been centuries in the making.
Targeted by an antiquities collector who’s also descended from a chief rival for the ancient throne, Zagouri soon uncovers a modern-day conspiracy that threatens the lives of his family and the security of a nation.
From ancient Constantinople to the present-day Middle East, Zagouri is on a collision course with history. Time is running out to solve a royal mystery and stop a ruthless killer—one who has Zagouri’s name on his hit list.
The ancient story is every bit as rich as the modern day story. It is a love story--with far reaching consequences. The modern day story is a fast paced thriller. I didn't want to put it down!
I hope there are more in this series!
Each of the Omar stories is split between current time and in ancient times. In Slave Queen, Special Agent Omar Zagouri’s latest case is his most dangerous—and his most personal yet. The discovery of secret sixteenth-century letters unveils a plot between the sultan Suleyman and his chief wife, Roxelane, to change the course of the Ottoman Empire. A descendent of Roxelane, Zagouri learns he has an enemy whose revenge has been centuries in the making.
Targeted by an antiquities collector who’s also descended from a chief rival for the ancient throne, Zagouri soon uncovers a modern-day conspiracy that threatens the lives of his family and the security of a nation.
From ancient Constantinople to the present-day Middle East, Zagouri is on a collision course with history. Time is running out to solve a royal mystery and stop a ruthless killer—one who has Zagouri’s name on his hit list.
The ancient story is every bit as rich as the modern day story. It is a love story--with far reaching consequences. The modern day story is a fast paced thriller. I didn't want to put it down!
I hope there are more in this series!
September 3, 2016
Okay, I have to admit that I secretly have a crush on Omar Zagouri, I could never give up my husband or compete with his girlfriend, Mia, but this character is so fun to read about. He is fearless and daring and gets himself in and out of so many scrapes. He is usually crashing helicopters and fleeing from bullets but you love the adventure. This is another awesome book from H.B. Moore that weaves a modern story of suspense and intrigue with a story based on fact from the past. This time the Ottoman Empire and the slave girl Roxelane that becomes queen to the Sultan.
This story becomes more than personal for Omar when his mother is beaten. Omar has a personal stake in finding the stolen artifacts that may lead to an overthrow of the present day government if blood lines can be proved back to the Sultan.
This is a book you don't want to put down and when you are done, you can't believe you actually learned some history without opening a dry text book. I received a copy of this book for an honest review. Best review ever, I buy physical copies of this book to give as gifts. It's perfect for all ages.
This story becomes more than personal for Omar when his mother is beaten. Omar has a personal stake in finding the stolen artifacts that may lead to an overthrow of the present day government if blood lines can be proved back to the Sultan.
This is a book you don't want to put down and when you are done, you can't believe you actually learned some history without opening a dry text book. I received a copy of this book for an honest review. Best review ever, I buy physical copies of this book to give as gifts. It's perfect for all ages.
September 18, 2016
This is my favorite book yet in this series!!!!! It was wonderfully written. I couldn't put it down. I loved seeing Omar and Mia work together on this case. The chemistry between them made me smile so many times. Their unlikely friends in Niam and Leyla were wonderful too. I hope we see more of those two in the next book. The historical parts are always my favorites. Roxelane and her Sultan were fascinating. It's hard for me to image such a life. Moore transports us there beautifully though. I thought the transitions between our day and the ancient Ottoman Empire were very smooth. The transitions kept me wanting more. I think this book is my favorite in the series because of the way it all flowed together. I love learning about history as I go along. Of course I was doing searches to learn more about Roxelane as I read. Fascinating. I love that these books explore eras that I don't read about in other books that I can readily find.
September 9, 2016
"Slave Queen" is book 3 of the Omar Zagouri series. It is a thrilling, historical fiction story mostly set in modern day times with main characters Leyla, Special Agent Omar and his girlfriend Mia. The story also flashes back to time period AD 1520s with Aleksandra and the Sultan in the Kingdom of Poland.
Filled with historical facts and on the edge of your seat adventure, this story is fast paced and well written. I tried to read it all in one night since it was so interesting, but life and work got in the way.
I have really liked all three books in this series. A must read series if you like historical fiction!
There are some swear words through out this book and violence.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.
Filled with historical facts and on the edge of your seat adventure, this story is fast paced and well written. I tried to read it all in one night since it was so interesting, but life and work got in the way.
I have really liked all three books in this series. A must read series if you like historical fiction!
There are some swear words through out this book and violence.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.
July 21, 2016
I have been lucky to have been asked to review Lost King and Beneath in the past so was excited when asked by Inspired by Kathy to review this novel – Slave Queen.
The author writes so well and the reader is taken into the book and the story.
This is another Omar Zagouri thriller involving Israeli agents Omar and characters Mia, Naim and Leyla, and the Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent and slave-turned-queen from the Ottoman Empire from around 1549.
The author gives historical background but with her own take – which makes the story interesting.
Great plot taking the reader through past and present and at the same time keeping the reader engaged.
Recommended and due for publication next month in August 2016.
The author writes so well and the reader is taken into the book and the story.
This is another Omar Zagouri thriller involving Israeli agents Omar and characters Mia, Naim and Leyla, and the Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent and slave-turned-queen from the Ottoman Empire from around 1549.
The author gives historical background but with her own take – which makes the story interesting.
Great plot taking the reader through past and present and at the same time keeping the reader engaged.
Recommended and due for publication next month in August 2016.
July 31, 2016
Fabulous book. I was lucky enough to have been able to receive this book for free through Goodreads in return for an honest review.
This book is wonderful. The story line was intriguing and was a real page turner.
I loved the story created between Suleyman and Roxelane.. beautiful, dangerous and very romantic. Then the shift from the past to present day kept me turning those pages.
I have never read this author before but feel very lucky to have come across her writing.
Since finishing the book last night, I have research a little into her other titles. I have added a few to my to read shelves. Moore certainly has researched her content prior to writing and this is very evident.
Definitely worth the read. As I mentioned... A Fabulous book.
This book is wonderful. The story line was intriguing and was a real page turner.
I loved the story created between Suleyman and Roxelane.. beautiful, dangerous and very romantic. Then the shift from the past to present day kept me turning those pages.
I have never read this author before but feel very lucky to have come across her writing.
Since finishing the book last night, I have research a little into her other titles. I have added a few to my to read shelves. Moore certainly has researched her content prior to writing and this is very evident.
Definitely worth the read. As I mentioned... A Fabulous book.
July 24, 2016
Moste excellent book! I received 'Slave Queen by H.B. Moore' from ebooks for review.com free for an honest review and I can say I am really glad I was chosen to get the privelage to read this book. It will keep you on the edge of your seat all throughout it with baited breath to find out what is going to happen next. Just an FYI, it fluxuates between the past and the now and doesn't give you too much to let you figure out what is going to happen next. It is exciting, suspenseful and a true love story all rolled up in one incredible book! I didn't want to put it down not even to sleep. YOU HAVE GOT TO READ THIS BOOK!!!
August 20, 2016
*I received an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *
This is my favorite Omar Zagouri story yet! This book is the third in the series, but you don’t necessarily need to read the previous books to understand what is going on in this book.
I really liked the three different story lines that we see in this book and how they all connect together. I also really like how one of the story lines is set in the past and the historical part is my favorite part of the novel. The plot in this book was very interesting and it was also very fast paced and exciting. I would highly recommend this novel and also this series! It was a great read!
This is my favorite Omar Zagouri story yet! This book is the third in the series, but you don’t necessarily need to read the previous books to understand what is going on in this book.
I really liked the three different story lines that we see in this book and how they all connect together. I also really like how one of the story lines is set in the past and the historical part is my favorite part of the novel. The plot in this book was very interesting and it was also very fast paced and exciting. I would highly recommend this novel and also this series! It was a great read!
August 2, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the newest book in the Omar Zagouri series! HB Moore again smoothly toes the line between present and the past. With dialogues and adventures spanning both timelines, as a reader, I never felt lost and eagerly watched (oops read) each story unfold. While the ending in the past storyline felt a bit 'unfinished' I can't help but think I just didn't want the story to end! Great historical reference included in the back for those who enjoy seeing how real HB stories are! I am excited for the next one!
August 18, 2016
I do not retell the story in my reviews. I was completely engrossed in this book and read in two days. I could not put down. I'm not sure if I liked the ancient parallel story or the modern. This is my favorite of the Omar Zaghouri stories. From the first chapter to the final one in the ancient Ottoman Empire, the pace never lagged. I wanted the Queen's story to continue. Very well written and believable. I hope to read more about Leyla and Niam in the future and of course I want more of Mia and Omar.
August 7, 2016
Absolutely fabulous story. Omar is at it again searching and saving historic finds. Mia still has not said yes or no and still is Omar's right hand man. Naim and Leyla had an interesting story to tell. Heather Moore is a fantastic writer that keeps me engrossed and reading. I like the way the history unfolds along with the current story. I look forward to Omar's next story.
I did receive this book in exchange for a review on NetGalley
I did receive this book in exchange for a review on NetGalley
August 30, 2016
The whole Omar Zagouri series is wonderful. I especially like the way the author blends the stories of the past and present. It provides a unique perspective that makes for a much better story! If you've enjoyed the other books in the series, you'll like this one, too. There is plenty of suspense and romance. If you haven't read any of these yet, jump right in! You don't have to start at the beginning. You'll be glad you read these!
August 15, 2016
Here's my review.
September 9, 2018
This is my first Omar Zagouris book (though the third in the series).
The premise: a long forgotten Ottoman bloodline is seeking to re-establish itself in modern day Turkey. We have all the elements of a good mystery / thriller - archaeological mystery; black market smugglers; mysterious villain bankrolling the whole affair; a love interest; a conspiracy; the nemesis.
Current descendants of one branch are seeking to eliminate any of those that would be rivals. The links go back to the 16th Century - the time of Suleyman the Magnificent and his queen Roxelana. This actual period in ottoman history was wrought with internal intrigue as a mere concubine rose up in the harem to become the most influential woman at court. But Roxelana's rise was not an easy one and many enemies were made along the way, including the offspring of his usurped wife and concubines.
The action takes place - as mentioned - in both modern-day Turkey, and in the historical past, as one by one, rivals are eliminated. The coup de grace in the final chapters reveals all when all the modern day players are brought together.
The premise: a long forgotten Ottoman bloodline is seeking to re-establish itself in modern day Turkey. We have all the elements of a good mystery / thriller - archaeological mystery; black market smugglers; mysterious villain bankrolling the whole affair; a love interest; a conspiracy; the nemesis.
Current descendants of one branch are seeking to eliminate any of those that would be rivals. The links go back to the 16th Century - the time of Suleyman the Magnificent and his queen Roxelana. This actual period in ottoman history was wrought with internal intrigue as a mere concubine rose up in the harem to become the most influential woman at court. But Roxelana's rise was not an easy one and many enemies were made along the way, including the offspring of his usurped wife and concubines.
The action takes place - as mentioned - in both modern-day Turkey, and in the historical past, as one by one, rivals are eliminated. The coup de grace in the final chapters reveals all when all the modern day players are brought together.
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