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Al-Andalus #3
The Ring of Flames
Book three in the al-Andalus trilogy with a nail-biting finish as Ahmed searches for a way to get his family out of the beleaguered city of Córdoba.
Córdoba is surrounded. The people are starving and dispirited. Al-Mansur, the despotic ruler of al-Andalus is dead. Rule and order have collapsed and the city is in a state of anarchy. Anything could happen.
For two years they have struggled to survive in the besieged city, with no food, little water and no hope of escape. Now when Ahmad learns that Córdoba is to surrender to their enemies he knows it means certain death.The city is impenetrable. No-one can come in or go out. They have to escape or they will all be massacred by the Berber soldiers. But the situation looks hopeless.Then one night, a Jewish friend tells Ahmed of an escape route, but it is not without significant danger.
Córdoba is surrounded. The people are starving and dispirited. Al-Mansur, the despotic ruler of al-Andalus is dead. Rule and order have collapsed and the city is in a state of anarchy. Anything could happen.
For two years they have struggled to survive in the besieged city, with no food, little water and no hope of escape. Now when Ahmad learns that Córdoba is to surrender to their enemies he knows it means certain death.The city is impenetrable. No-one can come in or go out. They have to escape or they will all be massacred by the Berber soldiers. But the situation looks hopeless.Then one night, a Jewish friend tells Ahmed of an escape route, but it is not without significant danger.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2017
6 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Joan Fallon
31 books55 followersJoan Fallon was born in Dumfries, Scotland but spent most of her adult life in England. Teacher, management trainer and business woman, she moved to Spain at the beginning of the new millennium and became a writer. Her first published work was a social history, 'Daughters of Spain', inspired by the women she met in her adopted home. Her subsequent books too have grown out of her experiences living and working in Spain. She is especially interested in Spanish history and has set her novels in periods as distinct as the Golden Age of the Moorish conquest and the Spanish Civil War. She is a member of the Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 10, 2018
Great series ender
This is the third, and last, installment of the al-Andauls series by Joan Fallon. The series as a whole is hard to put down as it follows three generations of a muslim family in Cordoba. This particular book begins at the end of the 10th century and on into the early 11th during a very chaotic time of civil war and describes the effects of it on both the califphate and the average citizens of the city. I found it very interesting and appreciate the research that has gone into this very turbulent period. The constant usurping of power and its relation to both the people of Cordoba and its government is told in a manner that is easy to understand and kept me reading.
The one thing that most stands out in my mind is the trust and friendship between Muslims, Jews and Christians. Each religious sect is represented with respect and dignity, something we lack in our present time.
I believe readers of historical fiction would find this series educational and well worth reading. I know I did.
This is the third, and last, installment of the al-Andauls series by Joan Fallon. The series as a whole is hard to put down as it follows three generations of a muslim family in Cordoba. This particular book begins at the end of the 10th century and on into the early 11th during a very chaotic time of civil war and describes the effects of it on both the califphate and the average citizens of the city. I found it very interesting and appreciate the research that has gone into this very turbulent period. The constant usurping of power and its relation to both the people of Cordoba and its government is told in a manner that is easy to understand and kept me reading.
The one thing that most stands out in my mind is the trust and friendship between Muslims, Jews and Christians. Each religious sect is represented with respect and dignity, something we lack in our present time.
I believe readers of historical fiction would find this series educational and well worth reading. I know I did.
December 3, 2017
Three novels following a workingclass family living in or near Cordoba when Spain was an Umayad Muslim Kingdom
The three novels follow a workingclass family living in or near Cordoba in the heydays of the Caliphate. Their lives are intermingled with the lives of the ruling family.
The Caliphate of Córdoba was a state in Islamic Iberia along with a part of North Africa ruled by the Umayyad dynasty. The state, with the capital in Córdoba, existed from 929 to 1031. The region was formerly dominated by the Umayyad Emirate of Córdoba (756–929). The period was characterized by an expansion of trade and culture, and saw the construction of masterpieces of al-Andalus architecture. In January 929, Abd-ar-Rahman III proclaimed himself caliph (Arabic: خليفة) of Córdoba in place of his original title, Emir of Córdoba (Arabic: أمير قرطبة 'Amīr Qurṭuba). He was a member of the Umayyad dynasty, which had held the title of Emir of Córdoba since 756. The caliphate disintegrated during a civil war (the Fitna of al-Andalus) between the descendants of the last caliph, Hisham II, and the successors of his hayib (court official), Al-Mansur. In 1031, after years of infighting, the caliphate fractured into a number of independent Muslim taifa (kingdoms). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calipha...)
The first book "THE SHINING CITY" introduces us to German Isolde whose village is raided by the Vikings and she ends up being sold as a slave in Medina al Sarah, the new capital built by the Caliph a day's journey from Cordoba. While she is being auctioned young Omar, the son of the potter, sees her and falls madly in love with her. His need to see her again and if possible run away with her endangers not only them but his family and friends.
While this girl sold into a harem is a familiar Orientalist theme here I think it is used well because we get to see the Caliphate through the eyes of a stranger to it like us. While at the same time we will see how Omar's family and friends live their day to day lifes. Like his soldier brother - Al Jundi - who goes on a campaign with the son of the Caliph and saves that man's life. As a reward the Caliph makes him personal bodyguard.
That son is I think someone I would have liked to know. A very good general who however was way more interested in his big scientific library and who was gay.
In the second book "THE EYE OF THE FALCON" 11-year old Al-Hashim, the grandson of the Caliph in book 1, wakes up to the news his father al-Hakim has just died. His mother queen Subh sets up a regency with her lover and righthand man (and some others in the beginning) to rule while he is not of age. A time of court intrigues starts and young Al-Hashim is alone and forgotten in the palace in Medina al Zahra while court has returned to Cordoba.
Al Jundi realises how lonely he is and introduces the boy ruler to his own son Ahmad who is training to be a falconer. The boys bond over the birds but then something becomes clear that will separate them.
In flash backs we will get to know more of the past of queen Subh. As a Christian slave she is placed in the harem of the heir of the Caliph. Al Hakim is a nice person but no matter how well the girls dance he only speaks with them out of politeness and then sends them away. The girls do not realise the prince is homosexual. His mother does and he needs an heir so she picks young Subh who looks very boyish and hopes her son can fool himself in believing Subh, who they cloth and rename as a boy, is a man. They hope to arouse him that well that he will be able to get her with child. That project works and to everyone's surprise al-Hakim and Subh become the best of friends.
This is a book around the court intrigues of Al Mansur the regent. As I know about those historical events it was less interesting to me as I knew what was coming.
In the third novel "THE RING OF FLAMES" the falconer Ahmad, his brothers Qasim the doctor and Rafiq the soldier are middle aged men and fathers. Al Hisham the Caliph lives forgotten in his palace. The dictator al Mansur has died and his son is more or less the ruler.
Ahmad's daughter, her Jewish best female friend Rachel and her friend from England, a monk, work together in the big library of Cordoba where they copy books.
Then the city becomes under siege and Ahmad has to save his family and their friends.
Personally I liked this one best. It makes clear how multicultural this society was. Muslims, Jews and Christians and also the Berber immigrants from Morocco. The fact that women went to university and worked. The quite modern hospitals and libraries. But also the shaky security system with dictators and invaders. Where your head could end up on a stake. It was interesting to read how warfare was done in those days. How people survived sieges. I can really recommend the book.
All books can be easily read as stand-alones.
http://www.dutchysbookreviewsandfreeb...
The three novels follow a workingclass family living in or near Cordoba in the heydays of the Caliphate. Their lives are intermingled with the lives of the ruling family.
The Caliphate of Córdoba was a state in Islamic Iberia along with a part of North Africa ruled by the Umayyad dynasty. The state, with the capital in Córdoba, existed from 929 to 1031. The region was formerly dominated by the Umayyad Emirate of Córdoba (756–929). The period was characterized by an expansion of trade and culture, and saw the construction of masterpieces of al-Andalus architecture. In January 929, Abd-ar-Rahman III proclaimed himself caliph (Arabic: خليفة) of Córdoba in place of his original title, Emir of Córdoba (Arabic: أمير قرطبة 'Amīr Qurṭuba). He was a member of the Umayyad dynasty, which had held the title of Emir of Córdoba since 756. The caliphate disintegrated during a civil war (the Fitna of al-Andalus) between the descendants of the last caliph, Hisham II, and the successors of his hayib (court official), Al-Mansur. In 1031, after years of infighting, the caliphate fractured into a number of independent Muslim taifa (kingdoms). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calipha...)
The first book "THE SHINING CITY" introduces us to German Isolde whose village is raided by the Vikings and she ends up being sold as a slave in Medina al Sarah, the new capital built by the Caliph a day's journey from Cordoba. While she is being auctioned young Omar, the son of the potter, sees her and falls madly in love with her. His need to see her again and if possible run away with her endangers not only them but his family and friends.
While this girl sold into a harem is a familiar Orientalist theme here I think it is used well because we get to see the Caliphate through the eyes of a stranger to it like us. While at the same time we will see how Omar's family and friends live their day to day lifes. Like his soldier brother - Al Jundi - who goes on a campaign with the son of the Caliph and saves that man's life. As a reward the Caliph makes him personal bodyguard.
That son is I think someone I would have liked to know. A very good general who however was way more interested in his big scientific library and who was gay.
In the second book "THE EYE OF THE FALCON" 11-year old Al-Hashim, the grandson of the Caliph in book 1, wakes up to the news his father al-Hakim has just died. His mother queen Subh sets up a regency with her lover and righthand man (and some others in the beginning) to rule while he is not of age. A time of court intrigues starts and young Al-Hashim is alone and forgotten in the palace in Medina al Zahra while court has returned to Cordoba.
Al Jundi realises how lonely he is and introduces the boy ruler to his own son Ahmad who is training to be a falconer. The boys bond over the birds but then something becomes clear that will separate them.
In flash backs we will get to know more of the past of queen Subh. As a Christian slave she is placed in the harem of the heir of the Caliph. Al Hakim is a nice person but no matter how well the girls dance he only speaks with them out of politeness and then sends them away. The girls do not realise the prince is homosexual. His mother does and he needs an heir so she picks young Subh who looks very boyish and hopes her son can fool himself in believing Subh, who they cloth and rename as a boy, is a man. They hope to arouse him that well that he will be able to get her with child. That project works and to everyone's surprise al-Hakim and Subh become the best of friends.
This is a book around the court intrigues of Al Mansur the regent. As I know about those historical events it was less interesting to me as I knew what was coming.
In the third novel "THE RING OF FLAMES" the falconer Ahmad, his brothers Qasim the doctor and Rafiq the soldier are middle aged men and fathers. Al Hisham the Caliph lives forgotten in his palace. The dictator al Mansur has died and his son is more or less the ruler.
Ahmad's daughter, her Jewish best female friend Rachel and her friend from England, a monk, work together in the big library of Cordoba where they copy books.
Then the city becomes under siege and Ahmad has to save his family and their friends.
Personally I liked this one best. It makes clear how multicultural this society was. Muslims, Jews and Christians and also the Berber immigrants from Morocco. The fact that women went to university and worked. The quite modern hospitals and libraries. But also the shaky security system with dictators and invaders. Where your head could end up on a stake. It was interesting to read how warfare was done in those days. How people survived sieges. I can really recommend the book.
All books can be easily read as stand-alones.
http://www.dutchysbookreviewsandfreeb...
December 16, 2019
It has been an enlightening journey following this family through 3 generations. The lives of the ordinary people, their daily habits, their culture and religion are all brought alive. Alongside this we have the opulence and splendour if the Khalifas and their palaces. As with all royal figureheads though, life is not easy or secure despite - or probably because of, the wealth and privilege enjoyed. Always somebody in the background awaiting their opportunity.
This series ender covers the siege of Córdoba and what it was like for people caught in that situation. It also speaks of the different religious sects who lived alongside each other peacefully and respectfully. Friends, but forbidden to each other as marriage partners.
An absorbing read with characters that I am sorry to have read the last of.
This series ender covers the siege of Córdoba and what it was like for people caught in that situation. It also speaks of the different religious sects who lived alongside each other peacefully and respectfully. Friends, but forbidden to each other as marriage partners.
An absorbing read with characters that I am sorry to have read the last of.
May 28, 2019
Great ending to a great series!!
I read all three books back to back! Although they are stand -alone, I would recommend starting from the beginning to get a full sense and appreciation of the time period and plot continuance. These books are masterfully researched, very informative, and profoundly captivating. They offer a scenario of religious harmony, especially from the ground up where people get to know people as people like themselves, rather than faceless members of another religion. The third book, in particular, captures this beautifully, even amidst danger and turmoil which can as easily tear people apart as bring them together. The choice, both in the story and reality, is up to us. These books are a very timely treasure of literature. I highly recommend!
I read all three books back to back! Although they are stand -alone, I would recommend starting from the beginning to get a full sense and appreciation of the time period and plot continuance. These books are masterfully researched, very informative, and profoundly captivating. They offer a scenario of religious harmony, especially from the ground up where people get to know people as people like themselves, rather than faceless members of another religion. The third book, in particular, captures this beautifully, even amidst danger and turmoil which can as easily tear people apart as bring them together. The choice, both in the story and reality, is up to us. These books are a very timely treasure of literature. I highly recommend!
April 27, 2018
The Ring of Flames by Joan Fallon has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
"Joan Fallon has written a fascinating story set in 11th Century Spain."
"I so enjoyed this book. Interesting characters, time period and location. I like Ms.Fallon’s rhythm and writing style; I really felt I was there feeling the anxiety of their troubles, and trying to escape the city."
Pauline Barclay
Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
www.chillwithabook.com
"Joan Fallon has written a fascinating story set in 11th Century Spain."
"I so enjoyed this book. Interesting characters, time period and location. I like Ms.Fallon’s rhythm and writing style; I really felt I was there feeling the anxiety of their troubles, and trying to escape the city."
Pauline Barclay
Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
January 25, 2018
I enjoyed the book but for the endless repetition of the Arabic hellos and good byes. Once would have been quite enough, all the others struck me as being used as page fillers. As is the problem with so many books the ending is disappointing; at least it could have left the possibility of a different outcome.
November 10, 2017
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"I thoroughly enjoyed this read, immersing myself in Ms Fallon’s descriptive writing."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"I thoroughly enjoyed this read, immersing myself in Ms Fallon’s descriptive writing."
March 26, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed all three books!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews