Al-Andalus

"The Ring of Flames is an exotic adventure story filled with intrigue, passion, grand battles, and the clash of cultures and loyalties. A rousing finish to the trilogy." 

Karen McCann, author of Dancing in the Fountain

Shortlisted for Book of the Month Selection DISCOVERING DIAMONDS

Set in the very early 11^th century, The Ring of Flames is the third instalment in Ms Fallon's books about the Moorish kingdom al-Andalus, at the time rent apart by civil war as various factions struggle for control over the weak and inept ruler, the Khalifa. Once again, Ms Fallon's knowledge of the period shines through in everything from her descriptions of the political chaos to the small details of everyday life, such as the blue turban Christians are expected to wear to what people eat and wear. 

While the Khalifa, Al-Hisham, plays a pivotal if passive role in the novel, this is principally the story of the falconer Ahmad, his brothers Qasim and Rafiq, and their lives in C³rdoba, capital of Al-Andalus. At the time, C³rdoba is not a good place to be in. Repeatedly the city is overrun and sacked, as first one, then the other faction gains the upper hand. Ahmad and his extensive family do what they can to keep themselves and their friends safe, which is how a Jewish girl and an Anglo-Saxon monk find refuge with them. 

REVIEW

Fire, flood, pestilence and invasion threaten the lives of caliph Al-Hisham and his falconer's extended family alike in 11^th century Cordoba. Joan Fallon shows a city under siege; how the high and humble suffer, and then how they survive. Ring of Flames is both a reminder of man's inhumanity to man and the kind-hearted goodness that transcends religious practices. This is historical fiction at its best, combining sound research and insightful story-telling. 

(JG Harlond author of The Chosen Man)

4.0 out of 5 stars The al-Andalus series -a story of loyalty and deceit.

ByFlower danceron 19 August 2017

The three books followed on well and gave a good picture of what can happen when a very young ruler is overpowered. A thread of loyalty runs through the theme and emphasises the gap between royalty and the common man. I feel another story could follow on here.