About the Author

The Scottish novelist Joan Fallon, currently lives and works in the south of Spain. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction, but has also written a work of non-fiction which has proved the inspiration for at least two of her subsequent novels. Two aspects of Joan's life particularly influence her writing. The first is being a woman who grew up during the sixties and seventies, at a time when it was harder for a woman to gain recognition in a man's world. Consequently almost all her books have a strong female protagonist. The second influence is the fact that she has lived in Spain for the last twenty years. Spanish history and culture fascinate her and have provided some of the most exotic settings in her historical novels.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars

I can not praise this book enough, it is definitely on my repeat-to-read list.

By Anne on 17 Jan. 2017

An innocent question by a curious nephew unlocks the most vivid and painful memories of old Uncle Omar. Omar's memories take him back to the year 974 AD. That was the year where he met the love of his life, but unfortunately for him, she belonged to another. His forbidden love sets off a chain of events that he could never have foreseen, and it takes him on a journey that he never expected.

What an evocative and emotional read Book One of the Al-Andalus Series is. The Shining City is one of those rare gems, where the writing is exquisite, the story is captivating, and the protagonists are memorable.

Fallon caught my attention on the first page and continued to hold it throughout this beautiful story. I adored the characterisation of Isolde. She is so strong of spirit - despite witnessing her mother's brutal murder, as well as suffering the indignity and fear of captivity. Isolde survives the horror of the slave markets and ends up in the harem -- life as she knows it is over. Isolde was so believable, so well crafted as a character that I don't think I will forget her in a hurry.

The Shining City reminded me greatly of Margaret Landon's, Anna and the King -- albeit a Dark Age version -- it has the same sense of grandeur and also despair. This book took my breath away. The descriptions were so vivid, and the history was so elegantly told that it was as if Fallon had opened a door and beckoned me into this world that she has created. I must say that Fallon is the most remarkable tour-guide for 10th Century Spain.

I can not praise this book enough, it is definitely on my repeat-to-read list. I Highly Recommend.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Oh what a great story! I found myself lost in the mists ...

ByAmazon Customeron 4 January 2015

Oh what a great story! I found myself lost in the mists of time. Joan Fallon's attention to detail is first class, I could really see myself in that long-gone place. Her characters are rounded and so believable. An excellent book, well worth buying.