What an enjoyable read this was! The author's second novel is even better than "Emeralds of the Alhambra." Cressler has found his distinctive narrative voice and tells a compelling story. The novel is filled with wonderful three-dimensional characters, dramatic situations, and fascinating historical and cultural details. "Shadows" has a compelling narrative. The central character Ibn Ami Amir is a remarkable literary creation (based on historical fact), and certainly worthy of comparison with the greatest villains of history or fiction. The destruction of the world of Cordoba is a tragedy of major proportions. Cressler describes it in a way that connects with the reader directly. The parallels to our own troubled times are unmistakable. Put this novel on your "must-read" list!

A must read for people who enjoy historical fiction. John Cressler has once again achieved the creation of a riveting story filled with drama, intrigue and tender love stories. His characterization of Moorish Spain as the back drop is marvelous. In fact so marvelous his 2 books ( SHADOWS IN THE SHINING CITY and Emeralds if the ALHAMBRA) inspired me to travel to Spain this past October and to retrace the steps of some of his characters in Cordoba and at the ALHAMBRA in Grenada. Great story. Great suspense. Young love contrasted with mature love, multi culture and religion. The pursuit of power at all costs, kept me reading and wanting more. Truly this was GANE OF THRONES Moorishbstyle.

Professor Cressler , in addition to being a highly respected educator, has shown the ability to write material that is not only educational but fun to read. That describes his latest novel, Shadows in the Shining City. It is a hard-to-put-down story that also sheds light on a period of history, the Moorish society of ancient southern Spain, that has been largely ignored over the years. I strongly recommend this novel as well as Johns first in this series, Emeralds of the Alhambra.

Shadows of the Shining City is exhilarating and fascinating. The excitement and romance of young love coupled with the danger and intrigue of a rough and oftentimes violent medieval Spain. Historically compelling with characters that make the history come alive. It amazes me, how much I learn from Mr. Cressler's novels. I highly recommend Shadows for all of its many facets. I felt immersed. You will not regret the small amount of time it will take you to read this tale.

This is a terrific book - it moves fast - the author writes very well - he is a pleasure to journey along with - the topic will inform you and challenge you. It is about a special time in history when Christians, Jews and Muslims lived in harmony and peace with each other. A wonderful contrast to our current time. It is told as a people story - which means it is a love story told through the eyes of a particular group of people that you will come to know and enjoy being with in the authors words. It is a special time in history - a time from which we might and should learn some valuable lessons about how to live with you another in peace. While it is not necessary - I do urge you to read the first book in this series - Emeralds of the Alhambra. It is equally enjoyable and will make you inpatient for the next one which is coming soon.