The Golden Age of Moorish Spain was during the 10th century, a time when the benevolent Syrian Arab Caliphs ruled Iberia from Córdoba, the site of the iconic Great Mosque and home to the Royal Library, one of the largest collections of ancient books ever assembled. 10th century Córdoba was the richest, most populous, and most cultured city in the western world. Under the tolerant Muslim Caliphs, the pinnacle of convivencia was attained, that unique period of Spanish history when Muslims, Jews and Christians lived together in relative harmony and peace. Multicultural Córdoba was an enlightened city that treasured its books, celebrated art and literature, advanced science and medicine, and its myriad accomplishments were envied by both the west and the east alike.
Shadows in the Shining City is a prequel to Emeralds of the Alhambra, and the second book in the Anthems of al-Andalus series. Shadows tells the story of the forbidden love between Rayhana Abi Amir, a Muslim princess of the Royal Court, and Zafir Saffar, a freed slave. Young love blossoms in 10th century Madinat al-Zahra, the Shining City, the Caliph’s magnificent Royal Palace located just outside of Córdoba. Their love story is set against the backdrop of the epic rise to power of Rayhana’s ruthless father, a man history will come to both celebrate and revile for the role he plays in dooming the bright future of Moorish Spain.
Visit http://johndcressler.com for more information on Author John D. Cressler
Page Count: 606
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Publish Date: July 22, 2014
Imprint: Milford House
Genre: Historical
FICTION / Historical / Medieval
FICTION / Romance / Historical / Medieval
FICTION / Religious
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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.
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