Alamut series explained

Alamut
Author:Judith Tarr
Country:United States
Language:English
Series:Alamut
Genre:Fantasy
Publisher:Doubleday
Release Date:November 1989
Media Type:Print (hardback & paperback)
Pages:470 pp (first edition, hardback)
Isbn:0-385-24720-6
Isbn Note:(first edition, hardback)
Dewey:813/.54 20
Congress:PS3570.A655 A79 1989
Oclc:20016460
Followed By:The Dagger and the Cross
The Dagger and the Cross
Author:Judith Tarr
Country:United States
Language:English
Series:Alamut
Genre:Fantasy
Publisher:Doubleday
Release Date:January 1991
Media Type:Print (hardback & paperback)
Pages:474 pp (first edition, hardback)
Isbn:0-385-41181-2
Isbn Note:(first edition, hardback)
Preceded By:Alamut

The Alamut series consists of the two fantasy books Alamut (Doubleday, 1989) and The Dagger and the Cross (Doubleday, 1991) by Judith Tarr. The series is set in the same universe as The Hound and the Falcon, which was written first, but the Alamut series describes events which occurred before the events in The Hound and the Falcon.[1]

The books mainly tells the story of the elf Prince Aidan from the elf kingdom of Rhiyana. The books contain elements of historical fiction, being set in the time of the Crusades and covering events like the Battle of Hattin, and including historical figures such as the leper king of Jerusalem Baldwin IV, the Muslim leader Saladin, and the Hashshashin of Alamut.

Reception

Reviewing The Dagger and the Cross, John C. Bunnell stated "Judith Tarr's latest novel combines military strategy, political intrigue, high romance, and subtle magic in a blend that should satisfy devotees of any one of the above."[2] Bunnell also lauded Tarr's characterisation, saying "Everyone has a place in the unfolding intrigues, and no one...is left a mere stereotype in Tarr's capable hands."

Notes and References

  1. [Brian Stableford|Stableford, Brian M.]
  2. Bunnell, John C. (May 1991), "The Role of Books". Dragon magazine, TSR, Inc. Issue 169, p. 52.