Best Medieval Historical Fantasy
Discover the best medieval historical fantasy books, from Guy Gavriel Kay’s *The Lions of al-Rassan* to Judith Tarr’s *A Wind in Cairo*. Explore gripping tales of magic, court intrigue, and epic adventure in our curated fantasy reading list.
Book
The Lions of al-Rassan
by Guy Gavriel Kay
The ruling Asharites of Al-Rassan have come from the desert sands, but over centuries, seduced by the sensuous pleasures of their new land, their stern piety has eroded. The Asharite empire has splintered into decadent city-states led by warring petty kings. King Almalik of Cartada is on the ascendancy, aided always by his friend and advisor, the notorious Ammar ibn Khairan -- poet, diplomat, soldier -- until a summer afternoon of savage brutality changes their relationship forever. Meanwhile, in the north, the conquered Jaddites' most celebrated -- and feared -- military leader, Rodrigo Belmonte, driven into exile, leads his mercenary company south. In the dangerous lands of Al-Rassan, these two men from different worlds meet and serve -- for a time -- the same master. Sharing their interwoven fate -- and increasingly torn by her feelings -- is Jehane, the accomplished court physician, whose own skills play an increasing role as Al-Rassan is swept to the brink of holy war, and beyond. Hauntingly evocative of medieval Spain, The Lions of Al-Rassan is both a brilliant adventure and a deeply compelling story of love, divided loyalties, and what happens to men and women when hardening beliefs begin to remake -- or destroy -- a world.
Book
A Wind in Cairo
by Judith Tarr
Tarr presents a historical fantasy set in Egypt in the 12th century about a young man who is turned into a horse for punishment and must undergo harsh lessons in order to be returned to human form. "A bona fide turn-the-page tale".--Anne McCaffrey.
