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Emeralds of the Alhambra (Anthems of al-Andalus Series)

John D. Cressler (Goodreads Author)

3.86 · Rating details · 36 Ratings · 11 Reviews

For hundreds of years, Christians, Muslims and Jews lived together in peace, sharing languages and customs, and embracing a level of tolerance and mutual respect unheard of today. Working together, these three peoples spawned one of the great intellectual and cultural flowerings of history in medieval Spain.

Historical novel Emeralds of the Alhambra reawakens this remarkab ...more

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Paperback, 415 pages

Published June 15th 2013 by Sunbury Press

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Jul 14, 2013 Lisa Yarde rated it it was amazing

In Emeralds of the Alhambra, a medieval knight becomes embroiled in the court intrigues of Muslim Spain. He fights for his life against deadly assassins and struggles with his forbidden love for Layla, the most beautiful woman in Granada’s Alhambra. Born in Brittany, William Chandon rose from humble beginnings until he achieved the notice of the court of Edward III of England. English and French political interests in 14th-century Spain draw Chandon into the disputed frontier between Muslim Anda In Emeralds of the Alhambra, a medieval knight becomes embroiled in the court intrigues of Muslim Spain. He fights for his life against deadly assassins and struggles with his forbidden love for Layla, the most beautiful woman in Granada’s Alhambra. Born in Brittany, William Chandon rose from humble beginnings until he achieved the notice of the court of Edward III of England. English and French political interests in 14th-century Spain draw Chandon into the disputed frontier between Muslim Andalusia and the Christianized kingdoms of Castile and Aragon. Chandon defends the Aragonese fortress of Jaen against Moorish invaders. When his adversaries besiege and overrun the castle, Chandon suffers grievous wounds, which almost end his life. The Moors claim him as an important prisoner of war and transport him back to their capital at Granada, site of the beautiful Alhambra Palace. There, Chandon meets various doctors, courtiers, ministers, poets, and guards. The person who intrigues him most is the compassionate Layla al-Khatib, daughter of the chief minister. Layla tutors Chandon in Arabic, while she studies English with his guidance, all at the Sultan of Granada’s command. Leila’s quest for enlightenment leads to her study of Sufi mysticism. Her inherent outspoken nature coupled with startling beauty attracts Chandon’s attention, but Layla’s activities in the male-dominated court also invite danger to herself. A tender relationship blossoms between Chandon and Layla, even though the divide between them seems almost insurmountable at times.

The novel brings myriad worlds and ideals together. The extensive list of characters and their various interests represent the diversity of Muslim Spain during this period. There is the household doctor, Saluman, a Jew welcomed in most areas of the court, but still marginalized by his religious beliefs. He cares for Chandon and develops a deep relationship with the knight, despite their differences. Layla’s father Lisan al-Din ibn al-Khatib is the grand vizier within the Alhambra, a man who has known his share of personal tragedy, yet manages to keep a tight grip on his position of power. Layla hides behind her veils as Moorish society dictates, but her father’s indulgence permits her to make bold choices not often available to women of her time. Yusuf ibn Zamrak, famed for his poetry serves as a respected member of the court, harbors a dangerous infatuation for Layla. Sultan Muhammad V orchestrates an audacious plan to ensure the stability of his regime, one in which Chandon plays his part. Despite best efforts, Muhammad remains aware of the dangers surrounding him and the swift ease with which palace intrigues can destroy the foundations of all he has built.

Author John D. Cressler brings a largely ignored period to life in this novel, with sumptuous details and vivid characterizations. Where the novel really shines is in the descriptions and the relationships Chandon develops with Saluman and Leila. Each shares a deepening respect of the other as the story progresses, each open-minded and willing to accept the challenge to change preconceived notions. The novel hearkens back to a time where connections between Jews, Muslims, and Christians were as contentious as they were cooperative. It was a world allowing for the free exchange of ideas, but often permeated with ruthlessness and tragedy. Emeralds of the Alhambra is the first of a series and I look forward to more from the author
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May 08, 2013 Jani Brooks rated it really liked it

In 1367 the Iberian peninsula consisted of several kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Granada, the Kingdom of Castile, the Kingdom of Aragon, the Kingdom of Portugal, the Marinid Empire, and France. The Christian kingdoms were well on their way to purging the land of the Moors (as Muslims in Spain were called). The al-Andalus was the name given to the lands held by the Spanish Muslims. Granada, the last of the Moorish kingdoms, was ruled at the time by a moderate Arab of the Nasrid clan, Sultan In 1367 the Iberian peninsula consisted of several kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Granada, the Kingdom of Castile, the Kingdom of Aragon, the Kingdom of Portugal, the Marinid Empire, and France. The Christian kingdoms were well on their way to purging the land of the Moors (as Muslims in Spain were called). The al-Andalus was the name given to the lands held by the Spanish Muslims. Granada, the last of the Moorish kingdoms, was ruled at the time by a moderate Arab of the Nasrid clan, Sultan Muhammad V, although he was allied with the less tolerant Marinid Empire of North Africa, as well as being a vassal state to the Christian Kingdom of Castile, under the rule of King Pedro.

King Pedro is in the midst of a civil war as his illegitimate brother, Enrique wants the throne. Enrique is supported by the King of Aragon, King Charles V of France, as well as the Pope, all of whom want to rid the peninsula of the Moors. So when Enrique builds an army of Aragonese, French, and Breton soldiers to invade Castile, the civil war begins in earnest.

Among the many Bretons who are enlisted, one officer, Sir William Chandon, leads a troop of cavalry to assist the fort at Jaen, close to the Granada border. A childhood friend of Edward, the Black Prince, Chandon now fights on the opposite side with Enrique’s forces. However, because of a secret access into the fortress, the Bretons are overwhelmed by the Granadines, and Chandon and what’s left of his men are captured and taken to the Alhambra in Granada.

Chandon is badly wounded, but is cared for by the Sultan’s Jewish physician, Salamun. Because of Chandon’s reputation as a warrior/hero, he is treated as an important guest of the kingdom. Sultan Muhammad hopes to use Chandon as a bargaining chip in the future as he plays the dangerous games of trying to maintain his Muslim kingdom, placate Pedro, and keep on an even keel with the more fundamentalist Muslims from North Africa. It becomes clear from the moment Chandon is healthy enough, though, that someone is determined to kill him, and even worse, find a way to dispose of Muhammad.

Chandon, recovering slowly from his wounds, begins to relish the beauty of the Alhambra, the daily baths required of all, and the amazing food that he is introduced to. Although still a prisoner, and aware of the threats against him, he doesn’t miss war, death, and the grief that follows.

The Sultan decides that he wants Chandon to learn Arabic, and for his Grand Vizier’s beautiful daughter, Layla, a scholar, to teach the Breton. He also wants Chandon to teach Layla English. Far from enthused by her assignment, Layla sullenly begins her duties, and is pleasantly surprised by the knowledge she absorbs from the Christian. He is also stunned by the green-eyed beauty, but the two soon find ways to teach each other about their two very different worlds.

EMERALDS OF THE ALHAMBRA is an amazing trek into the little known history of the Spanish Muslims. It’s not difficult to compare the more moderate Nasrid people and the Berbers who follow a much stricter code to the Muslims of today. It is also a story of tolerance, understanding, and interfaith love.

This debut novel is meticulously researched, with rich, evocative details of the incredible Alhambra, characters that are alive with passion, and a story line that is filled with mystery, romance, and historical elements that delve deeply into the relationships between Christians, Muslims, and Jews in medieval times. The author also provides maps and photographs which were very helpful. I highly recommend EMERALDS OF THE ALHAMBRA and look forward to the rest of this series.
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May 23, 2013 Viviane Crystal rated it it was amazing

In today’s terrorist-dominant atmosphere throughout the world, it’s hard to believe that Muslims and Christians could live together in peace. But that’s not a point of view shared by John D. Cressler who has crafted a magnificent historical novel about the Castilian Civil War which occurred between 1367 and 1369. Two brothers, King Pedro and his bastard brother Enrique, are at war over portions of Spain, both eventually eying the Muslim city of Grenada. They plot to get enough money and the appr In today’s terrorist-dominant atmosphere throughout the world, it’s hard to believe that Muslims and Christians could live together in peace. But that’s not a point of view shared by John D. Cressler who has crafted a magnificent historical novel about the Castilian Civil War which occurred between 1367 and 1369. Two brothers, King Pedro and his bastard brother Enrique, are at war over portions of Spain, both eventually eying the Muslim city of Grenada. They plot to get enough money and the approval of both Muslims and Christians, including the Pope, as well as the assistance of French and English soldiers. They are even willing to hire a group of mercenaries known as the fiercest fighters in the world but also known for their unspeakable brutality and selfish motives and goals once victory is achieved.

Into this world comes the English knight William Chandon, who is severely wounded in the Battle of Jaen and taken prisoner by the troops of Sultan of Granada. It is felt that he serves the purpose of a pawn to be used at the right time rather than be killed as the infidel he is to Muslim believers. To that end, the Sultan’s physician saves Chandon’s life and is ordered to educate him in Arabic language and culture and to learn English from him. Layla is the unusual Arab woman who is intelligent, kind-hearted, and very spiritual. She is also hated by the Berber faction of the Arabs because she doesn’t quite fit the traditional role of woman not being seen or heard in Arab society. But the Sultan in his wisdom surrounds himself with advisers of all sects from ultra-conservative to liberal.

Layla is seeking “tawhid” which is enlightenment that is experienced by the union of two persons in a love matching that of Allah and God. She is assigned to work in a hospital for abandoned citizens who have a physical or mental challenge. Layla experiences the oneness of love with one of her patients, a very moving moment. She also slowly but surely falls in love with her student, Chandon, and he falls just as hard for her. They find a way to win the approval of the Sultan and Layla’s family and Chandon is appointed to an important military position on the side of the Muslims. How that evolves will make the reader gasp with delight and other feelings best left to one’s discovery while reading.

Assassination attempts, criticisms, challenges, adventure, tender and funny moments, plots and counter-plots and more abound in these pages in such an engaging way for the reader that he or she will hate for this amazing novel to end. Add to the intriguing story line multiple beautiful descriptions of Arab architecture, literature, art, music, garden arrangements, and more that give the reader a plethora of knowledge about Arab history and culture that is probably the second, and no less important, aspect of this novel that makes one want to see more than the black and white pictures provided of these places after the story.

Emeralds of the Alhambra: A Novel is an obviously meticulously researched story told with masterful skill. As well as intellectually pleasing, the reader will get to enjoy a tender romantic story that may seem contrived but is no less wonderful because of that fact. This should be a best seller and might even be a healthy addition to high school and college reading lists. For those like Chandon who are “tired to death of death,” Emeralds of the Alhambra” is a classic historical novel of best-seller status. This reader can’t wait to read the next novel in what we are told will be a series of novels. Superb writing and reading!
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Apr 29, 2014 Xanat Meza rated it liked it

Shelves: west

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Edited January 15, 2015

I will divide this review in three parts: The negative, the inconsistent and the positive. Warning: it contains lots of spoilers!

THE NEGATIVE

- The book could do with some editing. There were a lot of repetitive words and expressions (e.g. "That smile"). Laylas father conjures his wife's image so much, that he could be considered a wizard. The author could use other words, beside conjure. The foreshadowing regarding poison was not a good move as well. Several adjectives are ...more

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Jun 16, 2013 Bridget rated it liked it

Shelves: reviewed-books-trr

Review originally posted at The Romance Reviews:
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...

There are some books that have the power to transport, to create a world so detailed and emotional that readers will want to return again and again. EMERALDS OF THE ALHAMBRA excels at creating just such a reading experience. Though slow and detail-heavy in places, fans of historic novels will find much to enjoy in this first Anthems of al-Andalus Series.

The world of 14th century Spain was one where Christians Review originally posted at The Romance Reviews:
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...

There are some books that have the power to transport, to create a world so detailed and emotional that readers will want to return again and again. EMERALDS OF THE ALHAMBRA excels at creating just such a reading experience. Though slow and detail-heavy in places, fans of historic novels will find much to enjoy in this first Anthems of al-Andalus Series.

The world of 14th century Spain was one where Christians, Jews and Muslims lived together, sharing customs and language. But in this world, warfare was devastating and brutal, bringing men around the world in the name of religion. Into this fascinating and violent world marches William Chandon, a Christian knight fighting on the side of the Pope to drive all Muslims from the Spanish peninsula. When he is badly wounded on the field of battle, his wounds are treated by the Sultan's own physician and he is brought to the Sultan's court in Grenada to be used as a bargaining chip. Though in constant danger from an unseen enemy, as William begins to recover, he finds himself enthralled by the beauty of the Alhambra and its fascinating inhabitants.

Layla al-Khatib is the driven, passionate daughter of the Grand Vizier, determined to rise above the male-dominated Muslim world and become the world's first female Sufi mystic. When she is assigned the task of teaching the Christian soldier Arabic, she is convinced the task will accomplish little more than keep her from her own work. But with each passing day spent in William's company, their bond grows ever closer and they realize they both have much more than words to teach the other. But with any real relationship strictly forbidden, will these two remarkable people find a way to create a future together?

William and Layla are both vivid, complex characters, and they stand out, even against the dramatic background of the novel. William's chivalry is immediately evident and his talent as a warrior formidable, but it's his open mind and unwavering loyalty that immediately won my heart. Similarly, Layla's wisdom is remarkable, and her relentless pursuit of insight and knowledge only highlighted her strength of character and determination. Best of all, in a world full of hate and potential conflict, these two are able to see the truth in each other and make any sacrifice in order to make a future hand in hand. The power of their love is strong enough to change the world around them and becomes an unforgettable part of this deeply emotional story.

As much as this is a love story between Layla and William, this is also a beautiful tribute to a place and an era, and John D. Cressler does a beautiful job bringing Granada, and especially the Alhambra Palace, to life. Each scene is filled with vivid details and a series of photographs included in the book help readers to tumble into the world of the book. Though such detail does slow the plot frequently, as the story focused more and more on Layla and William, the pace of the story accelerated and became fully engrossing.

This is a thoroughly, exhaustively researched book, and the story told with infectious passion. The focus on religion and the differences that separate each character is dealt with very respectfully and with deep insight into all aspects of this historic moment. Though a bit slow-going and academic at times to the detriment of the plot and pace, this is a work of fiction that will delight fans of epic historic novels and moving romance, and has the hallmarks of a fascinating series. ...more

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Jun 05, 2013 Christina Torretta rated it really liked it

This started very slow for me. I think it just wasn’t my kind of book. Honestly, I read a paragraph to my husband and he was enthralled while I was wanting him to do the review for me! Although I could tell that the history behind this story was very well done. John D. Cressler must have researched thoroughly, and it shows in the amazing details that he adds in for the wars, the language, the city, the people, etc. It's immaculate.

The synopsis of this story is really interesting and honestly, s ...more

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Apr 18, 2018 Teri rated it it was ok

1.5/5 DNF Oh I wanted to love this book. I really really did. It is about a time and place which fascinate me, and it had all the potential to be *THE* book I've been looking for about medieval/Moorish Spain. And it had a lot of the features of a historical novel that I enjoy... maps, cast of characters, glossary of terms. But even with all that, I just couldn't bring myself to finish it. It was so incredibly boring. Four pages of architectural details for every one page of character or plot dev ...more

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Jul 20, 2013 Ally rated it liked it

Shelves: first-reads

I won a copy from Goodreads First Reads.

Okay, The Emeralds of the Alhambra is an okay book. No... Scratch that, The Emeralds of the Alhambra is an above average book.

The Emeralds of the Alhambra is set hundreds of years ago, where the people of the book lived and roamed freely. Specifically in Granada. Anyway, the plot is creative and twisty, but isn't anything too shocking or stunning. It's has a nice beginning and went off on the right foot. The writing is really descriptive and sometime repe ...more

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Aug 20, 2013 Elizabeth Varadan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I enjoyed this book very much. Below is a review I gave to Sacramento/San Francisco Book Review:

In 1367, Muhammad V is Sultan of Granada, the last outpost against Christian “reconquista” of Muslim Spain. His moderate government is tolerant; under his clan (the Nasrids”), Christians, Jews, and Muslims live together peacefully. But the Sultan’s conservative allies from the North African Marinid Empire are plotting his assassination.

King Pedro rules Christian Castille. His bastard brother, Enrique ...more

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Aug 05, 2013 Darlene Williams rated it really liked it

Emeralds of the Alhambra squeaks it through with 4 stars because John D. Cressler has genuine storytelling talent.

Normally I do not rate books with several obvious copy editing errors and, in this case, a wee bit of uninspired dialogue.

However, overall, I feel John Cressler deserves accolades for his writing ability, and I am willing to support him on this basis.

I hope the next in the series is as compelling, with a better copy edit.

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Jun 14, 2014 Amanda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads

I received this book for free through the Good Reads First Reads program.

I really enjoyed this book! It was very slow to start, and I even stopped reading at one point. I am so glad I came back to it. The love story was predictable, but plesant. I did enjoy that the sex was very mild.

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About John D. Cressler

John D. Cressler

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John D. Cressler is a historical novelist and professor at Georgia Tech. He has published five non-fiction books (two for general audiences), but his real passion is historical fiction and he is obsessed with the rediscovery of “la convivencia” (peaceful coexistence of Christians, Muslims and Jews) in medieval Muslim Spain. "Emeralds of the Alhambra," an interfaith love story set in 14th century G ...more

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