"The conclusion to this wonderfully compelling historical folklore fantasy trilogy, set in mirror worlds with inquisitions and battles for survival, sings with conviction and vibrancy."
I have absolutely adored this vibrant fantasy trilogy which began with The Pomegranate Gate. While being set in fascinating mirror worlds, there are links to the Spanish inquisition and Jewish folklore also spins its way through the pages. Each of the books within this vividly colourful and satisfying Mirror Realm Cycle have been chosen as Liz Pick’s of the Month, and deservedly so. As Toba and Naftaly enter the third realm on a quest, Tarses continues his destructive reign using and abusing those around him to achieve his aim. Author Ariel Kaplan’s wonderful world building includes three separate realms, each links and yet sits distinctively in its own right. The sense of place is immense, my senses were intimately connected to and I felt a part of these lands. The two main players are surrounded by a number of important secondary characters. I particularly loved the two older female characters, there was a strength there that I found immensely satisfying. The construction of the plot across the three novels is beautifully handled, with the intricate weaving of individual’s stories blending into the overarching tale. As I read I sat in fear for what may happen, it felt as though no-one was safe, the jeopardy levels were high. I enjoyed the fact that there are some questions left unanswered and do wonder whether there are some other tales left to be told within these lands (I’m keeping my fingers firmly crossed!). The Kingdom of Almonds sings with conviction and vibrancy as it sweeps towards the dramatic end, and is highly recommended by the LoveReading team.
| Primary Genre | Fantasy |
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Toba and Naftaly have stepped through the Gate of Luz into the mythic world of Aravoth, home to the Ziz, the bird of legend capable of raising the sea. Aravoth—the fabled third realm—is more dizzying and terrifying than Toba or Naftaly could have imagined. Nor had they expected to find someone already there, waiting for them. After barely escaping the burning city of Zayit, Elena and the old woman have a new problem: Barsilay, heir of Luz, is being held for an exorbitant ransom by the paranoid Queen of P'ri Hadar. As Barsilay sits in his dark, demon-inhabited prison cell, he begins to realize the queen is guarding an ancient secret that might be the key to his release. And the tyrant Tarses continues to close in on P'ri Hadar, wielding an army that spans the Mazik and mortal worlds. His newly-powerful visions reveal his most longed-for future—visions that he and Naftaly seem to share. In this triumphant finale, the mirror realms must find their balance or risk being lost altogether.
The Kingdom of Almonds features in the following genres: Books of the Month, Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Sharing Diverse Voices, Historical fantasy, Fiction, Historical fantasy, Folk, Folkloric styles, Narrative theme: Sense of place, Narrative theme: Death, grief, loss, Epic fantasy / heroic fantasy
The Kingdom of Almonds is available in Hardback
The Kingdom of Almonds was written by Ariel Kaplan and published by Solaris an imprint of Rebellion
The Kingdom of Almonds has 500 pages
Yes it is part of The Mirror Realm Cycle series
£11.69
