Emeralds of the Alhambra (Anthems of al-Andalus Book 1)

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

Muslim Spain in the 14th century: when the three Abrahamic religions coexisted in peace. Muslims fighting against Christian reconquest. A bit of court intrigue, a lot of culture explained and a romance between a Christian knight and Grand Vizier's daughter. Excitement in the battle and duel scenes. Added pluses: a historical summary of that period, and pictures of the Alhambra, the famous fortress/castles. The Emeralds refer to the heroine's green eyes.Highly recommended.

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