I really enjoy Amin Maalouf, but this one was way off my radar. It was given to me as a gift and from the second I cracked it open I couldn't put it down. Beautifully written in a poetic historical narrative, the story contains engaging characters, compelling locations, and an all-around badass (in the fun way, not the shit-kicking way) plot that will keep you reading.

Easily within my top 5.

Good shit: read it.