ReadPlus

Review:
Odalisque by Fiona McIntosh
Voyager, 2005

16+ The first in the Percheron series, Odalisque is a fantasy exploration of life in a palace and its harem. When the Zar dies, Boaz becomes the new ruler at the age of 15. Treachery and manipulation abound in the palace and the reader is taken on an exciting trip through the corridors of power. The characters in this book are all compelling. There is the mysterious Spur Lazar, hero and head of security, who brings Ana, an young odalisque to the harem for the young Zar. Pez is a dwarf jester whose antics fool everyone including Herezah, Boaz’s mother who aspires to be the power behind the throne and Salmeo the Grand Master of the Eunuchs. The wicked Vizier poses a threat to the new Zar when he agrees to the demands of the evil demon Maliz. When Ana tries to escape the harem in a desperate bid for freedom, she begins a series of catastrophic events that have disastrous repercussions for those around her.

The rising of old gods and the battle between the Mother goddess and Maliz adds suspense to the story. Descriptions of horror, cruelty, executions, whippings and poison keep the reader on edge and waiting for the next book in the series.

Themes of forbidden love, magic and betrayal make this an engaging book for older readers who like fantasy.

Pat Pledger

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