In her time there was none such as she – none more beautiful or intelligent or witty … she was married to Yusuf, who built Marrakech for her… (12th-century text Kitab al-Istibsar)11th century, North Africa. Zaynab is the famous queen consort of Yusuf bin Tashfin, leader of the Moorish Almoravid army, which defeated El Cid, conquering all of North Africa and most of Spain. But her life is full … life is full of unanswered questions. She claimed she would marry the man who would rule all of North Africa, but it took four marriages before this prophecy came true. She was Yusuf’s right hand, an undisputed beauty and gave him many children, yet Yusuf chose as his heir the son of a Christian slave girl. Some said she spoke with djinns and spirits of the air. Having met her as a child in The Cup and as a formidable rival in A String of Silver Beads, in None Such as She Zaynab has her own story to tell.
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More of The Epic Moorish Empire
This book is part of the Moroccan Empire series that looks at life in Northern Africa in the years 1000-1100 ce. This is fictionalized history that tells the story of 4 women who helped shape the rulers and evolving nation. The author paints a very good word picture of the desert, camels, bazaars, foods and so much more. This book is 3rd in the series and we learn all about a wicked queen who lets nothing stand in her way. I have now read the entire series. I know that I will read it again. I received this book for free from the author and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.
This is Zaynab’s story. It is written of her that she was the most beautiful, intelligent and charming woman alive in the 11th century. She was queen consort to Yusuf who conquers North Africa and parts of Spain and built Marrakech for her. But although she gave him any children and was his right hand, he chose a slave girl’s child to be his heir. This is the third book in the Moorish series but can be read as a stand alone.
This a book chronicling the life of a remarkable woman and although fictional many aspects are based on historical facts. The narrative was great as it described in detail the environment in which the story takes, including the scenery, clothes, people and customs. It has amazing characters that draw you in. The story of a lifetime is hard to do but you really get a sense of what it would be like for an intelligent, beautiful and resourceful woman in history and the Muslim culture. I found myself transported to another time. I particularly found interesting the jealousy and the need for love that is no different for us today. The writing is very well done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Melissa Addie gives us another point of view in her NC17 saga set in Northern Africa in the eleventh century, which takes about eleven hours to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This epic story set in eleventh century North Africa. Zaynab is a woman who lived on her own terms considering the times. It will take her four marriages to get her hearts desire with a story that spans the test of time. This well written story that gives vivid details to the characters and setting draws you in from the beginning and keeps you captivated until the last page a true testament to Ms. Addey’s writing style.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
None Such As She by Melissa Addey
This 5 Star historical novel is told by a young woman of status, and a beauty above all others. Many want her hand in marriage but she decides none will do but a man she has fallen in love with, and she relies on her love to be enough for both of them. It is anything but. She decides that she isn’t going to leave her life to fate so she makes public she has had a vision that her husband will rule the land, which creates a journey she could never have imagined! This story is so beautifully written that it takes you along a deeply emotional journey, packed with lies, deceit, ambition, adventure, cruelty, and angst. I cried…
This author is new to me and I can’t say enough about this touching and entertaining book other than, I highly recommend everyone read it!