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The Saracen Storm: A Novel of the Moorish Invasion of Spain
Based on historical figures and events, The Saracen Storm is the sweeping saga of one of Spain's best-loved heroes and the role he played in the nation's darkest period: the Moorish invasion of its lands in 711 AD.
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When nineteen-year-old Pelayo, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Asturias, is asked to lead a cohort of soldiers to hunt down a party of Saracen raiders, he seizes on the chance to escape the city and the scandals that have swirled around him for years. Trained in combat since he was a youth, and taught the dark arts of war by a brilliant ex-monk, he is determined to prove wrong those who say he is unfit for command. As he follows the trail of devastation left by the raiders, he discovers that Valentina, his half-brother's betrothed, has been taken captive. The mission that he has viewed merely as an adventure now turns into a personal quest to save the headstrong daughter of his father's closest ally from the slave markets of Arabia.
In the capital of Toledo, the sudden death of the monarch unravels old alliances, sparking a fierce competition for the throne. As the country descends into civil war, Musa ibn Nosseyr, Caliph al-Walid's ambitious governor in Carthage, sees the Iberian nation's troubles as an opportunity to expand the reach of the caliphate into Europe.
.
When nineteen-year-old Pelayo, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Asturias, is asked to lead a cohort of soldiers to hunt down a party of Saracen raiders, he seizes on the chance to escape the city and the scandals that have swirled around him for years. Trained in combat since he was a youth, and taught the dark arts of war by a brilliant ex-monk, he is determined to prove wrong those who say he is unfit for command. As he follows the trail of devastation left by the raiders, he discovers that Valentina, his half-brother's betrothed, has been taken captive. The mission that he has viewed merely as an adventure now turns into a personal quest to save the headstrong daughter of his father's closest ally from the slave markets of Arabia.
In the capital of Toledo, the sudden death of the monarch unravels old alliances, sparking a fierce competition for the throne. As the country descends into civil war, Musa ibn Nosseyr, Caliph al-Walid's ambitious governor in Carthage, sees the Iberian nation's troubles as an opportunity to expand the reach of the caliphate into Europe.
514 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2019
About the author
J.M. Nunez
1 book18 followersJose M. Nunez is a writer residing in Montreal, Canada, with his wife, Mimi. Prior to devoting himself to writing, he was the president of a software company. While vacationing in Spain, visiting the northern province of Asturias, he came across the statue of an ancient warlord named Pelayo. Never having heard the name before, he spent the next few months reading everything he could find about the life and turbulent times of this historical figure. This novel, a story of one of Spain’s greatest heroes, is the result of that research.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 117 reviews
September 20, 2020
An enjoyable read focused on the life of Spanish hero, Pelayo, who I had never heard of and of whom not a great deal, it would seem, is known. He is credited with leading resistance to the invasion by the Moors and keeping northern Spain out of their grasp. It’s a good ’swashbuckling’ kind of tale, albeit I could guess at the start of most chapters what was going to happen next. My main gripe is that it presents the invaders as uncultured barbarians, even though they would establish a society way in advance of anything else in Europe and would show religious tolerance, something which the Spaniards did not when they reconquered Spain centuries later. Still, this isn't a history book but entertainment and at that it certainly succeeds.
March 26, 2021
Excellent! This definitely was a book for a history lover. This was a new part of history for me. Though I've always known Spain's trouble with the Moors, I never knew when it begin.
I really loved Pelayo and Valentina. They both faced a lot of trouble and sadness. I was starting to wonder if anything else bad could happen to him. Luckily, He always previeled.
This was a well written, good read. I highly recommend for history lovers!
I really loved Pelayo and Valentina. They both faced a lot of trouble and sadness. I was starting to wonder if anything else bad could happen to him. Luckily, He always previeled.
This was a well written, good read. I highly recommend for history lovers!
March 27, 2023
A book I purchased a little while ago that caught my eye as it’s an era of history where my knowledge is lacking bar a few documentaries that cover Spain, one in particular I’d recommend “Blood & Gold: The making of Spain” by the BBC.
The first few chapters cover our “hero to be?” Pelayo’s early years, background, coming of age, who eventually joins a cohort becoming an officer. He’s a likeable rogue, who we might call a “cheeky chap” these days, amongst his adopted aristocratic family, he being an illegitimate son of a Duke whose taken in at an early age after his mother dies. It’s a good start, giving us early characterisations of the major players through their interactions with the young Pelayo.
From a promising start though, it then meandered a bit in terms of its quality where I did roll my eyes a bit with some of the characterisations, the staid to overtly flowery language, and stilted dialogue at times. It wasn’t as smooth as the opening potential. (it does pick up again though after around 100 pages, its jus a fair noticeable drop in standard) – Addition – Having now finished the book I can add further to this by pointing the finger at the characterisation of the female lead & her interactions with Pelayo as once her character isn’t around anymore the story flowed a lot more as did the dialogue…. At times there like a pair of cringy teenagers on a first date….. The female lead really was a pain, I’ll leave it at that bar saying wilful. Although bad things do happen to her that you wouldn’t wish on anyone.
I should also mention that having taking time out to read the author’s bio it all makes sense (the style) as whilst on holiday he came across the statue of the Hero Pelayo in Northern Spain, knowing nothing of him he then spent the next few months researching him, resulting in this book. Which holds true as the passion for Pelayo is within the text if perhaps some of the characterisations/dialogue of others fall a little short in places. When Pelayo is centre stage it’s a good read, fast paced, page turner et al, it’s when he's not, it perhaps falls a little short in places, so it’s good that Pelayo is in most scenes driving the book forward 😊
As for historical content, it was a little lacking in detail but gave somewhat of a post Romanised vibe that had descended into a feudal system. The intricacies were jus not there tbh, where I would have liked some 8th century Spanish flavour, I could really have been anywhere in early Feudal Europe.
In terms of language & actions its certainly got the “Family friendly” tag for sure, talking of which….
There were no real gory/detailed fights, the major battle(s) is done from afar rather than being up close & personnel, the weaponry was not detailed in the account & the tactics/action relayed being very scant. You don’t get the feel of battle as you do in other reads…. if that’s yer thing then this book might not be for you, if on the other hand you don’t like the gory deets…….
Had the Moors down as a fairly blood thirsty lot so was expecting a little more in terms of grit & violence from their camp (in fact even a presence), where in reality, they were jus Sunday afternoon baddies, perhaps more suited to nicking a handbag from a little ol lady coming home from a WI afternoon tea. I did mention it was family friendly didn’t I.
All that said, which on read back sounds slightly negative, It was certainly a page turner as I read it fairly quickly each night, so can’t really fault it in that respect at all. So I would surmise that the author’s a promising storyteller if not a polished one jus yet. In all, Its certainly not bad, especially so as it’s his first novel.
3.5 stars rounded to a three, which could jus as easily be a four, an easy read & a decent yarn. I think many will certainly enjoy this
The first few chapters cover our “hero to be?” Pelayo’s early years, background, coming of age, who eventually joins a cohort becoming an officer. He’s a likeable rogue, who we might call a “cheeky chap” these days, amongst his adopted aristocratic family, he being an illegitimate son of a Duke whose taken in at an early age after his mother dies. It’s a good start, giving us early characterisations of the major players through their interactions with the young Pelayo.
From a promising start though, it then meandered a bit in terms of its quality where I did roll my eyes a bit with some of the characterisations, the staid to overtly flowery language, and stilted dialogue at times. It wasn’t as smooth as the opening potential. (it does pick up again though after around 100 pages, its jus a fair noticeable drop in standard) – Addition – Having now finished the book I can add further to this by pointing the finger at the characterisation of the female lead & her interactions with Pelayo as once her character isn’t around anymore the story flowed a lot more as did the dialogue…. At times there like a pair of cringy teenagers on a first date….. The female lead really was a pain, I’ll leave it at that bar saying wilful. Although bad things do happen to her that you wouldn’t wish on anyone.
I should also mention that having taking time out to read the author’s bio it all makes sense (the style) as whilst on holiday he came across the statue of the Hero Pelayo in Northern Spain, knowing nothing of him he then spent the next few months researching him, resulting in this book. Which holds true as the passion for Pelayo is within the text if perhaps some of the characterisations/dialogue of others fall a little short in places. When Pelayo is centre stage it’s a good read, fast paced, page turner et al, it’s when he's not, it perhaps falls a little short in places, so it’s good that Pelayo is in most scenes driving the book forward 😊
As for historical content, it was a little lacking in detail but gave somewhat of a post Romanised vibe that had descended into a feudal system. The intricacies were jus not there tbh, where I would have liked some 8th century Spanish flavour, I could really have been anywhere in early Feudal Europe.
In terms of language & actions its certainly got the “Family friendly” tag for sure, talking of which….
There were no real gory/detailed fights, the major battle(s) is done from afar rather than being up close & personnel, the weaponry was not detailed in the account & the tactics/action relayed being very scant. You don’t get the feel of battle as you do in other reads…. if that’s yer thing then this book might not be for you, if on the other hand you don’t like the gory deets…….
Had the Moors down as a fairly blood thirsty lot so was expecting a little more in terms of grit & violence from their camp (in fact even a presence), where in reality, they were jus Sunday afternoon baddies, perhaps more suited to nicking a handbag from a little ol lady coming home from a WI afternoon tea. I did mention it was family friendly didn’t I.
All that said, which on read back sounds slightly negative, It was certainly a page turner as I read it fairly quickly each night, so can’t really fault it in that respect at all. So I would surmise that the author’s a promising storyteller if not a polished one jus yet. In all, Its certainly not bad, especially so as it’s his first novel.
3.5 stars rounded to a three, which could jus as easily be a four, an easy read & a decent yarn. I think many will certainly enjoy this
July 27, 2020
It is always a pleasure to pick up a book set in an era that is rarely represented in historical fiction. In this case, Mr Nunez leads us back to the years around 700 A.D, Spain. At the time, Spain did not exist. The former Roman colony had been invaded by the Visigoths some centuries after the birth of Christ, but now the various Visigoth kingdoms are quaking under the advance of the Saracen conquerors. It is a confused time, a time when the Christians are pushed further and further north. It is a time brought to vivid life by Mr Nunez, his obvious extensive research resulting in a multi-layered depiction of the historical landscape.
Any Spanish schoolchild will have heard of the battle of Covadonga, as pivotal an event for the future Spain as the Norman invasion in 1066 is for England. At Covadonga, the hero of the day led his Christian countrymen to victory over the advancing Moors. At Covadonga, the determined Saracen expansion was brought to a brutal halt, thereby kicking off the Spanish Reconquista—a struggle to reconquer the former Christian Spain from the Moors that would not end until 1492, when the last Moorish Kingdom, Granada, fell to Fernando and Isabel.
The hero of Covadonga is a certain Pelayo, a man shrouded in mist. Mr Nunez has made Pelayo the hero of his narrative and does an excellent job in breathing life into the myth, the man, the legend. Born the bastard son of the Duke of Asturias, Pelayo overcomes the stigma of his birth, the hatred of his half-brother, the loss of the love of his life and emerges harder and sharper, a bit like a tempered blade of steel. But the young Pelayo is something of a wastrel, more interested in enjoying a good time with wine and wenches—likely an attitude he adopts to annoy not only his father but primarily his half-brother, Julian. But then, one day, Pelayo comes face to face with the destruction wreaked by the Moors on a village of his people. A new Pelayo is born that day, a man of action and brains, of integrity and honour who will rise to the occasion despite all those who do their best to see him tumble. Mr Nunez’ Pelayo is an engaging man, a character one roots for.
At times, Mr Nunez’ erudition and love of the period results in something of an information overload. But this is easily forgiven given a narrative that so firmly takes the reader by the hand and expertly guides him or her through the complex historical landscape that is Spain of the 8th century. Warmly recommended!
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
Any Spanish schoolchild will have heard of the battle of Covadonga, as pivotal an event for the future Spain as the Norman invasion in 1066 is for England. At Covadonga, the hero of the day led his Christian countrymen to victory over the advancing Moors. At Covadonga, the determined Saracen expansion was brought to a brutal halt, thereby kicking off the Spanish Reconquista—a struggle to reconquer the former Christian Spain from the Moors that would not end until 1492, when the last Moorish Kingdom, Granada, fell to Fernando and Isabel.
The hero of Covadonga is a certain Pelayo, a man shrouded in mist. Mr Nunez has made Pelayo the hero of his narrative and does an excellent job in breathing life into the myth, the man, the legend. Born the bastard son of the Duke of Asturias, Pelayo overcomes the stigma of his birth, the hatred of his half-brother, the loss of the love of his life and emerges harder and sharper, a bit like a tempered blade of steel. But the young Pelayo is something of a wastrel, more interested in enjoying a good time with wine and wenches—likely an attitude he adopts to annoy not only his father but primarily his half-brother, Julian. But then, one day, Pelayo comes face to face with the destruction wreaked by the Moors on a village of his people. A new Pelayo is born that day, a man of action and brains, of integrity and honour who will rise to the occasion despite all those who do their best to see him tumble. Mr Nunez’ Pelayo is an engaging man, a character one roots for.
At times, Mr Nunez’ erudition and love of the period results in something of an information overload. But this is easily forgiven given a narrative that so firmly takes the reader by the hand and expertly guides him or her through the complex historical landscape that is Spain of the 8th century. Warmly recommended!
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
February 22, 2021
Meh!
Solid 2.5 stars, so I rounded up to three.
I don't know . . . *shrug* . . . I mean I finished it, so it wasn't all that bad. But I honestly don't know where all the four- and five-star reviews came from.
First, the story -- so many missed opportunities by the author. For example, when we first meet Diego, we see the skirmish coming and then the next chapter opens with the aftermath. Seriously? We don't get any fight details? What a perfect time to introduce the tactics and styles of each side. There were several instances like that.
Overall, the action was severely lacking. I'm left wanting and disappointed.
Then, the writing. So many typos and grammatical errors. And I'm sorry, but could neither the author nor the editor decide if it was "Tariq" or "Tarik"??
I picked this up because it was an area with which I had no experience. So I'm glad to have learned some things. But it will be a while before I read any more by this author.
Solid 2.5 stars, so I rounded up to three.
I don't know . . . *shrug* . . . I mean I finished it, so it wasn't all that bad. But I honestly don't know where all the four- and five-star reviews came from.
First, the story -- so many missed opportunities by the author. For example, when we first meet Diego, we see the skirmish coming and then the next chapter opens with the aftermath. Seriously? We don't get any fight details? What a perfect time to introduce the tactics and styles of each side. There were several instances like that.
Overall, the action was severely lacking. I'm left wanting and disappointed.
Then, the writing. So many typos and grammatical errors. And I'm sorry, but could neither the author nor the editor decide if it was "Tariq" or "Tarik"??
I picked this up because it was an area with which I had no experience. So I'm glad to have learned some things. But it will be a while before I read any more by this author.
January 24, 2020
Wonderful book
This book is about the early invasion of Spain by the Moors (Islamic hordes). The character descriptions are very well done and I can picture them and the locations in my mind while reading. I recommend this book to everyone.
This book is about the early invasion of Spain by the Moors (Islamic hordes). The character descriptions are very well done and I can picture them and the locations in my mind while reading. I recommend this book to everyone.
July 27, 2021
Well I'm not really sure
I was really excited to read this book. But it just took to long to get going. I was expecting more.
I was really excited to read this book. But it just took to long to get going. I was expecting more.
May 12, 2021
Excellent historical fiction
Well researched and gripping, this action packed historical fiction period piece is a delight. I couldn’t put it down. Oh, and the hero gets the girl.
Well researched and gripping, this action packed historical fiction period piece is a delight. I couldn’t put it down. Oh, and the hero gets the girl.
March 2, 2021
Saracen Storm
My preferred genre are westerns. But Saracen Storm was well written and an exciting adventure tale. Well researched and highly recommended.
My preferred genre are westerns. But Saracen Storm was well written and an exciting adventure tale. Well researched and highly recommended.
Read
June 1, 2020A good read from beginning to end.
I knew very little about the Moorish invasion of Spain.But this book has inspired me to learn more. It was easy to read and I would recommend it to anyone.
I knew very little about the Moorish invasion of Spain.But this book has inspired me to learn more. It was easy to read and I would recommend it to anyone.
July 9, 2021
I wish I could give it 4.5 stars. It was an exciting story filled with rich characters that took the reader on a journey through an often forgotten period of history. It is no wonder that Spain and Portugal are replete with Islamic art and architecture after 800 years of conquest.
February 17, 2021
Good read
This was very good. I didn't know much about this part of Spanish history so if was an interesting read. I hope he writes more like this.
This was very good. I didn't know much about this part of Spanish history so if was an interesting read. I hope he writes more like this.
April 12, 2020
Excellent read
Very good read of political intrigue and treachery .Fast flowing with strong characters and good historical facts of the Moors in Spain .
Very good read of political intrigue and treachery .Fast flowing with strong characters and good historical facts of the Moors in Spain .
November 8, 2022
I really enjoyed listening to this book about the early invasion of Spain by the Moors. We all know of the final defeat by Ferdinand and Isabella and who doesn't know the story El Cid -but this story is from the earliest invasion and how the northern barons finally united to defeat their common enemy. I wish there was more to this series (no pun intended).
October 28, 2020
Story of Pelayo of Asturia, the Iberian hero who defied the Moor invader and supposedly starting the Reconquista (though it will take another 800 years to finish). The book is well written, very descriptive and the author manage to keep the pace of story well. However knowing a bit of Pelayo story and the Moor conquest of Spain, feels like the author rather take more liberty than it should to to re-tell the story. Granted that this is historical fiction, but it seems that the author have aspiration to have a major studio make this book into a movie as in general the storyline is rather hollywood-ish 😅
March 28, 2020
Pretty good read!
I have read extensively about the Saracens versus Iberians 88th century wars. This is a great book recounting battles that may have been.
The plot of half-brothers of a Duke is done well with many interesting characters using historical data. I have to say the romance aspect was sorely lacking though. There was no feeling whatsoever in the characters.
Overall, this one is pretty good when you consider the military battle planning, and the depth of the characters are very limited.
I have read extensively about the Saracens versus Iberians 88th century wars. This is a great book recounting battles that may have been.
The plot of half-brothers of a Duke is done well with many interesting characters using historical data. I have to say the romance aspect was sorely lacking though. There was no feeling whatsoever in the characters.
Overall, this one is pretty good when you consider the military battle planning, and the depth of the characters are very limited.
November 25, 2021
3,70 stars...I was expecting something a lot more gritty ... so many predictable turns... It was very easy to read, the story moves rapidly...but romance or any kind of intimacy among the characters aspect was sorely lacking for sure..But there is interesting information on the state of Spain before it was Spain...I love reading books like this that reveals history to me i never heard about...at the end the book was well maintained.
March 7, 2020
So good! I’m not usually into historical fiction but I loved this book! The story was really exciting and I was totally captivated. The author manages to paint a vivid picture with visual descriptions while still moving the story along quickly. Plus it had an excellent romantic story line ❤️ super fun read!
April 23, 2022
Very engaging story about a pivotal figure in the little known (to me) history of Spain. Fast paced, suspenseful, great characters; a rather predictable plot, although the specifics of how the hero escapes apparent impossible situations to triumph keeps the tension throughout. Well worth the read.
Based on historical figures and events, The Saracen Storm is the sweeping saga of one of Spain's best-loved heroes and the role he played in the nation's darkest period: the Moorish invasion of its lands in 711 AD.
.
When nineteen-year-old Pelayo, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Asturias, is asked to lead a cohort of soldiers to hunt down a party of Saracen raiders, he seizes on the chance to escape the city and the scandals that have swirled around him for years. Trained in combat since he was a youth, and taught the dark arts of war by a brilliant ex-monk, he is determined to prove wrong those who say he is unfit for command. As he follows the trail of devastation left by the raiders, he discovers that Valentina, his half-brother's betrothed, has been taken captive. The mission that he has viewed merely as an adventure now turns into a personal quest to save the headstrong daughter of his father's closest ally from the slave markets of Arabia.
In the capital of Toledo, the sudden death of the monarch unravels old alliances, sparking a fierce competition for the throne. As the country descends into civil war, Musa ibn Nosseyr, Caliph al-Walid's ambitious governor in Carthage, sees the Iberian nation's troubles as an opportunity to expand the reach of the caliphate into Europe.
Based on historical figures and events, The Saracen Storm is the sweeping saga of one of Spain's best-loved heroes and the role he played in the nation's darkest period: the Moorish invasion of its lands in 711 AD.
.
When nineteen-year-old Pelayo, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Asturias, is asked to lead a cohort of soldiers to hunt down a party of Saracen raiders, he seizes on the chance to escape the city and the scandals that have swirled around him for years. Trained in combat since he was a youth, and taught the dark arts of war by a brilliant ex-monk, he is determined to prove wrong those who say he is unfit for command. As he follows the trail of devastation left by the raiders, he discovers that Valentina, his half-brother's betrothed, has been taken captive. The mission that he has viewed merely as an adventure now turns into a personal quest to save the headstrong daughter of his father's closest ally from the slave markets of Arabia.
In the capital of Toledo, the sudden death of the monarch unravels old alliances, sparking a fierce competition for the throne. As the country descends into civil war, Musa ibn Nosseyr, Caliph al-Walid's ambitious governor in Carthage, sees the Iberian nation's troubles as an opportunity to expand the reach of the caliphate into Europe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2023
Not a bad novel just not a particularly interesting one. The pacing and sense of time are easily the weakest parts. After Part I the story begins to really get going and becomes far more enjoyable but even then its marred by its bland main character and his lack of personal stakes. Even his love interest doesn't help make the protagonist more interesting. During a particular crisis point when the love interest is captured we never get a chance to see how Pelayo reacts, instead a year passes and we move on to the next historical event.
What I enjoy most about historical fictions is getting the chance to experience a time period from the eyes of the characters. Unfortunately, Saracen Storm doesn't really bother on the more nuanced aspects of the time period. The audience is never treated to the intricacies of this period. The story covers a handful of holidays and explains a little of the history... and that's about it.
My final gripe is the lack of interesting antagonists. The half brother Julian there's an attempt to give him a full arc but the story skips around so much in the beginning that by the time his plot comes to an end the audience has moved on. The Saracens / Moors who are the big shadow looming over the whole book are barely explained on a personal level and are just a boogey man who show up just to call people infidels and act menacing. I would've preferred that the Saracen general and governor characters actually received more fleshed out arcs. Instead their just props to be defeated by the hero.
Overall, flawed but enjoyable.
What I enjoy most about historical fictions is getting the chance to experience a time period from the eyes of the characters. Unfortunately, Saracen Storm doesn't really bother on the more nuanced aspects of the time period. The audience is never treated to the intricacies of this period. The story covers a handful of holidays and explains a little of the history... and that's about it.
My final gripe is the lack of interesting antagonists. The half brother Julian there's an attempt to give him a full arc but the story skips around so much in the beginning that by the time his plot comes to an end the audience has moved on. The Saracens / Moors who are the big shadow looming over the whole book are barely explained on a personal level and are just a boogey man who show up just to call people infidels and act menacing. I would've preferred that the Saracen general and governor characters actually received more fleshed out arcs. Instead their just props to be defeated by the hero.
Overall, flawed but enjoyable.
November 9, 2020
The Saracen Storm by JM Nunez is a very readable historical novel about the incursion of the Saracens into the Iberia Peninsula in the early 8th Century. The leading character is Pelayo, who at the age of eight is taken to live with his father after his mother dies. We follow him, off and on, for the next 25 years as he maneuvers through a life in which his step-mother and step-brother hate him and make his life a misery, until his father sends him to war against the Saracens. He spends the rest of his life fighting them, sometimes to victory and sometimes not. He is very difficult to kill, although many try. He has enemies and they always seem to find him. He is a good man and a tough soldier who does his best for his family and his country.
This book is loosely based on fact. Many of the major players appear, including his half-brother, Julian, who was a real person, whether Pelayo was or not. There is much in the book that is today considered politically incorrect regarding the Saracens and how bloodthirsty and corrupt they were. The book moved quickly, skipping through repetitive or unimportant parts so that many years were covered. It was a very readable book and was another example of how little loyalty there sometimes was in royal families of the time. I enjoyed it. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Saracen Storm by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thesaracenstorm
This book is loosely based on fact. Many of the major players appear, including his half-brother, Julian, who was a real person, whether Pelayo was or not. There is much in the book that is today considered politically incorrect regarding the Saracens and how bloodthirsty and corrupt they were. The book moved quickly, skipping through repetitive or unimportant parts so that many years were covered. It was a very readable book and was another example of how little loyalty there sometimes was in royal families of the time. I enjoyed it. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Saracen Storm by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thesaracenstorm
May 18, 2023
I am and avid reader of many authors of historical fiction two of the main being Ken Follet and Dan Brown. This is my first written opinion on any author. I attribute it to the immense enjoyment I had in reading the Saracen Storm by J.M. Nunez. Mr. Nunez managed to combine some historical facts mixed into a story of a torn family. Which there are many of today. There were wars to be won and lost and hearts to be broken and mended with the outcome favorable to those of us with tinder hears when the final brother hood reconciles. I knew of the Moors attacking southern Europe but adding the intrigue of some of the Iberians adding their effort put a new twist into my thoughts about the area and time. As I read I was also driven to research some of the people and places that I had heard of but actually new nothing such as the Brusque civilization of the area.
Respectfully submitted,
Dominic (Nick) Berretta
Respectfully submitted,
Dominic (Nick) Berretta
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December 16, 2020Excellent Historical Fiction!
I found this to be quite an engaging book, and I'm so glad to have stumbled upon it. I am somewhat familiar with the historical Moorish invasion of Iberia, which the Moors named Al Andalusia, which is the country known today as Spain. I had just finished watching an excellent documentary named "Storm Over Europe: The Wandering Tribes," which told the story of the Germanic Visogoth's who conquered Spain, several centuries prior to the timeline of this book, so when I noticed it in the Kindle Store I thought I'd check it out, and I'm so glad that I did. The characters were likeable, the story exciting and I learned a great deal, which is always important to me. I highly recommend this book!
I found this to be quite an engaging book, and I'm so glad to have stumbled upon it. I am somewhat familiar with the historical Moorish invasion of Iberia, which the Moors named Al Andalusia, which is the country known today as Spain. I had just finished watching an excellent documentary named "Storm Over Europe: The Wandering Tribes," which told the story of the Germanic Visogoth's who conquered Spain, several centuries prior to the timeline of this book, so when I noticed it in the Kindle Store I thought I'd check it out, and I'm so glad that I did. The characters were likeable, the story exciting and I learned a great deal, which is always important to me. I highly recommend this book!
October 10, 2022
Found this one by chance but really liked the first few pages so got it and read it fairly fast. The novel is based on the story of Pelagius, the first Christian king of Spain after the Arab conquest and whose resistance in the north started the Reconquista that would take almost 800 years to wrestle back what was lost in a few years by a disunited and treacherous nobility, all of this being commemorated on his tomb and in various near contemporary chronicles. A very good story that moves along with lots of energy and the only complaint is that the book seemed too short for the many events crammed into it.
December 26, 2022
4.5 stars rounded to 5. This book had most everything I love in a historical fiction. A great plot. Interesting characters. And tension on an epic scale but, at heart, a love story. I knew nothing about the amours in Spain prior to reading this book. And honestly, I never had much interest in visiting Spain until reading this book. But now I want to go see these mountains, valleys, and Spain’s northern coast. My only quibble with this book was some of the minor characters were rather one dimensional in nature. But I guess that’s what minor characters are for.
If you like good historical fiction, this book will not disappoint you.
If you like good historical fiction, this book will not disappoint you.
September 5, 2023
A Storm Comes to Spain
This novel by J.M. Nunez brilliantly presents the story of the Saracen invasion and occupation of Spain. During this time, Spain was introduced to a whole new world of culture and science. While Europe was in a "Dark Age", the Saracens promoted literacy, geometry, and architecture in Spain. Their skill is evident in the Alhambra, which is definitely worth a visit. The author beautifully recounts the story of the Spanish people in Saracen Storm. From the very first page until the end, the book draws us in. We can only hope that Nunez will write more novels in the future.
This novel by J.M. Nunez brilliantly presents the story of the Saracen invasion and occupation of Spain. During this time, Spain was introduced to a whole new world of culture and science. While Europe was in a "Dark Age", the Saracens promoted literacy, geometry, and architecture in Spain. Their skill is evident in the Alhambra, which is definitely worth a visit. The author beautifully recounts the story of the Spanish people in Saracen Storm. From the very first page until the end, the book draws us in. We can only hope that Nunez will write more novels in the future.
May 23, 2020
A very enjoyable read
The story draws you in and doesn’t let go until the final page. The story has roots in the history of the very first elements of the Reconquista, although interpreted to make for an enjoyable and exciting read. I found that the book got me to research a bit into the historical roots that it is built upon and between the books information woven into the plot and the checking into the historical facts that I learned as much as I enjoyed from the book.
The story draws you in and doesn’t let go until the final page. The story has roots in the history of the very first elements of the Reconquista, although interpreted to make for an enjoyable and exciting read. I found that the book got me to research a bit into the historical roots that it is built upon and between the books information woven into the plot and the checking into the historical facts that I learned as much as I enjoyed from the book.
October 21, 2020
A lively tale of heroics and treachery!
This was a real swashbuckling story of the Spanish hero, Pelayo, and his fight against the Moorish invaders. The tale of a half Basque illegitimate son of a Spanish duke, who's ascendancy from youthful debauchery to military splendour, was the stuff of legends. The author expertly wove a splendid tale around real historical events and produced a highly entertaining book. Well recommended!
This was a real swashbuckling story of the Spanish hero, Pelayo, and his fight against the Moorish invaders. The tale of a half Basque illegitimate son of a Spanish duke, who's ascendancy from youthful debauchery to military splendour, was the stuff of legends. The author expertly wove a splendid tale around real historical events and produced a highly entertaining book. Well recommended!
November 25, 2020
Over 700 years of occupation
Moorish influence is everywhere in Spain, from the famous Spanish horses to the Andalusian territories, it's a huge part of the county's culture, language and architecture Yet what anguish and fear this occupation caused those who had long settled this country so many centuries ago. This novel brings history alive and learning about Palayo's life was for me very entertaining and educational.
Moorish influence is everywhere in Spain, from the famous Spanish horses to the Andalusian territories, it's a huge part of the county's culture, language and architecture Yet what anguish and fear this occupation caused those who had long settled this country so many centuries ago. This novel brings history alive and learning about Palayo's life was for me very entertaining and educational.
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