The Sultan's Court - Book Review


The Sultan's Court
by R.A. Denny

Peri struggles with life as a slave and a mother while her husband is compelled to journey with the pirates. She needs to cope with the varied challenges of a single parent. Peri’s worst nightmare is when her teenage daughter lands in the Sultan’s Court.

The Sultan’s Court is the second book of the Pirates & Puritans series. The story continues where the first book ends.

The year is still in the 17th century. Peri, the lead character, gives birth to a baby girl in Mzoura. She names her child Mya. Thankfully, Peri’s master is kind enough to her. He allows her to take care of her child as she does her slave duties. Besides, the holy man is interested to know more about the future, from where Peri came.

Peri’s husband, Daniel, is not aware that she’s with a child. He’s out at sea without knowing his wife is pregnant. Daniel joins Ayoub and his crew of pirates. It’s not that Daniel is interested in being a sea rover. Rather, he is compelled to do so for a personal mission. He is bent on retrieving Peri’s bodkin from one of the pirates.

The pirates sail to the New World to find Van Salee, the son of the famous Jan Janszoon. Ayoub, the Corsair captain, wants to forge a relationship with him to advance his ambition. He intends to establish a caliphate.

But, historical events begin to unfold. Wars break out in different places. Armed forces from Europe and new settlers begin claiming local lands. Ayoub realizes that it’s now difficult to fulfill his dream. He and his crew end up in trouble. Particularly, Ayoub and Daniel are stranded in unfamiliar territories.

Drama in The Sultan’s Court

On the other hand, Peri grows worried over Daniel. Sixteen years have passed since he left and she never hears anything from him. Although she keeps hoping Daniel is alive, she cannot help but think of the inevitable circumstances at sea.

One day, a formidable rich man passes by Sidi Sharif Qabool’s place. Qabool is Peri’s master. The rich man notices Mya and finds her beautiful. He immediately decides he wants her in his harem and takes her to his palace. Peri is distraught over this turn of events, and she knows she must do something to rescue her daughter. And, just like any protective mother, Peri risks her life.

As soon as she secured freedom from her master, Peri proceeded to the sultan’s court. She presents herself before the sultan himself. Follow Peri’s heart-stopping feat in hostile grounds. Read The Sultan’s Court.

The Islamic State’s Plan

Meanwhile, in the year 2019, members of the Islamic State continue to organize themselves and work on their plans. They intend to kidnap a science history professor. Liam and Brahim play significant roles in the abduction, although the former’s part is kept obscure.

The Book and the Author

Just like in the first volume of the Pirates & Puritans series, the author brings her readers to the 17th century. In The Sultan’s Court, she writes more about the historical events during the arrival of settlers in the New World. Denny also mentions the different local tribes and their plight. I like this part of the book because the author does not only entertain her readers. But, she also educates them about important events in history.

Likewise, I compliment the author’s ability to incorporate science in The Sultan’s Court. The time travel part gives more flavor to the adventures of the characters.

The Sultan’s Court is truly a well-researched work as evidenced by Denny’s keenness for details. She intricately describes the cultures of the different tribes. By doing so, Denny gives the readers a better perspective of the Native Americans’ lives during King Philip’s War.

Moreover, the author builds her characters well. Each of them is consistent in their roles. I particularly like how she develops Liam’s role. His “weak” and trying-hard persona remains constant. And, although he is just a supporting role, he performs it effectively.

The Sultan’s Court Rating

Although I found a handful of typographical errors, they don’t affect the reading flow. And so, I give The Sultan’s Court a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend this book to all readers and history students. There is a lot to learn from this book.

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