GIVEAWAY!! Equal of the Sun: A Novel by Anita Amirrezvani

Guess what happens on March 19th?  Equal of the Sun by Anita Amirrezvani comes out in paperback!! Talk about exciting news! This is one book that you don't want to miss - it is epic, mesmerizing, and unputdownable!! Its pretty much the epitome of what a great historical fiction novel should be.  I loved it when I read it last year in June - here's the link to my review. 

So, what is the book about?

Iran, 1576.  The shah has just died under mysterious circumstances, and so suddenly there is no apparent heir.  His daughter Pari, a powerful princess with great influence at the court, takes charge temporarily while her exiled brother journeys back to the capital to assume the throne.  With the help of her most trusted servant, eunuch (and narrator) Javaher, she is able to maintain the peace and prepare the royal subjects for the new shah, long-exiled but deeply loved by Pari.

When the new shah arrives, however, it becomes clear that he is not the generous and ebullient brother who was banished many years ago - and before long Pari falls into disfavor, and when the new shah begins executing perceived enemies, danger.  Together with Javaher, Pari must navigate the increasingly complex politics of the court and the men who rule it.  EQUAL OF THE SUN is a delicious story of royal intrigue: intricate power struggles, epic battles of heart and mind, and of course the passionate love affairs that seem to bloom only inside palace walls.  Amirrezvani is a master storyteller, and her characters and plot twists in EQUAL OF THE SUN will no doubt bring to mind an addictive, steamy cable miniseries. 

Here are just a few quotes praising this amazing read:

"Equal of the Sun is a page turner, with plenty of gripping moments.  Here's hoping Amirrezvani will write many more tales illuminating the incredible history of the Iranians." - The Washington Post

"A fine political novel, full of rich detail and intrigue...a thought-provoking study of the intersection between gender and power." - Historical Novel Society

"An ambitious, well-crafted historical tale set in her native Iran, featuring a memorable heroine.  This time, the setting is the intrigue-filled 16th century Persian court (picture the Tudor court, times 10)...Fans of smart historical fiction should be on the lookout for this one." - BookPage

"A vibrant portrait of a country in the throes of change, with an extraordinary woman at its center." - San Jose Mercury News

Sounds like quite a read, eh?  Well, lucky for you, I have 2 copies to give away!! Yep, there will be 2 winners in this giveaway.  All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave me a comment telling me the name of your favorite historical fiction novel.  And don't forget to include your email address, so that I can contact you if you win.  The last day to enter is March 13th.  Open to US residents only.  Good luck!!

Thanks to Scribner Books (Simon and Schuster) for providing the copies for this giveaway!!