IT'S FIVE STARS FROM ME!

I don’t know where to start with what I love about this book because it’s so rich and engaging in every aspect. It’s a fabulously engrossing story set against the lavish and fascinating backdrop of the opulent city above juxtaposed against a dead city below.

But, for me, the best part is its nuanced characters, who mirror the darkness and light of the setting. They’re far from perfect and yet somehow still loveable (like Gregor, the vicious palace guard who’s constantly managing his own insecurities, and Ibn Bai, the sweet-natured slave trader who’s too gentle for his trade). Walker/Dryden have created characters you know you should hate and yet, despite your better judgement over their dreadful actions, you still can’t help getting behind them: you want to spend time with them. That’s not an easy thing to pull off but Walker/Dryden manage it because the characters are so nuanced and three-dimensional and their motivations feel justified and realistic. They really come alive in your mind.

The plot twists and turns with unexpected alliances and betrayals, all with credible cause and effect, until finally unravelling to a thrilling and completely unexpected end. You’ll be utterly engaged every step of the way, there’s never a dull moment and you won’t be able to put it down.

The Guardian compared the radio podcast to Game of Thrones and while I’m not sure I agree with that comparison (there are some similarities) this feels more like a very grown up Aladdin or Arabian nights. And, personally, I found Tumanbay more enjoyable than GOT because of its fast-moving and twisting plot. With GOT you’re always waiting for something to happen until you eventually get to the finale, but with Tumanbay something’s happening in every chapter and the finale is cherry on a very tasty cake! I preferred the characters too; even characters I hated, I still wanted to see more of.

Clare Corbett had her work cut out for her with so many characters to narrate but she pulled it off with distinct and recognisable voices for all of them. I can't even begin to imagine the work and concentration that must have taken as she switched between them all. Phenomenal.

Loved it. Absolutely loved it. Can’t wait for the next instalment.

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4 people found this helpful

Loved it

I've listened to it on the radio and love the way the story has been fleshed out in the book. I can't wait for the next installment.

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I loved the radio series, but not so much the book

Tumanbay has been my absolute favourite radio drama of all time. I think the book will fill out a lot of the characters and I am really looking forward to reading it, but I have had to return the audiobook because the narrator doesn’t suit me. She does an amazing job with the different characters, but I just can’t get on with the actual narration - her voice isn’t right for it (for me, others will differ)

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