It's hard to put my finger on why, but this book just could not hold my interest, which is a shame because I was looking forward to reading it. The historical period could not be more interesting, but the book was dull and didn't engage me.

Perhaps this is because, not knowing it was the second installment in a series, I did not read the first book, but I think it is more than that. The writing style had too much of a teenage diary feel to it. By which I mean, the narrator spends far too much time telling you exactly how she feels. This makes the book tedious and uninteresting. It takes any sense of depth away from the character.

In the end, this book just isn't what I wish it was. ( )

The Sword of Medina by Sherry Jones, an ARC I received earlier this year is about the struggle for power after Prophet Mohammad died. Among his 14 wives, A'isha also craved to be in the seat of power but knowing that the people would never accept a woman leader, she tries to align herself with the subsequent leaders that follow, first her father, and then upon her father's death, his successor.

Very skimpy on details of the battles that were fought by the Muslims against the Bedouins and other non-believers who would intended to invade Medina, and next to no details on the intricate planning that went on in secret between the men who would all sought to be the next khalifa of Medina. Mohammad's cousin, Ali and A'isha have a deep seated hatred for each other, seeing each as the viper who sought to destroy the other to gain power for him/herself. But even this wasn't explored too thoroughly.

A very frustrating read because of the lack of depth. Not a book I would recommend unless you are on a desert island with absolutely nothing at all to read. ( )

I have read limited Arabic history, so I was a little weary at the beginning if the book would hold my interest or if I would be able to follow the characters and the story. However, Jones writes in such a fashion that while the story is Arabic historical fiction, the themes really resonate across cultures. I wish I had read the previous book, Jewel of Medina, but did not find it necessary to enjoy this book.

Jones uses colorful descriptive language, making the story interesting and vibrant. I was genuinely interested in seeing the characters progress.

I just received another Early Reviewers book, but I would like to read the prequel when I have a chance.

Overall, an enjoyable read that was refreshingly different from the rest of my library. ( )

Honestly, I had a hard time getting through it. But once I was through it it was a satisfying read. ( )

Sword of Medina by Sherry Jones was such a good book that I am now looking for the prequel to it called Jewel of Medina. This is my first exposure to Islamic history so I cannot attest to how historically correct the novel is. However, the author has a good voice and is quite a story teller. She keeps you engrossed page after page. If you like historical fiction then you will be sure to enjoy this book.

Plot: The plot of the book follows the history of Islam after the death of the prophet Muhammad. The story is told through two people's point of view. It is told through the eyes of Ai’isha, who was Muhammad’s favorite wife and through the eyes of Ali, Ai'isha's enemy but who is the father of Muhammad's grandson's or heirs. These narrators tell us about the struggle for leadership among the friends and favorites of Muhammad all of whom think they are fit to become the khalifa or the leader of the religion. They all think they know what Muhammad meant for the religion to become although they all make quite different rulers. The fortunes of Ai'isha and Ali rise and fall depending on who is in power, and they continue to be enemies stemming from a incident that probably happened in the first novel. It is, however, unfortunate that they let that incident blind them to the people that they have become, since they share the same view for Islam and could have greatly benefited by working together.

I really like the way the story was told through the thoughts of two characters. It was a great character development technique and you feel like you really know these characters. They seem very real and they really draw you into the book so that you really do care who becomes khalifa and what that will mean for Ai'isha and Ali. The thoughts of both characters are very interesting. They show a totally different view of Islam from the one currently presented. I always find it sad and interesting how religions change from their first inception. I am sure neither Muhammad nor Jesus would be pleased to see what their words have turned into.

I liked Sherry Jones' style, I found this novel to be captivating and easy to read. The plot moved well and the characterization was nicely done. I will definitely seek out the prequel to this novel which you do not have to read in order to read Sword of Medina. If you like historical fiction then you will enjoy this novel give it a try. ( )