The Lions of Al-Rassan

This book by Guy Gavriel Kay came up once on Tim Ferriss in the episodes we index. That mention was a genuine on-air recommendation, not just a passing reference. The people who brought it up: Brandon Sanderson. Every occurrence below links to the episode page and to the exact second it was said on YouTube.

The ruling Asharites of Al-Rassan have come from the desert sands, but over centuries, seduced by the sensuous pleasures of their new land, their stern piety has eroded. The Asharite empire has splintered into decadent city-states led by warring petty kings. King Almalik of Cartada is on the ascendancy, aided always by his friend and advisor, the notorious Ammar ibn Khairan, poet, diplomat, soldier, until a summer afternoon of savage brutality changes their relationship forever.