Shalimar

Shalimar begins in 1890 shortly after the death of Emma Wyncliffe's father, who was found frozen on a glacier high in the Himalayas during an archeological expedition that went tragically awry. The Wyncliffe's are left with little funds and Emma's brother David in the throes of gambling bets and loses the family home to the mysterious Damien Granville. For reasons of his own, Damien offers to void the gambling debt if Emma will marry him and live at Shalimar, his estate in the Vale of Kashmir. As Emma tries to reconcile herself to a loveless marriage, mystery and intrigue take center stage as many players unfold in an international chase between Great Britain, Russia and China as they play the Great Game to unlock the secret to the long hidden Yasmina Pass, as whoever holds access to the pass holds the key to control of the unclaimed regions that sit in the center of the borders of India, Russia and China. Emma unknowingly holds the key to it all (or does she?), and who is the mysterious Armenian slave Ivana that all players in the game are desperate to find at all costs? No one (except Emma of course) is who or what they appear to be on the surface and the author keeps the reader guessing with plentiful twists, turns and big surprises all the way until the very last pages. This was a top notch novel of mystery and intrigue and I found it very difficult to put down, especially the last 100 or so pages. The author's knowledge of India and its culture shines through, and I especially loved the gorgeous glimpses of the Himalayas and Kashmir Valley. Just a warning, if you're expecting a love story on a scale of Ryman's fabulous Olivia and Jai you will probably be very disappointed. However, if you want a novel filled with abundant history, mystery, treachery and intrigue that keeps you on your seat until the end I'd say go for it if you can find a copy used at a reasonable price. 4.5 stars rounded up to five, not perfect but pretty darned good.

Rebecca Ryman is a great example of why the world needs... Her superbbooks are just not known here in Australia, so the only way to seekthem out and obtain them is through this site. In Shalimar Ryman'scraft has matured - the plotting and development are superbly handledand as usual her authenticity is unrivalled. While the relationshipbetween Damien and Emma give the plot its agonizing sexual tension,the espionage story is what lifts it above being just another lovestory. Like all great historical novels, it subtly educates you abouta corner of history you know little about, while also spinning anold-fashioned ripping yarn with spies, explorers, bandits, and deepdark secrets. It's a pity that Ryman's previous books are all out ofprint - those discovering her anew are sure to want to read herearlier work. When is she coming out in paperback?

I finished this book and immediately started the search for everything else Ms Ryman wrote. This is a wonderfull book, a perfectly told story. The main plot is the search for a legendary secret pass, but anybody who wants to read a good love story will love Damien and Emma's story. I adored the characters, Ms Ryman's style and wit, and while the book lasted I was in 1890 Central Asia - although this might give a uncontrollable urge to pack up and go to Kashmir, or Samarkand or Simla.

How refreshing to find a historical romance the way such books used to be, before they became sex fantasies in period costume! Reminiscent of THE FAR PAVILLIONS in both setting and scope, SHALIMAR builds to a startling conclusion that will take your breath away! I'm going back to the library to look up Rebecca Ryman's other books, OLIVIA AND JAI and THE VEIL OF ILLUSION.

Ever since reading and re-reading "Olivia and Jai" and "Veil of Illusion", I yearned for more from my now favorite author, Rebecca Ryman. She masterfully writes about my two favorite subjects - the history of British-occupied India, and good, romantic stories about mysterious men. Thank you for another enthralling tale. My only complaint is that there wasn't quite enough about the relationship of Damien and Emma and maybe too much about the political intrigue. What I loved best about "Olivia and Jai" is that the love story was the main focus with the history as a backdrop. Still, I will look forward to ANYTHING Ryman cares to do in the future.