The Sultan's Wife

By Jane Johnson

A sweeping historical adventure, set in 17th-century Morocco, from the bestselling author of Court of Lions.

Morocco, 1677
The tyrannical King Ismail resides over the palace of Meknes. Through the sweltering heat of the palace streets, Nus Nus, slave to the king, is sent to the apothecary. There he discovers the bloody corpse of the herb man, and becomes entangled in a plot to frame him for the murder.

Meanwhile, young, fair Alys Swann is captured during her crossing to England, where she is due to be wed. Sold into Ismail's harem, she is forced to choose: renounce her faith or die.

An unlikely alliance develops between Alys and Nus Nus, one that will help them to survive the horrifying ordeals of King Ismail's court.

Brimming with rich historical detail and peppered with real characters, from Charles I to Samuel Pepys, The Sultan's Wife is a story of enduring love and adventure.

'Jane Johnson writes the sort of books you want to tell everyone about... I'm addicted' Katie Fforde

'An utterly compelling story' Stuart MacBride

'An irresistible page turner – I loved it' Barbara Erskine

'Full of intrigue, deceit, skulduggery and murder' Ben Kane

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Release date: Aug 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781789545289

Jane Johnson

Jane Johnson is a novelist, historian, and publisher. She is the UK publisher of many bestselling authors, including George R.R. Martin. She has written for both adults and children, including the bestselling novels The Tenth Gift and The Salt Road. Jane is married to a Berber chef she met while climbing in Morocco. She divides her time between London, Cornwall, and the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Connect with her on Twitter @JaneJohnsonBakr, on Facebook @Jane-Johnson-Writer, on Instagram @JaneJohnsonBakrim, or visit her website at JaneJohnsonBooks.com.

Reviews for The Sultan's Wife

[deltaqueen50 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I found The Sultan’s Wife by Jane Johnson an exotic ride to 1677 Morocco and the palace of the murderous Sultan Moulay Ismail and his witch-like wife, Zidana. We are transported from Morocco to England while reading the story of Nus-Nus, the Sultan’s African eunuch scribe, and Alys Swann, an English woman kidnapped and brought to the Sultan. While both Alys and Nus-Nus are fictional characters, the Sultan and his wife actually did exist and he was as psychotic and blood-thirsty as depicted in this novel. Life at court was always dangerous, no one ever knew when the Sultan would be set-off into a murderous rage, and his cunning wife wasn’t much better. She ruled the harem with fear and those most in danger were the Sultan’s current favorites or those who had had his sons.When Nus-Nus decides to champion Alys, his life becomes very challenging. Alys trusts him and he, in turn, has fallen in love with her. When she is delivered of a boy child, life becomes all the more dangerous as Zidana is obsessed with removing all boys who she sees as obstacles to her own son’s succession. When Nus-Nus is assigned to accompany the ambassador to England, he seizes the change to save Alys, her son and himself.The Wife of the Sultan is an excellent story, woven around actual historical figures, it is full of intrigue, deceit and romance. The story cleverly meshes history, culture and religion together which gives it an authentic feel and makes for a very engaging read.

[carriepalmer-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My favorite book by this author. I have kept wondering after I read it what happened next!

[hashford_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This exciting historical thriller is set in 17th century Morocco, in the court of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Nus Nus the eunuch slave, is tasked with recording the Sultan’s visits to each of his wives so that he can reassure himself that any children they conceive are really his. But Nus Nus gets caught up in someone else’s intrigues and finds himself accused of murder.Meanwhile Alys Swan has been kidnapped and forced to join the Sultan’s harem, and is a target for jealousy. To the surprise of both of them, Alys and Nus Nus find that they can help each other, and that mutual support blossoms into something more. I loved this book. I have never been to Morocco, but the wonderfully descriptive writing brought all the amazing sights, sounds and even smells alive for me – the bustle and colour of the Sultan’s court, the exotic foods – just wonderful!Add to that credible and well-rounded characters, and a fast-paced plot with plenty of excitement – and you have a real page turner. Highly recommended!

[bhowell_35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A lovely escapist historical thriller from the 17th century Court of Meknes in Morrocoo to the London of Charles II.