New and revised edition (Classical Historical Fiction Book 2)

Tremendous information about the Sultan heritage and history. Exciting storyline. Could not give five stars because of excessive typos which is unnecessary..... wonder if this is just in the Kindle edition?

There were major flaws in the story. The author (or editor) got the characters mixed up. For example: a father dies and a page later the daughter hopes he pays a ransom for her. Lots of missing words and sentences that didn't make sense. Sorry but will not read another book by this author.

Interesting historical background.. Plays into mind set of current day jihadist iorigin thinking.
Many unreconizable arabic vocabulary terms .. Would have been helpful to have
Glossary of explanation.

Interesting story line, very descriptive. Only thing I didn't like was the whole jog to another story line in the middle of the book. Wasn't the least bit necessary to try to tie in more people. He should have found a way to continue with those already present.

An enjoyable passing of time. Learned a few things, if factual, regarding a "harem" and the competing for the Sultan's
attention. Had a nice flow and orderly style that the author, Falconer exhibited.

Harem was a great read, very factual with historical references. Would enjoy more from this author. It did have an abrupt ending though, would have enjoyed more of a wrap up of the characters and plot.

I was very interested in this book because of the title and the premise only to be greatly disappointed. If you enjoy blood, gore, and erotic scenes, this is a book you should read. Otherwise...beware

This was a long depressing read in that ugliness prevailed at every turn I kept waiting for a good guide to emerge Victorious but it never happened it's a sad sad story the epilogue provide some insight as to why that is nevertheless it's hard to believe that man could be so easily betrayed but then again women have their ways which time and again are shown to prevail over the unsuspecting dolt.....

Falconer has done well with filling in the historical gaps with this fictional story. A very entertaining read. Additionally, I strongly suggest reading the sequel "Seraglio" which picks up where "Harem" leaves off; you will be happy you did.

Riveting speculation....this book being based on fact was hard to put down. Falconer did a great job piecing historical facts together with speculation on the why and how. The harem is as political a social pod as any congressional chamber and this book is a great read....except for the fact that Falconer publishes his books prior to editing for typos and grammatical errors. This is the third book I've read by him and the one thing that sets him apart from other authors is the lack of editing. It it poorly done on his part, making it extremely difficult to understand what he's trying to say at times...too many times...it's exasperating, frustrating and makes you want to throw the book across the room...or your Kindle or iphone in my case. What's worse, Falconer can write and actually does historical research and travels the globe. So I was already totally committed to reading the book within the first few chapters. Therein lies the dichotomy! Was I too frustrated by the gross negligence of this author to publish a first draft of a spectacular novel based on fact to stop reading its repeated sentences and incorrect pronoun placement (just to list a few of the numerous errors I was forced to wade through), or do I trudge on because the book is so damned enthralling I have to finish it, sleepless night or not? Of course, I did the latter....and I'm glad I did! It's great movie stuff...and mostly true! The Russian kadin is a class I bitch...hateful, spiteful and deadly as hell. We are in a US presidential election year much if the electorate worry the female candidate is not strong enough to take decisive action to protect us from our enemies. Really??!!! I suggest anyone thinking this should read this book, then Cleopatra, Aztec and throw in a few tomes written about Margaret Thatcher, Queen Victoria, Golda Meier, etc.... Personally, I never had a doubt, but if I did, after reading this book, I'd hightail it to the nearest polling place and mark my X in any women candidates boxes!!!! This sultan's wife never leaves the harem from the time she enters while managing to take down an empire piece by designated piece. No one is safe! Her own children are a target for her revenge that begins 35 years previously and beyond the grave for generations. All we ever hear about the history if Sultan Suleiman from the 1500's is the great love affair between these two...no one seems to question why her husband seeks to end the lives of his own children. Don't want to give away a very good read, albeit supposition as to the whys and hows!!!! Read it yourself! It's worth the gross errors if you enjoy history, historical romance novels and, definitely, women's genre! I'm pretty sure who I'm voting for president this year myself!