Have you learned to be careful of what you wish for?Probably the best love story the world has ever known. Young love between a prince and a pauper which culminated in the largest and most magnificent tribute ever to a wife in the known history of the world. Yes, I am referring to the opulent yet magnificent Taj Mahal, which remains an unprecedented and unparalleled tribute to love of a woman. The authors faced a very difficult task to create a fitting story to match the famous structure, and I believe they have succeeded. The fourth novel in the Moghul series is the most engaging and riveting out the four so far, complete with a vamp in the Emperor's wife, vivid battle scenes, love and support. There is added spice of Europeans in the mix as mercenaries and tradesmen making the story even more sumptuous.Authors have done a wonderful job of filling the blanks in the great story. Why was Mehrunissa so powerful? What drove her on? How did Arjumand and Khurrum become so much in love? What single fundamental question did every Moghul prince have to contend in his life?I feel this was the best novel in the wonderful series so far. It just keeps getting better and better. Like all the others of the series, it is an interesting read. The book is well written and the narrative is fast paced. It traces the life and times of Shahjahan and his rise and fall from the grace of his father Jahangir. The story is not new ot indians who have read history, but the presentation makes it an excellent read. The book details the intricate power play in the court of Jahangir and his willing delegation of responsibilities to his wife, who drowns him in opium and becomes the de-facto ruler. The tainted throne tells the story of cruelty and unrestrained ambition, where brother turns against brother, father turns against son and family values and love take a second place over ambtion and lust for power.
What do You think about The Tainted Throne (2012)?
Excellent - classic Rutherford book. Well researched, humanized version of history. Highly readable.
—hisgirl831
Nothing great. But it is good to complete the series. Now I know a bit of Moghul history in India.
—dave
Quite a packed read, but ultimately satisfying.
—Spike45
good book. but gets boring in the middle.
—meera50
