1. I don't think it diverges too much from a mainland European (or whatever) standpoint, at least not that we can tell (unless I am forgetting something, after Mosaic and before Lions about all we know is that the Asharites arose, conquered most of the Empire, and spread along the north coast of the Africa-analogue and established Al-Rassan. We just don't know any details of what else went on, except in the far north (I'm not sure exactly how much the events in Last Light diverge from history, but in any case they're not much affected by Sarantium).
The main diversions before we get to Lions are likely in the history of the Asharites. While Kay doesn't say much about them, from what little he does say I get the impression that the details of what went on in the homelands and surrounding areas is probably not to much like the actual history of Islam (no mention of a parallel to the Shi'a/Sunni split, for example - there are obviously major regional attitudinal differences, but that's not the same thing
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Last Light is my least favorite of Kay's books (well, of his pseudo-historicals, I don't care for Fionavar), but I think it is worth reading. I also think it has identifiable flaws, but I can't say more without being spoilerish.
(Kay's next book will not be a pseudo-historical, interestingly enough.)
I like Gisel well enough, but to me she does fade into the background compared to Alixana, Shirin, etc. It's not her fault.
According to Bright Weavings, it will be called Ysabel and will be set in modern Provence, but "dangerous, mythic figures from the Celtic and Roman conflicts of the past erupt into the present, claiming and changing lives."
Entirely reasonable, although you might like it better than, say, me - Lions is my second-favorite Kay (after Mosaic), so clearly our tastes diverge a bit here.
The main diversions before we get to Lions are likely in the history of the Asharites. While Kay doesn't say much about them, from what little he does say I get the impression that the details of what went on in the homelands and surrounding areas is probably not to much like the actual history of Islam (no mention of a parallel to the Shi'a/Sunni split, for example - there are obviously major regional attitudinal differences, but that's not the same thing ( ... )
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2. Yes, I dropped a negative in revisions. Sorry.
I personally like Gisel, but I have a soft spot for her because she sent Crispin the materials for the end mosaic.
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(Kay's next book will not be a pseudo-historical, interestingly enough.)
I like Gisel well enough, but to me she does fade into the background compared to Alixana, Shirin, etc. It's not her fault.
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I'm leaning against reading _Last Light_, honestly; I just can't work up any enthusiasm for it considering the general consensus of "enh."
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