Reviewed:
The Reluctant Sultan is a bit like the month of March; in like a lion, out like a lamb!
Overall, the story is well up to 'Coaster2's' standards, grammatically good, with nothing more than the odd missing word, and a few typos, to minimally distract the reader. There's no doubt that it's a good story, but I guess I expected more from Steve than for the tale to expire in a morass of conventionality as it does, you'll have to read it yourself to see what I mean.
Despite the above, let me reiterate that The Reluctant Sultan really is a good story. Steve is one of my favourite authors, and as always, his characterisation is good, his plot well thought out, with crisp dialogue.
On reflection, I suppose I'm left slightly dissatisfied. Whilst this story is great compared with much of the work offered on SoL, I don't feel it's up to the incredibly high standard I expect from 'Coaster2', but then again, what's average for Steve is excellent for most others. You, dear reader, may well disagree with me, I hope you do! Feel free to let me know.
Read, and enjoy!