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Conqueror #1-5
Conqueror
Conn Iggulden’s No.1 bestselling series, which tells the epic story of Genghis Khan, his warrior sons, and their fight to rule an empire, now in one complete eBook for the first time.
WOLF OF THE PLAINS, LORDS OF THE BOW, BONES OF THE HILL, EMPIRE OF SILVER, CONQUEROR.
The masterful series which brings to life the mighty Khan dynasty and one of the most powerful military empires in history. From the triumph of the great Genghis Khan, the architect of the vast Mongol Empire, to the extraordinary life of his grandson Kublai, this is the story of a family of warriors, who had to learn the art of war in order to survive.
2039 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
334 people are currently reading
1114 people want to read
About the author
Conn Iggulden
138 books5,923 followersAlso publishes under author name C.F. Iggulden.
I was born in the normal way in 1971, and vaguely remember half-pennies and sixpences. I have written for as long as I can remember: poetry, short stories and novels. It’s what I always wanted to do and read English at London University with writing in mind. I taught English for seven years and was Head of English at St. Gregory’s RC High School in London by the end of that period. I have enormous respect for those who still labour at the chalk-face. In truth, I can’t find it in me to miss the grind of paperwork and initiatives. I do miss the camaraderie of the smokers’ room, as well as the lessons where their faces lit up as they understood what I was wittering on about.
My mother is Irish and from an early age she told me history as an exciting series of stories – with dates. My great-grandfather was a Seannachie, so I suppose story-telling is in the genes somewhere. My father flew in Bomber Command in WWII, then taught maths and science. Perhaps crucially, he also loved poetry and cracking good tales. Though it seems a dated idea now, I began teaching when boys were told only girls were good at English, despite the great names that must spring to mind after that statement. My father loved working with wood and equations, but he also recited ‘Vitai Lampada’ with a gleam in his eye and that matters, frankly.
I’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre and cut my teeth on Hornblower and Tai-Pan, Flashman, Sharpe and Jack Aubrey. I still remember the sheer joy of reading my first Patrick O’Brian book and discovering there were nineteen more in the series. I love just about anything by David Gemmell, or Peter F. Hamilton or Wilbur Smith. I suppose the one thing that links all those is the love of a good tale.
That’s about it for the moment. If you’d like to get in touch with me leave a comment in the forum or you can tweet me @Conn_Iggulden. I’ll leave it there for the moment. If you’ve read my books, you know an awful lot about the way I think already. There’s no point overdoing it.
Conn Iggulden
I was born in the normal way in 1971, and vaguely remember half-pennies and sixpences. I have written for as long as I can remember: poetry, short stories and novels. It’s what I always wanted to do and read English at London University with writing in mind. I taught English for seven years and was Head of English at St. Gregory’s RC High School in London by the end of that period. I have enormous respect for those who still labour at the chalk-face. In truth, I can’t find it in me to miss the grind of paperwork and initiatives. I do miss the camaraderie of the smokers’ room, as well as the lessons where their faces lit up as they understood what I was wittering on about.
My mother is Irish and from an early age she told me history as an exciting series of stories – with dates. My great-grandfather was a Seannachie, so I suppose story-telling is in the genes somewhere. My father flew in Bomber Command in WWII, then taught maths and science. Perhaps crucially, he also loved poetry and cracking good tales. Though it seems a dated idea now, I began teaching when boys were told only girls were good at English, despite the great names that must spring to mind after that statement. My father loved working with wood and equations, but he also recited ‘Vitai Lampada’ with a gleam in his eye and that matters, frankly.
I’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre and cut my teeth on Hornblower and Tai-Pan, Flashman, Sharpe and Jack Aubrey. I still remember the sheer joy of reading my first Patrick O’Brian book and discovering there were nineteen more in the series. I love just about anything by David Gemmell, or Peter F. Hamilton or Wilbur Smith. I suppose the one thing that links all those is the love of a good tale.
That’s about it for the moment. If you’d like to get in touch with me leave a comment in the forum or you can tweet me @Conn_Iggulden. I’ll leave it there for the moment. If you’ve read my books, you know an awful lot about the way I think already. There’s no point overdoing it.
Conn Iggulden
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 19, 2018
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June 5, 2012
Fantastic set of books, can't recommend them enough.
Iam not normally keen on reading about historical events, I tend to find most books drone on an on with no real feeling.
When reading I like to be able to connect to the characters and imagine the scene in my head.
Conn Iggulden really brings the story of Genghis alive pulling you into his world, and you just can't wait to read more.
Iam not normally keen on reading about historical events, I tend to find most books drone on an on with no real feeling.
When reading I like to be able to connect to the characters and imagine the scene in my head.
Conn Iggulden really brings the story of Genghis alive pulling you into his world, and you just can't wait to read more.
August 2, 2012
Genghis, Birth of an Empire
The Mongol Nation lives again
Conn Iggulden, author of this story, utilizing the information he found in “The secret History of the Mongols,” , brought the era of the Mongols to life by expanding little known facts into a type of reality. The Mongol chief, Yesugei, leader of the Wolves clan, sired Bekhter and Belgutei, sons of one wife and then Temulin (Genghis), Khasan, Khajiun and Temuge and a daughter, Temulin by Hoeliun. From the time his sons were nine years old, Yesugei trained the boys strenuously in the way of warriors and Temulin was apt, able, strong and ambitious for one so young. Although Bekhter was in line to be the next clan khan, Temulin also eyed that powerful position. Through a series of violent circumstances, Temulin became a prisoner of the Olkhunuts where he was subjected to torture and brutal conditions meant to kill him, but which he managed to survive. These experiences almost permanently crippled him, but also inured him to any weakness and strengthened his resolve to revenge the death of his father at the hands of Tartars at the behest of the Olkunut chief. The Mongol clans spent their lives fighting each other and the Tartars when one trespassed on the other’s territories.
At the time Temulin was made prisoner, the same khan Sanser had Yesugei murdered and Yesugei’s trusted right hand, strong warrior declared himself head Khan of the Wolves and divested Hoeliun and her seven children of everything except what they had on them, leaving them to die in -20 degree weather. Temulin was a tiny baby nursing, but through Hoeliun’s physical and mental strength, she managed to instruct her four oldest sons in how to survive, although they nearly starved to death. During this horrendous period, Temulin found Behkter hording for himself what little food they managed to kill each day, subjecting the rest of them to rapid starvation and Temulin and his brother killed him.
From the time he was 12 to 17, Temulin managed to gather single outcast families of Mongols, who had the protection of no clans, to follow him and the story takes him through the years where he defeated the Olkhunut clan, killed the leaders who had hurt his family, managed to convince the Kerait clan to follow him in a final battle to wipe out the Tartars, convinced the Wolves clan to once again follow him, and clan by clan, he took the name Genghis and became their “Khan” until he had united all the Mongol clans. Utilizing the war tactics of his father, Temulin organized an army that could travel swiftly on little food, without sleep, in the coldest weather, and his name became synonymous with terror because of his ruthlessness.
This is the first book of a series of four moving through the conquests of Genghis, his demise, and the struggle for his khanate among his sons. I read this book after having read the fourth book because I was so intrigued with this author’s ability to relive those times.
The Mongol Nation lives again
Conn Iggulden, author of this story, utilizing the information he found in “The secret History of the Mongols,” , brought the era of the Mongols to life by expanding little known facts into a type of reality. The Mongol chief, Yesugei, leader of the Wolves clan, sired Bekhter and Belgutei, sons of one wife and then Temulin (Genghis), Khasan, Khajiun and Temuge and a daughter, Temulin by Hoeliun. From the time his sons were nine years old, Yesugei trained the boys strenuously in the way of warriors and Temulin was apt, able, strong and ambitious for one so young. Although Bekhter was in line to be the next clan khan, Temulin also eyed that powerful position. Through a series of violent circumstances, Temulin became a prisoner of the Olkhunuts where he was subjected to torture and brutal conditions meant to kill him, but which he managed to survive. These experiences almost permanently crippled him, but also inured him to any weakness and strengthened his resolve to revenge the death of his father at the hands of Tartars at the behest of the Olkunut chief. The Mongol clans spent their lives fighting each other and the Tartars when one trespassed on the other’s territories.
At the time Temulin was made prisoner, the same khan Sanser had Yesugei murdered and Yesugei’s trusted right hand, strong warrior declared himself head Khan of the Wolves and divested Hoeliun and her seven children of everything except what they had on them, leaving them to die in -20 degree weather. Temulin was a tiny baby nursing, but through Hoeliun’s physical and mental strength, she managed to instruct her four oldest sons in how to survive, although they nearly starved to death. During this horrendous period, Temulin found Behkter hording for himself what little food they managed to kill each day, subjecting the rest of them to rapid starvation and Temulin and his brother killed him.
From the time he was 12 to 17, Temulin managed to gather single outcast families of Mongols, who had the protection of no clans, to follow him and the story takes him through the years where he defeated the Olkhunut clan, killed the leaders who had hurt his family, managed to convince the Kerait clan to follow him in a final battle to wipe out the Tartars, convinced the Wolves clan to once again follow him, and clan by clan, he took the name Genghis and became their “Khan” until he had united all the Mongol clans. Utilizing the war tactics of his father, Temulin organized an army that could travel swiftly on little food, without sleep, in the coldest weather, and his name became synonymous with terror because of his ruthlessness.
This is the first book of a series of four moving through the conquests of Genghis, his demise, and the struggle for his khanate among his sons. I read this book after having read the fourth book because I was so intrigued with this author’s ability to relive those times.
September 17, 2021
Great read, enjoyed every moment of it!
August 28, 2021
A set of 5 huge books!! phew. I took almost a year to complete this series and what a ride it has been. These books comprises of 5 books about 3 generation of the Mangolia's biggest rags to riches story and how one family distorted and created and totally turned around the history of Eurasia. It is shocking to understand how this family single handedly is responsible directly or indirectly of so many major events that changed the course of history. Due to death of Ogedai, the Western civilization which was close to be conquered, was not impacted. Invasion of northern China, The impact on India,by the mughals, who were the later generation of Jochi, who converted to Islam. The complete destruction of Afghanistan were some of the destructive events. All these and so many events that made them the highest influential family in the world. Conn Iggulden is a creative genius in research and writing. Very interesting read and would strongly recommend to all historical fiction fans.
Some of the chapters, like the war sequences seemed dragged. Also some characters, like one of the russian soldier who comes during the war seemed inconsequential.
Some of the chapters, like the war sequences seemed dragged. Also some characters, like one of the russian soldier who comes during the war seemed inconsequential.
April 4, 2020
Genghis Khan più che un personaggio storico è un personaggio che appartiene alla leggenda e all'immaginario collettivo di un numero infinitamente grande di culture anche molto diverse tra loro.
Raccontarne la storia non è sicuramente un'opera facile, è vero, e quel poco che sappiamo di lui ci arriva direttamente dal suo popolo grazie alla "Storia segreta dei mongoli" che ne ripercorre le gesta pur ammantandole di una patina di leggenda e di ulteriore epicità. Dico ulteriore perché buona parte delle imprese raccontate, se non provenissero dalla penna di un anonimo mongolo del 1240, potrebbero tranquillamente essere definite "americanate": Genghis è forte, è furbo, è intelligente, è onorevole, è un fine stratega.
“We are the silver people, the Mongols. When they ask, tell them there are no tribes. Tell them I am khan of the sea of grass, and they will know me by that name, as Genghis. Yes, tell them that. Tell them that I am Genghis and I will ride.”
Probabilmente è per questo che al primo libro di questa pentalogia, Genghis: Birth of an Empire, assegno solo 3 stelle su 5: perché le imprese di Genghis sono già sufficientemente epiche e faccio fatica a oomprendere la scelta dell'autore di prenderesi eccesive libertà storiche per variare alcuni episodi.
Se ancora è comprensibile non indugiare troppo sull'ostilità con Bekter e inquadrarne l'assassinio nell'ottica della sopravvivenza del nucleo familiare, non capisco la scelta di far durare così poco il rapimento di Börte dopo il matrimonio, rendendo praticamente certa la paternità di Jochi e rendendo meno chiara la diffidenza nei confronti di quest'ultimo (cosa che invece gioca un ruolo importante nel terzo libro.
“Brother?” Kachiun asked. “No, Kachiun! I have had enough of games. Take your men back to that plain and burn Yenking to the ground. That is the price I will have from him.”
Under his brother’s fury, Kachiun could only bow his head.
“Your will, my lord,” he said.
Il secondo libro, Genghis: Lords of the Bow è meno "epico" ma molto più avvincente perché vediamo Genghis alle prese con la prima ondata di espansione del suo impero, cioè con la sottomissione degli Xia e dei Chin, grazie all'assedio di Pechino.
La battaglia di Yehuling vale da sola le 4 stelle del libro, ma anche il precedente viaggio lungo il Fiume Giallo, propedeutico alla conquista della provincia, merita.
“It is done,” Ogedai said. “My father has gone and I will accept the oaths of my people.”
Purtroppo il libro successivo, Genghis: Bones of the Hills, riprende l'utilizzo disinvolto di licenze poetiche circa lo svolgimento dei fatti - sempre nella convinzione di migliorare l'epicità di un racconto già epico di per sé.
La sottomissione dell'impero irano-persiano di Khwārezm era già epica di suo (non solo per l'episodio di Alamut), e non c'era bisogno di abbellire ulteriormente gli ultimi anni di vita di Genghis.
Scendere a 2 stelle sarebbe però stata una punzione eccessiva, quindi questo libro se ne aggiudica 3.
Niente citazione finale invece per Khan: Empire of Silver, che mi ha deluso.
Siamo in una fase di pausa nell'espansione dell'impero mongolo (per quanto l'Orda d'Oro si espanda in Europa senza freni), e la storia si concentra sulle beghe di politica interna; raccontate però con eccessivi cambiamenti del punto di vista, spesso anche in maniera non chiara, e in ogni caso troppo "televisivi. In una serie tv mi aspetto, per non farmi perdere il filo, che all'interno di una stessa puntata si passi da un capo all'altro dell'impero per vedere cosa fanno i vari personaggi: in un libro mi aspetto che ogni capitolo si concentri su un POV principale e casomai ci possano essere "flash" sugli altri per introdurre il capitolo successivo.
Di conseguenza il voto finale è quindi "It was ok", cioè 2 stelle.
“So tell me, brother,” he said, “now that the war is over, were you in the right, or was I?”
Arik-Boke turned his head slowly, his face growing mottled as he flushed in slow anger.
“I was in the right …” he said, his voice grating, “but now you are.”
Le lotte politiche che seguono la morte di Genghis si concludono di fatto nell'ultimo libro, Conqueror, che riscatta il precedente e chiude in maniera giusta una pentalogia affascinante (nonostante le critiche già fatte). Anche qua c'è lo stesso problema dei "punti di vista" troppo affollati, ma essendo Kublai il personaggio principale di questo romanzo la cosa è meno sentita. La sua epica marcia contro quella che ancora non si chiamava Wuhan è - appunto - epica e il fatto che poi da lì torni per conquistarsi il Gran Khanato è ancora più epico. Le ultime pagine sono volate, 4 stelle meritatissime!
Raccontarne la storia non è sicuramente un'opera facile, è vero, e quel poco che sappiamo di lui ci arriva direttamente dal suo popolo grazie alla "Storia segreta dei mongoli" che ne ripercorre le gesta pur ammantandole di una patina di leggenda e di ulteriore epicità. Dico ulteriore perché buona parte delle imprese raccontate, se non provenissero dalla penna di un anonimo mongolo del 1240, potrebbero tranquillamente essere definite "americanate": Genghis è forte, è furbo, è intelligente, è onorevole, è un fine stratega.
“We are the silver people, the Mongols. When they ask, tell them there are no tribes. Tell them I am khan of the sea of grass, and they will know me by that name, as Genghis. Yes, tell them that. Tell them that I am Genghis and I will ride.”
Probabilmente è per questo che al primo libro di questa pentalogia, Genghis: Birth of an Empire, assegno solo 3 stelle su 5: perché le imprese di Genghis sono già sufficientemente epiche e faccio fatica a oomprendere la scelta dell'autore di prenderesi eccesive libertà storiche per variare alcuni episodi.
Se ancora è comprensibile non indugiare troppo sull'ostilità con Bekter e inquadrarne l'assassinio nell'ottica della sopravvivenza del nucleo familiare, non capisco la scelta di far durare così poco il rapimento di Börte dopo il matrimonio, rendendo praticamente certa la paternità di Jochi e rendendo meno chiara la diffidenza nei confronti di quest'ultimo (cosa che invece gioca un ruolo importante nel terzo libro.
“Brother?” Kachiun asked. “No, Kachiun! I have had enough of games. Take your men back to that plain and burn Yenking to the ground. That is the price I will have from him.”
Under his brother’s fury, Kachiun could only bow his head.
“Your will, my lord,” he said.
Il secondo libro, Genghis: Lords of the Bow è meno "epico" ma molto più avvincente perché vediamo Genghis alle prese con la prima ondata di espansione del suo impero, cioè con la sottomissione degli Xia e dei Chin, grazie all'assedio di Pechino.
La battaglia di Yehuling vale da sola le 4 stelle del libro, ma anche il precedente viaggio lungo il Fiume Giallo, propedeutico alla conquista della provincia, merita.
“It is done,” Ogedai said. “My father has gone and I will accept the oaths of my people.”
Purtroppo il libro successivo, Genghis: Bones of the Hills, riprende l'utilizzo disinvolto di licenze poetiche circa lo svolgimento dei fatti - sempre nella convinzione di migliorare l'epicità di un racconto già epico di per sé.
La sottomissione dell'impero irano-persiano di Khwārezm era già epica di suo (non solo per l'episodio di Alamut), e non c'era bisogno di abbellire ulteriormente gli ultimi anni di vita di Genghis.
Scendere a 2 stelle sarebbe però stata una punzione eccessiva, quindi questo libro se ne aggiudica 3.
Niente citazione finale invece per Khan: Empire of Silver, che mi ha deluso.
Siamo in una fase di pausa nell'espansione dell'impero mongolo (per quanto l'Orda d'Oro si espanda in Europa senza freni), e la storia si concentra sulle beghe di politica interna; raccontate però con eccessivi cambiamenti del punto di vista, spesso anche in maniera non chiara, e in ogni caso troppo "televisivi. In una serie tv mi aspetto, per non farmi perdere il filo, che all'interno di una stessa puntata si passi da un capo all'altro dell'impero per vedere cosa fanno i vari personaggi: in un libro mi aspetto che ogni capitolo si concentri su un POV principale e casomai ci possano essere "flash" sugli altri per introdurre il capitolo successivo.
Di conseguenza il voto finale è quindi "It was ok", cioè 2 stelle.
“So tell me, brother,” he said, “now that the war is over, were you in the right, or was I?”
Arik-Boke turned his head slowly, his face growing mottled as he flushed in slow anger.
“I was in the right …” he said, his voice grating, “but now you are.”
Le lotte politiche che seguono la morte di Genghis si concludono di fatto nell'ultimo libro, Conqueror, che riscatta il precedente e chiude in maniera giusta una pentalogia affascinante (nonostante le critiche già fatte). Anche qua c'è lo stesso problema dei "punti di vista" troppo affollati, ma essendo Kublai il personaggio principale di questo romanzo la cosa è meno sentita. La sua epica marcia contro quella che ancora non si chiamava Wuhan è - appunto - epica e il fatto che poi da lì torni per conquistarsi il Gran Khanato è ancora più epico. Le ultime pagine sono volate, 4 stelle meritatissime!
December 7, 2013
Excellent series. I only knew the story of a Mongols very generally and I must say, this book opened my eyes. I highly appreciate how the author adds notes to the end of every book to make it clear where the took some liberties and which parts are true.
I do think the series slows down a bit after Genghis death and picks up again once you get Kublai and Mongke's story. I must say that the author's choice to make the one gay character in the book a psycho did rub me wrong. He did explain his reasoning behind it and I'm sure it makes sense from a historical point of view, but it still stood out to me. It doesn't change that this is an excellent series. I do wish he would go on to write more about Kublai.
I do think the series slows down a bit after Genghis death and picks up again once you get Kublai and Mongke's story. I must say that the author's choice to make the one gay character in the book a psycho did rub me wrong. He did explain his reasoning behind it and I'm sure it makes sense from a historical point of view, but it still stood out to me. It doesn't change that this is an excellent series. I do wish he would go on to write more about Kublai.
August 17, 2016
The entire Khan series is fascinating realizing it is historical fiction and mainly accurate. I am sadened to say the writing is less than good in that one must work to actually learn who is speaking and to whom. A small negative within the importance of the action but annoying considering the difficult Mongolian names used. One eventually manages to appreciate the story line and action in spite of the initial confusion. Ken Follet handles multiple character's names much more effectively.
I found all five books packed with wonderful information about the Mongolian Nation & the corresponding world wide action active at that same era in history. It was sad to realize how my USA primary education failed to teach me the history of this massive part of the world.
I found all five books packed with wonderful information about the Mongolian Nation & the corresponding world wide action active at that same era in history. It was sad to realize how my USA primary education failed to teach me the history of this massive part of the world.
June 12, 2018
A must read series for all audiences. Totally consuming while describing complex battles and tons of intrigue revolving around personal power struggles. With all that's going on it is still accessible even to the reader not familiar with the epic story of the rise of the Mongol empire. Brilliant.
October 2, 2024
Genghis Khan più che un personaggio storico è un personaggio che appartiene alla leggenda e all'immaginario collettivo di un numero infinitamente grande di culture anche molto diverse tra loro.
Raccontarne la storia non è sicuramente un'opera facile, è vero, e quel poco che sappiamo di lui ci arriva direttamente dal suo popolo grazie alla "Storia segreta dei mongoli" che ne ripercorre le gesta pur ammantandole di una patina di leggenda e di ulteriore epicità. Dico ulteriore perché buona parte delle imprese raccontate, se non provenissero dalla penna di un anonimo mongolo del 1240, potrebbero tranquillamente essere definite "americanate": Genghis è forte, è furbo, è intelligente, è onorevole, è un fine stratega.
“We are the silver people, the Mongols. When they ask, tell them there are no tribes. Tell them I am khan of the sea of grass, and they will know me by that name, as Genghis. Yes, tell them that. Tell them that I am Genghis and I will ride.”
Probabilmente è per questo che al primo libro di questa pentalogia, Genghis: Birth of an Empire, assegno solo 3 stelle su 5: perché le imprese di Genghis sono già sufficientemente epiche e faccio fatica a oomprendere la scelta dell'autore di prenderesi eccesive libertà storiche per variare alcuni episodi.
Se ancora è comprensibile non indugiare troppo sull'ostilità con Bekter e inquadrarne l'assassinio nell'ottica della sopravvivenza del nucleo familiare, non capisco la scelta di far durare così poco il rapimento di Börte dopo il matrimonio, rendendo praticamente certa la paternità di Jochi e rendendo meno chiara la diffidenza nei confronti di quest'ultimo (cosa che invece gioca un ruolo importante nel terzo libro.
“Brother?” Kachiun asked. “No, Kachiun! I have had enough of games. Take your men back to that plain and burn Yenking to the ground. That is the price I will have from him.”
Under his brother’s fury, Kachiun could only bow his head.
“Your will, my lord,” he said.
Il secondo libro, Genghis: Lords of the Bow è meno "epico" ma molto più avvincente perché vediamo Genghis alle prese con la prima ondata di espansione del suo impero, cioè con la sottomissione degli Xia e dei Chin, grazie all'assedio di Pechino.
La battaglia di Yehuling vale da sola le 4 stelle del libro, ma anche il precedente viaggio lungo il Fiume Giallo, propedeutico alla conquista della provincia, merita.
“It is done,” Ogedai said. “My father has gone and I will accept the oaths of my people.”
Purtroppo il libro successivo, Genghis: Bones of the Hills, riprende l'utilizzo disinvolto di licenze poetiche circa lo svolgimento dei fatti - sempre nella convinzione di migliorare l'epicità di un racconto già epico di per sé.
La sottomissione dell'impero irano-persiano di Khwārezm era già epica di suo (non solo per l'episodio di Alamut), e non c'era bisogno di abbellire ulteriormente gli ultimi anni di vita di Genghis.
Scendere a 2 stelle sarebbe però stata una punzione eccessiva, quindi questo libro se ne aggiudica 3.
Niente citazione finale invece per Khan: Empire of Silver, che mi ha deluso.
Siamo in una fase di pausa nell'espansione dell'impero mongolo (per quanto l'Orda d'Oro si espanda in Europa senza freni), e la storia si concentra sulle beghe di politica interna; raccontate però con eccessivi cambiamenti del punto di vista, spesso anche in maniera non chiara, e in ogni caso troppo "televisivi. In una serie tv mi aspetto, per non farmi perdere il filo, che all'interno di una stessa puntata si passi da un capo all'altro dell'impero per vedere cosa fanno i vari personaggi: in un libro mi aspetto che ogni capitolo si concentri su un POV principale e casomai ci possano essere "flash" sugli altri per introdurre il capitolo successivo.
Di conseguenza il voto finale è quindi "It was ok", cioè 2 stelle.
“So tell me, brother,” he said, “now that the war is over, were you in the right, or was I?”
Arik-Boke turned his head slowly, his face growing mottled as he flushed in slow anger.
“I was in the right …” he said, his voice grating, “but now you are.”
Le lotte politiche che seguono la morte di Genghis si concludono di fatto nell'ultimo libro, Conqueror, che riscatta il precedente e chiude in maniera giusta una pentalogia affascinante (nonostante le critiche già fatte). Anche qua c'è lo stesso problema dei "punti di vista" troppo affollati, ma essendo Kublai il personaggio principale di questo romanzo la cosa è meno sentita. La sua epica marcia contro quella che ancora non si chiamava Wuhan è - appunto - epica e il fatto che poi da lì torni per conquistarsi il Gran Khanato è ancora più epico. Le ultime pagine sono volate, 4 stelle meritatissime!
Raccontarne la storia non è sicuramente un'opera facile, è vero, e quel poco che sappiamo di lui ci arriva direttamente dal suo popolo grazie alla "Storia segreta dei mongoli" che ne ripercorre le gesta pur ammantandole di una patina di leggenda e di ulteriore epicità. Dico ulteriore perché buona parte delle imprese raccontate, se non provenissero dalla penna di un anonimo mongolo del 1240, potrebbero tranquillamente essere definite "americanate": Genghis è forte, è furbo, è intelligente, è onorevole, è un fine stratega.
“We are the silver people, the Mongols. When they ask, tell them there are no tribes. Tell them I am khan of the sea of grass, and they will know me by that name, as Genghis. Yes, tell them that. Tell them that I am Genghis and I will ride.”
Probabilmente è per questo che al primo libro di questa pentalogia, Genghis: Birth of an Empire, assegno solo 3 stelle su 5: perché le imprese di Genghis sono già sufficientemente epiche e faccio fatica a oomprendere la scelta dell'autore di prenderesi eccesive libertà storiche per variare alcuni episodi.
Se ancora è comprensibile non indugiare troppo sull'ostilità con Bekter e inquadrarne l'assassinio nell'ottica della sopravvivenza del nucleo familiare, non capisco la scelta di far durare così poco il rapimento di Börte dopo il matrimonio, rendendo praticamente certa la paternità di Jochi e rendendo meno chiara la diffidenza nei confronti di quest'ultimo (cosa che invece gioca un ruolo importante nel terzo libro.
“Brother?” Kachiun asked. “No, Kachiun! I have had enough of games. Take your men back to that plain and burn Yenking to the ground. That is the price I will have from him.”
Under his brother’s fury, Kachiun could only bow his head.
“Your will, my lord,” he said.
Il secondo libro, Genghis: Lords of the Bow è meno "epico" ma molto più avvincente perché vediamo Genghis alle prese con la prima ondata di espansione del suo impero, cioè con la sottomissione degli Xia e dei Chin, grazie all'assedio di Pechino.
La battaglia di Yehuling vale da sola le 4 stelle del libro, ma anche il precedente viaggio lungo il Fiume Giallo, propedeutico alla conquista della provincia, merita.
“It is done,” Ogedai said. “My father has gone and I will accept the oaths of my people.”
Purtroppo il libro successivo, Genghis: Bones of the Hills, riprende l'utilizzo disinvolto di licenze poetiche circa lo svolgimento dei fatti - sempre nella convinzione di migliorare l'epicità di un racconto già epico di per sé.
La sottomissione dell'impero irano-persiano di Khwārezm era già epica di suo (non solo per l'episodio di Alamut), e non c'era bisogno di abbellire ulteriormente gli ultimi anni di vita di Genghis.
Scendere a 2 stelle sarebbe però stata una punzione eccessiva, quindi questo libro se ne aggiudica 3.
Niente citazione finale invece per Khan: Empire of Silver, che mi ha deluso.
Siamo in una fase di pausa nell'espansione dell'impero mongolo (per quanto l'Orda d'Oro si espanda in Europa senza freni), e la storia si concentra sulle beghe di politica interna; raccontate però con eccessivi cambiamenti del punto di vista, spesso anche in maniera non chiara, e in ogni caso troppo "televisivi. In una serie tv mi aspetto, per non farmi perdere il filo, che all'interno di una stessa puntata si passi da un capo all'altro dell'impero per vedere cosa fanno i vari personaggi: in un libro mi aspetto che ogni capitolo si concentri su un POV principale e casomai ci possano essere "flash" sugli altri per introdurre il capitolo successivo.
Di conseguenza il voto finale è quindi "It was ok", cioè 2 stelle.
“So tell me, brother,” he said, “now that the war is over, were you in the right, or was I?”
Arik-Boke turned his head slowly, his face growing mottled as he flushed in slow anger.
“I was in the right …” he said, his voice grating, “but now you are.”
Le lotte politiche che seguono la morte di Genghis si concludono di fatto nell'ultimo libro, Conqueror, che riscatta il precedente e chiude in maniera giusta una pentalogia affascinante (nonostante le critiche già fatte). Anche qua c'è lo stesso problema dei "punti di vista" troppo affollati, ma essendo Kublai il personaggio principale di questo romanzo la cosa è meno sentita. La sua epica marcia contro quella che ancora non si chiamava Wuhan è - appunto - epica e il fatto che poi da lì torni per conquistarsi il Gran Khanato è ancora più epico. Le ultime pagine sono volate, 4 stelle meritatissime!
April 11, 2020
It's a difficult balance to strike, writing about history, between making them accessible whilst not making them too cheesy. Conn seems to be able to do this with ease. Enough historical accuracy, (with quite alot of poetic liscence) whilst keeping me emotionally involved and maintaining its pace.
By the way, one of the reasons I picked this author was because I bought the book he and his brother wrote for kids, (dangerous book for boys) for my sons. Best toilet book I've ever read. Again their depictions of historical events are exceptional. As well as the rest of the content.
By the way, one of the reasons I picked this author was because I bought the book he and his brother wrote for kids, (dangerous book for boys) for my sons. Best toilet book I've ever read. Again their depictions of historical events are exceptional. As well as the rest of the content.
January 5, 2022
Its an amazing series, albeit a serious commitment to finish all five books. The series covers the rise of a small tribe into one of the most formidable force on earth, conquering the world and taking on the super powers of their times. Its mostly based on historical facts, weaved with some fiction to make it interesting yet being reliable and accurate about the ways of the mongol warrior, and their opponents like the chin dynasty, Assassins, Russian warlords, the crusades and other adversaries.
All in all a great read.
All in all a great read.
Read
November 26, 2020These books I couldn't put down , discovering history such good storytelling. Conn Iggulden is master historian and storyteller and manages to mix both superbly. Now I know who the Mongols were!
I have this 5 stars because I love these historical stories the action is non stop a the author creates an easy to follow narrative which leads you on and on so they are hard to put down.
I have this 5 stars because I love these historical stories the action is non stop a the author creates an easy to follow narrative which leads you on and on so they are hard to put down.
August 3, 2020
Unbelievable historic story. Rags to riches is an understatement. Hooked from the beginning. 55 hours of great story telling about an age I knew little about. If you relish historical fiction this is one of the best I have ever enjoyed. Keep me focused prior to, during and after my surgery. Absolutely loved it!
March 2, 2022
parting with a true friend
I always dislike when I come to the end of one of Conn Iggulden’s books. They are so long and engaging that it is like parting with a true friend. I knew so little of the Khan rulers before picking up this book and loved the rich imagery and fascinating details.
I always dislike when I come to the end of one of Conn Iggulden’s books. They are so long and engaging that it is like parting with a true friend. I knew so little of the Khan rulers before picking up this book and loved the rich imagery and fascinating details.
January 22, 2025
I loved this 5 book collection. I enjoyed the fine detail given about the Mongol's way of life and also the details of the Chinese culture. I really enjoyed the historical notes to explain the background to the stories -fabulous. This was the second time that I read the 5 books because I knew that I was guaranteed a satisfying read- fabulous!
February 12, 2019
Fascinating story of a place and period in history that I knew nothing about
If you enjoy historical fiction, I'd recommend this series. Compelling reading, shedding some light on a culture so different to mine.
If you enjoy historical fiction, I'd recommend this series. Compelling reading, shedding some light on a culture so different to mine.
April 29, 2021
Second time of reading the series, the first time was over a period of a couple of years. Due to waiting for books to be completed and the fact I didn’t have a kindle. This time was like reading it for the first time, kept me riveted for a couple of weeks. Well worth the second read
December 18, 2024
Love it! One of he best series I’ve read in Historical Fiction. The writing flowed seamlessly and really helped me understand why the Mongels were what they were.Maybe not all historically accurate but definitely a good primer for someone who doesn’t know much about the Mongols.
February 7, 2018
Second time I have read these books. They are so good I wanted to read them all over again. Felt so real I imagined the smell of the gers, the charge of the tumans, the terror of their intended foes.
Excellent writing in my humble opinion.
Excellent writing in my humble opinion.
March 15, 2018
Tuli luettua kaikki 5 kirjaa indokiinan reissulla. Yllättävän hyvä, tapahtui paljon. Khan oli kova jätkä, mutta aikamoinen murhaaja. Ei siis esikuva ainesta.
February 5, 2019
Riviting
All 5 books great storylines took a week of hard reading but worth it wish the books could have been longer
All 5 books great storylines took a week of hard reading but worth it wish the books could have been longer
October 1, 2019
Interesting and gripping.
I had not explored this area of historical novel but found it a very good read, and a sound way into that area of history.
I had not explored this area of historical novel but found it a very good read, and a sound way into that area of history.
May 7, 2020
Riviting
Has to be 5 stars for the depth of research and quality of the writing. I've never ploughed through a series as avidly as I did this. Just awesome.
Has to be 5 stars for the depth of research and quality of the writing. I've never ploughed through a series as avidly as I did this. Just awesome.
June 7, 2020
Epic
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2021
Gripping historical fiction
I really enjoyed the series. It has been downable. Love the characters and learned a great deal. Would highly recommend.
I really enjoyed the series. It has been downable. Love the characters and learned a great deal. Would highly recommend.
April 5, 2021
A great series
Highly entertaining and very interesting, if you like historical fiction or just like books I would recommend this series to you
Highly entertaining and very interesting, if you like historical fiction or just like books I would recommend this series to you
November 7, 2021
Spellbinding, Conn Iggulden is a master story teller. His account of the rise of Genghis Khan and the history of the Mongol Nation are nothing less than superb!
November 29, 2021
Awesome
I read a lot of these types of books? This is by far the best set of books I have had the pleasure in reading I definitely found my self a new number one AUTHOR
I read a lot of these types of books? This is by far the best set of books I have had the pleasure in reading I definitely found my self a new number one AUTHOR
February 11, 2022
Very good book to read
Non stop twists and interesting to turn page after page. Simple and straight forward writing. Just the right amount of description and details.....
Non stop twists and interesting to turn page after page. Simple and straight forward writing. Just the right amount of description and details.....
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