Genghis: Lords of the Bow by Conn Iggulden
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Book Reviews of Genghis: Lords of the Bow
Book Review: The Conqueror Continues His Journey...
Summary: 5 Stars
"Tell them to live... that they might see where this Genghis takes us all." Thus spoke the khan of the Naimens as he talked with the tribe's shaman. That statement summarizes Conn Iggulden's second book in the Genghis Khan series, "Lords of the Bow."
Temujin, Genghis Khan, continues his consolidation of the scattered tribes through conquest. His ultimate goals remain uniting the Mongol tribes and ridding them of the Chin dynasty's control. In contrast to "Birth of an Empire" which focused on the events impacting the mind-set of Temujin and his brothers, as well as the development of their personalities, "Lords of the Bow" is concentrated on the military and strategic actions which ultimately allow Temujin to reach his goal. Strategy sessions and military battles provide the reader with a unique perspective on the mind and heart of this great leader.
"Lords of the Bow" is not just another fictionalized history of military conquests. Temujin continues to grow as a leader, husband, and father; he recognizes that he must give his oldest son, Jochi, a place in his heart even though that son may be the product of Borte's rape. Through the influence of Chakahai, the Chinese princess who was given to him as part of peace negotiations, Temujin comes to see the value inherent in the Chinese cities and cultures. Kokchu, shaman of the former Naimans, is introduced as a character in the series and provides an element of treachery. He secretly works against Temujin through his influence over Temujin's brother Temuge. Temuge remains a weak-willed individual, jealous of his brother; only when Temujin looks to and values Temuge's strengths as an administrator does there seem to be a potential for reconciliation between the two.
If you enjoy gripping, realistic historical novels and prefer more detailed books than many that are marketed today, you will like Conn Iggulden's series about Genghis Khan. I found that "Lords of the Bow" added depth and dimension to overall portrait of Genghis Khan. It is well worth your purchasing this book as well as others by Iggulden which are available on Amazon's 4 for 3 promotion.
Book Review: Even better than the first book
Summary: 5 Stars
Contrary to some of the other reviewers, I enjoyed this book even more than the first book (which is already a five star book). I thought the first book had a lot of character development but was short on action since nearly a quarter of the book was dedicated to tracing Temujin's childhood and how he overcame the struggles caused by the clan's abandonment of him and his family. By contrast, this book had a lot more action and drama from the start, along with continued character development. In this book, Temujin's brothers play a larger role and are compelling characters. There's less content about Temujin directly, which is one thing that I do lament because it would have been interesting to hear Temujin (now Genghis)'s view in certain scenes. The first book's focus was Temujin, while the focus of this book was shared among various characters. I also enjoyed the dose of humor in this book which was not as evident in the first one. The author also has a vivid writing style, so you feel immersed in the story as opposed to just readying about it. Overall, great story/plot, vivid writing, compelling characters, good action, drama, and humor makes for a wonderful reading. Another added bonus in this book is the contrast between Mongol and Chinese cultures - the author weaves it into his story line very well so that it becomes a critical plot element without being some boring history lecture. For newcomers, I think you can start with either first or second book - it depends on if you prefer to start with the most action/drama and then learn about the character in depth (in which case start with second book, and then read the first book), or if you prefer to read about the growth of a character from the beginning and proceed in a linear fashion. Either way, both books are highly recommended, particularly if you have some curiousity about Mongol history.Book Review: A Competent Page-Turner
Summary: 5 Stars
Once about twenty years ago, over a cafeteria lunch, my lunch mates were discussing Genghis Khan. i realized that I knew nothing at all about him except what I learned from that cheesy movie, starring John Wayne, that I had seen when I was twelve. So I went the library and got a book about him, and ended up reading several books about Genghis Khan and his Mongol armies. Fascinating.
Now there are three historic novels about Genghis Khan by Conn Iggulden. When I read the first, which was about his youth and the early years rubbing out Tartars and uniting the Mongol tribes, I wondered how he was going to get the readers (me, for example) to remain sympathetic to a historic figure that makes Hitler seem moderate.
Well, he villianizes the Chinese he demolishes (in this volume) and makes the book a real swashbuckler. I have to say this book was a lot of fun and I am looking forward to the final volume (I went to the library for it today but it was not available).
This isn't literary fiction by ay mean but definitely a competent page-turner - plus, a historic novel is a great way to learn some history in an entertaining manner (although I can't believe this all accurate!)
Recommended.
Book Review: A great second novel in a brilliant trilogy.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great second novel from Con Iggulden, it's rare that I read a book that is as well written and just a very satisfying read. I couldn't help but smile after reading this and the previous book in this trilogy, learning about this amazing and complex historical figure. We get to see an in depth look at the man who was a husband, a father, a brother and a friend and then we get to see the brutal warlord who is the leader of the tribes who shows no mercy and who's brutality is renown.
This novel brings Genghis out of the Mongol steppes and leading his nation towards their ancient enemy the Chin. We'll see his reaction to the first site of the ancient walls of the Chin and how he felt about the first walled cities he has seen and how he will learn to conqueror and turn them to his own will. We also see his inner turmoil while trying to connect to his eldest son Jochi who may or may not be his child. As the conquest moves East and cities and countries fall at the Mongols feet the world trembles at the thought of were they will march next.
Brilliant historical fiction, Iggulden at his very best.
Book Review: A pure prism has clear and bright facets.
Summary: 5 Stars
Genghis: Lords of the Bow by Conn Iggulden
This historical panorama of the exploits of iron-fisted Genghis Khan covers a landscape that rivals the conquests of Alexander the Great. As perspective reveals how Genghis overcame the Great Wall of China, we are shown his ability to unite Mongol tribes in a common cause. The Khan designed his attacks on each fortress in a different way, based on the terrain, the morale of his warriors and the relative strengths of the defenders. Throughout, the author depicts the mood and motivation of key Mongol leaders. Genghis ruthlessly set the stage for his grandson, Kublai Khan, to rule all of China a century later.