Scan barcode
faded_ink's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of those books that I found nearly impossible to put down once I started reading. Dealing with Genghis Kahn's early years, from just prior to the death of his father through him actually naming himself as Genghis, the plot sucks you in and makes you feel everything that he (and his family) go through as he experiences the events that turn him from a Mongol named Temujin to a man who literally changed the face of the world. The characters are alive on the pages, breathing and moving and living, and the descriptions are lush and rich with images that linger long after you've turned the last page.
It's described as historical fiction, and the author freely admits he changed some things (mostly names of certain people and some locations), but it feels far more factual than many biographies that I've read. I plan on picking up the second book in the series, Genghis: Lords of the Bow, and definitely recommend this one to everyone.
It's described as historical fiction, and the author freely admits he changed some things (mostly names of certain people and some locations), but it feels far more factual than many biographies that I've read. I plan on picking up the second book in the series, Genghis: Lords of the Bow, and definitely recommend this one to everyone.
jakemburgess's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books (and subsequently series) of all time
johnthebiker300's review against another edition
Excellent. Really enjoyed it. Fascinating insight into the early life of Ghenghis Khan
gigimaxt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
permanentreset's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
midwifereading's review against another edition
5.0
This is a book I picked up off the library shelf on a whim. I have never learned much about world history beyond the Americas and Europe. Africa and Asia are a bit of a mystery to me. (I enjoy homeschooling the kids with a global focus in our history for this very reason.)
Needless to say, I was intrigued by a book about a historical figure I know next-to-nothing about.
Iggulden's writing style is unique, clear, and paints a colorful picture. The backdrop of the Mongolian plains came into focus with few words. The best thing about it is that he doesn't water down their culture by inserting our Western, politically-correct notions into it. There is no Western morality or culture imposed on the people in the books. Everything is addressed in a stark, realistic, and honest way. It does not gloss over or glorify any of the "ugly" of ancient Mongolian culture, but neither does it downplay it or hide any of it behind flowery language.
It is what it is, take it or leave it. I appreciated that, as I felt I was able to insert myself into that place, in that time, and understand the motivations behind the actions of one of history's giants.
It is a violent book at times, as it centers on tribes whose way of life is boiled down to war and survival.
Incredible work of historical fiction, with an afterword explaining the process of writing it and any fictionalizing Iggulden uses to clarify the story for the reader. I am planning on reading the rest of this series, then picking up a good biography on Genghis Khan, to compare.
Needless to say, I was intrigued by a book about a historical figure I know next-to-nothing about.
Iggulden's writing style is unique, clear, and paints a colorful picture. The backdrop of the Mongolian plains came into focus with few words. The best thing about it is that he doesn't water down their culture by inserting our Western, politically-correct notions into it. There is no Western morality or culture imposed on the people in the books. Everything is addressed in a stark, realistic, and honest way. It does not gloss over or glorify any of the "ugly" of ancient Mongolian culture, but neither does it downplay it or hide any of it behind flowery language.
It is what it is, take it or leave it. I appreciated that, as I felt I was able to insert myself into that place, in that time, and understand the motivations behind the actions of one of history's giants.
It is a violent book at times, as it centers on tribes whose way of life is boiled down to war and survival.
Incredible work of historical fiction, with an afterword explaining the process of writing it and any fictionalizing Iggulden uses to clarify the story for the reader. I am planning on reading the rest of this series, then picking up a good biography on Genghis Khan, to compare.
bader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
قصة عن حياة القائد جنكيز خان
الكتاب ممتع وأحداثه سريعة ومميز انصح به لكل من يري التعرف على حياة جنكيز خان
الكتاب ممتع وأحداثه سريعة ومميز انصح به لكل من يري التعرف على حياة جنكيز خان
mrbear's review against another edition
4.0
Started this last year as an audiobook while driving to Chelan, WA. Finally picked it up again and finished the last 1/4. Overall, if you want to read it, it wont disappoint. Good, atmospheric story about the early life of Genghis Khan, based on the sources we have. 4/5 mainly because it’s hard for me to “love” it, its a bit too dark/violent and there’s an aspect to the characterization that is quite sparse (which suits the setting, but still). Will keep listening though! Still more to the story I’m curious to know.