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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
I'm not sure I'm cut out for historical fiction. I mean, I love learning about the time period and how people lived, but dealing with fictional characters as they experience all the violence and the rape and the death and the helplessness of their time? No. Too heart-breaking, too gut-wrenching. ...I should probably stick to my fantasy alternate histories or historical mysteries and encounter history in the safe confines of a nonfiction tome.
The deeds of our husbands, our brothers, and our sons have eclipsed our own as surely as when the moon ate the sun during the first battle of Nishapur.
3.5 stars. The author does a brilliant job describing the setting and customs - I was totally immersed in the world she created. I also liked that the book was written from four POV's - Borte (Genghis first wive), Alaqui (his eldest daughter), Fatima (a captive slave) and Sorkhokhthani (his daughter-in-law). I equally enjoyed all of them, but wished that Sorkhokhthani's section was longer and more focused on her. I don't easily get upset by violence in historical fiction, but some scenes were incredibly cruel, as it should be, this is after all a book about Genghis Khan, who is responsible for the death of 10 to 15 million people. I think this is a very good introduction to Genghis Khan's life, as we only see him through the eyes of his family and don't get a lot of information on his campaigns etc. If you enjoy books about strong women, set in a time and place you've not read about before, this you should definitely read this.
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-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:
Complicated
Historical fiction about Chengis Khan, from the PoV of the women in his empire - this book sounded right up my alley. Thankfully, it didn't disappoint (in fact, it exceeded expectations). I enjoyed reading about their life in the harsh and unforgiving steppes, the preparations for winter, the aftermaths of the raiding and pillaging. I loved reading about the political wranglings - wish there was more of those actually. I also enjoyed the fact that we skim over all the battles - even the ones our PoV characters lead. I'm not a fan of action in my historical fiction - but if you're, you might be left wanting. I am also grateful for the author's note at the end, explicitly stating the huge liberties she has taken with facts, and guiding us to non-fiction references. So ya, overall, really loved the book.
However, there were a few issues that's made me dock a star. A lot of the dialogue felt very out of place, not something a 13th century woman would be thinking. Alaqai recognising herself as "privileged daughter of the Khan" or recognising "like all Mongols, her parents didn't show affection" felt like the 21st century author talking, not the character. I was also annoyed by how all the women seemed to have monogamous men they're madly in love with, and who in turn are utterly devoted to them. Buying Chengis's love and loyalty for Borte was hard enough, but to then buy it forToregene-Shigi, Alaqai-Jigne, and Fatima-Mansoor was a bit too much for my poor skeptical brain. And finally, some things about the Mongol life/culture wasn't really cleared up - and it really bugged me. For example, with Borte's children we hear she has gone to "the birthing tent". It sounded like it's a different tent. But then with Toregene, it's her own tent? So which is it? I know it's a very small detail that no one cares about, but it bugged me.
But still, I would definitely recommend this book. It's a whole lotta fun!
However, there were a few issues that's made me dock a star. A lot of the dialogue felt very out of place, not something a 13th century woman would be thinking. Alaqai recognising herself as "privileged daughter of the Khan" or recognising "like all Mongols, her parents didn't show affection" felt like the 21st century author talking, not the character. I was also annoyed by how all the women seemed to have monogamous men they're madly in love with, and who in turn are utterly devoted to them. Buying Chengis's love and loyalty for Borte was hard enough, but to then buy it for
But still, I would definitely recommend this book. It's a whole lotta fun!
Absolutely amazing. I loved how each section was about one of the women, yet their stories all mingled together.
4.5 Stars!
Four tiger women tell the story of the Mongol Empire in four tragic and harrowing sections. It's Joy Luck Club for ancient Mongol history. I love how Stephanie Thorton gives voice to nearly forgotten women in history.
I remember reading about Genghis Khan's family drama and how each shuffle and sniffle felt like it would change the course of history. Those books are written from Genghis Khan's points of view building on a story on manly bloody conquest. Now Tiger Queens is not as bloody but do not shy away from bloody contact.
With a confusing and missing from history Mongolian family tree, some cuts (and merges) had to made to make the story work. I'm saddened but not docking her for not including more about Genghis Khan's brothers and Subutai, his most decorated general.
The villains of the story were one dimensional. The four tiger queens were some of the beautifully crafted people I've seen in the literary world. Stephanie is one my new favorite authors and I look forward to what she has next (Alexander the Great's women)
Four tiger women tell the story of the Mongol Empire in four tragic and harrowing sections. It's Joy Luck Club for ancient Mongol history. I love how Stephanie Thorton gives voice to nearly forgotten women in history.
I remember reading about Genghis Khan's family drama and how each shuffle and sniffle felt like it would change the course of history. Those books are written from Genghis Khan's points of view building on a story on manly bloody conquest. Now Tiger Queens is not as bloody but do not shy away from bloody contact.
With a confusing and missing from history Mongolian family tree, some cuts (and merges) had to made to make the story work. I'm saddened but not docking her for not including more about Genghis Khan's brothers and Subutai, his most decorated general.
The villains of the story were one dimensional. The four tiger queens were some of the beautifully crafted people I've seen in the literary world. Stephanie is one my new favorite authors and I look forward to what she has next (Alexander the Great's women)
I’m a sucker for historical fiction. I’m a fan of any time period, and I love wondering about the actual flesh and blood people who the book centers around. I loved the first book I read by this author, Daughter of the Gods: A Novel of Ancient Egypt, and how she brought the main character, Hatshepsut, to life. This book lived up to the expectations I had. The author weaved an epic tale of life, love, intrigue, murder, joy, sorrow, and family. Each character had their own story to tell and felt achingly human. This book left me pondering the impact of people on history.
I enjoyed the way the novel was split into four parts. I felt the author did a good job picking the women to write about. I felt as if I was seeing everything being described through that woman’s eyes. In their time, women were meant to care for their husbands and children which in the book they did but they also had lives outside of those duties. Each woman lived a difficult, harrowing life and yet they were stronger because they had each other. They lived their lives to the best of their ability with the knowledge that they’d see each other when their souls crossed over to the other side.
This book really shed light on the inner circle one of the worlds most feared and possibility misunderstood conquerors. Seeing him through the eyes of his women, really made him seem human. Each woman sacrificed something by being a part of his legacy. I really felt that the epilogue closed out the book beautifully. There was one line that stuck with me throughout the novel and even after I finished reading. In effect it said that it didn’t matter that they died. It mattered that they had lived. I found that line so striking because of its honesty. If those women hadn’t lived what would have become of Genghis Khan and his empire? If these strong, brave, loyal women had made different choices what would have become of those they loved and were loved by?
I enjoyed the way the novel was split into four parts. I felt the author did a good job picking the women to write about. I felt as if I was seeing everything being described through that woman’s eyes. In their time, women were meant to care for their husbands and children which in the book they did but they also had lives outside of those duties. Each woman lived a difficult, harrowing life and yet they were stronger because they had each other. They lived their lives to the best of their ability with the knowledge that they’d see each other when their souls crossed over to the other side.
This book really shed light on the inner circle one of the worlds most feared and possibility misunderstood conquerors. Seeing him through the eyes of his women, really made him seem human. Each woman sacrificed something by being a part of his legacy. I really felt that the epilogue closed out the book beautifully. There was one line that stuck with me throughout the novel and even after I finished reading. In effect it said that it didn’t matter that they died. It mattered that they had lived. I found that line so striking because of its honesty. If those women hadn’t lived what would have become of Genghis Khan and his empire? If these strong, brave, loyal women had made different choices what would have become of those they loved and were loved by?
I have to say that I am a converted fan and absolutely want to pick up other books that she’s written after diving into The Tiger Queens. Read the rest of my review here
Not as engaging as Thornton's other work, even though it was good. I enjoyed reading it but it's not a book I'd recommend as someone's first Thornton book.
Wow, what an amazing novel!!!! This story is about four different women who are all connected in some way to Geghis Khan. I was a little dubious at first to read a novel about Genghis Khan but I loved Stephanie Thorton's other two novels so I had to read this one. I absolutely loved this novel. Plus it really opened my eyes to Mongol history which I knew very little about. I also loved the fact that women are the central characters. All four of them are strong in their own way. I fell in love with Borte and cried when she had to overcome such awful obstacles. Alaqai's story kept me in suspense. Fatima's story was such a testament to the bonds of true friendship. Lastly, Sorkhokhtani shows just how smart women can be. The author did an amazing job not only with the research but in how she told the story. Sometimes when authors tell the story from multiple character viewpoints it can get confusing or I only want to read about certain characters. That was not the case with this book. This was very well written and it kept me interested until the last page. I also love when the author includes an author's note. It is incredible to learn how much of this story is true. This novel is historical fiction done right! I can't wait to read Stephanie Thorton's next novel.
When I first started to read this book, I was supper excited. I really enjoyed the characters and viewing their world. But, as the book went on, I started to loose interest and by the end, I didn't care at all. Oh well.