boipoka 's review for:

The Tiger Queens: The Women of Genghis Khan by Stephanie Marie Thornton

4.0

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

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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 for

Toregene-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!