Conqueror by Conn Iggulden is a gripping historical fiction novel that follows the rise of Kublai Khan and his conquests, set against the backdrop of the Mongol Empire. The book intricately weaves together the strategic movements of armies, detailed battle scenes, and the complex relationships between characters, portraying Genghis Khan's grandsons as they navigate ambition, power struggles, and the brutal realities of war. Iggulden's writing style is described as accessible and engaging, capturing the essence of the Mongol Empire and its people with rich historical details and authentic depictions.
The story of Conqueror delves into the transformation of Kublai Khan from a scholarly figure to a powerful warrior, showcasing his conquest of China and the subsequent civil war between him and his brothers. Through a mix of force and mercy, Kublai expands his territory, ultimately founding the Yuan dynasty. The book is praised for its exceptional character development, nuanced relationships, and vivid scenery descriptions that provide a deeper understanding of the Mongol, Asian, and Islamic regions during that era.
From The Publisher:
Intrigue and treachery roil the vast Mongol nation as the heirs of Genghis Khan fight for control of his unprecedented empire-and of his mighty armies. History will turn on the outcome of their struggle. But only one man, dismissed by all the others, will boldly rise to the challenge with the courage and vision to forge the future, and with the strength to be called . . .
CONQUEROR
The novels of Conn Iggulden bring the past to thrilling life, from ancient Rome to thirteenth-century Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Now he delivers the spectacular story of the rise of Genghis Khan's grandson, a man destined to become one of the most remarkable rulers who ever lived-the legendary Kublai Khan.
A succession of ruthless leaders has seized power in the wake of the great Khan's death-all descendants of Genghis, but none with the indomitable character that led a people to triumph. One grandson, Guyuk, decadent and vicious, seeks to consolidate his position through bribery and murder, pitting powerful factions against one another and straining the loyalties of the tribes to the breaking point.
Next comes his cousin, Mongke, who eliminates all possible opposition with breathtaking brutality and dispatches his younger brothers Kublai and Hulegu to far-flung territories, to test their mettle and their allegiance.
Hulegu displays his barbarity with the savage destruction of Baghdad and his clash with the Khan's age-old enemies, the cult of assassins, who will strike deep into the heart of the nation. But it is Kublai-refined and scholarly, always considered too thoughtful to take power-who will devise new ways of warfare and conquest as he builds the dream city of Xanadu and pursues the ultimate prize: the ancient empire of Sung China. His gifts will serve him well when an epic civil war breaks out among brothers, the outcome of which will literally change the world.
Brilliantly researched and imagined, unforgettably told, Conqueror is a magnificent achievement from an enthralling writer at the peak of his powers, a must read for all lovers of history and storytelling on the grand scale.
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