Sadly, the Khan series of books written by Conn Iggulden is now complete. Having read all five volumes, I am anxiously waiting for this author to write more books. This is Historical Fiction at its best. After each book, there is an epilogue where he explains what parts of the story he changed or filled in from the historical record.
This series, starting with Genghis Khan as a young lad, and ending with his grandson Kublai, the leader of a nation larger than those of Caesar or Alexander, gives amazing insight to the culture and history of the peoples of those times. These books are truly hard to put down. The stories build with suspense and intrigue. The characters, whether villains or heroes, are bigger than life, and we take sides quickly as the story unfolds. These times were full of war and expanding empires and the battle scenes are epic in proportion, fascinating, and leaving one almost breathless. There is plenty of family dynamics, politics, and back stories. I love this kind of writing as both entertainment and education.
Kublai is youngest of four grandsons to Genghis, and any one of them could possibly become the next Great Khan. Kublai was a scholar and was steeped in the ways of the Chin (Chinese) and was considered a poor candidate. Until his brother sent him to a war campaign deep in Chinese territory, the Sung lands. He was hardened in battle and developed his superior intelligence, coming back to a civil war in his homelands and a complete surprise to those who thought they knew him.
This is a good read and I give it 5 stars.
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