23 September 2009

Short Review: Genghis: Birth of an Empire by Conn Iggulden

I love historical fiction, and I'm always happy to find a well-written novel that is set in a time or place that is relatively unfamiliar to me. Iggulden's Genghis trilogy fits the bill. I posted my review of Genghis, Lords of the Bow last November. Although I finished the first book, Genghis, Birth of an Empire, the day I started my blog, I didn't review it here.

As I wrote last fall, Birth of an Empire covers the first 30 years of Genghis's life, provides the needed background for understanding his relationships with his family, and presents the key events that shaped his personality and ambitions. Despite strong enemies, setbacks, and betrayals, Genghis stayed true to his vision of uniting the Mongol tribes under one leader.

The story is fascinating and very well done. I gave the book an A-. I hope to read the final novel in the trilogy, Genghis, Bones of the Hills, before year's end. I listened to the unabridged audio edition read by Stefan Rudnicki. My reading notes say he did a great job.


Genghis, Birth of an Empire at an Indie


Reading at the Beach is the host for this meme: Each week she invites us to spotlight a book whose title begins with the featured letter. This week it's G.

15 comments:

  1. Oh, I've heard of this series! I hadn't really heard whether or not it was any good though. It now sounds like something I will like, especially knowing that you enjoyed it too. Thanks!

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  2. Oh! I know nxt to nothing about the beloved Genghis Khan :D.. of course I know he had many many kids :) :)

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  3. I've seen these and wondered if I would like them. I'll be adding them to my very long wish list!

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  4. Does sound like interesting trilogy, enjoy.

    Mine is up

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  5. This is a new series to me as I haven't heard it before! Sounds interesting!

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  6. I like the way you choose historical fiction for the time period. It's a nice way to learn of an historical period.

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  7. I think my mom would love this book! Thanks for the review.

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  8. Oh I have this book and I was reluctant to pick it up (it's so huge).

    But yay, you liked it :)

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  9. Sounds like this historical fiction lover would enjoy this book.

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  10. I actually would like to find out more about Ghengis. But maybe I'll just check out his wikipedia entry....hahaha.

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  11. Great choice for "G"!!!

    Thanks for playing this week!

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  12. Have you seen the movie? I think that's broken up into parts, too...I'm wondering if it's based on the book?

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  13. You know, I've never really given Genghis Khan much of a thought but these books do sound pretty interesting.

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  14. Although historical fiction is not my type of books, I might want to check out Gengkhis Khan.

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  15. I'm starting to see the benefit in reading historical fiction. This one sounds interesting.

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