Genghis: Lords of the Bow: A Novel (The Khan Dynasty) Paperback – July 13, 2010

"And hear the lamentation of the women."Poor China - seems they can't get a break these days. Like it's not bad enough with the "Free Tibet" crowd and the Olympic Torch fiasco, here we've got Conn Iggulden piling on, sending Genghis Khan and his fearsome horde crashing through the "Chins" walled cities and wrecking the kind of havoc made popular in John Kerry's now infamous "Jenghis" Khan testimony to Congress in post-Vietnam America.And like it's predecessor, "Genghis: Birth of an Empire", "Genghis: Lords of the Bow", is a raucous, swashbuckling mayhem fest that is at the same time intelligent and illuminating - a rare peak under the covers of a man as ruthless as he was a great - make that extraordinary - field general and tactician. A man who through sheer determination and the magnetism of his personality united tribes of the northern plains that had been warring among themselves for centuries, succeeding in bringing their foes of far superior resources literally to their knees. As with "Empire" before it, "Lords of the Bow" puts a human face on Genghis - but just barely this time. For unlike the man-child we were introduced to in the first volume, we see the transformation from the child turned out on the steppes to die to a conqueror larger than life, the vanquisher who tramples his enemies not out of cruelty, but simply of cold efficiency. Iggulden resists the temptation of putting a politically correct kind face on the Genghis of nightmares, penning a masterful portrait of a leader with military brilliance of Alexander, forged with the diabolical cleverness of Machiavelli."Lord of the Bows" reads a lot like an Eastern version of the venerable Bernard Cornwell, and in fact, the similarities between the tactics and success of the English long bow and the short, composite bows of Genghis' pony-mounted denizens are uncanny. Battle scenes are gripping and realistic. The author's depiction of the battle of Badger's Pass is a rare literary treat, as fascinating in the strategy and tactics as it is entertaining and suspenseful. But to allay any fears that this is simply a book military maneuvers, take heart: the story is spiced with politics, treachery, deceit, and chicanery - a stunning profile of justice and accountability honed and hardened by Mongolia's unrelenting climate and terrain.Yet more fascinating than the conquests and the carnage is the "why" - is rape and pillage really the end, does conquest and submission trump occupation and even unimaginable riches, painting a curious dilemma as Genghis and his tribes leave a broken Chin empire behind and return to their beloved seas of grass and snow?In short, another remarkable and enjoyable effort from Conn Iggulden has me anxiously waiting for the final chapter in the saga of the inimitable Genghis Khan. Well done!

Conn weaves another great tale. At moments it dragged more than the first but I could not out the book down. I will be buying the third tonight.

Where to begin? It was such an amazing series!I love historical fictions, they give you a front row seat into how our world was shaped while breathing life into long dead people. This series did that and MORE!I recommend starting at the first book and, if you are half as into these books as I was, you won't be able to put them down.Pros:- Battle scenes, very descriptive and exciting. I would like to congratulate the author on keeping the types of battles written throughout the series fresh and interesting. They fought constantly for generations but always a new location, new odds, new strategy, new obstacles. Very EXCITING!-Character development. The number of characters is never overwhelming and you become emotionally invested in their lives. They have varying personalities, goals, dreams, while still keeping a bit of humor.-Extremely well written-Great mix of historical fact and page turning dramas. I really enjoyed understanding the life of the Mongols. They are strong people. Very impressive.-Scenery descriptions, I loved the changes in scenery and I have a much deeper understanding of the climate and environment of the Mongol, Asian, and Islamic parts of the world. Plus the struggles that had to over come to survive and conquer.-Assassins~! Only the Mongols would take on assassin strong holds...The author truly captures the essence of this book in his final note:"This story began as a single starving family, hunted and alone on the plains of Mongolia -- and ends with Kublai Khan ruling an empire larger than that of Julius Ceaser or Alexander the Great. Over just three generations, that is simply the greatest rags-to-riches tale in human history" Conn IgguldenI am now going to read his Ceaser series and any other historical fiction Conn Iggulden writes!!WONDERFUL!!!!

Can’t wait to lose myself in the next one as if 1000 years disappeared. The writing is beyond great. What a treat!

This is a spellbinding story of the rise of Genghis Khan. The narration moves quickly, but thoroughly, with many fascinating details. Based upon what facts are known of Genghis, Conn Iggulden weaves them into a believable, satisfying narrative.

I've read the whole Iggulden series about Ghengis Khan now and really enjoyed it.He creates a real sense of place and time (and smell). Even a squeamish 21st century urbanite like me, was convinced to set aside modern day prejudices and immerse myself in this visceral experience.I am a difficult person to impress when it comes to historical novels. I insist on historical integrity and abhor sloppy wordsmithing.So if you love history and a cracking good story, this is a series you'll probably enjoy. Will now have a look at his other series.

Another great book equally as good as the first. To be able to read history in a well written, interesting, easy to read historical fiction form, supported by notes detailing issues of historical importance is my sort of book. Loved it.

I was hesitant on a Ghengis series because of my lack of knowledge of the history. After reading the first 3 books I have to say I enjoyed it very much. The series follows the rise of Ghengis to his death and with the 4th book in Conqueror series the rise of Ogedi his son as the new khan (I haven't read it yet). I am not sure how far Conn will go, but I hope he follows the story for many more books as the story of Ghengis doesn't stop with his death or even his sons. Conn is a great writer and you can visualize the battles. If you like Bernard Cornwell, graphic battles, and solid storytelling buy this series. You will not be disappointed.

Great series

Having bought the first book on sale, I was quickly hooked and had to buy the set. It’s the best way to learn history! It was so easy to become attached to the characters and enmeshed in he story, and the quality of the writing didn’t diminish as the series progressed. A great historical series, very well researched and written, giving interesting insight into the culture of the region and era. I absolutely recommend the full set.

History is supposed to tell you a tale so interesting that you take lessons from it and that is what this book does. I excellently written, there is not a dull moment in the entire book. In the interest of fluid storytelling, author has tried to fill in the gaps with his imagination and is honest about it.

Muy dinámico, recrea muy bien las epopeyas de una raza y un evento singular, y k a veces es un gran olvidado de la historia.

Lords of the bow (eng.):Zum Buch selbst muss ich sagen, dass ich erfreulich überrascht war.Trotzdem das ich die englische Version genommen habe,ist das Buch so geschriben das es sehr leseleicht ist.Ich habe den ersten Teil (Wolf of the plains) auf deutsch gelesen,hatte beim zweitein jedoch keine Erwartungen. Umso fesselnder wardas Buch zum lesen. Habe viele historische Romane von James Clavellgelesen, muss gestehen dass die Charakter entwicklung imLords of the bow nicht so ausgeprägt ist,aber die Erignisse im Buch auf "ausgevorzüglichem" Niveau sindund sie den Leser beim Buch bis zu letzer Seite Festhalten.Was es zum historischen zu sagen gibt, manche Erignisse sindwahrscheinlich von Author selber erfunden, jeodch haben diemeisten wirklich stattgefunden und alle sind sehr packend beschrieben.Für alle die abenteurliche spannende Bucher mögen ein muss.Werde im auf jedem Fall noch den 3. Teil besorgen.