It remains the largest contiguous empire in recorded history. Kublai Khan created a continuous empire unmatched even by the Romans or Alexander the Great. He invaded Japan and won several unwinnable battles. He took in Marco Polo and befriended him. He established the Yuan Dynasty that would rule over Mongolia, China, and far beyond. Kublai Khan, for any who don’t already know, led the Mongol nation to conquer vast expanses of land. Kublai could easily have had another book or two of his own to share his fantastic life. Mostly, he wanted to end the series on a note of hope as Kublai looks toward the future. The rest, the author says, is best left to history. This book only follows Kublai up to the point where he defeats his brother Ariq-Boke to take control of the Mongol nation. If you are hoping it will cover the life and great victories of Kublai Khan, you will be seriously disappointed. If you are looking for an epic read, this certainly will do it. It is not until the death of his brother, Mongke, that Kublai turns back to challenge Ariq-Boke for the title he believes rightfully belongs to him.
This book depicts fantastic, epic battles in Bagdad under Huleghu’s control Batu controls much of the far north deep into Russia and Kublai takes thousands of men and cannons in a sweep through Chin lands and deep into Sung territory. And both want to hold the honored title of Great Khan.īut the book is about more than just four princes vying for power. When one dies, another swiftly moves in to seize control until only Kublai and Ariq-Boke remain. Four of Genghis’ grandsons rule over the nation in fairly quick succession. If you weren’t already aware, this period of khans is a bloody mess. The series ends with Kublai becoming the Great Khan of the Mongol nation.
Empire of Silver explores how Genghis Khan’s sons attempt to create a base for the Mongol nation - and the invasion of Europe halted only by Ogedai’s untimely death. Bones of the Hills takes the Mongol nation east to Sumerkand and beyond until Genghis satiates his appetite and turns his attention back on the Chin empire until his death. In Lords of the Bow, Genghis launches his invasion against the Chin empire.
This series is certainly epic, and begins in Wolf of the Plains with Genghis Khan’s young life and rise to power. If you don’t already know, I started reading the Khan Dynasty series months ago, and the final book, Conqueror, was the one I was most excited to read out of all five. I have been fascinated with the reign of Kublai Khan for years, and I couldn’t wait to read this book to see his empire come to life!
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