Conqueror . . . a ripping good read

October 18, 2011. Conn Iggulden should be the international brand ambassador for history. This guy (who was recently in Durban, by the way) writes books so perfect, so entertaining, I reckon you could read them to a hoodie in a riot and the guy would fall into an enraptured trance.

I’ve devoured his entire series on Julius Caesar and Rome (and it was a pleasure) and now am working my way through the Genghis and Kublai Khan epics, the latest of which is Conqueror: Warrior. Scholar. Brother.

The content matter is the epic tale of the rise of the mercurial Kublai Khan, his wars against foreign foes and internal strife with equally ambitious brothers.

An interesting dynamic is the evolution of Kublai from introverted scholar, strongly influenced by Chinese culture, to Mongol warrior emperor as he takes on the responsibility of leadership. He rejects some of the vicious tactics of his famous grandfather, yet embraces the vision of widespread dominion.

For historical fiction you won’t do better than Iggulden . . . simple as that. The research, the feel for a great story, powerful characterisation, this guy’s got it all.

If I can be hypercritical for one moment, I would have liked to see more maps to go with this title . . . as the sweeping historical fiction genre definitely lends itself to poring over maps and tracking routes.

But overall, yet another majestic, powerful and entertaining read. – Garth Johnstone
Published in SA by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Available in all good book stores

** About Conn Iggulden

Conn Iggulden read English at London University with writing in mind. He taught English for seven years and was head of English at St Gregory’s RC High School in the city by the end of that period. He is famous for his Emperor and Conqueror series of books, which have sold millions worldwide, and co-authored The Dangerous Book for Boys. He enjoys reading David Gemmell, Peter F Hamilton and Wilbur Smith. – Source www.conniggulden.com