Meet Genghis Khan as a boy (Wolf Of The Plains - Conn Iggulden)

Member Name: beccus

Product:	Wolf Of The Plains - Conn Iggulden
Date:	16/09/08 (125 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: well written, unputdownable as it goes on, great character work

Disadvantages: a bit slow to start

****I apologise in advance for the terrible spelling!!****

I've just finished reading "Wolf of the Plains" and have thoroughly enjoyed it. After reading lots of historical novels recently my dad suggested that I read this book about the early life of Genghis Khan.

Born second son to the Khan of the wolves, Yesugi, a strong tribe in the harsh lands of Mongolia, Temujin (young Ghengis) and his brothers are respected by the men of his father's tribe and are earmarked to become bondsmen or possibly Khan of the tribe as they grow up.

As part of their growing up rituals the boys are sent to spend a year (when their father feels they are ready) with a neighbouring tribe - the Olkhun'ut (not sure on spelling), their mother's tribe. The idea is to spend time with the family of the girl chosen to be his wife. Early on in the book, Yesugi sends Temujin on his year with the tribe.

We follow Temujin through his trials as he learns what it means to be a Khan's son and show the cold face no matter how hard things get for him.

Fate stops Temujin spending too much time with his mother's tribe, as he is called back to his dying father's side.

I don't want to ruin the story by telling you everything that happens as the drama unfolds. It is such a well written book, the characters unfold so beautifully full of charisma and well, character! Temujin is strong, caring and dutiful. His mother is an amazing strong woman who watches her sons grow up with real verve.

The scenery is described so beautifully and you can feel the cold, dangerous world that the family face as they try to make Temujin's dreams of unity happen.

I loved the book so much, the day I finished reading it I went out and bought the next one!

Summary: Beautifully written book that takes you through the early life of Genghis Khan