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Conqueror #1-3
Conqueror Series Collection: Wolf of the Plains, Lords of the Bow, Bones of the Hills
Wolf of the plains. Originally published: 2007 --
Lords of the bow. Originally published: 2008 --
Bones of the hills. Originally published: 2008.
For the first time in one volume - three bestselling, action packed novels telling the life of a great warrior and hero - Gengis Khan Wolf of the Plains 'I am the land and the bones of the hills. I am the winter.' Temujin, the second son of the khan of the Wolves tribe, was only eleven when his father died in an ambush. His family were thrown out of the tribe and left alone, without food or shelter, to starve to death on the harsh Mongolian plains. But Temujin's destiny is not to perish - He will become the khan of the sea of grass, Genghis. Lords of the Bow The gathering of the tribes of the Mongols has been a long time in coming but finally, triumphantly, Temujin of the Wolves, Genghis Khan, is given the full accolade of the overall leader and their oaths. Now he can begin to meld all the previously warring people into one army, one nation. Not only must Genghis succeed in this incredible campaign, but he must also reconcile the restless factions among his own generals, mediate between his ambitious brothers and cope with his own reactions to his growing sons. The young warrior has become a notable and victorious military commander of thousands: he must now learn to become a great leader of peoples of many different races and religions. Bones of the Hills Genghis Khan has united the warring tribes and even taken his armies against the great cities of their oldest enemies. Now he finds trouble rising west of the Mongolian plains. His emissaries are mutilated or killed; his trading gestures rebuffed. So, dividing his armies, using his sons as generals of the various divisions, he sends them out simultaneously in many directions, ranging as far as modern Iran and Iraq. As well as discovering new territories, exacting tribute from conquered peoples, laying waste the cities which resist, this policy is also a way of diffusing the rivalries between his sons and heirs and working out who should succeed the khan.
Lords of the bow. Originally published: 2008 --
Bones of the hills. Originally published: 2008.
For the first time in one volume - three bestselling, action packed novels telling the life of a great warrior and hero - Gengis Khan Wolf of the Plains 'I am the land and the bones of the hills. I am the winter.' Temujin, the second son of the khan of the Wolves tribe, was only eleven when his father died in an ambush. His family were thrown out of the tribe and left alone, without food or shelter, to starve to death on the harsh Mongolian plains. But Temujin's destiny is not to perish - He will become the khan of the sea of grass, Genghis. Lords of the Bow The gathering of the tribes of the Mongols has been a long time in coming but finally, triumphantly, Temujin of the Wolves, Genghis Khan, is given the full accolade of the overall leader and their oaths. Now he can begin to meld all the previously warring people into one army, one nation. Not only must Genghis succeed in this incredible campaign, but he must also reconcile the restless factions among his own generals, mediate between his ambitious brothers and cope with his own reactions to his growing sons. The young warrior has become a notable and victorious military commander of thousands: he must now learn to become a great leader of peoples of many different races and religions. Bones of the Hills Genghis Khan has united the warring tribes and even taken his armies against the great cities of their oldest enemies. Now he finds trouble rising west of the Mongolian plains. His emissaries are mutilated or killed; his trading gestures rebuffed. So, dividing his armies, using his sons as generals of the various divisions, he sends them out simultaneously in many directions, ranging as far as modern Iran and Iraq. As well as discovering new territories, exacting tribute from conquered peoples, laying waste the cities which resist, this policy is also a way of diffusing the rivalries between his sons and heirs and working out who should succeed the khan.
2011 pages, Paperback
Published January 24, 2011
52 people are currently reading
972 people want to read
About the author
Conn Iggulden
145 books6,059 followersAlso publishes under author name C.F. Iggulden.
I was born in the normal way in 1971, and vaguely remember half-pennies and sixpences. I have written for as long as I can remember: poetry, short stories and novels. It’s what I always wanted to do and read English at London University with writing in mind. I taught English for seven years and was Head of English at St. Gregory’s RC High School in London by the end of that period. I have enormous respect for those who still labour at the chalk-face. In truth, I can’t find it in me to miss the grind of paperwork and initiatives. I do miss the camaraderie of the smokers’ room, as well as the lessons where their faces lit up as they understood what I was wittering on about.
My mother is Irish and from an early age she told me history as an exciting series of stories – with dates. My great-grandfather was a Seannachie, so I suppose story-telling is in the genes somewhere. My father flew in Bomber Command in WWII, then taught maths and science. Perhaps crucially, he also loved poetry and cracking good tales. Though it seems a dated idea now, I began teaching when boys were told only girls were good at English, despite the great names that must spring to mind after that statement. My father loved working with wood and equations, but he also recited ‘Vitai Lampada’ with a gleam in his eye and that matters, frankly.
I’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre and cut my teeth on Hornblower and Tai-Pan, Flashman, Sharpe and Jack Aubrey. I still remember the sheer joy of reading my first Patrick O’Brian book and discovering there were nineteen more in the series. I love just about anything by David Gemmell, or Peter F. Hamilton or Wilbur Smith. I suppose the one thing that links all those is the love of a good tale.
That’s about it for the moment. If you’d like to get in touch with me leave a comment in the forum or you can tweet me @Conn_Iggulden. I’ll leave it there for the moment. If you’ve read my books, you know an awful lot about the way I think already. There’s no point overdoing it.
Conn Iggulden
I was born in the normal way in 1971, and vaguely remember half-pennies and sixpences. I have written for as long as I can remember: poetry, short stories and novels. It’s what I always wanted to do and read English at London University with writing in mind. I taught English for seven years and was Head of English at St. Gregory’s RC High School in London by the end of that period. I have enormous respect for those who still labour at the chalk-face. In truth, I can’t find it in me to miss the grind of paperwork and initiatives. I do miss the camaraderie of the smokers’ room, as well as the lessons where their faces lit up as they understood what I was wittering on about.
My mother is Irish and from an early age she told me history as an exciting series of stories – with dates. My great-grandfather was a Seannachie, so I suppose story-telling is in the genes somewhere. My father flew in Bomber Command in WWII, then taught maths and science. Perhaps crucially, he also loved poetry and cracking good tales. Though it seems a dated idea now, I began teaching when boys were told only girls were good at English, despite the great names that must spring to mind after that statement. My father loved working with wood and equations, but he also recited ‘Vitai Lampada’ with a gleam in his eye and that matters, frankly.
I’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre and cut my teeth on Hornblower and Tai-Pan, Flashman, Sharpe and Jack Aubrey. I still remember the sheer joy of reading my first Patrick O’Brian book and discovering there were nineteen more in the series. I love just about anything by David Gemmell, or Peter F. Hamilton or Wilbur Smith. I suppose the one thing that links all those is the love of a good tale.
That’s about it for the moment. If you’d like to get in touch with me leave a comment in the forum or you can tweet me @Conn_Iggulden. I’ll leave it there for the moment. If you’ve read my books, you know an awful lot about the way I think already. There’s no point overdoing it.
Conn Iggulden
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 23, 2011
The first two books in this series, Wolf of the Plains and Lords of the Bow, are completely un-put-down-able.
I read the first one in the space of two days on holiday, and thanks to the power of the Kindle, was able to go straight in to the second instalment and ultimately started on the third in the same week!
Fantastic storytelling. How Iggulden makes something as bleak as Mongolian life so compelling is beyond me, but he manages it without getting mired in needless detail. The characters are clearly defined from the off, and watching them grow together adds real depth to them all as individuals.
The biggest achievement here, however, is how he conveys the effectiveness of Ghengis' military might. Ancient martial concepts unfold before you to on the page, actually causing joy as you imagine the horde wreaking bloody vengeance on their erstwhile oppressors, and they just make for excellent set pieces, something which is very difficult to do in a book!
I read the first one in the space of two days on holiday, and thanks to the power of the Kindle, was able to go straight in to the second instalment and ultimately started on the third in the same week!
Fantastic storytelling. How Iggulden makes something as bleak as Mongolian life so compelling is beyond me, but he manages it without getting mired in needless detail. The characters are clearly defined from the off, and watching them grow together adds real depth to them all as individuals.
The biggest achievement here, however, is how he conveys the effectiveness of Ghengis' military might. Ancient martial concepts unfold before you to on the page, actually causing joy as you imagine the horde wreaking bloody vengeance on their erstwhile oppressors, and they just make for excellent set pieces, something which is very difficult to do in a book!
October 25, 2016
A fascinating read! Fortunately for me, years ago (45 according to the date on my term paper) I had researched the Mongols for a college English requirement. I found the Mongols amazing then and I still do. Conn Iggulden takes some literary license in this five book series, but he is quick to point out the areas in his historical notes at the end of each book. To weave so many characters through the timeline of Genghis Khan's start in life to Kublai's prime is an extraordinary feat. Well done Mr. Iggulden!
When I read historical fiction, I like to follow along using maps. Well worn is my Chart of the World from an Oceanography correspondence course I took while serving in the US Navy's submarine force. With today's internet or using a good topographical map, I strongly suggest that readers of this series refer to maps to see not only the breath of the regions conquered by the Mongols, but the mountain ranges they had to navigate to get from point A to point B. Conn Iggulden does a fair job of explaining the harsh cold, snow and ice that had to be traversed by the Mongols, but until you can see the topography, it is difficult to imagine.
Finally, I leave you with just a few of the laws of Genghis Khan, "Yassa Gengizcani" from my long ago paper to give you a flavor of the Mongols:
"Adultery is to be punished by death, and those guilty of it may be slain out of hand."
"Men guilty of theft of a horse or steer or a thing of equal value will be punished by death and their bodies cut into two parts. For lesser thefts, the punishment shall be according to the value of the thing stolen, a number of blows of a staff--seven, seventeen, twenty-seven, up to seven hundred. But this bodily punishment may be avoided by paying nine times the worth of the thing stolen."
"Every man who does not go to war must work for the empire, without reward, for a certain time."
When I read historical fiction, I like to follow along using maps. Well worn is my Chart of the World from an Oceanography correspondence course I took while serving in the US Navy's submarine force. With today's internet or using a good topographical map, I strongly suggest that readers of this series refer to maps to see not only the breath of the regions conquered by the Mongols, but the mountain ranges they had to navigate to get from point A to point B. Conn Iggulden does a fair job of explaining the harsh cold, snow and ice that had to be traversed by the Mongols, but until you can see the topography, it is difficult to imagine.
Finally, I leave you with just a few of the laws of Genghis Khan, "Yassa Gengizcani" from my long ago paper to give you a flavor of the Mongols:
"Adultery is to be punished by death, and those guilty of it may be slain out of hand."
"Men guilty of theft of a horse or steer or a thing of equal value will be punished by death and their bodies cut into two parts. For lesser thefts, the punishment shall be according to the value of the thing stolen, a number of blows of a staff--seven, seventeen, twenty-seven, up to seven hundred. But this bodily punishment may be avoided by paying nine times the worth of the thing stolen."
"Every man who does not go to war must work for the empire, without reward, for a certain time."
August 29, 2012
This series of books takes you back in time! It makes you feel as if you are riding along with Genghis Khan himself and you never want to leave! Brilliant
October 11, 2023
Temujin, un grande personaggio. Adoro come Iggulden racconti i suoi protagonisti partendo dall'infanzia e di come, alla fine, riesca a trasmettere la sensazione al lettore di conoscerli profondamente. Credo sia il modello a cui mi ispiro di più, quando scrivo
January 21, 2023
This was the best series of books I have EVER read! Conn writes with such a flow that you just keep wanting the next book. Learned so much history here, Love it.
March 27, 2020
Wow! This is the way to appreciate the greatness of the Genghis Khan and the Mongol hordes ... the way Conn Iggulden has "put flesh on the bones of history" .. is to portray the epic journey which the obscure Mongol tribes made from the plains to become a nation, and the unbelievable conquests of their neighboring (dominating?) powers.
The name .. "Genghis Kahn" .. still carries this sense, an echo of .." conqueror" .. today, so many centuries later. Reading these books one realizes why ...
Was expecting "just another historical novel" ... but raced through the books one after the other, like Genghis galloping across the plains ... Ripping yarn.
The name .. "Genghis Kahn" .. still carries this sense, an echo of .." conqueror" .. today, so many centuries later. Reading these books one realizes why ...
Was expecting "just another historical novel" ... but raced through the books one after the other, like Genghis galloping across the plains ... Ripping yarn.
July 26, 2017
I have no idea how I missed all this history of Ghengis Khan - I was an avid student but didn't know almost any of what was presented... how utterly amazing his accomplishments were!
A lot of books work to get you to feel empathy with the main character (explaining their thought process in our terms) - it took me until the 3rd book to realize why things seemed a little off... I'll never think like Ghengis Khan and the author didn't try to force that point.
I gobbled up the first three books in the series and was happy that there were more.
Now that I know, I have NO IDEA how I missed this much of the world's formative history - but it was all awesome.
A lot of books work to get you to feel empathy with the main character (explaining their thought process in our terms) - it took me until the 3rd book to realize why things seemed a little off... I'll never think like Ghengis Khan and the author didn't try to force that point.
I gobbled up the first three books in the series and was happy that there were more.
Now that I know, I have NO IDEA how I missed this much of the world's formative history - but it was all awesome.
June 2, 2015
This is close to being my fav book/series, I never thought another author would come close to Matthew Reily but Conn certainly has.
I personally love roman/ancient war books and this is definitely the best one i have read. Once you start reading you are instantly imagining life on the plains and the amazing battles that are constantly throughout the book.
The only downside is the end of the series it sort of looses its excitement but the first three books are 10/10.
If you haven't read these books do yourself a favour.
I personally love roman/ancient war books and this is definitely the best one i have read. Once you start reading you are instantly imagining life on the plains and the amazing battles that are constantly throughout the book.
The only downside is the end of the series it sort of looses its excitement but the first three books are 10/10.
If you haven't read these books do yourself a favour.
January 3, 2013
I initially read the first in the series 'Wolf of the Plains' while spending a month in Mongolia itself on a travel adventure. The book is fantastically written and added to the sheer beauty of the Mongolian people, their culture, their history and their lifestyle. The book, surprisingly, is essentially historically correct but certainly adds a breath of fresh air by allowing the imagination run as wild as the horses it describes. A inspiring book.
March 10, 2013
I thought that nobody could beat Ken Follet, when it comes to historical epics.
But this series is unbelievable!
If you're looking for an historical war epic that will transport you to another time, then you have got to read this!
But this series is unbelievable!
If you're looking for an historical war epic that will transport you to another time, then you have got to read this!
July 30, 2011
makes me feel manly.
February 1, 2018
Amazing. I have no words.
October 7, 2025
Rereading
September 22, 2018
WOLF OF THE PLAINS
The fictionalized story of the childhood and youth of Genghis Khan.
A dramatic and brutal tale of life on the Steppes of Russia in the age when the Mongol tribes where at constant war with the Tartars.
The boyhood of Khan was marked by death and dislocation. These early traumas probably defined the future of the man who would brutally sweep across Eastern Asia inflicting terrible revenge on those he captured. From his early life he sought vengeance for the death of his father and his family’s isolation from their Clan.
A historically interesting story, well researched and well written, if a little overly bloodthirsty and dramatic in parts.
I enjoyed the story and learned a great deal about the history of Eastern Russia and the way of life of the wandering tribes of the Steppes.
The remaining three books in the series promise more enjoyable reading.
LORDS OF THE BOW
This second book in the Conqueror series, relating the fictionalized life of Genghis Khan, continues the story of his youthful exploits. Having successfully gathered all the Mongol tribes under his leadership, Genghis turns his attention to the kingdoms of the Chinese. His first raid on the Xi Xia city of Yinchuan results in its King’s capitulation due to the Mongol tactic of flooding the surrounding arable lands causing the starvation of city’s population. This outcome rewards Genghis with gold, silks, slaves and the King’s daughter as a second wife, as tribute from the ruler of the city. Finding the siege of this city so successful, Genghis employs the same tactic when he reaches the great city of Yenking, where the walls are so thick and the defense so strong that the Mongols are unable to enter the city by any form of attack.
Genghis rules the Mongol clans with a brutal hand, aided by occasional advice from the conniving, evil shaman Kokchu, who manipulates the superstitious tribesmen. Meanwhile the tension between his three brothers and his sons continues to mount as they maneuver for power.
An enthralling read about a fascinating historical figure.
BONES OF THE HILLS
This third book in the Conqueror series narrates the fictionalized life of Genghis Khan as an adult, when his clan was fighting against the armies of the Arabic Muslim Shah and his son, Jelaudin. Genghis also seeks revenge against the “Assassins” who had launched an assassination attempt on his life; then failing, fled to their stronghold in the mountains. He follows them with a huge army and almost wipes them out. They were apparently a fanatical, religious sect, similar to the Jihadists of today.
His brutality continues, frequently directed against family and friends. I wondered how he managed to retain the unquestioned loyalty of so many, as I read this book. I suppose extreme fear is a strong motivation - for those who opposed Genghis were hunted down and his vengeance was swift and deadly.
The historical details of the battles and the extent of Genghis Khan’s vast travels over the desert and mountainous regions around Samarkand, covering thousands of kilometers, are fascinating in retrospect. The reader cannot help but respect the courage and endurance of the Mongols under his leadership, if not at the same time deploring their brutality.
A well written and well researched book about the life of a larger-than-life historical figure.
The fictionalized story of the childhood and youth of Genghis Khan.
A dramatic and brutal tale of life on the Steppes of Russia in the age when the Mongol tribes where at constant war with the Tartars.
The boyhood of Khan was marked by death and dislocation. These early traumas probably defined the future of the man who would brutally sweep across Eastern Asia inflicting terrible revenge on those he captured. From his early life he sought vengeance for the death of his father and his family’s isolation from their Clan.
A historically interesting story, well researched and well written, if a little overly bloodthirsty and dramatic in parts.
I enjoyed the story and learned a great deal about the history of Eastern Russia and the way of life of the wandering tribes of the Steppes.
The remaining three books in the series promise more enjoyable reading.
LORDS OF THE BOW
This second book in the Conqueror series, relating the fictionalized life of Genghis Khan, continues the story of his youthful exploits. Having successfully gathered all the Mongol tribes under his leadership, Genghis turns his attention to the kingdoms of the Chinese. His first raid on the Xi Xia city of Yinchuan results in its King’s capitulation due to the Mongol tactic of flooding the surrounding arable lands causing the starvation of city’s population. This outcome rewards Genghis with gold, silks, slaves and the King’s daughter as a second wife, as tribute from the ruler of the city. Finding the siege of this city so successful, Genghis employs the same tactic when he reaches the great city of Yenking, where the walls are so thick and the defense so strong that the Mongols are unable to enter the city by any form of attack.
Genghis rules the Mongol clans with a brutal hand, aided by occasional advice from the conniving, evil shaman Kokchu, who manipulates the superstitious tribesmen. Meanwhile the tension between his three brothers and his sons continues to mount as they maneuver for power.
An enthralling read about a fascinating historical figure.
BONES OF THE HILLS
This third book in the Conqueror series narrates the fictionalized life of Genghis Khan as an adult, when his clan was fighting against the armies of the Arabic Muslim Shah and his son, Jelaudin. Genghis also seeks revenge against the “Assassins” who had launched an assassination attempt on his life; then failing, fled to their stronghold in the mountains. He follows them with a huge army and almost wipes them out. They were apparently a fanatical, religious sect, similar to the Jihadists of today.
His brutality continues, frequently directed against family and friends. I wondered how he managed to retain the unquestioned loyalty of so many, as I read this book. I suppose extreme fear is a strong motivation - for those who opposed Genghis were hunted down and his vengeance was swift and deadly.
The historical details of the battles and the extent of Genghis Khan’s vast travels over the desert and mountainous regions around Samarkand, covering thousands of kilometers, are fascinating in retrospect. The reader cannot help but respect the courage and endurance of the Mongols under his leadership, if not at the same time deploring their brutality.
A well written and well researched book about the life of a larger-than-life historical figure.
January 28, 2020
Excellent story telling. From the story you can see similarities with the tales of other major historical leaders, particularly Shaka Zulu who appears, from tradition, to have had a similar start in life. It is not 100% historically accurate but it does put flesh on the bones. You find yourself not wanting the series to end.
October 15, 2022
i like how the betrayal starts with his father the khan with what is his eagle and his brothers then he leaves for his calling what he is suppose to be a great warrior and watch how his girl is envied and abused and hell his disipline wasnt the answer but jealous anger wit discipline caught a life and then hes sent back to his tribe banished
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2018
Only read Wolf of the Plains so far but I must say it is un put downable. Excellently written. I knew nothing of this particular time in history especially the Mongolians or Ghengis Khan. Based on historical facts but brought to life by the author. A MUST read.
March 1, 2018
Amazing.
Read
August 27, 2019Fantastic!
October 23, 2019
What a fascinating trilogy. I felt Genghis was in my living room at one point. I have travelled round Mongolia. And his legend still lives on. Fabulous to have him immortalised in words again.
February 4, 2020
Great series of books. Well written and great to learn about this part of history. First and second books are my favourite. Genghis is an absolute beastly warrior!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2020
So good! Loved it.
January 6, 2022
Amazing series, definitely worth a read.
August 24, 2022
This is currently the best book on the floor
April 25, 2022
A clever and bloody romp.
Read
July 13, 2013I read these books while in prison. Without a doubt Genghis Khan Painted my mind with his battles. He built a nation out of nothing but his will and drive. Who said revenge isnt a good motivator? What really resonated with me his his simplistic view. He wasnt worried about Gold or silver. The allure of riches was the burden of lesser men. I bet theres hidden treasures all across the gobi desert that he and the mongols buried. lol
I love the quote about courage.
It is like a muscle or tool. you got to constantly show it or bring it out. because one day when you really need it. You will dig in to find nothing. ( a simplified version )
I love the quote about courage.
It is like a muscle or tool. you got to constantly show it or bring it out. because one day when you really need it. You will dig in to find nothing. ( a simplified version )
January 29, 2016
The youth of Genghis Khan is an interesting subject. It reads as a pure novel and not an historical novel but after reading the afterword it turns out to have been well researched and to be historically close to reality. It answers a question I had raised after reading volume 3 as to how GK could march so many men without the logistic to feed them. Well they could survive for days on the blood and milk of their mares!! Definitely worth reading volume 2.
October 23, 2012
Surprisingly historically accurate series of books and a very good way of enjoyably learning about the Mongol character. Really like that at the end of the book the author tells you which bits he had to alter to make it a good fiction book so you know exactly what happened. Really exciting series and the books did not last long!
August 21, 2015
Bonding with my teenage son, I read this series, but I had to stop after the 3rd book - there are 5. Written by the 'Dangerous Books for Boys' guy was a positive and my son loved it. However I got a bit bored with the endless killing of brothers, battle tactic descriptions and drinking of butter tea but It was interesting. I feel I know all I'll ever need to know about Mongol rulers.
March 3, 2013
Excellent and totally gripping read. Whilst not totally correct historically (but not far off) it gives a wonderful insight into the creation of one of the greatest leaders/warriors of human history at the same time as being a real page turner of a book. Straight into book 2 for me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews