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The Silk Road Trilogy #1
The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
IN THE HEART OF THE WORLD, where empires collide, Nanidat Maniakh, a dashing young trader, is enjoying the good life as head of a powerful silk dynasty. Yet Fate has other his world is suddenly torn asunder by murder and revolution, and the fate of his homeland hangs in the balance. Overnight, this able young merchant must become a cunning warrior and spy, while eluding assassins, negotiating with kings, and pursuing a long lost love.This thrilling and rich historical thriller, set in 749 – in the part of the wold we now know as Iran, Iraq and Central Asia – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and conflicts are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is the first book in The Silk Road Trilogy.
360 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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256 people want to read
About the author
Dmitry Chen
3 books2 followersHis artistic literary works are published under the pseudonym of Мастер Чэнь (Master Chen), and in the USA as Dmitry Chen.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 27, 2025
Historical adventure amid the events of the Abbasid rebellion. Versed in Central Asian sights, smells, and manners; without much simplification of its bewilderment of history, I loved the writing in this, vivid, often old-school in its storytelling, a tradition-infused lyricism, with a brilliant battle.
This set is billed as trilogy, and only one got translated. But don’t mind that: the other two are set in Byzantium and Tang China; it’s a great shame we don’t have them (I particularly regret the An Lushan Rebellion), but if I had to choose, I’m glad we got the Central Asian one. You can read this as a standalone.
I look forward to a second read, it’s certainly rich enough.
This set is billed as trilogy, and only one got translated. But don’t mind that: the other two are set in Byzantium and Tang China; it’s a great shame we don’t have them (I particularly regret the An Lushan Rebellion), but if I had to choose, I’m glad we got the Central Asian one. You can read this as a standalone.
I look forward to a second read, it’s certainly rich enough.
January 13, 2021
Jus couldnt get into it any more..... was becoming one long monologue at the start of every chapter & its jus not for me, sorry. Its not bad so ive left unrated as DNF at about 50% mark.
Early thoughts were as such
Bought this book a whilst back after spending some time tracking a copy down & so about time I made a start.... Very lavish style of writing, flows beautifully however was maybe a little too much for me at first (wordy & descriptive) but once Id got through the first chapter I started to warm to it.
A somewhat pampered merchants son goes on the run & the language is that of a pampered soul too at times, rich in style & maybe a little lacking in substance but he collects allies/protectors along the route & survives the early scrapes.
Enjoyable enough yarn, some WILL find it over wordy as I did at the start of every chapter but I DID persevere...... for a while.....
Early thoughts were as such
Bought this book a whilst back after spending some time tracking a copy down & so about time I made a start.... Very lavish style of writing, flows beautifully however was maybe a little too much for me at first (wordy & descriptive) but once Id got through the first chapter I started to warm to it.
A somewhat pampered merchants son goes on the run & the language is that of a pampered soul too at times, rich in style & maybe a little lacking in substance but he collects allies/protectors along the route & survives the early scrapes.
Enjoyable enough yarn, some WILL find it over wordy as I did at the start of every chapter but I DID persevere...... for a while.....
Read
January 4, 2016The translation is superb—so fluid you would swear the book was first written in English. The setting is unusual and interesting, the plot action-packed. The characters develop slowly, and there are far too many information dumps (masquerading as dialogue) even for a novel set in 8th-century Sogdia and the lands to its west. But Nanidat, the main character, is both interesting and likable, the descriptions rich and engrossing, and the multi-layered plot will keep you guessing until the end. It's a story that will stay with you, and even benefit from re-reading. You'll get more out of it the second time around.
If you have a choice, read the book in print. The reference materials are in the e-book, too, but getting to them is more of a distraction.
You can hear my interview with the translator, Liv Bliss, at New Books in Historical Fiction. I read the book last year, which is why it, unlike most books whose authors I interview, has a star rating.
If you have a choice, read the book in print. The reference materials are in the e-book, too, but getting to them is more of a distraction.
You can hear my interview with the translator, Liv Bliss, at New Books in Historical Fiction. I read the book last year, which is why it, unlike most books whose authors I interview, has a star rating.
June 3, 2015
This is one of those books I have a hard time rating. Should I be fair to its literary merit and eye for historical detail? If so, I would give it four stars. Or should I be honest about how much I personally enjoyed this book? In that case it would be two stars, for I must admit, I struggled to keep my interest in this tale of silk merchant turned warrior in central Asia. Actually, I think it's a good book but I'm just not the best audience for it.
January 21, 2018
I vascillated between 3 and 4 - parts of the book I really, really liked: the history of the region, which gave me a better understanding of the turmoil throughout the centuries and continuing even into today; place names and derivations; variations in languages. What flummoxed me the most was keeping the characters straight. This was difficult (for me) because a character often had at least three names: familial, colloquial, and nickname. Up would crop a colloquial name and then, later the nickname would be used (without reference to familial or colloquial), sometimes a hundred pages further into the book. So I spent a lot of time thinking a certain character was actually someone he was not. Very frustrating. And I fell asleep during the long, long description of which caliph was where, when, and supplanted by whom??? Needless to say, I was glad to finally finish this book, and I'm still not certain I want to start Book 2.
May 22, 2017
An interesting perspective in a piece of historical fiction for a generally unrepresented period/region from my Western perspective. And did so with a strong established a voice and adhered to it wonderfully through out.
May 16, 2019
Все недостатки "Любимой мартышки" при отсутствии её достоинств. Сюжет постоянно вязнет. Бросив, прочитав примерно три четверти и поняв, что мне совершенно не интересно, чем всё это закончится.
November 10, 2013
An intriguing tale, with a wealth of wonderful description that brings to life an ancient people and time. The Hawk (not sure where the "Pet" of the title comes in, for it's never mentioned in the book) is a silk trader who suddenly finds himself embroiled in plots, assassinations, and revolutions. Lies surround him...and may be benign, manipulative, or deadly. Wounded, cut off from his family, his money, and the power he has grown accustomed to, he must find a way to survive and determine the truth before the House of Abbas falls. Who can he trust? Can he even take his brother's word as truth?
I recommend this book, although with a few caveats:
Most readers will likely find themselves confused numerous times, with the plethora of names thrown in rapid-fire. Yes, it was a complex and often confusing time, but conveying this is not the same as actually confusing the reader. It undercuts the thrill of what's befalling the central character. (My advice to the reader would be not to worry too much about stopping to figure it all out--yes, I know: odd advice when reading a mystery, but for most it's preferable to getting hopelessly bogged down.)
There are some historical foibles, despite the obvious research done for the book. For example, the word Iraq was of later date than the novel's setting...depending upon the language in question, Arak (Pahlavi for "lowland"), Uruk or Erech (the city the name was taken from), or Al-Iraq (Arabic for "place between two rivers") would have been a better choice. These all sound enough like the modern name that an astute reader will realize (especially given the map, which is also too modern) what area is being discussed. Modern names tossed into a historical novel shatter the illusion of being in that place and time. (I don't know whether this kind of thing is the fault of the author or the translator.)
Finally, the ending is much too coincidental, and could easily have been written so as not to be. Lazy plotting right at the end? If not for that, I would have given another star. That said, there's some wonderful stuff in here, and definitely worth taking a look.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I recommend this book, although with a few caveats:
Most readers will likely find themselves confused numerous times, with the plethora of names thrown in rapid-fire. Yes, it was a complex and often confusing time, but conveying this is not the same as actually confusing the reader. It undercuts the thrill of what's befalling the central character. (My advice to the reader would be not to worry too much about stopping to figure it all out--yes, I know: odd advice when reading a mystery, but for most it's preferable to getting hopelessly bogged down.)
There are some historical foibles, despite the obvious research done for the book. For example, the word Iraq was of later date than the novel's setting...depending upon the language in question, Arak (Pahlavi for "lowland"), Uruk or Erech (the city the name was taken from), or Al-Iraq (Arabic for "place between two rivers") would have been a better choice. These all sound enough like the modern name that an astute reader will realize (especially given the map, which is also too modern) what area is being discussed. Modern names tossed into a historical novel shatter the illusion of being in that place and time. (I don't know whether this kind of thing is the fault of the author or the translator.)
Finally, the ending is much too coincidental, and could easily have been written so as not to be. Lazy plotting right at the end? If not for that, I would have given another star. That said, there's some wonderful stuff in here, and definitely worth taking a look.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
September 10, 2015
Simply, I was impressed. As a historical novel it took me on a trip never before attempted by me; I didn't even know the voyage, itinerary and historical records existed. I WILL re-read, just to assist my understanding of that period, those vultures and the almost infinite intertwine of geography, social structures, cultures, religion and tribal /family influences. For history buffs, a must read, free of of oft-noted Western Civilization bias.
February 27, 2014
It's an adventure historical fiction, so you know, that. If you're not the sort of person interested in 8th century Central Asia, this book's probably not gonna hold much for you. However, if you ARE the sort of person interested in 8th century Central Asia, it's always fun to read about it without having to put on your academician glasses.
The book's a fun romp. Ain't nothing wrong with that.
The book's a fun romp. Ain't nothing wrong with that.
August 31, 2016
Oh, what could have been.
The pace is rushed; thoughts and actions blur into one another.
Secondly, perhaps it is the translation, perhaps it is the original where almost every sentence is qualified. There are few sentences that are written in a straightforward manner; additional or qualifying information, thoughts or feelings interrupt the flow of every sentence.
The pace is rushed; thoughts and actions blur into one another.
Secondly, perhaps it is the translation, perhaps it is the original where almost every sentence is qualified. There are few sentences that are written in a straightforward manner; additional or qualifying information, thoughts or feelings interrupt the flow of every sentence.
July 11, 2018
Ancient trade route are so interesting. Silk trader of now vanished city state (Sogdian) becomes entangled with Muslim wars to west. Mystery, adventure, history by Russian novelist.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews