I, Barbarian

by John Jakes

They defied the might of Genghis Khan...a brave young warrior from Frankistan and the beautiful Oriental maiden, Cho Soo. Theirs was a forbidden passion that was at once supremely delicate and yet relentless. Neither the Mongolian hordes nor the timeless sands of the Gobi Desert would keep them apart.

In a spellbinding novel of romance, intrigue, and adventure, the phenomenal John Jakes weaves an unforgettable picture of two people caught in the cruel grip of history's most savage era. Here is storytelling at its very best, by the man who singlehandedly made the American Revolution come alive in his American Bicentennial Series. No other writer in history ever had three best-selling novels published in one year!

Genres: Historical Fiction

282 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

John William Jakes, the author of more than a dozen novels, is regarded as one of today’s most distinguished writers of historical fiction. His work includes the highly acclaimed Kent Family Chronicles series and the North and South Trilogy. Jakes’s commitment to historical accuracy and evocative storytelling earned him the title of “the godfather of historical novelists” from the Los Angeles Times and led to a streak of sixteen consecutive New York Times bestsellers. Jakes has received several awards for his work and is a member of the Authors Guild and the PEN American Center. He and his wife, Rachel, live on the west coast of Florida.

Also writes under pseudonyms Jay Scotland, Alan Payne, Rachel Ann Payne, Robert Hart Davis, Darius John Granger, John Lee Gray. Has ghost written as William Ard.

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is Jakes' first book. A European joins the Mongol hordes and falls in love with a Chinese beauty. I liked it mainly for the historical period, the Age of Genghis Khan!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Forbidden…They defied the might of Genghis Khan…a brave young warrior from Frankistan and the beautiful Oriental maiden, Cho Soo. Theirs was a forbidden passion that was at once supremely delicate an yet relentless. Neither the Mongolian hordes nor the timeless sands of all the Gobi Desert would keep them apart. An unforgettable picture of two people caught in the cruel grip of history’s most savage era.”

This was an interesting, well written and plotted book about a most vicious time in history --- a time brought to life and I’m sure glad I didn’t live then and/or there!

[M.L. Bushman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Jake's first historical novel, written under the pseudonym Jay Scotland, and re-released under the author's rightful name once he'd made his mark.

I enjoyed this book, not only for the story itself, but also the history of the era, which Jake's seamlessly wove into the plot. He makes writing historical fiction look easy.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story of Genghis Khan and the Mongols but a little hard to read with the unknown terms, no matter how many times you hear them in the story.

[Charles · Rating 2 out of 5]

I put it in fantasy but this is really supposed to be historical fiction. Of course, not real history. I'm torn with this book between 2 and 3 stars. Maybe it's at least 2 and a half. I enjoyed it, but I thought it was a bit slow here and there. A European ends up with the Mongol horde, and finds a woman there to love.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable. Memorable tale of love, war, friendship, and bitter enemies. More of a young adult read by todays standards. Recommended!