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Yassa: Genghis Khan's Coming of Age Tale
Genghis Khan's coming of age tale is a historical fiction novel like no other. Love, betrayal of a friend, and epic battles rule the day in this one of a kind first person recount of his life. You'll love the romance in this novel, and the intensity of the connection between young Temujin and Borte is something folks only dream of. It's a fairy tale romance from the start that's interwoven with facts about Genghis's life.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2012
5 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Jo Michaels
92 books273 followersJo Michaels loves writing novels that make readers gasp in horror, surprise, and disbelief. While her browser search history has probably landed her on a list somewhere, she still dives into every plot with gusto, hoping "the man" will realize she's a writer and not a psychopath about to go on a rampage. Her favorite pastimes are reading, watching Investigation Discovery, and helping other authors realize their true potential through mentoring. She's penned the award-winning Pen Pals and Serial Killers series and the best-selling educational book for children, Writing Prompts for Kids, which has rocketed the kids that use it into several awards of their own.
Most of Jo's books feature the places she's lived: Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia. That's given her a special amount of insight to what makes those locations tick. Her works are immersive and twisty, and she wouldn't want it any other way.
Most of Jo's books feature the places she's lived: Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia. That's given her a special amount of insight to what makes those locations tick. Her works are immersive and twisty, and she wouldn't want it any other way.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 30, 2013
Although this story is about a young Ghengis Khan (Temujin), it is just as much about the woman behind the man and the great love of his life--his wife, Borte. At times brutal, as one might expect from historical fiction focusing on Ghengis Khan and his time period, it's really a story of love, loss, betrayal, friendship, and survival.
Temujin is chosen for leadership at a very early age and much to the chagrin of his older brothers. When his father dies, Temujin's role as leader is challenged and he learns a very early lesson about survival. Throughout all his trials, Borte fuels Temujin with strength and becomes a confidant and advisor. Anyone who dares threaten her will face his full wrath, and many men try especially as Temujin gains power. The journey to becoming Ghengis Khan is fraught with misunderstandings, peril, torture, and cruelty.
Yassa is a beautifully written and intense ride. But it goes beyond mere action, because the reader is pulled into a very emotional love story. I was captivated by the author's imaginings of the man behind the brutal historical figure. She doesn't try to turn him into a hero or excuse his behavior. Instead, this story gives us possible insight into what made him what he was.
I highly recommend Yassa to fans of historical fiction. But more than that, it's a well-written story about a powerful man who had to survive in a brutal world. It's an extra bonus to get a strong female character. Most stories set in this time only have the women as decoration, submissive creatures whose only relevance is to service their men.
If you love a powerful book with memorable characters, you'll love Yassa.
Note: I received a complimentary copy through a giveaway. A positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.
Temujin is chosen for leadership at a very early age and much to the chagrin of his older brothers. When his father dies, Temujin's role as leader is challenged and he learns a very early lesson about survival. Throughout all his trials, Borte fuels Temujin with strength and becomes a confidant and advisor. Anyone who dares threaten her will face his full wrath, and many men try especially as Temujin gains power. The journey to becoming Ghengis Khan is fraught with misunderstandings, peril, torture, and cruelty.
Yassa is a beautifully written and intense ride. But it goes beyond mere action, because the reader is pulled into a very emotional love story. I was captivated by the author's imaginings of the man behind the brutal historical figure. She doesn't try to turn him into a hero or excuse his behavior. Instead, this story gives us possible insight into what made him what he was.
I highly recommend Yassa to fans of historical fiction. But more than that, it's a well-written story about a powerful man who had to survive in a brutal world. It's an extra bonus to get a strong female character. Most stories set in this time only have the women as decoration, submissive creatures whose only relevance is to service their men.
If you love a powerful book with memorable characters, you'll love Yassa.
Note: I received a complimentary copy through a giveaway. A positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.
July 30, 2012
Yassa Sure to Gain Author Loyal Readers
What would you do for love? What would you do to survive? Yassa, by Jo Michaels offers the warrior’s answer to these questions and then some. Written in first person, Yassa manages to give two points of view to its peak turning-point event without breaking a sweat. Some prologues can be ignored and one misses nothing, but readers of this novel should be very careful not to fall into this thinking in the case of this work. The prologue adds a completely new dimension to the work, and enhances the tale greatly.
In a world of marriages arranged for power, and ruthless warlords and warriors, real love is a rare commodity. Yet, even the most brutal and tactically driven of minds, can be conquered by a heart touched with love. Temujin, the main character of this tale can hardly be called a hero in many respects, but judgment is not always based on black and white facts; life is created by all shades of grey and color. In truth, some would say he suffers from some type of mental disorder. One person’s vicious killer can be another’s savior and love interest easily. Like all the characters within Yassa’s pages, Temujin is so emotionally charged and visually accessible that one is a part of each event, not just a barely interested onlooker.
The plot is alive with emotions and a spirit all its own, carrying each reader into life during the 12th century. Thus, with any tale of war and tribal rule, readers must be ready to deal with graphic violence along with the lighter side of such a life. Michaels has created a personal history for one many know only as a warrior and merciless conqueror, thus proving there are at least two sides to every story, and in this case, every reader is a winner.
What would you do for love? What would you do to survive? Yassa, by Jo Michaels offers the warrior’s answer to these questions and then some. Written in first person, Yassa manages to give two points of view to its peak turning-point event without breaking a sweat. Some prologues can be ignored and one misses nothing, but readers of this novel should be very careful not to fall into this thinking in the case of this work. The prologue adds a completely new dimension to the work, and enhances the tale greatly.
In a world of marriages arranged for power, and ruthless warlords and warriors, real love is a rare commodity. Yet, even the most brutal and tactically driven of minds, can be conquered by a heart touched with love. Temujin, the main character of this tale can hardly be called a hero in many respects, but judgment is not always based on black and white facts; life is created by all shades of grey and color. In truth, some would say he suffers from some type of mental disorder. One person’s vicious killer can be another’s savior and love interest easily. Like all the characters within Yassa’s pages, Temujin is so emotionally charged and visually accessible that one is a part of each event, not just a barely interested onlooker.
The plot is alive with emotions and a spirit all its own, carrying each reader into life during the 12th century. Thus, with any tale of war and tribal rule, readers must be ready to deal with graphic violence along with the lighter side of such a life. Michaels has created a personal history for one many know only as a warrior and merciless conqueror, thus proving there are at least two sides to every story, and in this case, every reader is a winner.
June 19, 2012
Have you ever wondered if there was more to Genghis Khan? Was he just a brutal murderer or was there another side to the story. Jo Michaels brings new light into the life, love and mysteries that surround one of the world’s most famous leaders. Yassa is the story of Temujin and his powerful loyalty to his wife, Börte, his family and his friends. It is also the story of betrayal, when his anda (sworn brother) Jamuka breaks Yassa – the unbreakable vow. While Temujin is set on revenge he is also torn by his own love for his closest friend. Yassa is an historical fiction novel full of action, mystery, adventure, violence and of course love.
While the narration style can at times be overwhelming, leaving the reader in need of a breath the language is rich and the story engaging. It is not just for history buffs, but will delight romantics everywhere. Overall an intriguing read, I recommend it!
While the narration style can at times be overwhelming, leaving the reader in need of a breath the language is rich and the story engaging. It is not just for history buffs, but will delight romantics everywhere. Overall an intriguing read, I recommend it!
June 19, 2012
Review YASSA by Jo Michaels
Have you ever wondered if there was more to Genghis Khan? Was he just a brutal murderer or was there another side to the story. Jo Michaels brings new light into the life, love and mysteries that surround one of the world’s most famous leaders. Yassa is the story of Temujin and his powerful loyalty to his wife, Börte, his family and his friends. It is also the story of betrayal, when his anda (sworn brother) Jamuka breaks Yassa – the unbreakable vow. While Temujin is set on revenge he is also torn by his own love for his closest friend. Yassa is an historical fiction novel full of action, mystery, adventure, violence and of course love.
While the narration style can at times be overwhelming, leaving the reader in need of a breath the language is rich and the story engaging. It is not just for history buffs, but will delight romantics everywhere. Overall an intriguing read, I recommend it!
Have you ever wondered if there was more to Genghis Khan? Was he just a brutal murderer or was there another side to the story. Jo Michaels brings new light into the life, love and mysteries that surround one of the world’s most famous leaders. Yassa is the story of Temujin and his powerful loyalty to his wife, Börte, his family and his friends. It is also the story of betrayal, when his anda (sworn brother) Jamuka breaks Yassa – the unbreakable vow. While Temujin is set on revenge he is also torn by his own love for his closest friend. Yassa is an historical fiction novel full of action, mystery, adventure, violence and of course love.
While the narration style can at times be overwhelming, leaving the reader in need of a breath the language is rich and the story engaging. It is not just for history buffs, but will delight romantics everywhere. Overall an intriguing read, I recommend it!
July 18, 2012
This was a very different sort of novel. Based on the childhood of famous historical figure, Genghis Khan, it poses how he came to be who he was. Often brutal but always compelling, this narrative drags the reader into a historical world and foreign culture. Little Temujin is not your average child. This is a kid who will kill his brother because he knows its what he has to do to survive. This does read wrong if you're looking at it from a historical angle but it's written in the modern age for a modern audience and the author is wise to frame it in that way. Good read.
November 21, 2012
Ordinarily, I don't care for books written in first person, but I read this one from start to finish. This fictional story of the early life of Genghis Khan and his imposition of Yassa, the system of law, on the scattered Mongol tribes, as he unified them into one people, blends known history with the story of his love for his wife. An interesting and definitely recommended read.
June 14, 2013
Definitely an interesing romanticization of Genghis Khan. While the story was enjoyable and had me hooked the whole way through, the characters' behaviours seemed affected at times toward the ultimate goal of showing Genghis off as the best man ever, or perhaps, rather, the best husband. Don't let that stop you, though: 'Yassa' is a worthwhile read.
February 22, 2015
Such brilliant prose and a well written story.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews