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Forgotten Realms: Empires #2
Dragonwall
Barbarian horsemen have breached the Dragonwall and threaten Shou Lung, and a general who is a descendant of the barbarians may be Shou Lung's only chance of survival--if the imperial court will give him the opportunity
311 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
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Troy Denning
186 books662 followersAlso known as Richard Awlinson.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy_Den...
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy_Den...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 11, 2014
High speed rail is far more interesting than this book
28 March 2013
Well, I thought that I might write one commentary while I am sitting on the ICE (Inter-City Express) travelling at 300 kph (well not quite that fast but I do know that the train can hit those speeds) between Amsterdam and Frankfurt. Mind you second class is not really that cheap (though first class isn't actually much more, though when I was last here on a first class ticket we could basically sit where we wanted to, and got a our own private rooms). You simply have to love European High-speed rail (China and Japan have it as well, though I suspect that it does not exist in the United States, in the same way that it does not exist in Australia).
However, this is not about the wonders of high-speed rail, or criticisms of various governments because they have no interest in actually investing in the infrastructure of the country, and only look to profit margins in the same way that companies do. Instead this is a commentary on a rather ordinary book that is the second in a trilogy call 'The Empires Trilogy'. Basically it is about how the Mongols invaded China, but instead it is set in the Forgotten Realms, which is a Dungeons and Dragons product, so while the names have changed, the historical source remains the same.
Personally, I can't remember much about this book, other than a horde of Mongols (or people who aren't strictly Mongols because Mongols do not exist in the Forgotten Realms, but we will call the Mongols anyway because we all know what we are talking about – actually, I think they were just called the Horde, but a Mongol Horde is somewhat more terrifying than a simple, everyday, average horde) attacking the Forgotten Realms version of China and being beaten off because of the Dragonwall, which is supposed to be a copy of The Great Wall of China (and it is a pretty blatant copy at that, particularly since the whole series are a blatant copy of the Mongol invasions). Mind you there is a significant difference between this book and the real event, and that is because in the historical event the Chinese lost and the Mongols ravished the place. So, even though the Great Wall was built, it turned out that it didn't work.
Anyway, I am almost at the Frankfurt Airport, which is my stop, so I better finish off now. Anyway, as for the book I would suggest blaah. I am sure there are better books to buy and waste your time reading than this one.
28 March 2013
Well, I thought that I might write one commentary while I am sitting on the ICE (Inter-City Express) travelling at 300 kph (well not quite that fast but I do know that the train can hit those speeds) between Amsterdam and Frankfurt. Mind you second class is not really that cheap (though first class isn't actually much more, though when I was last here on a first class ticket we could basically sit where we wanted to, and got a our own private rooms). You simply have to love European High-speed rail (China and Japan have it as well, though I suspect that it does not exist in the United States, in the same way that it does not exist in Australia).
However, this is not about the wonders of high-speed rail, or criticisms of various governments because they have no interest in actually investing in the infrastructure of the country, and only look to profit margins in the same way that companies do. Instead this is a commentary on a rather ordinary book that is the second in a trilogy call 'The Empires Trilogy'. Basically it is about how the Mongols invaded China, but instead it is set in the Forgotten Realms, which is a Dungeons and Dragons product, so while the names have changed, the historical source remains the same.
Personally, I can't remember much about this book, other than a horde of Mongols (or people who aren't strictly Mongols because Mongols do not exist in the Forgotten Realms, but we will call the Mongols anyway because we all know what we are talking about – actually, I think they were just called the Horde, but a Mongol Horde is somewhat more terrifying than a simple, everyday, average horde) attacking the Forgotten Realms version of China and being beaten off because of the Dragonwall, which is supposed to be a copy of The Great Wall of China (and it is a pretty blatant copy at that, particularly since the whole series are a blatant copy of the Mongol invasions). Mind you there is a significant difference between this book and the real event, and that is because in the historical event the Chinese lost and the Mongols ravished the place. So, even though the Great Wall was built, it turned out that it didn't work.
Anyway, I am almost at the Frankfurt Airport, which is my stop, so I better finish off now. Anyway, as for the book I would suggest blaah. I am sure there are better books to buy and waste your time reading than this one.
March 28, 2022
This trilogy, with each book having written by a different author, continues to impress.
This one focuses on a different group of people for a long while, but links back up to the events and characters from the first book deftly without awkwardness. And the tension and action continue to build throughout the pages, so around the 200 page mark when the plot clinches, it's truly thrilling. I did NOT see much of that coming.
It was a wild ride. Tons of action/battle scenes, restrained and fitting use of magic, and plenty of human interest. 4*. On to the third and final book in the trilogy.
This one focuses on a different group of people for a long while, but links back up to the events and characters from the first book deftly without awkwardness. And the tension and action continue to build throughout the pages, so around the 200 page mark when the plot clinches, it's truly thrilling. I did NOT see much of that coming.
It was a wild ride. Tons of action/battle scenes, restrained and fitting use of magic, and plenty of human interest. 4*. On to the third and final book in the trilogy.
May 9, 2020
Continua l'avanzata dei selvaggi Tuigan, ma questa volta il punto di vista è quello degli invasi Shou Lung, o per meglio dire quella del generale Batu Min Ho, che per primo si ritrova a fronteggiare i feroci ma organizzati invasori. Nonostante la guerra che infuria, lo stato maggiore del Celeste Impero sembra più interessato alle manovre interne di potere, che ad escogitare una difesa adeguata...Un libro francamente un po' noioso, estremamente lento nella parte iniziale ed anche poco ficcante nella descrizione delle battaglie. Tuttavia, ci sono diversi colpi di scena abbastanza inaspettati ed una battaglia finale che porta a due le stellette del libro.
October 9, 2011
Dragonwall is the next title in The Empires trilogy, and the immediate sequel to Horselords. The book picks right up immediately after Horselords. Some book sequels, some amount of time has passed between the two, for characters to regroup, or for some change to sink in, or whatever. In this case, the Tuigan have just broken through the Dragonwall, and the military of Shou Lung is just beginning to fight them back.
In a way, Dragonwall presents the same story of Horselords, but from the opposite perspective. In Horselords, we were told the story from the point of view of the Tuigan, as they siege Khazari. In Dragonwall, we are told the story from the point of view of the Shou, as they defend their lands. I, personally, liked the change in perspective. In Horselords, we were shown how the Tuigan think. In Dragonwall, we were shown how others perceive them.
Dragonwall had practically everything I want in a Forgotten Realms book. The main protagonists and antagonists are, for the most part, nameless soldiers- most will have names that don’t last the passage of time, anyway. Batu Min Ho, the main character of the book, I didn’t like too much in and of himself. As far as characters go, he wasn’t too dynamic, I didn’t think. His interactions with everyone else, however, I enjoyed. The political machinations by the Mandarins of Shou Lung was an aspect of the novel that I enjoyed as well. I’d say that it could be classified as part war novel, part action novel, and part mystery novel. I liked the scenes midway through the novel dealing with Wu, Batu’s wife, and the plot about a spy in the Summer Palace of the Emperor the most. For the sake of not spoiling it for anyone else, I won’t go into more detail on that matter, other than I liked that story.
The one complaint I had with Dragonwall was that I don’t really like the “person comes out of obscurity to take over” fantasy theme. Batu was, at the beginning of the novel, a relative nobody, and by midway through, he was a very important figure. Now, to clarify a bit, he was a general of the Imperial Army of Shou Lung, so he wasn’t exactly a nobody. But, he was from Chukei, the far-flung, ‘red headed stepchild’ of Shou Lung. To put it in more modern terms, it’s like the mayor of a small town somewhere suddenly becoming a promoted to the leader of CENTCOM.
The misfortunes of poor Koja of Khazari continue, as well. Though I felt the same way before I reread this novel, Koja always seems to be getting the short end of the stick. For the second time in so many novels, he gets all of his bodyguards slaughtered, and the unenviable task of having to deliver all of their heads back to Yamun. The poor guy constantly seems to be being dealt bad cards, though he survives through things relatively unscathed. Speaking of misfortunes, other people have registered their dislike for Forgotten Realms novels not really dishing out enough misfortune, that things are too often (more or less) “happily ever after”. I won’t go into much detail, again, as not to spoil what I think is the best part of the novel, but after putting this novel down, people won’t be disillusioned with the concept of ‘plot armor’ and all of that.
In a way, Dragonwall presents the same story of Horselords, but from the opposite perspective. In Horselords, we were told the story from the point of view of the Tuigan, as they siege Khazari. In Dragonwall, we are told the story from the point of view of the Shou, as they defend their lands. I, personally, liked the change in perspective. In Horselords, we were shown how the Tuigan think. In Dragonwall, we were shown how others perceive them.
Dragonwall had practically everything I want in a Forgotten Realms book. The main protagonists and antagonists are, for the most part, nameless soldiers- most will have names that don’t last the passage of time, anyway. Batu Min Ho, the main character of the book, I didn’t like too much in and of himself. As far as characters go, he wasn’t too dynamic, I didn’t think. His interactions with everyone else, however, I enjoyed. The political machinations by the Mandarins of Shou Lung was an aspect of the novel that I enjoyed as well. I’d say that it could be classified as part war novel, part action novel, and part mystery novel. I liked the scenes midway through the novel dealing with Wu, Batu’s wife, and the plot about a spy in the Summer Palace of the Emperor the most. For the sake of not spoiling it for anyone else, I won’t go into more detail on that matter, other than I liked that story.
The one complaint I had with Dragonwall was that I don’t really like the “person comes out of obscurity to take over” fantasy theme. Batu was, at the beginning of the novel, a relative nobody, and by midway through, he was a very important figure. Now, to clarify a bit, he was a general of the Imperial Army of Shou Lung, so he wasn’t exactly a nobody. But, he was from Chukei, the far-flung, ‘red headed stepchild’ of Shou Lung. To put it in more modern terms, it’s like the mayor of a small town somewhere suddenly becoming a promoted to the leader of CENTCOM.
The misfortunes of poor Koja of Khazari continue, as well. Though I felt the same way before I reread this novel, Koja always seems to be getting the short end of the stick. For the second time in so many novels, he gets all of his bodyguards slaughtered, and the unenviable task of having to deliver all of their heads back to Yamun. The poor guy constantly seems to be being dealt bad cards, though he survives through things relatively unscathed. Speaking of misfortunes, other people have registered their dislike for Forgotten Realms novels not really dishing out enough misfortune, that things are too often (more or less) “happily ever after”. I won’t go into much detail, again, as not to spoil what I think is the best part of the novel, but after putting this novel down, people won’t be disillusioned with the concept of ‘plot armor’ and all of that.
September 19, 2019
It must be challenging for an author to collaborate on a trilogy (or any other number in a series of books) where each other writes a separate installment, especially when they are sequential and you are dependent on the characters created or fleshed out by another author. The Forgotten Realms 'Empire' series neatly minimizes this problem by providing a different focus for each novel. In Dragonwall, 80% of the time we are immersed in a completely different set of characters that in the preceding Horselords. This gives Troy Denning freer reign to craft his own story and characters, limited only somewhat by the dictates of the series-long story arc.
Dragonwall is set in one relatively small empire in the "Kara-Tur" Eastern/Oriental setting put out by Dungeons and Dragons then-publisher TSR as an add-on to the Forgotten Realms campaign setting. Troy Denning does a fine job of painting with a feudal oriental flair, with its influence seen in the vivid descriptions of clothing, armor, and culture. There is more political intrigue compared to Horselords, fitting given the more 'civilized' people that it focuses on. Denning proves adept at describing large-scale battle tactics and maneuvers, at the same time as he is able to narrow down on the POV of individual characters. The gradual degradation of the main character is relatively subtle, at least until major events force his development along a specific route. The "barbarian" hordes of Horselords have a strong presence throughout Dragonwall, even though they don't directly make an appearance for quite some time. As the novel nears its conclusion, specific characters from Horselords get a stronger direct role, paving the way to the third installment.
The writing quality is good, slightly less so that in Horselords in my opinion, which had a much subtler, surprising quality to it. Nonetheless, the characters were distinct, some even likable (and some got short shrift in the story), the pacing was good, the action and emotion were palpable.
For context: I am reading the Forgotten Realms novels for the first time, in rough publication order, usually grouping trilogies and other series in the order that the first volumes were published. This makes for some occasional minor continuity issues (e.g. the third novel in the Finder's Stone Trilogy referenced events from the Avatar trilogy which I read later) but since the novels early in the publication history were not highly chronological (in terms of Realms history), this is not a significant issue.
Dragonwall is set in one relatively small empire in the "Kara-Tur" Eastern/Oriental setting put out by Dungeons and Dragons then-publisher TSR as an add-on to the Forgotten Realms campaign setting. Troy Denning does a fine job of painting with a feudal oriental flair, with its influence seen in the vivid descriptions of clothing, armor, and culture. There is more political intrigue compared to Horselords, fitting given the more 'civilized' people that it focuses on. Denning proves adept at describing large-scale battle tactics and maneuvers, at the same time as he is able to narrow down on the POV of individual characters. The gradual degradation of the main character is relatively subtle, at least until major events force his development along a specific route. The "barbarian" hordes of Horselords have a strong presence throughout Dragonwall, even though they don't directly make an appearance for quite some time. As the novel nears its conclusion, specific characters from Horselords get a stronger direct role, paving the way to the third installment.
The writing quality is good, slightly less so that in Horselords in my opinion, which had a much subtler, surprising quality to it. Nonetheless, the characters were distinct, some even likable (and some got short shrift in the story), the pacing was good, the action and emotion were palpable.
For context: I am reading the Forgotten Realms novels for the first time, in rough publication order, usually grouping trilogies and other series in the order that the first volumes were published. This makes for some occasional minor continuity issues (e.g. the third novel in the Finder's Stone Trilogy referenced events from the Avatar trilogy which I read later) but since the novels early in the publication history were not highly chronological (in terms of Realms history), this is not a significant issue.
May 31, 2022
2.5 stars, rounded up.
I like the low-magic setting and how we're getting this trilogy told through different perspectives, and Batu's character progression was unexpected and cool and kind of tragic. But... this novel felt like it was 80% military strategy and it really bored me.
I like the low-magic setting and how we're getting this trilogy told through different perspectives, and Batu's character progression was unexpected and cool and kind of tragic. But... this novel felt like it was 80% military strategy and it really bored me.
March 22, 2023
A continuation of the Forgotten Realms version of Mongolian history. Intrigue was a driving force of this book, and there quite a bit of bloodshed. But that's what this series is all about. I was surprised to enjoy the character development, although I must say that Batu's decision to have life both ways brought him (and his family) only grief and suffering. It's really heartbreaking. Overall, I like the narrators here more than I liked Koja, the main character of the first book.
I'd recommend for anyone interested in the Forgotten Realms, Central Asian themed books, and reasonably good characters. I enjoyed reading about these particular groups in the D&D world and learning more of its history. I can't say the same about their motivations, but that's part of the enjoyment.
I'd recommend for anyone interested in the Forgotten Realms, Central Asian themed books, and reasonably good characters. I enjoyed reading about these particular groups in the D&D world and learning more of its history. I can't say the same about their motivations, but that's part of the enjoyment.
August 16, 2014
Dragonwall is the 2nd book of the Empires Trilogy. From the opposite side of the story, this time we get the Shou Lung perspective after the end of Horselords. If the Tuigan from Book 1 are modeled after the Mongolians, the Shou Lung from Book 2 are modeled after the great Chinese Empire. The story brings to life the Far East lands of the Forgotten Realms World known as Kara-Tur. Wu-jen, Ronin, Bushido...lots of good fun with the Oriental theme.
Wrapping up 1990 with the 2nd book in the Maztica series, Viperhand.
Wrapping up 1990 with the 2nd book in the Maztica series, Viperhand.
March 25, 2019
Longtime TSR game writer and author of the Forgotten Realms novel Waterdeep, Troy Denning wrote Dragonwall to continue where Horselords left off. The novel actually left off at the dragonwall after the last entry and there is little reference to it in this novel and the book focuses of the war in the northern half of Shou Lung from their perspective.
Because of the different author the characters from last book, Yamun Khan, Koja, and Chanar seem like slightly different people. The Shou characters and culture, based on Chinese culture, do a passable job of imitating the Chinese bureaucracy/court, Sun Tzu's art of war, and the I Ching book of changes. The book seems on par with the last book where the author wraps up the story arc and then devotes a few chapters at the end to begin the story for the next book. In this case at the end of the novel they had already wrapped up every major story arc of Shou Lung and have begun the invasion of the west by fighting through Thay into Rashemen.
In comparison to Horselords the writing is of decent quality for the Forgotten Realms universe but still not as good as some of the better fantasy contemporary authors. As a reader I actually felt the characters' struggles and cared more about what happened to them than I did in Horselords. It also was a change of pace from the last novel in that it took place in more than two to three locations which made the last novel a little boring. One thing that made this a little boring was it was written in a low magic, low fantasy creature setting and this is odd given that it's a forgotten realms book. I had to say the war strategy and battle execution was somewhat realistic, which is rare in this genre. Authors in this genre typically write half-baked battle tactics and strategy which leave you scratching your head but in this case most of it was realistic.
I give this book what is becoming a standard FR rating of two stars as something mildly interesting to the FR fan but not incredibly well written for the fantasy genre.
Because of the different author the characters from last book, Yamun Khan, Koja, and Chanar seem like slightly different people. The Shou characters and culture, based on Chinese culture, do a passable job of imitating the Chinese bureaucracy/court, Sun Tzu's art of war, and the I Ching book of changes. The book seems on par with the last book where the author wraps up the story arc and then devotes a few chapters at the end to begin the story for the next book. In this case at the end of the novel they had already wrapped up every major story arc of Shou Lung and have begun the invasion of the west by fighting through Thay into Rashemen.
In comparison to Horselords the writing is of decent quality for the Forgotten Realms universe but still not as good as some of the better fantasy contemporary authors. As a reader I actually felt the characters' struggles and cared more about what happened to them than I did in Horselords. It also was a change of pace from the last novel in that it took place in more than two to three locations which made the last novel a little boring. One thing that made this a little boring was it was written in a low magic, low fantasy creature setting and this is odd given that it's a forgotten realms book. I had to say the war strategy and battle execution was somewhat realistic, which is rare in this genre. Authors in this genre typically write half-baked battle tactics and strategy which leave you scratching your head but in this case most of it was realistic.
I give this book what is becoming a standard FR rating of two stars as something mildly interesting to the FR fan but not incredibly well written for the fantasy genre.
June 10, 2021
Se agradece que la trilogía "El Imperio" sea una trilogía de verdad, y no una única historia dividida en tres partes (que es lo más habitual). En este caso, las diferentes entregas están escritas desde la óptica de una cultura diferente.
Para esta segunda entrega, el punto de vista de los tuiganos (de la primera parte) es sustituido por el de los shous, que deben defenderse de la gran invasión de Yamun Khahan. Hay algunas cosas interesantes, y creo que es más ameno que el anterior, pero repite más o menos el esquema: un gran general (que aquí es Batu) debe enfrentarse a oficiales bajo su mando para demostrar sus dotes militares, mientras en otros lugares se teje cierta trama en su contra.
Además, se repite algo bastante inverosímil: si los tuiganos eran mongoles (con antropónimos de personajes históricos y términos del ejército y la cultura mongola), los shous no dejan de ser chinos (incluido, por ejemplo, el "kung fu").
El personaje de Batu resulta bastante plano, las intrigas son simples (de hecho, casi no merecen el nombre de intrigas, ya que todo el mundo parece tener claro qué está pasando en todo momento), y el uso de los personajes de la entrega anterior es marginal. Aún así, algo que no suele verse en este tipo de libros de franquicia fantástica (y en particular en Reinos Olvidados) es lo mal que se ponen las cosas para el bando del protagonista, y que le conducen a ciertas decisiones y actitudes que rozan (aunque sea de lejos) un tono bastante oscuro.
Para esta segunda entrega, el punto de vista de los tuiganos (de la primera parte) es sustituido por el de los shous, que deben defenderse de la gran invasión de Yamun Khahan. Hay algunas cosas interesantes, y creo que es más ameno que el anterior, pero repite más o menos el esquema: un gran general (que aquí es Batu) debe enfrentarse a oficiales bajo su mando para demostrar sus dotes militares, mientras en otros lugares se teje cierta trama en su contra.
Además, se repite algo bastante inverosímil: si los tuiganos eran mongoles (con antropónimos de personajes históricos y términos del ejército y la cultura mongola), los shous no dejan de ser chinos (incluido, por ejemplo, el "kung fu").
El personaje de Batu resulta bastante plano, las intrigas son simples (de hecho, casi no merecen el nombre de intrigas, ya que todo el mundo parece tener claro qué está pasando en todo momento), y el uso de los personajes de la entrega anterior es marginal. Aún así, algo que no suele verse en este tipo de libros de franquicia fantástica (y en particular en Reinos Olvidados) es lo mal que se ponen las cosas para el bando del protagonista, y que le conducen a ciertas decisiones y actitudes que rozan (aunque sea de lejos) un tono bastante oscuro.
May 8, 2023
In general, D&D-related books can be quite enjoyable, sometimes I'd say highly enjoyable (and sometimes rather poor, as well), but normally they tend to cheap literature, not only pricewise, but also from a quality point of view.
In this case, however, I have to make an exception. I loved this book, and couldn't really put it down until I finished it. It is a fast-paced book with frequent plot twists, and an Oriental-style intrigue that builds up a magnificent secondary plot. It is quite reminiscent of David Gemmell and Janny Wurts.
An unusual feature, but one which didn't spoil the book, is that this is a sequel only in a very loose sense. Although the background is still that of the Tuigan invasion, and some characters (Ju-Hai Chuo, Yamun Khahan, Koja, and Chanar) are recurring, the perspective is totally different, and this book can be read quite standalone from the previous one. This is not surprising, since the author is a different one, and I assume that at the time of the writing the three authors had only agreed upon a very general plot and a few major characters, working independently thereafter.
After reading several books by Troy Denning, I can confirm that he is the best Forgotten Realms author, much more than the more popular Salvatore.
In this case, however, I have to make an exception. I loved this book, and couldn't really put it down until I finished it. It is a fast-paced book with frequent plot twists, and an Oriental-style intrigue that builds up a magnificent secondary plot. It is quite reminiscent of David Gemmell and Janny Wurts.
An unusual feature, but one which didn't spoil the book, is that this is a sequel only in a very loose sense. Although the background is still that of the Tuigan invasion, and some characters (Ju-Hai Chuo, Yamun Khahan, Koja, and Chanar) are recurring, the perspective is totally different, and this book can be read quite standalone from the previous one. This is not surprising, since the author is a different one, and I assume that at the time of the writing the three authors had only agreed upon a very general plot and a few major characters, working independently thereafter.
After reading several books by Troy Denning, I can confirm that he is the best Forgotten Realms author, much more than the more popular Salvatore.
October 4, 2019
A surprisingly dark and complex entry in the Forgotten Realms. I enjoyed the political intrigue even more than the action, although I'm not sure how I feel about the MC. When I started the trilogy, I was skeptical that the over-arching story would flow well, but I was pleasantly surprised! For the most part, the writing has left behind the simpler prose of earlier FR novels. Even the characters show greater depth--although maybe not always. Even better, I would go so far as to say that this book could function fairly well as a standalone novel.
May 3, 2022
The first book in the trilogy, Horselords, by David Cook was pretty decent, but this second book, by Troy Denning, was much better.
Hard to believe the same writer wrote the turgid Giants trilogy I slogged through a few weeks ago.
Very much a light touch fantasy take on Mongols versus Imperial China, you could forget, until the final few chapters you are reading a Forgotten Realms novel at all; ironically, as it's one of the best novels bearing that masthead I've yet read.
Hard to believe the same writer wrote the turgid Giants trilogy I slogged through a few weeks ago.
Very much a light touch fantasy take on Mongols versus Imperial China, you could forget, until the final few chapters you are reading a Forgotten Realms novel at all; ironically, as it's one of the best novels bearing that masthead I've yet read.
September 22, 2025
I enjoyed the first book more. This had a slow start and even less magic than the first book (didn’t seem possible)! Halfway through there are some turning points that inject some excitement into the plot. Batu fell flat for me…just didn’t connect with him. Wu and Xenu had more interesting backstories…but we don’t get to see a lot of them.
February 27, 2020
This second book in the series takes on the perspective of the general dealing with the Tuigan invasion, which is the opposite view of the first book. If you like tactical combat versus detailed descriptions of the one on one combat, this book will appeal to you.
December 3, 2023
Pretty good, I fell asleep a few times.
December 24, 2023
Way to many stereotypes the first book was less offensive but somthing about this one is worse maybe its the way eveyone is called mandarin constantly.
September 30, 2025
I thought that this was a pretty good read. Good detail and more intrigue made for a better paced and more interesting read. Told from the perspective of the invaded people.
December 20, 2025
Was interesting for non medieval Europe dnd fantasy. It want until 2/3 through that it pulled me deeper in. The murder of his family was so unexpected. Looking forward to book 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2009
This one was much better than the first one. I like this author more, but I respect that the first story was really just laying the framework for the rest of the series.
As with the first book, this one had very little magic and no monsters or anything...which made it not overly fantastic, but more of a war/cultural novel.
However, at the end, when they move into Farun (or the main continent in forgotten realms) there is suddenly lots of magic and monsters for the last 30 pages. It really sets it up for the last book in the series, which I'm really looking forward to reading.
This was a nice introduction to a new area in the forgotton realms world; definitely worth reading.
As with the first book, this one had very little magic and no monsters or anything...which made it not overly fantastic, but more of a war/cultural novel.
However, at the end, when they move into Farun (or the main continent in forgotten realms) there is suddenly lots of magic and monsters for the last 30 pages. It really sets it up for the last book in the series, which I'm really looking forward to reading.
This was a nice introduction to a new area in the forgotton realms world; definitely worth reading.
October 4, 2010
This was a decent second book in the Empire trilogy. There was a nice storyline of intrigue woven into the main story of the Tuigan Horselords pressing forward into Shou Lung.
I find that literature about Kara-Tur is rare and far between, so I found this refreshing. Though there are tons of weeaboo in the world, it seems that the DnD realms are not dominated by games in Kara-Tur.
That said,
One of my favorite icons in ALL of the Realms made an appearance at the very end of the book... Szass Tam. I am absolutely enamored with Thay and the Red Wizards, so this really makes me jazzed to read the next book!
I find that literature about Kara-Tur is rare and far between, so I found this refreshing. Though there are tons of weeaboo in the world, it seems that the DnD realms are not dominated by games in Kara-Tur.
That said,
One of my favorite icons in ALL of the Realms made an appearance at the very end of the book... Szass Tam. I am absolutely enamored with Thay and the Red Wizards, so this really makes me jazzed to read the next book!
September 30, 2022
I found this to be an easy read and kept my interest the entire time. This is the 2 book of 3 and switched which perspective it is viewed in. Rather than following the Tuigan it followed the people they were attacking in Shou Lung. It mainly follows Batu throughout the book occasionally switching the his wife, his father-in-law or a few of the Mandarinates. I was pleasantly surprised by this book as I had skipped it back when I originally starting reading the Forgotten Realms books. I glad I started reading them in the order they were written rather than picking out series I guessed I would like. I look forward to the final book which this book ends with.
January 31, 2017
After the first book got things moving.
This one added more action.
Again a LOT of court intrigues and plotting.
As we are introduced to a new nation of characters.
A nice look, at how an ancient Asian culture. May have existed.
Another thing that lifts this one up.
It starts adding in. Elements of the Forgotten Realms.
A dragon and other beings of magic.
First one, could have happened in real life.
This one changes that part of the landscape.
More action and battles as well.
So 4 instead of 3 stars for this one.
This one added more action.
Again a LOT of court intrigues and plotting.
As we are introduced to a new nation of characters.
A nice look, at how an ancient Asian culture. May have existed.
Another thing that lifts this one up.
It starts adding in. Elements of the Forgotten Realms.
A dragon and other beings of magic.
First one, could have happened in real life.
This one changes that part of the landscape.
More action and battles as well.
So 4 instead of 3 stars for this one.
May 30, 2023
A good follow on from David Zeb Cooks phenomenonal Horselords. An excellent look at Fantasy asian military fiction and politics.
I felt this lacked some of the deep characterisation that made Horselords one of my top reads but that isn't to take anything away from this which is quite accomplished in itself, it regularly veers away from the predictable too which is refreshing.
Highly recommended.
I felt this lacked some of the deep characterisation that made Horselords one of my top reads but that isn't to take anything away from this which is quite accomplished in itself, it regularly veers away from the predictable too which is refreshing.
Highly recommended.
February 2, 2017
The 2nd book of the Empires Trilogy tells the story of the Tuigan invasion as seen by the Shou Lung General, Batu Min Ho. With fantastic depictions of both Shou Lung society and politics as well as insight into the tactical strategy of commanding armies numbering in the hundreds of thousands, this book is a treat. Mr. Denning is to be commended on his contribution to this excellent trilogy.
July 30, 2017
Read this about 20 years ago - just adding it to the library now. This book is more of the same - D&D's version of the Mongol invasions, Chinese imperial politics and tricky alliances. Tightly written and plotted, and fun in a minor way.
June 30, 2013
Started out a but slow but wound up being a fairly decent book.
May 18, 2016
"To his way of thinking, soldiers were dead men. Their commanders simply allowed them to walk the land of the living until their bodies were needed in combat."
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