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The Sky Worshipers
In the year 1398 A.D., Lady Goharshad and her husband, King Shahrokh, come across an ancient manuscript in the ruins of Karakorum, the Mongol capital. The manuscript chronicles the era of Mongol invasions with entries by three princesses from China, Persia, and Poland who are captured and brought to the Mongol court.
After being stolen from her family at the Tangut Emperor's coronation, Princess Chaka, the Emperor's youngest daughter is left with no choice but to marry Genghis Khan. Thus, the Tangut join Genghis as allies. She is the first to secretly chronicle the historical events of her time, and in doing so she has the help of an African eunuch by the name of Baako who brings her news from the war front.
Princess Reyhan is the witty granddaughter of the last Seljuk King in Persia. She is kidnapped by Ogodei, Genghis's son and heir, who falls in love with her. The romance does not last long, however, since a Mongol beauty wins Ogodei's heart, and Reyhan is sidelined. Reyhan continues the tradition of recording the events in secret, turning her entries into tales.
During the Mongol invasion of Poland and Hungary, Princess Krisztina, niece to Henry the Pious, is taken as a prisoner of war by the Mongols. Reyhan learns about Krisztina's predicament through Baako and asks Hulagu, Genghis's grandson, to help free her. Krisztina has a difficult time adjusting to life in Mongolia, and at one point she attempts to run away but is unsuccessful. When the child she is bearing is stillborn, the Mongol court shuns her. She is able to return to her homeland in old age but comes back to Karakorum and writes her final entry in the journal.
Through beautiful language and powerful storytelling, this fact-based historical novel lays bare the once far-reaching and uncompromising Mongol empire. It shows readers the hidden perspectives of the captive, conquered, and voiceless. It brings to light the tremendous but forgotten influence of Genghis Khan and his progeny, while asking readers to reconsider the destruction and suffering of the past on which the future is built.
After being stolen from her family at the Tangut Emperor's coronation, Princess Chaka, the Emperor's youngest daughter is left with no choice but to marry Genghis Khan. Thus, the Tangut join Genghis as allies. She is the first to secretly chronicle the historical events of her time, and in doing so she has the help of an African eunuch by the name of Baako who brings her news from the war front.
Princess Reyhan is the witty granddaughter of the last Seljuk King in Persia. She is kidnapped by Ogodei, Genghis's son and heir, who falls in love with her. The romance does not last long, however, since a Mongol beauty wins Ogodei's heart, and Reyhan is sidelined. Reyhan continues the tradition of recording the events in secret, turning her entries into tales.
During the Mongol invasion of Poland and Hungary, Princess Krisztina, niece to Henry the Pious, is taken as a prisoner of war by the Mongols. Reyhan learns about Krisztina's predicament through Baako and asks Hulagu, Genghis's grandson, to help free her. Krisztina has a difficult time adjusting to life in Mongolia, and at one point she attempts to run away but is unsuccessful. When the child she is bearing is stillborn, the Mongol court shuns her. She is able to return to her homeland in old age but comes back to Karakorum and writes her final entry in the journal.
Through beautiful language and powerful storytelling, this fact-based historical novel lays bare the once far-reaching and uncompromising Mongol empire. It shows readers the hidden perspectives of the captive, conquered, and voiceless. It brings to light the tremendous but forgotten influence of Genghis Khan and his progeny, while asking readers to reconsider the destruction and suffering of the past on which the future is built.
366 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 5, 2020
3.5 stars
Genghis Khan, the history remembers him as a brutal ruler, but also as a military genius, who out of nomadic tribes gave birth to the vastest empire ever, the Mongol Empire.
1209. Princess Chaka of Tangut Kingdom (China) is captured by Genghis Khan. She is forced to marry her kidnapper. Due to lack of a written language in Mongolia, she is encouraged to develop one. Besides that she becomes Khan’s chronicler in secret.
From East, Khan turns his attention to West. As Princess Reyhan is getting ready for her wedding in Samarkand, Persia, Genghis makes his plans to kidnap her. She is taken to Mongolia, where eunuch entrusts her with Chaka’s “manuscript in the hope that the recording of Mongol history would continue.”
After the death of Genghis, his son Ogodei takes over the rule. Genghis “displayed an unprecedented degree of tolerance towards people of other faiths…” Ogodei decides to tilt it to his benefits.
The plot is interesting: the princesses captured by Mongols chronicling the events of the empire.
The book starts at a very good pace with the story of Princess Chaka. Then before getting to Princess Reyhan a historical background of her lineage and conflict in that region is presented and that’s when I felt a shift in writing. It became more descriptive slowing the pace. I know that there are plenty of readers who appreciate more descriptive writing and that the part I enjoyed the most might seem rushed through to them. Also, with that shift in writing I felt that there is more telling than showing.
When you have a story driven by historical events after a while it tends to get dry. This story is very rich in historical background and as much as I like stories rich in historical background, I have to say too much was packed into this story. Between historical facts more character development could be breathed into the story to make it more dynamic.
Originally, I misread the synopsis as I thought the focus of the story would be Genghis Kahn and that’s not the case. I think this story would greatly benefit if it focused on him. This story gives a good depiction of who Genghis Khan was. He had no tolerance for disobedience of any kind. But he was tolerant towards different religions. He grew up in wilderness and needed advice in bringing order to society. He was also a ruthless conqueror leaving behind many atrocities. So you do get a sense of who he was, but at the same time I still wanted to get a better sense of him. What was his childhood like? What made him who he was? If little is known in history about his childhood, then this is a good place for any author to use the imagination. And that’s when the most amazing and energetic stories come to live.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Genghis Khan, the history remembers him as a brutal ruler, but also as a military genius, who out of nomadic tribes gave birth to the vastest empire ever, the Mongol Empire.
1209. Princess Chaka of Tangut Kingdom (China) is captured by Genghis Khan. She is forced to marry her kidnapper. Due to lack of a written language in Mongolia, she is encouraged to develop one. Besides that she becomes Khan’s chronicler in secret.
From East, Khan turns his attention to West. As Princess Reyhan is getting ready for her wedding in Samarkand, Persia, Genghis makes his plans to kidnap her. She is taken to Mongolia, where eunuch entrusts her with Chaka’s “manuscript in the hope that the recording of Mongol history would continue.”
After the death of Genghis, his son Ogodei takes over the rule. Genghis “displayed an unprecedented degree of tolerance towards people of other faiths…” Ogodei decides to tilt it to his benefits.
The plot is interesting: the princesses captured by Mongols chronicling the events of the empire.
The book starts at a very good pace with the story of Princess Chaka. Then before getting to Princess Reyhan a historical background of her lineage and conflict in that region is presented and that’s when I felt a shift in writing. It became more descriptive slowing the pace. I know that there are plenty of readers who appreciate more descriptive writing and that the part I enjoyed the most might seem rushed through to them. Also, with that shift in writing I felt that there is more telling than showing.
When you have a story driven by historical events after a while it tends to get dry. This story is very rich in historical background and as much as I like stories rich in historical background, I have to say too much was packed into this story. Between historical facts more character development could be breathed into the story to make it more dynamic.
Originally, I misread the synopsis as I thought the focus of the story would be Genghis Kahn and that’s not the case. I think this story would greatly benefit if it focused on him. This story gives a good depiction of who Genghis Khan was. He had no tolerance for disobedience of any kind. But he was tolerant towards different religions. He grew up in wilderness and needed advice in bringing order to society. He was also a ruthless conqueror leaving behind many atrocities. So you do get a sense of who he was, but at the same time I still wanted to get a better sense of him. What was his childhood like? What made him who he was? If little is known in history about his childhood, then this is a good place for any author to use the imagination. And that’s when the most amazing and energetic stories come to live.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2021
When I learned about this book (thanks to GR friend C.P.) I thought it would be a nice addition to the list of books I am reading this year about Mongolia. The concept is certainly intriguing: a view of life in Mongolia through the eyes of various women captives; royal women who were taken from their homes and became wives of the different khans over the years, beginning with Genghis Khan himself and a Chinese woman by the name of Chaka.
This is a very ambitious project for a first novel, and while I could see that the author has talent, I continually hoped to go deeper with the characters, who never seemed to be very alive to me. I felt as if we were all skimming the surface, catching glimpses here and there of what could have been an amazing epic series. As one volume, there simply was not enough time to give more than snippets of story before rushing on to the next captive.
So I was a little disappointed in this book, but I will be watching for future titles by the author. Anyone with the nerve to tackle a James Michener type of subject for her first book deserves attention. Best of luck to you, F. M. Deemyad!
This is a very ambitious project for a first novel, and while I could see that the author has talent, I continually hoped to go deeper with the characters, who never seemed to be very alive to me. I felt as if we were all skimming the surface, catching glimpses here and there of what could have been an amazing epic series. As one volume, there simply was not enough time to give more than snippets of story before rushing on to the next captive.
So I was a little disappointed in this book, but I will be watching for future titles by the author. Anyone with the nerve to tackle a James Michener type of subject for her first book deserves attention. Best of luck to you, F. M. Deemyad!
February 11, 2021
The Sky Worshipers tells the story of three women in medieval Asia whose lives become merged with the destiny of Genghis Khan. All three women have been captured and taken from their native people, to end up married into the Khan's family. Chaka, a Chinese princess, is kidnapped during a festival and married to Genghis Khan himself. Reyhan is a Persian princess who is abducted while bathing, and is married to Genghis’ son. Krisztina is a Polish princess taken as a captive and then wed to Genghis Khan's grandson.
The women's fates are knit together not only in the events and court surrounding Genghis Khan, but also in their writing of a manuscript chronicling the history of the Mongols and their growing empire.
I was really excited about this one, because of the fairly unusual setting.
There were definitely things that I liked about the book, but nothing that I loved or that really impressed me. There were also plenty of things about the book that I did not like - leaving me unsure of how to rate it. I think I would settle at 2.5 stars, which I have rounded up to 3.
I simply did not feel that the writing of this book was... well, good enough. There was a lack of strength and depth to the writing, and I never felt close to the characters. The writing does a ton of telling, rather than showing, what is happening. It lacked nuance or tension.
For example, the three women are constantly alluding to how their captivity with the Mongols is so difficult and heartbreaking, but I didn't get a sense of this in the book. They had difficult lives, yes, and we do see some violent scenes illustrating just how little freedoms women of their day had. But somehow none of this felt real or impactful.
I wanted to see intrigue, complex relationships melding with politics, maneuvering, and the dynamics of just how these women wavered between their status as powerful Mongol queens and also foreign captives.
It's there - but barely, heavily buried in the story to the point that I never felt it at all. I simply gathered that this must be happening, based on the facts that I knew.
The writing and characterizations felt wooden and distant, and the events of the story also lacked tension, or stakes for me, leaving it to fall flat.
Also, I felt that the bordering story of the women's manuscript being discovered 100 years later was completely superfluous. If it had been included as 1 chapter or prologue in the beginning, and 1 epilogue at the end, that would have been fine.
However, once the story of these three women ended, we are given not just a wrap-up epilogue but instead nine chapters. Nine chapters that begin an entirely new storyline complete with conflict and a new cast of characters. This felt so unnecessary and bizarre that it struck me as ridiculous. Solidifying this for me was when, concluding these nine chapters, the chapters of epilogue are then themselves given an epilogue.
All this being said, the book is not horrible, and I think it was a quite ambitious debut from Deemyad. There's a lot in her first book to suggest that, with more experience and teaming up with a great editor, that her future novels could be quite good.
An aspect of the book that I loved was that the three women are each from different cultures, backgrounds, countries, religions, and even races - yet are drawn together in their attempts to write a historical chronicle. They must keep their manuscript secret, as women, suppressed and barred from many freedoms in their world, would be severely punished and most likely put to death if they were discovered to be working on such a thing.
It's such a great plot!
Another side note that I enjoyed about this book was that it was set in unusual backdrops, not often featured in historical fiction. I was very happy to see the cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, located in present-day Uzbekistan, featured in the story. I have visited both cities myself, and am still astounded that they are not more famous, being some of the most marvelous places I have ever traveled.
This book had so many elements of a great story, I really do wish I had enjoyed it more. But sadly, I never felt connected with the story or the characters at all.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an advance ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
The women's fates are knit together not only in the events and court surrounding Genghis Khan, but also in their writing of a manuscript chronicling the history of the Mongols and their growing empire.
I was really excited about this one, because of the fairly unusual setting.
There were definitely things that I liked about the book, but nothing that I loved or that really impressed me. There were also plenty of things about the book that I did not like - leaving me unsure of how to rate it. I think I would settle at 2.5 stars, which I have rounded up to 3.
I simply did not feel that the writing of this book was... well, good enough. There was a lack of strength and depth to the writing, and I never felt close to the characters. The writing does a ton of telling, rather than showing, what is happening. It lacked nuance or tension.
For example, the three women are constantly alluding to how their captivity with the Mongols is so difficult and heartbreaking, but I didn't get a sense of this in the book. They had difficult lives, yes, and we do see some violent scenes illustrating just how little freedoms women of their day had. But somehow none of this felt real or impactful.
I wanted to see intrigue, complex relationships melding with politics, maneuvering, and the dynamics of just how these women wavered between their status as powerful Mongol queens and also foreign captives.
It's there - but barely, heavily buried in the story to the point that I never felt it at all. I simply gathered that this must be happening, based on the facts that I knew.
The writing and characterizations felt wooden and distant, and the events of the story also lacked tension, or stakes for me, leaving it to fall flat.
Also, I felt that the bordering story of the women's manuscript being discovered 100 years later was completely superfluous. If it had been included as 1 chapter or prologue in the beginning, and 1 epilogue at the end, that would have been fine.
However, once the story of these three women ended, we are given not just a wrap-up epilogue but instead nine chapters. Nine chapters that begin an entirely new storyline complete with conflict and a new cast of characters. This felt so unnecessary and bizarre that it struck me as ridiculous. Solidifying this for me was when, concluding these nine chapters, the chapters of epilogue are then themselves given an epilogue.
All this being said, the book is not horrible, and I think it was a quite ambitious debut from Deemyad. There's a lot in her first book to suggest that, with more experience and teaming up with a great editor, that her future novels could be quite good.
An aspect of the book that I loved was that the three women are each from different cultures, backgrounds, countries, religions, and even races - yet are drawn together in their attempts to write a historical chronicle. They must keep their manuscript secret, as women, suppressed and barred from many freedoms in their world, would be severely punished and most likely put to death if they were discovered to be working on such a thing.
It's such a great plot!
Another side note that I enjoyed about this book was that it was set in unusual backdrops, not often featured in historical fiction. I was very happy to see the cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, located in present-day Uzbekistan, featured in the story. I have visited both cities myself, and am still astounded that they are not more famous, being some of the most marvelous places I have ever traveled.
This book had so many elements of a great story, I really do wish I had enjoyed it more. But sadly, I never felt connected with the story or the characters at all.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an advance ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2020
You are about to be swept into the 13th-century world of the Genghis Khan empire.
F.M. Deemyad’s debut historical fiction, The Sky Worshipers, to be published March 02, 2021, reveals how women played an important role in transforming the Mongol Empire. Rarely included in the history books is how each generation of Mongol rulers was transformed by the women who were forcefully brought to the Mongol court. Most people are aware of the fearsome Genghis Khan who invaded Europe and Asia, but few know of his humble beginnings. Deemyad brings to light his early years of desperation after his father was murdered and the family was forced to hide in the mountains. Never forgetting his poverty nor his desire to avenge the death of his father, Genghis Khan becomes a driven warrior. She shows, through fact-based fiction, how this man who started with nothing managed to unify the tribes of Mongolia and amassed an empire that stretched from Japan to Austria.
Mirroring his parent’s marriage, Genghis Khan, and his two following generations, marry the women they kidnap. In this novel, three princesses are abducted and forced to marry three generations of Mongol rulers. Princess Chaka is the daughter of a Chinese Emperor, Princess Reyhan is the granddaughter of the last Seljuk King in Persia and Princess Krisztina, is niece to Henry the Pious, the High Duke of Poland and Silesia. Central to the story is a parchment style journal where the three princesses chronicle the events of Mongolian conquest. It is accidentally found a century later by Lady Goharshad, wife of the ruler of Persia and Transoxiana. It’s this empathetic co-ruler who, with an eye on the future, attempts the essential healing of the past with its destruction and suffering. She becomes instrumental in the reconstruction of a collapsed society. There’s a lesson here for each of us if we are willing to see it.
The story, told in three parts, is expertly written. It’s the stuff of my childhood dreams; princesses, warriors, Marco Polo, the Silk Road. Each of the princesses, although unique, are strong women and bring a story of survival in vastly different cultures and lands than the ones they were raised. This is their account of living with their conquerors as well as amidst those conquered by the fearsome warrior and his progeny. Not only is this a welcome armchair travel to distant lands, but it’s also a treat for the senses. Paramount to Deemyad’s success is her meticulous historical research and subsequent foray into the various cultures with the spices, architecture and religions that make them unique. Deemyad has crafted a wonderful narrative that allows us to learn about a powerful ruler while transporting us to a world where there are strong princesses who tirelessly fight to create a better future through wisdom, empathy and love.
Thank you to F.M. Deemyad, History Through Fiction and Netgalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
F.M. Deemyad’s debut historical fiction, The Sky Worshipers, to be published March 02, 2021, reveals how women played an important role in transforming the Mongol Empire. Rarely included in the history books is how each generation of Mongol rulers was transformed by the women who were forcefully brought to the Mongol court. Most people are aware of the fearsome Genghis Khan who invaded Europe and Asia, but few know of his humble beginnings. Deemyad brings to light his early years of desperation after his father was murdered and the family was forced to hide in the mountains. Never forgetting his poverty nor his desire to avenge the death of his father, Genghis Khan becomes a driven warrior. She shows, through fact-based fiction, how this man who started with nothing managed to unify the tribes of Mongolia and amassed an empire that stretched from Japan to Austria.
Mirroring his parent’s marriage, Genghis Khan, and his two following generations, marry the women they kidnap. In this novel, three princesses are abducted and forced to marry three generations of Mongol rulers. Princess Chaka is the daughter of a Chinese Emperor, Princess Reyhan is the granddaughter of the last Seljuk King in Persia and Princess Krisztina, is niece to Henry the Pious, the High Duke of Poland and Silesia. Central to the story is a parchment style journal where the three princesses chronicle the events of Mongolian conquest. It is accidentally found a century later by Lady Goharshad, wife of the ruler of Persia and Transoxiana. It’s this empathetic co-ruler who, with an eye on the future, attempts the essential healing of the past with its destruction and suffering. She becomes instrumental in the reconstruction of a collapsed society. There’s a lesson here for each of us if we are willing to see it.
The story, told in three parts, is expertly written. It’s the stuff of my childhood dreams; princesses, warriors, Marco Polo, the Silk Road. Each of the princesses, although unique, are strong women and bring a story of survival in vastly different cultures and lands than the ones they were raised. This is their account of living with their conquerors as well as amidst those conquered by the fearsome warrior and his progeny. Not only is this a welcome armchair travel to distant lands, but it’s also a treat for the senses. Paramount to Deemyad’s success is her meticulous historical research and subsequent foray into the various cultures with the spices, architecture and religions that make them unique. Deemyad has crafted a wonderful narrative that allows us to learn about a powerful ruler while transporting us to a world where there are strong princesses who tirelessly fight to create a better future through wisdom, empathy and love.
Thank you to F.M. Deemyad, History Through Fiction and Netgalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy. I had been looking forward to reading this book for a while. I binge watched all 5 seasons of Resurrection Ertugrul last summer and already had a pre-conceived idea about the Mongol empire from watching that. If you liked that series, you will love this historical fiction! It is well researched, fact-based, and full of twists and turns. Also, the Seljuk Turks and Ogodei Khan appear in both TV series and this book. I appreciate that this book is clean, without expletives, intimacy, or terribly graphic scenes. The author did an excellent job researching the history and important people before writing this. There is adventure, love, action, empathy, and wisdom in this story. The interaction of Mongol, Turkish, and Persian civilizations is well described here. The instances of peace between different religions showed a different point of view that Western history paints. I particularly enjoyed the descriptive writing and human touch of the princesses' descriptions. A map (of the time) and a family tree/diagram would have helped me orient myself and keep the many characters clear in my mind. The short stories of civilian life and suffering included in their journals was also moving. I will definitely order this for my school and encourage its use in world history.
January 3, 2021
This is a wonderful, sweeping story of the rise of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. What makes it unique is that it is told from the perspective of three women who were close the the Khans who ruled the empire. This story is so much more that a chronicle of who conquered who and how, it is a view of how this empire affected the individuals who were swept up in this massive change to the world that the Mongol's wrought. Telling the tale from the viewpoint of these three women is a unique way to portray the impacts this period of history had as these women were pulled out of their lives and brought to the court of the Khans.
Chaka is a young princess who is kidnapped as part of Genghis Khan's move into China and she becomes his wife. As part of her adjustment to learning to live the Mongol way of life, she begins to write of her experiences and the news she receives of the battles that Genghis takes part in and the expansion of the empire. This manuscript is passed on from Chaka to Reyhan, who becomes the wife of Genghis' son, Ogodei. She continues writing of her experiences in the manuscript, as well as using the details of battles to weave stories of how the continued conquests across Asia and Europe affected average people who were caught up in them. The third woman is Krisztina, stolen during the conquest of Poland and becomes the wife of another of Genghis's descendants, Hulagu. Reyhan tells Krisztina of the manuscript and she continues the tradition of writing stories from what she knows of the battles and her difficulties in adjusting to life In the Mongol capitol of Karakorum. These stories in the manuscript give you a completely different understanding of not just how massive the conquests of the Mongols were, but how they impacted such a wide sphere of people. The changes brought by the Mongols in the 13th century were epic in scope, yet this book brings it to such a personal level and really lets you have a greater understanding of the sweeping changes that were brought to such a large part of the world.
Genghis Kahn is someone who everyone knows at least a little bit about, but this books brings the traditions, people, and beliefs of this time in history to you in such a way you feel you understand it in a new way. The beautiful, lyrical descriptions of the wide open spaces, the city of Karakorum, the gers, the clothing and customs of the court are wonderful and really connect you with these people. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, this period of history and those who want a female view of the events that shaped the world so dramatically. I so completely enjoyed reading this book and stepping for a brief moment into the lives of these remarkable women.
Chaka is a young princess who is kidnapped as part of Genghis Khan's move into China and she becomes his wife. As part of her adjustment to learning to live the Mongol way of life, she begins to write of her experiences and the news she receives of the battles that Genghis takes part in and the expansion of the empire. This manuscript is passed on from Chaka to Reyhan, who becomes the wife of Genghis' son, Ogodei. She continues writing of her experiences in the manuscript, as well as using the details of battles to weave stories of how the continued conquests across Asia and Europe affected average people who were caught up in them. The third woman is Krisztina, stolen during the conquest of Poland and becomes the wife of another of Genghis's descendants, Hulagu. Reyhan tells Krisztina of the manuscript and she continues the tradition of writing stories from what she knows of the battles and her difficulties in adjusting to life In the Mongol capitol of Karakorum. These stories in the manuscript give you a completely different understanding of not just how massive the conquests of the Mongols were, but how they impacted such a wide sphere of people. The changes brought by the Mongols in the 13th century were epic in scope, yet this book brings it to such a personal level and really lets you have a greater understanding of the sweeping changes that were brought to such a large part of the world.
Genghis Kahn is someone who everyone knows at least a little bit about, but this books brings the traditions, people, and beliefs of this time in history to you in such a way you feel you understand it in a new way. The beautiful, lyrical descriptions of the wide open spaces, the city of Karakorum, the gers, the clothing and customs of the court are wonderful and really connect you with these people. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, this period of history and those who want a female view of the events that shaped the world so dramatically. I so completely enjoyed reading this book and stepping for a brief moment into the lives of these remarkable women.
April 12, 2021
I wish there was the ability to give half stars. This earns 3.5, but lacking the ability of half stars, it gets 3. And even with my rating, I would read another book by F.M. Deemyad.
The first story about Chaka was boring despite being the only story with Genghis Khan still alive. It picks up greatly with Reyhan, and finally is at its best when both Reyhan and Krisztina are telling the story.
There was a lot of telling, rather than showing and one gets a little bogged down with irrelevant details. The characters have promise, but lack any real depth.
That said, I do love the history it starts to tell and I am interested in further reading about this era. Also, I am always interested in reading about stories from women's perspectives throughout history. I think that's what I am most disappointed about, it had promise and then didn't deliver a compelling enough story.
The first story about Chaka was boring despite being the only story with Genghis Khan still alive. It picks up greatly with Reyhan, and finally is at its best when both Reyhan and Krisztina are telling the story.
There was a lot of telling, rather than showing and one gets a little bogged down with irrelevant details. The characters have promise, but lack any real depth.
That said, I do love the history it starts to tell and I am interested in further reading about this era. Also, I am always interested in reading about stories from women's perspectives throughout history. I think that's what I am most disappointed about, it had promise and then didn't deliver a compelling enough story.
March 1, 2021
The Sky Worshipers opens in the late 14th Century with an ancient manuscript being found in the ruins of the Mongol capital, Karakorum. The manuscript contains entries detailing the Mongol invasions that took place one hundred years earlier. The journal has been written by three Princesses who had been taken captive by the Mongols and experienced their savage and barbaric actions tempered by very occasional acts of compassion.
The Sky Worshipers is a beautifully written and absorbing novel that brings the Mongol era intensely alive with colour, sound and fury. The manuscript and entries made by three separate women are the thread that runs from beginning to end and it’s a clever technique; providing coherence and reference in what is a fairly long book. The journal is begun by Chaka, a Chinese Princess who is captured and wedded to Genghis Khan. It is then taken up by a Persian Princess, Reyhan who has been kidnapped and brought to the Mongol court by Genghis’s son, Ogodei and it is completed by Krisztina (also known as Dounia), a Polish Princess captured and wedded to Hulagi, Genghis’s Grandson. What begins as recordings of Mongol battles (aided by the first-hand recollections of the eunuch, Baako) begins to evolve into exquisitely crafted tales of everyday people and the effects that the Mongol invasions had upon their lives. F.M. Deemyad really captures that storytelling tradition of mouth to pen tales and subtle elements of fable and allegory are present throughout. These mini folk-legends are underpinned by the resilience of the three women who recount them, especially Reyhan who is the most developed and sanguine of the three captives. The brutality of the stories in the manuscript is not to be underestimated; it’s relentlessly vicious and murderously destructive but never sensationalist. The detail and research into this medieval period and the Mongol culture is vividly substantive. From a factual point of view, it’s supremely interesting and abundantly informative. Throughout the novel, the prose is thoughtful and measured with some lovely descriptive metaphors. The pace is relaxed, almost soothing although, in parts, could be a little swifter and there is the odd touch of repetition. Occasionally, the voices of Chaka, Reyhan and Krisztina do merge but the periphery female characters, Turkan Khatun springs to mind, are deftly defined. The concluding narrative that involves Lady Goharshad attempting to atone for the Mongol destruction after having found and read the manuscript is testament to the power and voice of Chaka, Reyhan and Krisztina; attributes that none of the imprisoned women thought they possessed.
The Sky Worshipers is a vibrant and sweeping novel that richly captures this period in history. Highly recommended.
The Sky Worshipers is a beautifully written and absorbing novel that brings the Mongol era intensely alive with colour, sound and fury. The manuscript and entries made by three separate women are the thread that runs from beginning to end and it’s a clever technique; providing coherence and reference in what is a fairly long book. The journal is begun by Chaka, a Chinese Princess who is captured and wedded to Genghis Khan. It is then taken up by a Persian Princess, Reyhan who has been kidnapped and brought to the Mongol court by Genghis’s son, Ogodei and it is completed by Krisztina (also known as Dounia), a Polish Princess captured and wedded to Hulagi, Genghis’s Grandson. What begins as recordings of Mongol battles (aided by the first-hand recollections of the eunuch, Baako) begins to evolve into exquisitely crafted tales of everyday people and the effects that the Mongol invasions had upon their lives. F.M. Deemyad really captures that storytelling tradition of mouth to pen tales and subtle elements of fable and allegory are present throughout. These mini folk-legends are underpinned by the resilience of the three women who recount them, especially Reyhan who is the most developed and sanguine of the three captives. The brutality of the stories in the manuscript is not to be underestimated; it’s relentlessly vicious and murderously destructive but never sensationalist. The detail and research into this medieval period and the Mongol culture is vividly substantive. From a factual point of view, it’s supremely interesting and abundantly informative. Throughout the novel, the prose is thoughtful and measured with some lovely descriptive metaphors. The pace is relaxed, almost soothing although, in parts, could be a little swifter and there is the odd touch of repetition. Occasionally, the voices of Chaka, Reyhan and Krisztina do merge but the periphery female characters, Turkan Khatun springs to mind, are deftly defined. The concluding narrative that involves Lady Goharshad attempting to atone for the Mongol destruction after having found and read the manuscript is testament to the power and voice of Chaka, Reyhan and Krisztina; attributes that none of the imprisoned women thought they possessed.
The Sky Worshipers is a vibrant and sweeping novel that richly captures this period in history. Highly recommended.
December 1, 2020
The Sky Worshipers, F.M. Deemyad
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: General fiction (adult), Historical fiction
I remember years ago reading a bot about the young Genghis Khan on one of my internet forays – you know the sort, where you look up one thing, that had something interesting about something/someone else and you follow the trail, and that leads further down the rabbit hole. I've found all sorts of interesting facts that way. Anyway, what I recall from that was the young Genghis was cast out by his father at 12, out into the harsh wilds of Mongolia, and at one point he's so hungry he cuts into a vein from his horse and drinks the blood. Interestingly that comes up in the book, where the Mongols carry dried blood as a food source.
So when I saw this book, written in my favourite historical way, via a personal connection I wanted to read it. Its a really interesting read. I love the way the story is delivered, via the writings of the three princesses, and then later from Lady Goharshad that reads their stories.
That personal touch, where we read about real people, about the day to day issues, works best for me in historical reads. I don't want endless battle details and gore, though inevitably as the Mongols were such a fierce, unforgiving race there is some detail. I did feel in the last section of the book the battle details got a bit heavy for me and I skim read those, but overall it was enough to keep the context, to understand what and why they were such a fierce race, but not so much that I was put off.
I really like reading the snippets of daily life, of what they ate, of the markets, the clothes, how the contrast between rich and poor worked.
I think Reyhan was my favourite, she was taken from everything she knew for love, and then put aside and ignored. Of course friendships were difficult as the Mongol women looked down on other races so she was very much alone apart from Baaka, who had served Chaka and was able to guide her and be a friend. Krisztina was my least favourite, she seemed very shallow at times, but of course its easy to judge, secure in the knowledge I don't have to make the decisions she did, knowing her life depended on getting them right. Reyhan was a good friend to her, and gave her so much help. I don't think she would have survived without her, and its those friendships, daily issues, minutiae that make it such an interesting read.
Lady Goharshad was an interesting character, and her husband clearly had a lot of faith in her, to go along with her ideas even when his council advised against them, and they were clearly risky.
Its a book I really enjoyed, but was quite intense and detailed and I ended reading in sections so I could absorb what I'd read properly. Parts will stay with me for a long time.
Stars: Four, a story full of interest and detail about life centuries ago, in a harsh landscape.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: General fiction (adult), Historical fiction
I remember years ago reading a bot about the young Genghis Khan on one of my internet forays – you know the sort, where you look up one thing, that had something interesting about something/someone else and you follow the trail, and that leads further down the rabbit hole. I've found all sorts of interesting facts that way. Anyway, what I recall from that was the young Genghis was cast out by his father at 12, out into the harsh wilds of Mongolia, and at one point he's so hungry he cuts into a vein from his horse and drinks the blood. Interestingly that comes up in the book, where the Mongols carry dried blood as a food source.
So when I saw this book, written in my favourite historical way, via a personal connection I wanted to read it. Its a really interesting read. I love the way the story is delivered, via the writings of the three princesses, and then later from Lady Goharshad that reads their stories.
That personal touch, where we read about real people, about the day to day issues, works best for me in historical reads. I don't want endless battle details and gore, though inevitably as the Mongols were such a fierce, unforgiving race there is some detail. I did feel in the last section of the book the battle details got a bit heavy for me and I skim read those, but overall it was enough to keep the context, to understand what and why they were such a fierce race, but not so much that I was put off.
I really like reading the snippets of daily life, of what they ate, of the markets, the clothes, how the contrast between rich and poor worked.
I think Reyhan was my favourite, she was taken from everything she knew for love, and then put aside and ignored. Of course friendships were difficult as the Mongol women looked down on other races so she was very much alone apart from Baaka, who had served Chaka and was able to guide her and be a friend. Krisztina was my least favourite, she seemed very shallow at times, but of course its easy to judge, secure in the knowledge I don't have to make the decisions she did, knowing her life depended on getting them right. Reyhan was a good friend to her, and gave her so much help. I don't think she would have survived without her, and its those friendships, daily issues, minutiae that make it such an interesting read.
Lady Goharshad was an interesting character, and her husband clearly had a lot of faith in her, to go along with her ideas even when his council advised against them, and they were clearly risky.
Its a book I really enjoyed, but was quite intense and detailed and I ended reading in sections so I could absorb what I'd read properly. Parts will stay with me for a long time.
Stars: Four, a story full of interest and detail about life centuries ago, in a harsh landscape.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
March 11, 2021
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“The Sky Worshipers” immediately drew me from the first page as Chaka gets abducted by the Mongols. The author describes the story in a compelling manner where you feel like you are with the characters in that era. However, I felt the storyline picked up during Reyhan’s chapters, and I could not put it down. I loved the short stories that Reyhan tells through her entries like “The Coppersmith’s Tale,” “The Birth of Hope,” and “Traces of a Hand.” Each of them was a beautiful short story within the tale that gave depth to the storyline. Also, some scenes truly shocked me, for instance, what happens to Chaka in the end. The author also detailed the war’s strategies interestingly, particularly the scenes involving Hungary’s battle with the Mongols.
Furthermore, I loved Reyhan’s patience in the story. I thought she accomplished a lot, even though Ogodei and Toregene bring her down. Similarly, I also loved her camaraderie with Baako and the moments she shares with Hulagu. Even though Baako makes only a few appearances, he was one of my favorite characters. Also, I liked Krisztina at times, but she got on my nerves. I wasn’t fond of the way she treated Hulagu, and she was too stubborn. Nevertheless, I did feel sorry for her towards the end. The author beautifully ends the story through Lady Goharshad’s storyline.
However, I wish we had more of a background of Genghis Khan, particularly his childhood. The story starts when he is already in his 40s and felt we hardly got to know him. Genghis’s heirs and following generations got most of the spotlight, but I would have liked more information on his conquests.
Apart from that, “The Sky Worshipers” is a remarkable debut by the author that fascinates you with the Mongol Empire!
March 5, 2021
Opinião em português
First of all, I want to thank the author for contacting and sending me a copy fof this book in exchange for an honest review.
In The Sky Worshipers we learn the story of the Mongol Invasions, the story of Genghis Khan and his legacy that even today influences the course of the world in which we live.
The story is told by the perspective of three princesses that where kidnapped by Mongol warriors and find their life purpose by writting a manuscript about the “non-victors” of the Mongol invasions.
So, in The Sky Worshipers, we realize how these women from different backgrounds were able to cautiously influence the decisions of the Mongol leaders.
I had some difficulties getting into the story because of the names of the characters and because of the terminologies used to describe the houses (for example), the cities, festivities, etc. The initial part of the book was full things I had to search on google to be able to picture the scenarios.
However, despite these initial difficulties, since the narrative is highly descriptive, I felt that the scenarios described were highly visual and I felt transported to that time in history.
I especially liked Book II, where the author seemed to lose her fear of scrutinizing the individual story of the characters, thus beginning to give a more personal perspective to Reyhan, a former princess of Persia, in contrast to Book I, in which I felt some shyness from the author to get closer to the protagonist, to fictionalize a little more about her day to day, for example.
So we notice that after a while, there is a clear increase in the author's willingness to go deep and develop the characters (especially Reyhan, my favorite).
Despite giving only 3 stars to the book, they are pretty solid 3 stars, because I felt that this book enriched me and that I grew a lot. I discovered a whole set of customs, architectural details and places from a time in history that I was almost was unaware of. However, I really hoped I liked more, but I felt that something was missing that would make a "click" on me.
I think this happened because normally the historical novels I read and like are written from a more personal perspective that gives me more proximity to the characters, which allows me to know their personality, even if fictionally, more deeply and in this book I felt that I didn't get to know the princesses has much as I wished.
Neverthless, I strongly recommend The Sky Worshipers to all those who love outright historical fiction or even to those who want to learn a little more about the world that preceded us.
The Sky Workshipers is a challenging and very educational book, as each line brings us important lessons about a violent past not to repeat.
First of all, I want to thank the author for contacting and sending me a copy fof this book in exchange for an honest review.
In The Sky Worshipers we learn the story of the Mongol Invasions, the story of Genghis Khan and his legacy that even today influences the course of the world in which we live.
The story is told by the perspective of three princesses that where kidnapped by Mongol warriors and find their life purpose by writting a manuscript about the “non-victors” of the Mongol invasions.
So, in The Sky Worshipers, we realize how these women from different backgrounds were able to cautiously influence the decisions of the Mongol leaders.
I had some difficulties getting into the story because of the names of the characters and because of the terminologies used to describe the houses (for example), the cities, festivities, etc. The initial part of the book was full things I had to search on google to be able to picture the scenarios.
However, despite these initial difficulties, since the narrative is highly descriptive, I felt that the scenarios described were highly visual and I felt transported to that time in history.
I especially liked Book II, where the author seemed to lose her fear of scrutinizing the individual story of the characters, thus beginning to give a more personal perspective to Reyhan, a former princess of Persia, in contrast to Book I, in which I felt some shyness from the author to get closer to the protagonist, to fictionalize a little more about her day to day, for example.
So we notice that after a while, there is a clear increase in the author's willingness to go deep and develop the characters (especially Reyhan, my favorite).
Despite giving only 3 stars to the book, they are pretty solid 3 stars, because I felt that this book enriched me and that I grew a lot. I discovered a whole set of customs, architectural details and places from a time in history that I was almost was unaware of. However, I really hoped I liked more, but I felt that something was missing that would make a "click" on me.
I think this happened because normally the historical novels I read and like are written from a more personal perspective that gives me more proximity to the characters, which allows me to know their personality, even if fictionally, more deeply and in this book I felt that I didn't get to know the princesses has much as I wished.
Neverthless, I strongly recommend The Sky Worshipers to all those who love outright historical fiction or even to those who want to learn a little more about the world that preceded us.
The Sky Workshipers is a challenging and very educational book, as each line brings us important lessons about a violent past not to repeat.
Read
March 6, 2021This was such an interesting and historical driven story. I’ve always found myself easily lured into stories that chronicle this time in history and this one was no different. And even without the history the story on its own is amazing and beautifully told.
You know, I’m always a sucker for a good female driven historical fiction. And The Sky Worshippers takes it a step further and covers a time that is rarely talked about in books (well, at least from a woman’s perspective). And the story in itself is just really amazing and engaging. There is a wide time period covered, but you don’t feel as if anything is lacking. The storytelling is beautiful and you really get drawn into the story. Well, not only the story but also the time period as the things you learned in history come to life.
I really enjoyed this one and hope to see more from Deemyad in the future. This was a beautifully written historical fiction and I found myself not wanting to put it down. Plus, like I said, it was a wonderfully woman centric story in a time period where women were easily forgotten.
You can view my full review & giveaway on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!
Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
You know, I’m always a sucker for a good female driven historical fiction. And The Sky Worshippers takes it a step further and covers a time that is rarely talked about in books (well, at least from a woman’s perspective). And the story in itself is just really amazing and engaging. There is a wide time period covered, but you don’t feel as if anything is lacking. The storytelling is beautiful and you really get drawn into the story. Well, not only the story but also the time period as the things you learned in history come to life.
I really enjoyed this one and hope to see more from Deemyad in the future. This was a beautifully written historical fiction and I found myself not wanting to put it down. Plus, like I said, it was a wonderfully woman centric story in a time period where women were easily forgotten.
You can view my full review & giveaway on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!
Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
Read
April 9, 2021There have been more than a few contenders for the title of “World Conqueror,” but eight hundred years after the fact, Genghis Khan’s claim to the title remains unmatched. Over the course of four decades, he and his heirs built a realm that stretched from the Korean Peninsula to the plains of Hungary and from northern Siberia to India. And unlike the later conquests of Hitler and Bonaparte, the charismatic authority of Genghis Khan endured long after the initial union fractured into warring khanates.
Tackling even the establishment period of such a massive undertaking within the covers of a single historical novel poses a challenge for any author. In The Sky Worshipers, F.M. Deemyad approaches the problem by focusing on three foreign princesses, captured in different places (northern China, Central Asia, and Poland) by Genghis, his son Ogodei, and his grandson Hulagu. These three women, each for her own reasons, together create a secret eyewitness account of the Mongol rise and expansion.
The female perspective allows Deemyad to avoid extended discussion of wartime atrocities and focus on the human cost of conquest and battles. Yet the atrocities are there too, reflected in the permanent scars left on survivors who must deal with disruption and loss even as they struggle to avoid being coopted into a world they neither created nor chose. In often haunting prose, Deemyad brings to life a slice of the past that, although not forgotten, has receded from view, obscured by the more recent disasters and tragedies of the twentieth century.
Interview with the author at New Books in Historical Fiction.
Tackling even the establishment period of such a massive undertaking within the covers of a single historical novel poses a challenge for any author. In The Sky Worshipers, F.M. Deemyad approaches the problem by focusing on three foreign princesses, captured in different places (northern China, Central Asia, and Poland) by Genghis, his son Ogodei, and his grandson Hulagu. These three women, each for her own reasons, together create a secret eyewitness account of the Mongol rise and expansion.
The female perspective allows Deemyad to avoid extended discussion of wartime atrocities and focus on the human cost of conquest and battles. Yet the atrocities are there too, reflected in the permanent scars left on survivors who must deal with disruption and loss even as they struggle to avoid being coopted into a world they neither created nor chose. In often haunting prose, Deemyad brings to life a slice of the past that, although not forgotten, has receded from view, obscured by the more recent disasters and tragedies of the twentieth century.
Interview with the author at New Books in Historical Fiction.
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November 9, 2020Author F.M. Deemyad on Blog Tour with HF Virtual Book Tours for The Sky Worshipers!
March 2-17, 2021
*Review copies available*
March 2-17, 2021
*Review copies available*
March 2, 2021
#TheSkyWorshipers #FMDeemyad #HFVBTBlogTours
Twitter tags: @deemyad @ColinMustful @hfvbt
Facebook tags: @HistoryThroughFiction @hfvbt
BLURB
In the year 1398 A.D., Lady Goharshad and her husband, King Shahrokh, come across an ancient manuscript in the ruins of Karakorum, the Mongol capital. The manuscript chronicles the era of Mongol invasions with entries by three princesses from China, Persia, and Poland who are captured and brought to the Mongol court.
After being stolen from her family at the Tangut Emperor’s coronation, Princess Chaka, the Emperor’s youngest daughter is left with no choice but to marry Genghis Khan. Thus, the Tangut join Genghis as allies. She is the first to secretly chronicle the historical events of her time, and in doing so she has the help of an African eunuch by the name of Baako who brings her news from the war front.
Princess Reyhan is the witty granddaughter of the last Seljuk King in Persia. She is kidnapped by Ogodei, Genghis’s son and heir, who falls in love with her. The romance does not last long, however, since a Mongol beauty wins Ogodei’s heart, and Reyhan is sidelined. Reyhan continues the tradition of recording the events in secret, turning her entries into tales.
During the Mongol invasion of Poland and Hungary, Princess Krisztina, niece to Henry the Pious, is taken as a prisoner of war by the Mongols. Reyhan learns about Krisztina’s predicament through Baako and asks Hulagu, Genghis’s grandson, to help free her. Krisztina has a difficult time adjusting to life in Mongolia, and at one point she attempts to run away but is unsuccessful. When the child she is bearing is stillborn, the Mongol court shuns her. She is able to return to her homeland in old age but comes back to Karakorum and writes her final entry in the journal.
Through beautiful language and powerful storytelling, this fact-based historical novel lays bare the once far-reaching and uncompromising Mongol empire. It shows readers the hidden perspectives of the captive, conquered, and voiceless. It brings to light the tremendous but forgotten influence of Genghis Khan and his progeny, while asking readers to reconsider the destruction and suffering of the past on which the future is built.
REVIEW
A most interesting tale of the Mongol empire; not just the conquering, not just the brutality, but a look into the culture that bred such a mindset of war and conquest. What makes it even more interesting is that we're seeing it through the lives of three amazing women; captives of the Khan's, and subjected to a complete immersion in what to them was an alien world. The author brings to life the daily trials they faced; the loneliness; the relentless fact that there was no way to alter their fates. Each of them finding some solace, some sense of purpose as they compile a history of the Mongol people. It is there that they bare their souls while preserving a bit of literacy among a mostly illiterate people. I was kept entranced by the author's varied styles of the three secretive journals; adding points of view of the cultures they came from while chronicling the expansion of the Mongol Empire. A page turning tale of an earth shattering time under the endless sky. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 6, 2021
Lady Goharshad and King Shahrokh find an ancient manuscript in 1398 that chronicles Mongol invasions with entries by three princesses from China, Persia, and Poland who are captured and brought to the Mongol court. Princess Chaka of Tangut had to marry Genghis Khan, and began the chronicle. Princess Reyhan of Persia is kidnapped by Ogodei, Genghis's son and heir, and continues recording events in secret. Princess Krisztina of Poland is taken as a prisoner of war, so Reyhan asks Hulagu, Genghis's grandson, for help. She writes the final entry in the journal.
I haven't read many books involving the Mongol empire, let alone one about its women, so I was drawn to this historical novel to find out more. The author is also a scholar of the period and had wondered about the place of women. This scholarship and attention to detail really shows, so it really makes the women come alive.
I felt bad for Chaka, whose kidnapping forced her marriage to Ghengis Khan, though they did have an emotional connection after a time. She was expected to be ornamental, but within the confines of Mongol culture managed to find a place for herself. Her end was sad, but she kept to her ideals and what was important to her to the very end. Theirs is a harsher world than ours, so it really makes Ghengis Khan seem even more ruthless and cruel than historical records paint him. His son isn't the same kind of man, as he's more dismissive, but Rayhan was isolated and frequently looked down upon. It was worse because of her barren state, but at least her education was respected and ultimately gave her a place at court educating the children. Rayhan asked Hulagu to rescue Princess Krisztina of Poland from the captives, and he ultimately married her. Krisztina missed her homeland, even though she came to care for Hulagu; her life ultimately was sad, and she was allowed to go home again when older.
Each of these three princesses tried to live in the middle of the Mongol empire with grace and empathy. It was difficult, when those were not traits honored by the people or the ruling class, and left them isolated. In the final part of the book, when their shared manuscript is found by Mongolian descendants ruling the land, their story affects the queen profoundly. She works to help build monuments and aid the common people, not just the nobility. It's quite the journey through history through the eyes of women. Instead of just hearing about the death toll from wars, we get a chance to see aspects of their culture, how the children are raised, and how they see outsiders and other cultures of the period. The Sky Worshipers is a fascinating way to look into a culture and time period that isn't well known, and I look forward to reading more books in this vein.
I haven't read many books involving the Mongol empire, let alone one about its women, so I was drawn to this historical novel to find out more. The author is also a scholar of the period and had wondered about the place of women. This scholarship and attention to detail really shows, so it really makes the women come alive.
I felt bad for Chaka, whose kidnapping forced her marriage to Ghengis Khan, though they did have an emotional connection after a time. She was expected to be ornamental, but within the confines of Mongol culture managed to find a place for herself. Her end was sad, but she kept to her ideals and what was important to her to the very end. Theirs is a harsher world than ours, so it really makes Ghengis Khan seem even more ruthless and cruel than historical records paint him. His son isn't the same kind of man, as he's more dismissive, but Rayhan was isolated and frequently looked down upon. It was worse because of her barren state, but at least her education was respected and ultimately gave her a place at court educating the children. Rayhan asked Hulagu to rescue Princess Krisztina of Poland from the captives, and he ultimately married her. Krisztina missed her homeland, even though she came to care for Hulagu; her life ultimately was sad, and she was allowed to go home again when older.
Each of these three princesses tried to live in the middle of the Mongol empire with grace and empathy. It was difficult, when those were not traits honored by the people or the ruling class, and left them isolated. In the final part of the book, when their shared manuscript is found by Mongolian descendants ruling the land, their story affects the queen profoundly. She works to help build monuments and aid the common people, not just the nobility. It's quite the journey through history through the eyes of women. Instead of just hearing about the death toll from wars, we get a chance to see aspects of their culture, how the children are raised, and how they see outsiders and other cultures of the period. The Sky Worshipers is a fascinating way to look into a culture and time period that isn't well known, and I look forward to reading more books in this vein.
March 18, 2021
This is a hard review to write. I very much admire the scholarship and research that must have gone into this book. I respect anyone who has written a whole book, and especially someone who has written a book in a language other than their mother tongue. I also appreciate learning something about a subject of which I knew very little.
This book is about a series of women (princesses) captured by Ghengis Khan and his progeny and taken as wives. They are fictional characters. All three of the women contribute to a record of the Mongols, which is kept hidden, and then later discovered by the son of Tamerlane and his wife, Lady Goharshad, who is a real person.
The writings of the three consorts contain histories of the incursions of the Mongols, as well as some fables, and surrounding the writing is the dramatic story of the women, with factual information about the real men involved combined. My favorite of the three women is Reyhan, who is quite learned and very kind, as well as clever. The story of her kidnapping is very well-imagined. I do think that since all of the men had multiple wives, it would have been interesting to read about that. After the final woman, Dounia, is widowed and returns to her native Poland, the manuscript is left hidden, to be found much later by Goharshad and her loving husband.
The stories of the cruelties of the Mongols cause Lady Goharshad to do many good works to compensate, as she feels guilty for being the recipient of their works. Her section of the book is very different from the rest, and was more involved, perhaps because the author could work with true stories.
This was an exceptionally ambitious project. It covers more than two centuries. I think it might have been better as a series, so that the lives of the women could have been explored more deeply. In the end, it feels fairly disjointed. The introduction was very interesting, and the idea that the Mongols were made sophisticated by their various and many wives of several cultures is a good concept.
This book is about a series of women (princesses) captured by Ghengis Khan and his progeny and taken as wives. They are fictional characters. All three of the women contribute to a record of the Mongols, which is kept hidden, and then later discovered by the son of Tamerlane and his wife, Lady Goharshad, who is a real person.
The writings of the three consorts contain histories of the incursions of the Mongols, as well as some fables, and surrounding the writing is the dramatic story of the women, with factual information about the real men involved combined. My favorite of the three women is Reyhan, who is quite learned and very kind, as well as clever. The story of her kidnapping is very well-imagined. I do think that since all of the men had multiple wives, it would have been interesting to read about that. After the final woman, Dounia, is widowed and returns to her native Poland, the manuscript is left hidden, to be found much later by Goharshad and her loving husband.
The stories of the cruelties of the Mongols cause Lady Goharshad to do many good works to compensate, as she feels guilty for being the recipient of their works. Her section of the book is very different from the rest, and was more involved, perhaps because the author could work with true stories.
This was an exceptionally ambitious project. It covers more than two centuries. I think it might have been better as a series, so that the lives of the women could have been explored more deeply. In the end, it feels fairly disjointed. The introduction was very interesting, and the idea that the Mongols were made sophisticated by their various and many wives of several cultures is a good concept.
April 15, 2021
A thousand thanks to @f.m.deemyad @netgalley and @historythroughfiction for this insanely outstanding book 🥂👌🏼
In the year 1398 A.D., Lady Goharshad and her husband, King Shahrokh, come across an ancient manuscript in the ruins of Karakoram, the Mongol capital. The manuscript chronicles the era of Mongol invasions with entires by three princesses from China, Persia, and Poland who are captured and brought to the Mongol court.
Through beautiful language and powerful storytelling, this fact-based historical novel lays bare the once far reaching and uncompromising Mongol empire. It shows readers the hidden perspectives of the captive, conquered, and voiceless. It brings light to the tremendous but forgotten influence of Genghis Khan and his progeny, while asking readers to reconsider the destruction and suffering of the past on which the future is built.
You’re about to be swept into the world of the Genghis Khan empire. So buckle up.
The Sky Worshipers is told in three parts. The book starts at a very good pace with the story of Princess Chaka. It’s becomes more descriptive slowing the pace. The story gives a good depiction of who Genghis Khan was.
Each of the princesses, Chaka, Reyhan and Krisztina, although unique, are very strong women and bring a story of survival in vastly different cultures and lands than the ones they were raised.
Deemyad has crafted a wonderful narrative that allows us to learn about a powerful ruler while transporting us to a world where there are strong princesses who tirelessly fought to create a better future through wisdom, love and empathy.
Highly recommend this book for historical fiction fans, this period of history is breathtaking. I enjoyed reading this book very much. I just wish ans hope that this book could be turned into a movie one day.
In the year 1398 A.D., Lady Goharshad and her husband, King Shahrokh, come across an ancient manuscript in the ruins of Karakoram, the Mongol capital. The manuscript chronicles the era of Mongol invasions with entires by three princesses from China, Persia, and Poland who are captured and brought to the Mongol court.
Through beautiful language and powerful storytelling, this fact-based historical novel lays bare the once far reaching and uncompromising Mongol empire. It shows readers the hidden perspectives of the captive, conquered, and voiceless. It brings light to the tremendous but forgotten influence of Genghis Khan and his progeny, while asking readers to reconsider the destruction and suffering of the past on which the future is built.
You’re about to be swept into the world of the Genghis Khan empire. So buckle up.
The Sky Worshipers is told in three parts. The book starts at a very good pace with the story of Princess Chaka. It’s becomes more descriptive slowing the pace. The story gives a good depiction of who Genghis Khan was.
Each of the princesses, Chaka, Reyhan and Krisztina, although unique, are very strong women and bring a story of survival in vastly different cultures and lands than the ones they were raised.
Deemyad has crafted a wonderful narrative that allows us to learn about a powerful ruler while transporting us to a world where there are strong princesses who tirelessly fought to create a better future through wisdom, love and empathy.
Highly recommend this book for historical fiction fans, this period of history is breathtaking. I enjoyed reading this book very much. I just wish ans hope that this book could be turned into a movie one day.
February 20, 2021
Our book club received an ARC in return for an honest review. A beautifully written story about the Mongol Empire in the 13th Century. The fact that this story was told through the perspective of these 3 women, was a major factor in our enjoyment of the book. We appreciated the fact that the author focused on what these women were able to bring to the Mongol Empire from their own cultures. It is more than just a story of the conquests of the Mongols. In the story we found strong, brave women who have been taken from the homes against their wills. Through a manuscript, they were able to keep the history honest and alive, from their viewpoints. It was interesting to see how hate can be perpetuated through the generations. We were also impressed at the great military strategies the Mongols had. The author was able to make the story flow by using the women and their manuscript as the focus. There is so much detail in the writing, that I almost felt I was there in that time. Even during this century, the themes of compassion, equal opportunity and embracing diversity were evident. We were pleasantly surprised by this piece of historical fiction.
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March 7, 2021Thank you @hfvbt for letting me be a part of the blog tour for The Sky Worshippers.
“In the year 1398 A.D., Lady Goharshad and her husband, King Shahrokh, come across an ancient manuscript in the ruins of Karakorum, the Mongol capital. The manuscript chronicles the era of Mongol invasions with entries by three princesses from China, Persia, and Poland who are captured and brought to the Mongol court.”
The Sky Worshippers is a historical fiction novel that explores the history of Genghiz Khan and the Mongolian empire through the eyes of three women
✔️ the subject matter. I am fascinated by Mongolia and it’s history ( and yes I did book a trip there a few years ago but it got cancelled 😒 ). Also, my father shares a name with a Mongolian Ruler - Kubilai 😂
✔️ the author has clearly done a lot of research for this book, which I loved. Although at times I think it worked against the story a bit, as it was more telling me facts then telling us the story.
✔️ strong female characters in a world dominated by men
F. M. Deemyad is a first time author with clearly a lot of talent and passion for history. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
“In the year 1398 A.D., Lady Goharshad and her husband, King Shahrokh, come across an ancient manuscript in the ruins of Karakorum, the Mongol capital. The manuscript chronicles the era of Mongol invasions with entries by three princesses from China, Persia, and Poland who are captured and brought to the Mongol court.”
The Sky Worshippers is a historical fiction novel that explores the history of Genghiz Khan and the Mongolian empire through the eyes of three women
✔️ the subject matter. I am fascinated by Mongolia and it’s history ( and yes I did book a trip there a few years ago but it got cancelled 😒 ). Also, my father shares a name with a Mongolian Ruler - Kubilai 😂
✔️ the author has clearly done a lot of research for this book, which I loved. Although at times I think it worked against the story a bit, as it was more telling me facts then telling us the story.
✔️ strong female characters in a world dominated by men
F. M. Deemyad is a first time author with clearly a lot of talent and passion for history. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
January 25, 2021
A beautifully written historical fiction set at the time of the Mongol Empire. In 1398 a manuscript is discovered relating to the previous century. This manuscript is written by three different women over the course of the thirteenth century. The book tells the story of these three women, all of them captured by the Mongols, how they are affected by their captors and how they in turn have influence over the Mongols. The impact of their stories is felt as the concluding chapters revert to 1398 and the characters react to the message of the women.
This is a well-researched story, I learnt so much about the Mongol Empire. It is very atmospheric and the historical period is brought to life through the language which is very descriptive and often poetic. I found the first half of the book fast paced and really engrossing the later chapters sadly seem to lose some momentum and the pace of the story slowed quite a bit.
Overall this was an interesting and enjoyable read.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
This is a well-researched story, I learnt so much about the Mongol Empire. It is very atmospheric and the historical period is brought to life through the language which is very descriptive and often poetic. I found the first half of the book fast paced and really engrossing the later chapters sadly seem to lose some momentum and the pace of the story slowed quite a bit.
Overall this was an interesting and enjoyable read.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
December 17, 2020
I was very excited to read this book, because I love books about history, especially when they provide a new perspective on events. A story told by and about princesses who were kidnapped by Mongols and who married members of the Khan family was right up my alley! In some ways, this book really impressed me - architectural and clothing details, for example, but in other ways, I felt something was missing. The events of the story were intensely researched, but the story itself felt a little uneven. Parts of the book were excerpts from the secret manuscript that links the women, and at times, I felt that perhaps the story would have been more powerful if told completely in journal entries. Other times, the story felt much like a folk tale or legend being told, but not quite. Perhaps I had some preliminary expectations, since I was reading Two Old Women: An Alaskan Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival at the same time. I felt like the story was told very simply and in a straightforward manner as though it were oral tradition or a folk tale, and in other places, it was very lyrical and flowery. I did enjoy it, but not as much as I had hoped.
February 4, 2021
Set in the 13th Century, The Sky Worshippers portrays the life and times of Genghis Khan and his progeny. Told from the viewpoint of several different women who were captives turned royal in the Mongol Court, this story tells the horrors of this time without being a book solely about war and bloodshed.
I enjoyed reading this book and learning about Mongolia and its rulers during this time period. I had very little previous knowledge about Genghis Khan other than the fact that he was a ruthless warrior. I know know much more about him and his people. I recommend this book to anyone interested in this time period or who has an interest in conquerors. It is a relatively clean book with only a handful of curse words scattered throughout the story. The violence is strong given the nature of the story. There are no graphic sex scenes found in the book.
I enjoyed reading this book and learning about Mongolia and its rulers during this time period. I had very little previous knowledge about Genghis Khan other than the fact that he was a ruthless warrior. I know know much more about him and his people. I recommend this book to anyone interested in this time period or who has an interest in conquerors. It is a relatively clean book with only a handful of curse words scattered throughout the story. The violence is strong given the nature of the story. There are no graphic sex scenes found in the book.
February 27, 2021
In advance of its launch it gives me great pleasure to give a review of this book. It is a compelling view into the lives of the Mongol nation. Fascinating and well written I would not hesitate to recommend this book. The author provides an insight into this fascinating life. The structure of the book reminds me strongly of the Arabian Nights and is an easy read. The narrative carries you along easily and I would recommend it to anyone young or old. My grateful thanks to the author for this very readable book. Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advanced copy.
February 28, 2021
I received this book as an advanced reader’s copy,
I appreciated the fact that this book was written in story form, also written from the perspective of women instead of reading like a history text. I learned a great deal about Genghis Khan, his heirs, and the Mongolian Empire. The author’s storytelling is on point, but I found the pace of the book much too slow for me to actually like the book. I felt as though I was “sloughing through” it at regular intervals. It is well researched and well written, however, and should appeal to many.
I appreciated the fact that this book was written in story form, also written from the perspective of women instead of reading like a history text. I learned a great deal about Genghis Khan, his heirs, and the Mongolian Empire. The author’s storytelling is on point, but I found the pace of the book much too slow for me to actually like the book. I felt as though I was “sloughing through” it at regular intervals. It is well researched and well written, however, and should appeal to many.
March 13, 2021
I am usually not a novel reader, but history is very interesting to me. When I started reading this book I was so involved in the plot that I could imagine myself in its different scenes. The descriptions were so meticulously detailed & vivid. At times, It was too painful to read about what Mongols did to many civilizations. The writer must have put so much time & effort in researching the historical facts for this project. Anyways, I will share this book with our adult children. Pl
January 9, 2021
I won a copy of this one in a Goodreads Giveaway. I have to admit, this one surprised me. I expected yet another historical fiction that was light on the history, but Deemyad really put the research in on this one and it shows. What's even more impressive is that Deemyad was able to integrate not only the historical facts, but was able to show, not tell, how those events influenced the people affected by those events. I was thoroughly impressed.
January 26, 2021
A wonderful narrative around a little know story of Khan and the various intense characters that helped shape the worlds history.
March 23, 2021
A richly woven story of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire. This epic novel, full of excitement and adventure, love, passion and cruelty reveals the harsh realities of life not only for women of that time but the Mongolian people as a whole. This novel is a real page turner and highly recommended.
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March 26, 2021The conquests of Genghis Kahn are told by three princesses, who are taken captive while very young. One from China who was married to Genghis, one from Persia and one from Poland married to grandsons. Not for the squeamish.
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