Review – Conn IGGULDEN – “Bones of the Hills”

Publ: 2008 Harper Collins
Pensby Library
ISBN: 978 000 7201785
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 518p
Continuing the trilogy
Rating: ***** ***


What led you to pick up this book?
I have read the first two and wanted to finish the trilogy.

Describe the plot without giving anything away.
This is third novel in Conn Iggulden's No. 1 bestselling Conqueror series, following the life and adventures of Genghis Khan. The fatherless boy, exiled from his tribe, who featured in 'Wolf of the Plains' and 'Lords of the Bow', has grown into the great king, Genghis Khan. He has united the warring tribes and even taken his armies against the great cities of their oldest enemies, the Chin. Now he turns his attention westwards to the Russians and Moslems, ranging as far as modern Iran and Iraq. As well as discovering new territories, exacting tribute from conquered peoples and laying waste the cities which resist, Genghis Khan has to decide who will be his heir.

It takes books like this and Stephen Pressfield’s “The Afghan Campaign” to make one realise just how enormous were the achievements of Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great.

What did you think of the characters?
Well portrayed without being exceptional.

What did you think about the style?
This is very much an adventure story with a historical background rather than a history with a flavour of fiction. Nevertheless it is well researched and in so far as I can tell, accurate.

What did you like most about the book?
Iggulden is simply a darned good storyteller.

Was there anything you didn't like about the book?
No.

Thoughts on the book jacket / cover.
Appropriate but not as good as the previous volume.

Would I recommend it?
Yes, as an adventure story.

CONN IGGULDEN – see The Gates of Rome.
http://bookeverysixdays.blogspot.com/2008/02/conn-iggulden-gates-of-rome.html