The second installment (after Genghis: Birth of an Empire ) in Iggulden's historical saga about Genghis Khan finds the Mongolian warlord consolidating his power over the tribes of his homeland and casting his eyes toward the temptations of the rich but decadent empire of the Chin (modern-day China). As in the first volume, Iggulden believably portrays the superstitious mysticism and ruthless realpolitik of the age without losing sight of his characters' fundamental humanity. His Genghis, although an uncanny and ruthless military genius, still has very human concerns about family and tribe, even as he evolves from an upstart border warlord to a fearsome conqueror. Readers who enjoy well-researched tales of historical adventure with an emphasis on political intrigue, exotic settings, and military conflict will enjoy the ride. For all popular fiction collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 11/1/07.]—Bradley A. Scott, Brighton Dist. Lib., MI

The author of the "Emperor" books about Julius Caesar (e.g., The Gates of Rome ) returns with another series, this one based on the life of Temujin, the young man who would one day become Genghis Khan. Iggulden convincingly portrays the harsh conditions of the medieval Mongolian steppes and even harsher circumstances of Temujin's early life. The account of how the canny, observant, and ferociously strong-willed Temujin survived and eventually clawed his way to prominence is both a blood-soaked tale of rags to riches and a rousing adventure. Iggulden's prose is workmanlike rather than poetic, but the action scenes are frequent and energetic and the intertribal politics rife with intrigue and betrayal. In the final pages, Temujin takes the name by which he is better known and sets his sights on greater challenges to be addressed in future volumes of the series. An afterword provides historical commentary and notes where Iggulden has deviated from the historical record. Recommended for all public library fiction collections, especially where there is strong interest in historical military fiction.—Bradley A. Scott, Brighton District Lib. & Baker Coll. Lib. of Flint, MI

Adult/High School— This novel begins where Genghis: Birth of an Empire (Delacorte, 2007) leaves off. After defeating the last of the Mongol tribes, Genghis, with his formidable army, sets his sights toward the Chin, whom he has long vowed to conquer. He has become a fearsome force who, with his ruthlessness and cunning need to vanquish, will lead his army to unfathomable victories. Along the way, readers are introduced to the devious shaman Kokchu and witness the troubled relationship between Genghis and his first born, the dynamics between Genghis and his brothers, and Genghis's complicated romantic interests. Treachery, intrigue, and rivalry carry the powerful story to its satisfying conclusion, though with the understanding that there will be a third novel that will likely continue with the next generation. Iggulden is a master storyteller who keeps readers hooked with the unexpected twists and turns of an intriguing plot along with insightful character development. A real page-turner.—Jane Ritter, Mill Valley School District, CA