Conqueror

In "Conqueror", Conn Iggulden completes the story of the Mongol hordes of Genghis  Khan.

The grandsons of the famous Mongol leader struggle amongst themselves to rule the area once claimed by Genghis.  To avoid conflict,  Batu retreats to the forests of Russia.  Guyuk is a fierce ruler and within a short time he is dead.  His cousin Mongke is chosen as the next khan.  Mongke discovers that there is hard work to ruling a vast empire.  He assigns his brother Hulegu the task of ruling what would become Persia.  His scholarly brother, Kublai, is given the task of expanding the empire to the east.

Kublai's task is the most difficult because he has to fight against millions.  In so doing he learns to be a fighter and brilliant commander.  Unfortunately it is very costly to fight such a war, and Mongke marches to find out what has happened.  He leaves his youngest brother Arik-Boke in charge of the capital.

While on campaign Mongke dies.  By tradition, the Mongols are to gather in Karakoram to name a new khan.  Kublai refuses to attend because he feels that he has unfinished business in the east.  He doesn't realise that his decision will lead to civil war amongst the Mongols.  Arik-Boke declares himself khan, while Kublai does the same.  Kublai realises that he must return to Karakoram to claim his rightful place.

Iggulden tells a powerful story of how Kublai Khan became the ruler of the largest empire in the world.  For history buffs and those who love a good historical novel, this is a great read.