This is the third and final volume of the trilogy that Conn Iggulden has created base don the life of the infamous leader of the Mongols. In the earlier books, Genghis started as a young boy and an outcast before uniting his people and setting his sights on the northern Chin Empire.

At the start of this novel, the Mongols are letting their strengths be felt on the Russian frontier. The focus quickly shifts to Persia, where many of the Shah's governors have refused to send tribute to the great Khan. Genghis understands that the strength of his empire depends primarily on the fear the peoples feel about his retribution. If the Persians are able to get away without paying tribute, it would be the end of everything.

As a result, he shifts the tribes from the wintry plains of norther Chin near the border of Koryo (Korea) to the deserts bordering India and Persia. From there, it is a series of battles that will define the future of the Mongol Empire. Over the course of 8 years, the Mongols are able to extend their influence through the Arab/Moslem lands, and Iggulden take great care to present the battles in the full gory detail.

That is not where the true strength of this book (or Iggulden's writing lies) as with his Caesar series and the earlier books in this series. The characters from history are brought to life on the pages, providing insight into their actions while also molding an interesting and dramatic tale that keeps the reader turning pages. The battle scenes are full of action, but they also exemplify the military skill of both Genghis and some of his enemies.

Great care seems to be taken to place a human face on the people in history. The familial disagreements in Genghis' clan are presented in full force. Whether it is the difficult relationship he has with his eldest son, who may be the child of a rape his wife had while she was being held by enemies, to the complex interaction of his sons as Genghis must decide an heir, these are people living during tough times. Iggulden makes sure not to focus solely on Genghis. While we all define ourselves, we are also defined by the people around us, and Iggulden gives each of the people in Genghis' life an opportunity to play the important roles.

I am a little sad that this concludes this series, but I am hopeful that Iggulden will start a new one with another historical great.