Ruler of the Sky [Paperback]

Sargent Pamela (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 16, 2011

In 1167, in the harsh homeland of Mongol tribes, a child was born who was to change the course of human history. His father named him Temujin, but the world knows him as Genghis Khan. Ruler of the Sky brings to life a time of often unendurable hardship and epic grandeur. From the windswept plains of Mongolia to the opulence and sophistication of the Chinese court, this is an unforgettable story. Set amid the barbaric splendor of the Mongol hordes, Ruler of the Sky tells how a twelfth-century warrior forged one of the greatest and most terrifying armies the world had ever seen, and conquered the world from Peking to Persia. Not only is this the story of Genghis Khan, but it is the story of those who were closest to him, particularly the women who played such an important role in his life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 720 pages
• Publisher: Ibooks (November 16, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596873744
• ISBN-13: 978-1596873742
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,799,402 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Novel as History, January 18, 2004

By 

Avid Reader (Franklin, Tn) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ruler of the Sky (Hardcover)

Pamela Sargent is generally thought of as a science fiction writer but she has actually written for several genres. One wonders why she chose Ghengis Khan as a subject but regardless of the reasons, I am glad she undertook this thankless task. Most Americans are unfamiliar with the great conqueror or are unaware that his empire was the largest empire in the history of the world.

The remarkable thing is that Temujin, his real name, was born in the desert of Mongolia without privelege. Over the years he transformed Mongol riders into killing machines and began an exapansion that for a time threatened to engulf the entire European-Asian landmass. It is hard to generate empathy not to mention sympathy for such a character but he was a reflection of his times - ruthless, loyal, brave, resourceful.

The novel begins when he is a child and follows his rise through the ranks by crafty politics, deal-making and fighting skill. The story captures the mood, the scenery, the pulse of life within the inner circle of the leader. The battles are detailed as are the geopolitical discussions. The action is in turns exciting, tender and mesmerizing. When he died his empire was divided among his sons and eventually fell apart. Today, less than 3 million Mongols eke out a subsistence living in the middle of Asia.