May 1, 2023
Aryan (the Quest for Heroes series) puts far more political intrigue than magic in this dry historical fantasy that opens the Nightingale and the Falcon series, which reimagines the Mongolian empire’s invasion of Persia. Hulagu Khan, grandson of Ghengis, hopes to fulfill his grandfather’s vision of ruling the world via brute force. This leaves many of his conquered enemies biding their time to destroy him, among them his newest concubine, Kokochin, the Blue Princess. The only survivor of her clan, Kokochin finds purpose in learning to defend herself and joining an underground resistance group. Meanwhile, defeated Persian general Kaivon pretends to switch sides to serve under Hulagu, hoping to gain insider knowledge and manipulate the empire to its ruin from within. There’s real suspense to the imperial machinations, but the fantastical element only comes through the story of Temujin, Hulagu’s weak youngest son, who eventually discovers that he’s descended from an ancient race with powers that could remake the world. It’s a bit too little, too late. Aryan lays an extensive foundation for exciting things to come at the expense of the present volume. This series has yet to find its footing. Agent: Juliet Mushens, Mushens Entertainment.
May 12, 2023
This sweeping historical fantasy features the lesser-known history of the tumultuous times of the Middle East in the 13th century. The story follows four believably flawed characters, both the conquerors and the conquered. Hulagu ruthlessly expands the Mongol Empire while his son Temujin struggles to overcome a reputation of cowardice and to discover his purpose. Kaivon, a Persian general, and Kokochin, the princess of a dead tribe, refuse to relinquish their lingering resentment and hate for the enemy. Behind the scenes, a scheming network of spies and assassins pulls the strings. Written with heart and cunning, this is a gripping tale of revenge with complex political intrigue, harrowing battles, and masterful infiltration. Every character has their own violent and unforgiving agenda, and even as they confront harsh realities, their spirits are never crushed. Their stories are beautiful and terrifying in equal measure, capturing the brutality of war and questioning what it means to have worth and power. VERDICT Aryan's latest (after The Warrior) is perfect for those who enjoy dynamic historical fiction with a touch of magic, like the work of Guy Gavriel Kay.--Andrea Dyba
Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
June 1, 2023
Aryan's latest reimagines the Mongol Empire's conquest for world domination in a story that is fast paced and immersive. Hulagu Khan, Genghis Khan's grandson, rules the Ilkhanate and conquers cities with no mercy. He is determined to make a warrior out of his son Temujin, whose nonviolent nature and propensity for failing to meet expectations exasperate and disgust him. But there is something lurking beneath Temujin's gentle surface, and once awakened, its power cannot be ignored. Meanwhile, the Blue Princess Kokochin, the last of a tribe slaughtered by the Mongols, is given to Hulagu as another wife. She lives like a mouse in the palace of Tabriz before a fateful, fearful night triggers her to fight for survival and introduces her to a resistance movement she never imagined existed. Family and honor feature heavily as old alliances are broken and new ones are made. While the majority of this novel centers around the blood-soaked battlefields and cities that are ravaged then slowly rebuilt under Mongol occupation, the resistance bubbling to the surface whispers hope that someday their rule will end.
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