Conn Iggulden

Afternoon guys

Would just like to highly recommend a series of books that I have read over the past 12 months by Conn Iggulden. Iggulden is a British author, who has taken the direction of writing books based on factual information, but fiction in terms of creating conversations etc between the characters.

The two series that I have read are Conqueror and Empire (I think they are the names), with Conqueror being based on the tale of Genghis Khan and the Mongols, and Empire being based on Julius Caesar and the Romans. Each series has 3 separate books.

Iggulden's writing style results in a truly terrific read, with a good pace and great insight into the lives these people would have led. I would love to write a proper review of the books, and indeed I may do when I have some spare time at home, but being at work I can't really spend too much time right now.

However, these stories are really awe inspiring stuff about two of the most fascinating characters to have ever lived, in my opinion, so it is definitely worth having a look at.

Cheers

I too really enjoy his books. There is some negative press that his books are not totally accurate from a historical sense but they still make an excellent read in my opinion. I was lucky enough that a friend recommended the Emperor Series after they had been out a few years so was able to read them in fast succession.

The Emperor Series has 4 books and Conqueror is currently 5, although the last book is about Genghis' son so that may be the start of another series, not sure. Either way, if you have any interest in the time periods then I too would highly recommend them.

In fairness to Iggulden, he does qualify his take on various happenings at the end of each book, i.e. for plot purposes. I've found the Genghis Khan books to be relatively accurate based on the wider reading I've done on the subject. Fantastic books.

This is weird.

I saw a guy in the pub at lunch time reading one of this guys books.

I'll maybe have to check them out because it sounds interesting.

Let me know your thoughts if you do, celtic.

Will do FoF. It'll be a while though got a stack of books to get through first.

I really enjoyed the Emperor series. The way Iggulden fuses fact and fiction makes for a rollicking read. I didn't get on with the Conqueror series quite as well, but that could simply be down to my preference for Roman fiction. I have a mate that prefers Conqueror, so I may well give this series of books another try at a later date.

Another mate of mine has bought me John Stack's Ship of Rome. Has anybody read this?

I haven't heard of that, media, what is it about?

I absolutely loved both the Emperor and Conqueror series, with the Conqueror series shading it for me. Your first line is spot on, he merges fact and fiction seamlessly and it really does make for a cracking read. I'd certainly recommend you trying again!

Fists of Fury wrote:I haven't heard of that, media, what is it about?

I absolutely loved both the Emperor and Conqueror series, with the Conqueror series shading it for me. Your first line is spot on, he merges fact and fiction seamlessly and it really does make for a cracking read. I'd certainly recommend you trying again!

Not read Ship of Rome yet, Fists, but it's on my agenda. I have a habit of collecting books but never getting round to reading them. I'm definitely going to give Conqueror another go, followed by Stack's offering and then, perhaps, the several Scarrow books that have been sitting on top of my bookshelf.

I've heard that Scarrow is good, Media. Might give him a try one of these days, but like you I have a backlog of books building up.

Resurrecting an old thread but was looking on Amazon here in Canada yesterday for gift idea's and it seems that a new series from Iggulden is going to be released before Christmas this year.

http://www.amazon.ca/Wars-Roses-Book-Conn-Iggulden/dp/0718159837/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377541961&sr=1-2&keywords=conn+iggulden

Can't find anything on the authors website or Amazon UK. Perhaps the Canadian site is jumping the gun or something but either way I'm pretty excited. I was interested in this period of history anyway and with the discoveries of recent months it's pretty topical!

Should be another fine series.

In the meantime, I might have to dig out my conqueror series again! Terrific books.

Anyone read the "Attila the Hun" triogy by WIlliam Napier?

Fists of Fury wrote:Should be another fine series.

In the meantime, I might have to dig out my conqueror series again! Terrific books.

Did you read the 5th installment released last year? I wondered if I should have re-read them from the start and then read the new 5th book in sequence. In the end curiosity got the better of me and I went straight to Blood of Gods.

Was that the one about Kublai Khan?

Ah just looked it up...latest Rome one. No, hadn't read that! I'll be buying it though.

Finished the latest Rome book...typically excellent. Recommended.

Downloaded the First book in the Conqueror series a few days ago. It's only 99p on the Kindle if anyone fancies it. Only about 15% in but it's enjoyable thus far.

Really spectacular series of books to my mind, mate. Conqueror just gets better and better, you'll love it.

Read the Emporer series a few years back and it's so good! Best descriptions and understanding of that period that I've ever come across.

If you like that try David Gemmells Troy trilogy, the very best take on the Trojan wars out there first book is Lord of The Silver Bow