The Sky Worshipers

The Sky Worshippers: Women Who Change The Trajectory And Strength Of Genghis Khan And His Mongol Empire.An epic novel that pulls back the veil on the tumultuous life and times of Genghis Khan the Mongol leader who was intent upon becoming the ruler of the world. Breathtaking in scope honest and raw The Sky Worshipers reveals life in the orbit of the conquerors. -Kristine Morris Foreword Reviews★★★★★ The story told in three parts is expertly written. Its the stuff of my childhood dreams; princesses warriors Marco Polo the Silk Road.★★★★★ There is so much detail in the writing that I almost felt I was there in that time. Even during this century the themes of compassion equal opportunity and embracing diversity were evident.★★★★★ This story is so much more that a chronicle of who conquered who and how it is a view of how this empire affected the individuals who were swept up in this massive change to the world that the Mongols wrought.In the year 1398 A.D. Lady Goharshad and her husband King Shahrokh come across an ancient manuscript in the ruins of Karakorum the Mongol capital. The manuscript chronicles the era of Mongol invasions with entries by three princesses from China Persia and Poland who are captured and brought to the Mongol court. After being stolen from her family at the Tangut Emperors coronation Princess Chaka the Emperors youngest daughter is left with no choice but to marry Genghis Khan. Thus the Tangut join Genghis as allies. She is the first to secretly chronicle the historical events of her time and in doing so she has the help of an African eunuch by the name of Baako who brings her news from the war front.Princess Reyhan is the witty granddaughter of the last Seljuk King in Persia. She is kidnapped by Ogodei Genghiss son and heir who falls in love with her. The romance does not last long however since a Mongol beauty wins Ogodeis heart and Reyhan is sidelined. Reyhan continues the tradition of recording the events in secret turning her entries into tales.During the Mongol invasion of Poland and Hungary Princess Krisztina niece to Henry the Pious is taken as a prisoner of war by the Mongols. Reyhan learns about Krisztinas predicament through Baako and asks Hulagu Genghiss grandson to help free her. Krisztina has a difficult time adjusting to life in Mongolia and at one point she attempts to run away but is unsuccessful. When the child she is bearing is stillborn the Mongol court shuns her. She is able to return to her homeland in old age but comes back to Karakorum and writes her final entry in the journal.Through beautiful language and powerful storytelling this fact-based historical novel lays bare the once far-reaching and uncompromising Mongol empire. It shows readers the hidden perspectives of the captive conquered and voiceless. It brings to light the tremendous but forgotten influence of Genghis Khan and his progeny while asking readers to reconsider the destruction and suffering of the past on which the future is built.