The Conqueror series by Conn Iggulden comprises five epic novels that chronicle the rise of the Mongol Empire across three generations. The series follows the legendary Genghis Khan from his brutal childhood on the Mongolian steppes through his creation of the largest contiguous land empire in history, then continues with his sons and grandsons who extended his vision from China to the gates of Europe.
Readers love this series for Iggulden’s visceral battle scenes, complex family dynamics, and the way he brings one of history’s most feared conquerors to life as a three-dimensional character driven by loyalty, ambition, and survival.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.Quick Series Facts
Author: Conn Iggulden
Number of Books: 5 books (complete)
First Book: Wolf of the Plains (2007)
Latest Book: Conqueror (2011)
Setting: Mongol Empire, 1160s-1260s (spanning 100 years across Asia, the Middle East, Russia, and Europe)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Military Fiction, Epic Saga
Timeline: Three generations from Genghis Khan’s childhood through Kublai Khan’s rule
Conqueror Series Books in Publication Order
Publication order is the recommended way to read the Conqueror series. The books follow a chronological timeline from Genghis Khan’s childhood through his grandsons’ reigns, building character development and historical context across the entire saga. Each book builds upon the achievements and tragedies of the previous ones, creating an epic, multi-generational narrative.
1. Genghis: Birth of an Empire (2007)
Also titled: Wolf of the Plains (UK title)
Setting: Mongolian steppes, 1160s-1190s
Timeline: Temujin’s childhood through the unification of the Mongol tribes
Summary: Eleven-year-old Temujin, second son of the khan of the Wolves tribe, watches his father die in an ambush. Betrayed by his father’s bondsman, Eeluk, Temujin and his family are cast out onto the harsh Mongolian plains to starve. What follows is a brutal coming-of-age story as the boy learns to survive against impossible odds, gathering outcasts and exiles to his side. Through cunning, ruthlessness, and an unbreakable will, Temujin rises from hunted fugitive to the leader of a new tribal alliance. The book culminates with his vision of uniting all the warring Mongol tribes under one banner, setting the stage for his transformation into Genghis Khan, the man who would conquer the known world.
2. Lords of the Bow (2008)
Also titled: Genghis: Lords of the Bow (US title)
Setting: Mongolia, Gobi Desert, Northern China (Xi Xia Kingdom and Jin Dynasty territories)
Timeline: Approximately 1205-1215, Genghis Khan at age 26-36
Summary: Eight years after uniting the Mongol tribes, Genghis Khan leads his nation across the Gobi Desert toward the ancient enemy: the vast, wealthy empire of the Chin (Jin Dynasty). The nomadic horsemen must learn to wage war against fortified cities with walls that dwarf anything they have ever seen. Genghis faces military challenges that require innovative tactics, including the conquest of the Xi Xia Kingdom and the siege of Beijing (then called Yenking). The book explores the sibling rivalries between Genghis’s eldest sons, Jochi and Chagatai, the role of the enigmatic shaman Kokchu, and Genghis’s transformation from tribal khan to emperor. The Mongols prove that their cavalry tactics and indomitable spirit can overcome even the most sophisticated civilization of their time.
3. Bones of the Hills (2008)
Also titled: Genghis: Bones of the Hills (US title)
Setting: Mongolia, Central Asia (modern-day Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan), Russia
Timeline: Approximately 1218-1227, final years of Genghis Khan’s life
Summary: Having conquered the Chin empire, Genghis Khan now faces trouble from the west. His ambassadors to the Khwarazmian Empire are mutilated and killed, his trading offers rebuffed by Shah Mohammed II. Genghis divides his armies, using his sons as generals and sending them simultaneously in multiple directions across Central Asia. The Mongol forces range from Iran and Iraq to the edges of India, facing the formidable armies of the Shah, which include war elephants that the Mongols have never encountered. Genghis must also confront the deadly Assassins cult. As external threats mount, internal conflicts escalate. The bitter rivalry between his sons Jochi and Chagatai reaches a violent climax, forcing Genghis to choose his successor. The book depicts both the peak of Mongol military power and the beginning of succession struggles that will define the empire’s future.
4. Empire of Silver (2010)
Also titled: Khan: Empire of Silver (US title)
Setting: Mongolia (Karakorum), Russia, Poland, Hungary, Southern China
Timeline: 1227-1241, after Genghis Khan’s death
Summary: The Great Khan is dead. His son Ogedai inherits an empire that stretches from sea to sea, but instead of immediately taking power, he mysteriously delays his coronation to complete an ambitious project: building Karakorum, a magnificent capital city in the wilderness. This decision emboldens his arrogant brother, Chagatai, to challenge his authority, while their youngest brother, Tolui, and his cunning wife, Sorhatani, maneuver between them. The succession crisis reveals shocking truths about Ogedai’s deteriorating health and addiction to alcohol. Meanwhile, the Mongol armies extend Genghis’s vision farther than ever, with the legendary general Tsubodai leading the invasion of Russia and sweeping into the heart of Europe, defeating Hungarian and Polish forces. The book shifts focus from Genghis’s personal saga to the institutional power of the Mongol war machine and the complex political dynamics among his heirs.
5. Conqueror (2011)
Full title: Conqueror: A Novel of Kublai Khan
Setting: Mongolia (Karakorum), China (Song Dynasty), Persia, Baghdad
Timeline: 1241-1260, the generation after Ogedai
Summary: The final book jumps ahead to Genghis Khan’s grandsons, focusing on Kublai Khan, the scholarly grandson who never expected to rule. When Mongke becomes Great Khan, he dispatches his younger brothers to distant corners of the empire: Kublai to conquer the vast Song Dynasty in southern China, Hulegu to destroy the Assassins and conquer Baghdad, and Arik-Boke to administer Karakorum. Kublai, considered too intellectual for military command, revolutionizes Mongol warfare by using mercy instead of terror, allowing cities to surrender peacefully. When Mongke dies during the Chinese campaign, a brutal civil war erupts between Kublai and Arik-Boke for control of the empire. The book chronicles Kublai’s transformation from scholar to warrior to emperor, culminating in his establishment of the Yuan Dynasty and rule over an empire larger than those of Alexander the Great or Julius Caesar.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Publication Order Equals Chronological Order
Good news! The Conqueror series books follow a chronological timeline, published in the order they were written. The narrative progresses naturally from Genghis Khan’s childhood (Book 1) through his conquests (Books 2-3), to his son Ogedai’s reign (Book 4), and finally to his grandson Kublai Khan’s era (Book 5).
Simply read them in publication order:
- Wolf of the Plains (1160s-1190s)
- Lords of the Bow (1205-1215)
- Bones of the Hills (1218-1227)
- Empire of Silver (1227-1241)
- Conqueror (1241-1260)
The series spans approximately 100 years of Mongol history across three generations, with each book building naturally on the events and characters established in previous volumes.
About the Conqueror Series
Series Overview
The Conqueror series chronicles one of history’s most extraordinary achievements: the creation of the largest contiguous land empire ever known, spanning from the Pacific Ocean to the gates of Vienna. What makes this series remarkable is that Iggulden traces this empire from its origins as a single starving family, hunted and alone on the Mongolian plains, to an empire that controlled one-fifth of the world’s inhabited land.
The first three books focus on Temujin/Genghis Khan, portraying him not as a one-dimensional barbarian but as a brilliant military strategist, devoted family man, and visionary leader who created a nation from warring tribes. Genghis emerges as a complex character shaped by childhood trauma, driven by loyalty to his family and warriors, and capable of both breathtaking cruelty and surprising mercy.
Books four and five shift the narrative to Genghis’s heirs, exploring how his sons and grandsons struggled to maintain and extend the empire while battling each other for supremacy. The series explores themes of legacy, succession, and cultural clashes between nomadic and settled civilizations, as well as the transformation of the Mongols from steppe warriors to rulers of vast empires.
Iggulden drew heavily from The Secret History of the Mongols, the oldest surviving Mongolian text, but also took creative liberties to fill gaps in the historical record and create a compelling narrative. His author’s notes at the end of each book detail where he deviated from historical accuracy for dramatic purposes.
What Makes the Conqueror Series Special
Visceral Battle Scenes: Iggulden excels at depicting cavalry warfare, siege tactics, and the brutal realities of medieval combat. Readers feel the thunder of ten thousand horses, the terror of facing Mongol archers, and the desperation of defending walled cities against an unstoppable force.
Complex Character Development: Rather than presenting Genghis as a monster, Iggulden explores the man behind the legend. We see his fierce love for his wife Borte, his complicated relationships with his sons, his loyalty to his brothers, and the trauma that shaped his worldview.
Historical Authenticity: The series captures authentic details of Mongol life: the harsh steppes, ger (yurt) culture, the importance of horses and archery, shamanic traditions, and the revolutionary military tactics that made the Mongols nearly invincible.
Multi-Generational Epic: Spanning three generations allows readers to see how empire-building affects families, how power corrupts, and how each generation must find its own path while honoring (or rejecting) the founder’s vision.
Fast-Paced Narrative: Despite being historical fiction with extensive research, the books read like modern thrillers. Iggulden’s prose is accessible and action-packed, with chapters that switch perspectives to maintain tension and reveal different sides of conflicts.
Non-Western Setting: The series offers a refreshing change from European-centric historical fiction, immersing readers in Central Asian culture and showing world history from the Mongol perspective.
Where to Start with the Conqueror Series
New to the Series?
Start here: Wolf of the Plains (Book 1)
You must begin with the first book. The Conqueror series builds character relationships, historical context, and emotional investment across all five volumes. Starting anywhere else will spoil major plot points and leave you confused about character motivations, family relationships, and the broader historical arc.
Wolf of the Plains introduces Temujin as an eleven-year-old boy facing his father’s murder and his family’s exile. Watching him survive and grow into Genghis Khan provides essential context for understanding the man’s ruthlessness, his loyalty to his chosen family, and his dream of uniting the warring tribes. The relationships established here (his bond with Borte, his brotherhood with Jamuka, his complicated feelings toward his sons) resonate through all five books.
Can You Skip Books?
No. Each book builds directly on the previous one. Major characters die, new ones are introduced, and power dynamics shift constantly. The series follows a linear timeline with continuing storylines, particularly around succession and family conflicts. Skipping books will result in confusion and diminish the emotional impact of later events.
Reading Order for Maximum Enjoyment
- Read all five books in publication order
- Pay attention to the author’s historical notes at the end of each book, where Iggulden explains his sources and where he deviated from history
- Take your time with Book 1, as it establishes crucial character relationships and motivations
- Expect tonal shifts between books as the focus moves from Genghis’s personal story to institutional politics and different protagonists
About the Author: Conn Iggulden
Conn Iggulden is a British author born in 1971 who became one of the most successful historical fiction writers of his generation. After teaching English for seven years, including as head of the English department at Haydon School in London, he left teaching to pursue writing full-time.
Iggulden began the Conqueror series after completing his acclaimed Emperor series about Julius Caesar. His research for the Mongol saga was extensive, including travel to rural Mongolia to experience the landscape and culture firsthand. He drew primarily from The Secret History of the Mongols, the 13th-century chronicle that remains the most important source on Genghis Khan’s life, while acknowledging in his author’s notes where he filled gaps or altered events for narrative purposes.
The Conqueror series established Iggulden as a master of military historical fiction, combining meticulous research with page-turning storytelling. The series topped bestseller lists worldwide and helped introduce millions of readers to Mongol history. In 2007, Iggulden became the first person to simultaneously top the UK fiction and nonfiction lists when his “Wolf of the Plains” and “The Dangerous Book for Boys” (co-authored with his brother Hal) both became number one bestsellers.
More by Conn Iggulden:
- Emperor Series (5 books about Julius Caesar)
- Wars of the Roses Series (4 books about medieval England)
- Athenian Series (2 books about ancient Athens)
- Dunstan (standalone about 10th-century England)
Complete Conn Iggulden Bibliography
Historical Context: The Mongol Empire
The Mongol Empire represents one of the most dramatic transformations in history. At the series’ beginning (1160s), the Mongols were fragmented tribes living on the harsh Central Asian steppes, constantly warring with one another and subject to the more powerful neighbors, such as the Jin Dynasty of China. Within 70 years, they had conquered territory from the Pacific to Eastern Europe, creating the largest contiguous land empire in history.
Why This Period Fascinates
The Mongols revolutionized warfare with their composite bows, mounted archery, mobility, and psychological warfare tactics. Their armies could cover vast distances rapidly, strike with devastating force, and vanish before defenders could mount effective resistance. They also proved surprisingly adaptable, learning siege warfare from the Chinese, employing engineers from conquered territories, and incorporating the best weapons and tactics from every enemy they defeated.
Yet the Mongols’ impact went far beyond military conquest. They created the first truly international trade network (the Silk Road flourished under Mongol protection), facilitated cultural exchange between East and West, and established legal codes and administrative systems that governed their vast territories. Kublai Khan’s court, visited by Marco Polo, became legendary in Europe for its wealth and sophistication.
The series also doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Mongol conquest. Cities that resisted were often destroyed utterly, with populations massacred as examples to others. The death toll from Mongol invasions ran into the millions. Iggulden portrays this violence unflinchingly while also showing the Mongols’ own code of honor and loyalty.
Historical Accuracy
Iggulden takes creative liberties but remains broadly faithful to the historical timeline and major events. His author’s notes in each book detail where he deviated from sources, whether to fill historical gaps, create more dramatic pacing, or develop character arcs. For instance, some timelines are compressed, certain characters’ roles are enhanced for narrative purposes, and dialogue is obviously invented.
However, the major battles, conquests, family dynamics, and political struggles are based on historical records. The siege of Beijing, the invasion of Central Asia, Tsubodai’s European campaign, and the civil war between Kublai and Arik-Boke all happened much as depicted.
Learn more: Best Historical Fiction About the Mongol Empire
Similar Series You’ll Love
If you’re enjoying the Conqueror series, these series offer similar appeal:
1. Emperor Series by Conn Iggulden
Why similar: Same author, same brilliant style, different setting. The five-book Emperor series chronicles Julius Caesar’s rise from young nobleman to dictator of Rome. If you love Iggulden’s battle scenes, character development, and ability to humanize legendary historical figures, this is your next read. Both series follow ambitious leaders who transformed warfare and built empires that altered the course of world history.
2. The Last Kingdom Series by Bernard Cornwell
Why similar: Epic military fiction spanning multiple books with visceral battle scenes and a protagonist rising from nothing to greatness. While Cornwell focuses on Viking Age England rather than Mongolia, both authors excel at crafting fast-paced historical fiction that features warriors, sieges, and the forging of nations. Both series prioritize action and character over dense historical exposition.
3. The Conqueror Series by Valerio Massimo Manfredi
Why similar: Three-book series about Alexander the Great’s conquests, another empire-builder who changed the ancient world. Like Genghis, Alexander was a military genius who conquered vast territories in a short time. Both series examine the personal costs of empire-building and the challenges of succession.
4. Saladin Trilogy by Tariq Ali
Why similar: Covers the same time period from the Islamic perspective, including encounters with crusaders and the defense against Mongol invasions. Offers a different cultural viewpoint on medieval conquest and empire, with similar themes of military strategy and cultural clash.
5. The Swords of Albion Series by Robyn Young
Why similar: Multi-generational historical epic focusing on military campaigns, political intrigue, and family dynamics. While set in medieval England and the Crusades, it shares the Conqueror series’ scope and focus on warfare as a shaping force in history.
Timeline of Major Events in the Conqueror Series
1160s-1170s (Wolf of the Plains): Temujin’s birth, his father Yesugei’s death, the family’s exile, survival on the steppes
1180s-1190s (Wolf of the Plains): Temujin’s rise, marriage to Borte, gathering of followers, tribal wars
1206 (Between Books 1-2): Temujin proclaimed Genghis Khan, khan of all Mongols
1205-1215 (Lords of the Bow): Conquest of Xi Xia, invasion of Jin Dynasty China, siege of Beijing
1218-1227 (Bones of the Hills): Khwarazmian campaign, conquest of Central Asia, assassination of the Assassins, death of Genghis Khan
1227-1241 (Empire of Silver): Ogedai’s reign, construction of Karakorum, Tsubodai’s invasion of Europe, Mongol campaigns in Russia and Hungary
1241-1260 (Conqueror): Mongke’s reign, Kublai’s conquest of Southern China, Hulegu’s destruction of Baghdad, civil war between Kublai and Arik-Boke, Kublai proclaimed Great Khan
Adaptations and Media
As of 2025, the Conqueror series has not been adapted for television or film. However, the success of historical epics like The Last Kingdom (based on Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories) and Shogun (based on James Clavell’s novel) demonstrates a strong audience appetite for this type of content.
The series’ cinematic battle sequences, complex family drama, and exotic setting make it an ideal candidate for adaptation. Fans have long hoped for a prestige television treatment similar to HBO’s historical epics, which could do justice to the series’ scope and violence.
The closest related media are various documentaries about Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire, though these focus on historical facts rather than the novelized narrative Iggulden created.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many books are in the Conqueror series?
There are 5 books in the Conqueror series. The series is complete. Conn Iggulden concluded the saga with Conqueror in 2011, bringing the story from Genghis Khan’s childhood through his grandson Kublai Khan’s reign.
Do I need to read the Conqueror series in order?
Yes, absolutely. The Conqueror series must be read in publication order. The books follow a chronological timeline with ongoing character development, family relationships, and political dynamics that span all five volumes. Starting with any book other than Wolf of the Plains will spoil major events and leave you confused about character motivations and historical context.
What is the Conqueror series about?
The Conqueror series chronicles the rise of the Mongol Empire across three generations. Books 1-3 follow Temujin/Genghis Khan from his childhood exile through his conquests of China and Central Asia. Book 4 focuses on the reign of Ogedai, his son, and the Mongol invasion of Europe. Book 5 centers on Kublai Khan’s grandson’s conquest of China and rise to power. The series combines military adventure, family drama, and the transformation of nomadic tribes into rulers of the largest land empire in history.
Is the Conqueror series historically accurate?
The series is broadly historically accurate, based primarily on The Secret History of the Mongols and other historical sources. Major events, battles, and characters are real. However, Iggulden takes creative liberties to fill gaps in the historical record and enhance dramatic tension. He compresses timelines, invents dialogue, and sometimes attributes actions to different people for narrative purposes. His author’s notes at the end of each book detail where he deviated from history and why.
How long does it take to read the Conqueror series?
The five books total approximately 2,500 pages. An average reader might complete each book in 8-12 hours of reading time, making the entire series 40-60 hours in total. However, reading speed varies widely. Many readers report that the fast-paced narrative makes the books quick reads despite their length. Plan for 2-3 months if reading steadily, or 4-6 weeks if reading intensively.
Is the Conqueror series appropriate for young adults?
The Conqueror series contains graphic violence, including detailed battle scenes, massacres, torture, and sexual assault. The Mongol conquests were brutal, and Iggulden doesn’t sanitize the violence. There is also mature content, including sexual situations and coarse language. The series is best suited for adult readers or mature teens (16 years and older) who can handle intense historical violence. Parents should preview the content before recommending it to younger readers.
Will there be more books in the Conqueror series?
No, the series is complete at five books. Conn Iggulden concluded the saga with Conqueror in 2011, taking the story from Genghis Khan’s childhood through Kublai Khan’s establishment of his rule. While there are additional fascinating periods in Mongol history (including Kublai’s later reign and Marco Polo’s visit), Iggulden has moved on to other historical periods, including the Wars of the Roses and ancient Athens.
Can I read the Conqueror series on Kindle/audiobook?
Yes, all five Conqueror series books are available in print, as ebooks (in Kindle and other formats), and audiobooks. The audiobook versions, narrated by Richard Ferrone, are particularly well-regarded by fans who praise his ability to differentiate characters and convey the epic scope of the narrative. The books are widely available through Amazon, Audible, and major bookstores.
How does the Conqueror series compare to Conn Iggulden’s Emperor series?
Both series showcase Iggulden’s strengths: visceral battle scenes, complex character development, and making ancient history accessible. The Emperor series (about Julius Caesar) has more political intrigue and Roman culture, while the Conqueror series emphasizes cavalry warfare and the clash between nomadic and settled civilizations. Many readers prefer the setting that interests them more, although the consensus is that Iggulden improved as a writer between the two series, making the Conqueror books slightly more polished.
What’s the reading order for all Conn Iggulden’s historical fiction?
Conn Iggulden’s series is standalone and can be read in any order. Recommended sequence based on publication: Emperor series (Julius Caesar, 5 books, 2003-2005), Conqueror series (Genghis Khan, 5 books, 2007-2011), Wars of the Roses series (4 books, 2013-2016), Dunstan (standalone, 2017), Athenian series (2 books, 2020-2023). However, you can start with whichever historical period interests you the most.
Is there a box set for the Conqueror series?
Yes, the complete Conqueror series is available in various box set formats, typically including all five books. Box sets are available in both paperback and as ebook bundles. These represent good value for readers planning to read the entire series and make an excellent gift for fans of historical fiction. Check Amazon and major booksellers for current box set availability.
Who should read the Conqueror series?
The Conqueror series appeals to readers who enjoy epic military historical fiction with fast-paced action, complex characters, and non-European settings. Fans of Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow, and other military fiction authors will love it. It’s also perfect for readers interested in Mongol history, medieval warfare, or stories about underdogs rising to power. However, readers who prefer romance-heavy historical fiction or dislike graphic violence should look elsewhere.
What’s the best book in the Conqueror series?
Reader opinions vary, but the most commonly cited favorites are “Wolf of the Plains” (Book 1) for its powerful origin story and character development, and “Bones of the Hills” (Book 3) for its epic scope and emotional climax involving Genghis Khan’s death. Empire of Silver (Book 4) is praised for Tsubodai’s European campaign. The final book, Conqueror, divides readers: some find it a worthy conclusion, while others consider it less engaging than the books focused on Genghis himself.
Do I need to know Mongol history before reading?
No historical knowledge is required. Iggulden writes for general audiences and provides all necessary context. The books work as both an introduction to and a deep dive into Mongol history. However, readers familiar with the broad outline (Genghis Khan united the Mongols and conquered vast territories) may appreciate the historical details more. The author’s notes at the end of each book provide additional historical context for interested readers.
Conclusion: Your Conqueror Series Reading Journey
The Conqueror series represents one of the great achievements in historical fiction, transforming the story of the Mongol Empire from dry historical fact into an epic tale of survival, ambition, loyalty, and empire. Conn Iggulden’s ability to make readers sympathize with one of history’s most feared conquerors while never minimizing the violence of his conquests creates a morally complex narrative that stays with you long after finishing.
What began as the story of a starving eleven-year-old boy abandoned on the Mongolian steppes culminates with his grandson ruling an empire larger than Alexander’s or Caesar’s, spanning from the Pacific Ocean to Eastern Europe. Over just three generations, the Mongols transformed world history, facilitating cultural exchange between East and West, revolutionizing warfare, and creating trade networks that connected continents.
The series offers visceral battle scenes, complex family dynamics, and a window into a culture rarely explored in Western historical fiction. Whether you’re drawn to military strategy, political intrigue, character-driven drama, or simply want to experience one of history’s most extraordinary success stories, the Conqueror series delivers on every level.
Ready to begin? Start with Wolf of the Plains and experience the birth of an empire that changed the world forever. With 5 books spanning 100 years of conquest and drama, you’ll have plenty of reading ahead.