by Dori Jones Yang
Synopsis:
Athletic and strong willed, Princess Emmajin's determined to do what no woman has done before: become a warrior in the army of her grandfather, the Great Khan Khubilai. In the Mongol world the only way to achieve respect is to show bravery and win glory on the battlefield. The last thing she wants is the distraction of the foreigner Marco Polo, who challenges her beliefs in the gardens of Xanadu. Marco has no skills in the "manly arts" of the Mongols: horse racing, archery, and wrestling. Still, he charms the Khan with his wit and story-telling. Emmajin sees a different Marco as they travel across 13th-century China, hunting 'dragons' and fighting elephant-back warriors. Now she faces a different battle as she struggles with her attraction towards Marco and her incredible goal of winning fame as a soldier.
Interested? Yes, definitely! I love reading young adult novels with a historical setting. And I've always thought that Genghis Khan was a great warrior and conqueror. This story may be not about him, but it's about his granddaughter, albeit a fictional one. Nevertheless, it still sounds exciting. Imagine the significant network of numerous lakes, rivers, streams and springs in the north and the mountainous topography covered with meadows, steppes and forests that support good pastures in the west of Mongolia!
Cover Comment: Hmm... A pretty Mongol girl who has an interest in archery and horse riding. I think it's a perfect portrayal of the heroine Emmajin in the story. The intricate patterns on the background also has an ancient Chinese style. Thumbs up!
Interested? Yes, definitely! I love reading young adult novels with a historical setting. And I've always thought that Genghis Khan was a great warrior and conqueror. This story may be not about him, but it's about his granddaughter, albeit a fictional one. Nevertheless, it still sounds exciting. Imagine the significant network of numerous lakes, rivers, streams and springs in the north and the mountainous topography covered with meadows, steppes and forests that support good pastures in the west of Mongolia!
Cover Comment: Hmm... A pretty Mongol girl who has an interest in archery and horse riding. I think it's a perfect portrayal of the heroine Emmajin in the story. The intricate patterns on the background also has an ancient Chinese style. Thumbs up!
