Of Battles Past (Amgalant 1.1)

Mother Hoelun was never ashamed or embarrassed by their hardships. When Jochi wore a dog’s pelt for a cloak, because they had no fleeces and no felt and had to trade for hides and dog was cheap, none of the children felt a sense of indignity. Indignity was alien to her.

The Mongols are a people of orphans. A disastrous battle with China has left wives without husbands, children without fathers. Temujin is one of these children, impoverished by the heavy tribute China has punished them with, in danger of forgetting what a Mongol stands for. Worse, Temujin's the subject of a prophecy: that he is to fight that terrible battle over again, except this time with victory.

Temujin doesn't believe in prophecies – not when they have to do with him. He's only an ordinary Mongol. But ordinary Mongols have to step up these days, or give in to a grim future. What young Temujin does believe in is his people. While there are Mongols to remember the past there is hope.

Reception

'A story of much psychological insight underlined by the author's unique and stylish expression. Bryn Hammond's writing is one that paints rather than tells. You get a sense of meaning from understatements and symbolisms; it befits the Mongol setting perfectly.'
— Laura Rahme, author of The Ming Storytellers

'This book does what the very best historical fiction hopes for: re-create a world, in all its glorious detail. Amgalant brings to life a complex, remote society with no anachronisms and amazing immediacy. It's obvious that the scholarship and source criticism's top notch, but you keep reading because you've been pulled in by the story.'
— Rachel Stroumsa

'Simply the best historical novel I have read for many a long year. Bryn Hammond ranks with Mary Renault. Superbly researched, wonderfully written. Addictive. If you like good historical fiction this is as good as it gets.'
— Simon J Cook, author of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lost English Mythology