A fascinating and thrilling look at the Ilkhanate, a part of the Mongol Empire usually overlooked in favor of Genghis’s story or Kublai’s. However, the author needed to have an editor taking a closer look at at least one portion of the story where he refers to Europeans, Latins, and Franks as if they were three separate ethnic groups instead of interchangeable terms. In the time period in which this story takes place, the term European wasn’t in use and people of Western Europe would have been referred to as either Latins or Franks as long as the person in question was from a country adhering to the Latin Mass. For example, Englishmen in the Holy Land during the crusades were called Franks. It’s just a detail anyone widely read in History would find jarring.

Historical fiction involving Persia which is a nice change from the recent years of countless (though mostly excellent) ones centered around Greece. I'll be reading more by this author.

I have always had an interest in the tales of the Khans but the books I have read about them have been non fiction so I was delighted to read a book that combined fiction with fact, I was so engrossed in the book I had forgotten it was a “fantasy” and when the magic happened I nearly spilt my coffee! I really enjoyed this book and will be buying it in audiobook as soon as it’s released so please get a good narrator

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.25

Thank you to Angry Robot for providing me the physical arc in exchange for a review!!

The Judas Blossom is an epic fantasy reimagining of the Mongol Empire's invasion of Persia closely following four characters whose lives are deeply affected and interwoven with the fate of the Empire and its encompassing and growing control.

”The war against them is not over. It will never be over, until they have been driven from Persia, but this time it will not be fought with swords and fire.
My country needs time to recover. The people need a chance to heal, but in the meantime, we will creep into every corner. Infiltrate every industry, bank, embassy and place of power.
And then, slowly, ever so slowly, we will begin to squeeze," said Layla, wringing her hands together. "That is how we will reclaim our nation, from the inside."


The utter desecration and ruin Aryan describes makes your heart bleed for the displaced, savaged, and beaten people the Mongolian empire leaves in their wake of brutality.
Normally, I am not a fan of battle-heavy books, but Aryan keeps you engaged by using fighting to further characters and their stories, even providing insight to their personalities and morales.

The way the Khan and his people justify their actions are revealingly disgusting. Perhaps I am reading too deeply into it, but it feels reminiscent of crudely justified politics and cultures today.

“You know the world is a dark and dangerous place. If not us, then someone else will come. Someone less forgiving and more cruel. Maybe the Maluks and their Muslim brothers. Bow to their god or die."

Temujin was one of my favourite characters to experience his growth. He wants to prove to his father that, although he isn’t a warrior, he is useful through his intellect. Not every problem can be solved with a sword.
Not to mention, Temujin is the one with magic, the one with the power who could turn the tide of the war as he learns more about himself and what he is and is not willing to do.

After what Temujin had been made to do, he swore never again to seek his father's approval. Today would mark a change in his life. It just wouldn't be the one his father expected.

All of his life he had fought. For life, when he was born.
Against his siblings to earn his place. For the attention of his father. Against his urges and hunger. Against the emotions that sought to overwhelm him. Against the fear of becoming a man like his father, or someone even worse. Every time he was knocked down, he always got back up again. He never stopped trying.

Kokochin is another fascinating character. A made-slave given as a concubine to the Khan, she explores how she fits into her new life, and how she might influence the world around her. She also has a sapphic relationship which was sweet to read amidst all the bloodshed and misery.

Overall, a thoroughly engrossing read. I can’t wait to read more of what Aryan writes - it is addicting, fast-paced, and wrapped in secrets, cunning, and plans.

If you enjoyed the Dandelion Dynasty, I would recommend this!