The smaller chapters inside the larger sections of book are short yet very detailed. The story itself is written through small chapters that make up three larger stages of the book, the book is sectioned into three different periods of Li Shimin's life. Along with the text itself there are additional maps and timelines that help visualize the details of the book. If you have any interest in Imperial Chinese history this is a must read, the novel highlights the inner workings of ancient Chinese imperial court in a way that I had never experienced before. The book is a historical fiction that was created using accurate historical records.

I originally picked up this book in order to write an essay for one of my classes, however the book was interesting enough for me to have read it without needing to for a class. The prestige he had won for Tang China was so high that the states of Central and North Asia honored him with the title of “Heavenly Khan.” Although his father founded the dynasty, it was his reign that laid the groundwork for a brilliant empire that was to endure for centuries. To the religions of his day-Buddhism, Daoism, and Christianity-he showed a high degree of tolerance. As emperor, he reigned over a period of Pax Sinica, which was to a large extent as a consequence of his willingness to listen to and adopt the critical suggestions of his court officials. In the process of vanquishing his enemies on the battlefield, he proved himself to be a great military genius on a par with Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Napoleon. About 30 years younger than Muhammad, he grew up in a world of devastating upheaval that tore China asunder and was thrust into the role of a military commander in his father’s rebel army while still a teenager. This historical novel is based on the true story of Li Shimin (also known as Tang Taizong), the greatest sovereign in Chinese history.

Heavenly Khan by Victor Cunrui Xiong