Ruler of the World: Empire of the Moghul

The third entry (after A Kingdom Divided) in the historical fiction series from the pseudonymous husband and wife team of Diana and Michael Preston continues with rousing epic tales of the Moghuls. This novel opens in 1556 in India, where Akbar is crowned the emperor of Hindustan upon the death of his well-liked father. Straight away, Hemu, an impetuous rebel, raises an opposition army, captures Delhi, and tests the new emperor’s mettle. In what will become his trademark ruling style, Akbar brutally suppresses the insurrection and personally beheads Hemu. Though Akbar tries to rule mercifully (as his father had done), his desires often overwhelm his principles. Over time, he matures enough to sense that his “destiny is to forge an empire that will endure,” and leads several gory military campaigns to achieve that end. However, Akbar isn’t as successful in his troubled relationship with his firstborn son, Salim, who raids Akbar’s harem and is accordingly exiled. Though Salim is eventually recalled, the question of Salim as Akbar’s successor remains murky, providing a springboard into the next installment. Agent: Michael Carlisle, InkwellManagement. (July)