Temple of a Thousand Faces (2013)

by John Shors

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166	30	165,134	(3.82)	44
"When his land is taken by force, Prince Jayavar of the Khmer people narrowly escapes death at the hands of the conquering Cham king, Indravarman. Exiled from their homeland, he and his mystical wife, Ajadevi, set up a secret camp in the jungle with the intention of amassing an army bold enough to reclaim their kingdom and free their people. Meanwhile, Indravarman rules with an iron fist, pitting even his most trusted men against one another and squashing any hint of rebellion. Moving from a poor fisherman's family whose sons find the courage to take up arms against their oppressors, to a beautiful bride who becomes a prize of war, to an ambitious warrior whose allegiance is torn, Temple of a Thousand Faces is an unforgettable saga on a grand scale, set against one of the world's most awe-inspiring creations"--… (more)

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A well-research, beautifully-written novelization of the Cham invasion of the Khmer during the 12th century. Brings the people and temples surrounding Angkor Wat, The Bayon, etc. to vivid life. Loved it thoroughly. (

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markjosephjochim | Mar 10, 2024 |

This is a historical novel covering Cambodia in the 12th century. Fact was that Cham King Indravarman did invade the Khmer's land and Prince Jayavar did escape and eventually retook his land. The details of the story are lost and John Shors jumps in and fills the gaps.

The dialogue was a little over the top ... and the protagonists overly heroic. None of three main story lines particularly connected with me. I was more connected with the plot and with colorful description.

I was expecting to hear more about the building of Angkor Wat, rather than the (relatively) immediate years afterward. Still, I liked learning more about a culture I had zero knowledge before.

Bonus points for the author rating his own book on good reads.

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wellington299 | Feb 19, 2022 |

Timing in life is everything. Read this one on my way to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia, which is the site for this historical novel, which is set in the late 12th century when the temple is overrun by the warring Chams, and the local Khmer prince has to go into hiding with his lover as his entire family is slaughtered. Besides having to rally his people, now King Jaymar has to align himself with the Siams, and befriend a Cham military leader who falls in love with a Khmer. Excellent characters, showing courage and devotion, make this a great book. 4.5 stars. I was especially impressed to read in the afterword that author John Shors donates a portion of his profits to a local hospital for children in Cambodia. Very classy. (

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skipstern | Jul 11, 2021 |

After (slightly) further consideration, I think I'm just giving up on the history genre. The style is almost always an insta-bounce for me - too much tell, not enough emotional-engagement show. No big deal, just not for me.

cupiscent | Aug 3, 2019 |

Detailed description of the Cambodian temples- which I had just visited- and the retelling of a historical battle from the 1100s make this a pleasant read. I enjoyed the suspense, and the author's interpretation of the religious believes of the Khmer but didn't enjoy the overly sweet romance stories. If he had toned down the romance a bit- I would have given it more stars. (

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HelenGress | Feb 14, 2017 |

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"When his land is taken by force, Prince Jayavar of the Khmer people narrowly escapes death at the hands of the conquering Cham king, Indravarman. Exiled from their homeland, he and his mystical wife, Ajadevi, set up a secret camp in the jungle with the intention of amassing an army bold enough to reclaim their kingdom and free their people. Meanwhile, Indravarman rules with an iron fist, pitting even his most trusted men against one another and squashing any hint of rebellion. Moving from a poor fisherman's family whose sons find the courage to take up arms against their oppressors, to a beautiful bride who becomes a prize of war, to an ambitious warrior whose allegiance is torn, Temple of a Thousand Faces is an unforgettable saga on a grand scale, set against one of the world's most awe-inspiring creations"--

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When his land is taken by force, Prince Jayavar of the Khmer people narrowly escapes death at the hands of the conquering Cham king, Indravarman. Exiled from their homeland, he and his mystical wife Ajadevi set up a secret camp in the jungle with the intention of amassing an army bold enough to reclaim their kingdom and free their people. Meanwhile, Indravarman rules with an iron fist, pitting even his most trusted men against each other and quashing any hint of rebellion.

Moving from a poor fisherman's family whose sons find the courage to take up arms against their oppressors, to a beautiful bride who becomes a prize of war, to an ambitious warrior whose allegiance is torn--Temple of a Thousand Faces is an unforgettable saga of love, betrayal, and survival at any cost.

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