A worthy conclusion to Gary Jennings' Aztec trilogy. Aztec Blood is a rip-roaring adventure tale filled with murder, cruelty, sex, greed and barbarity. Illicit assignations and sword fights drive the plot from adventure to adventure as protagonist Cristo explores Inquisition era colonial New Spain.
This book represents the biography of Cristo, a Spanish/Indian hybrid. The reader is presented a wide-ranging view of life in New Spain (Mexico) during the second generation after the Spanish invasion of the Aztec One World. Cristo recalls his adventuresome life from childhood to death. There is often disturbing emphasis on the brutality, carnality and oppression of Inquisition era Spanish colonialism. Cristo tells a long series of adventures and possibly tall tales. In the process he paints a brilliant and graphic portrait of the social, military, economic, political and religious character of the place and period.
Written from Jennings' notes by his editor and a co-author, this book is similar in style and structure to the first two books of the trilogy. If you enjoyed Aztec and Aztec Autumn, you will like Aztec Blood.
Jan 06, 2013
Roman/British historical fiction at its best.
I am a big fan of the historical fiction category, when it's well done, and Ruth Downie's stories are well done. Interesting characters, well grounded in historical fact, well paced action and mystery. A thoroughly enjoyable read. This is the third in this series, and I am looking forward to reading the next one. Visit Ruth's web site for more insight into her interest and accomplishments in early British/Roman history. This book is highly recommended.
Highly entertaining. Historically and culturally interesting. 3rd in Smith's ancient Egypt series. May be enjoyed as a stand alone novel or in context with the other books. Emphasis on the "fiction" part of "historical fiction". His characters and events bear only slight resemblance to scholarly history. The plot depends on extensive use of the magical powers exercised by the Warlock of the title. Somewhere between Colleen McCullough and Clive Cussler.