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War God #2
[Return of the Plumed Serpent: War God Trilogy: Book Two] [Author: Hancock, Graham] [October, 2014]
The conquistador Hernán Cortés is hell-bent on conquering Mexico for the Aztecs’ gold. Having destroyed the Maya at Potonchan, Cortés now marches on Tenochtitlan, the Golden City of the Aztecs, wrapped in the aura of a returning, vengeful god.His small force of just five hundred men will have to defeat the psychotic emperor Moctezuma and the armies of hundreds of thousands he commands. Cortés expects that the warlike Tlascalans, hereditary enemies of the Aztecs, will join him, but instead finds himself locked in a deadly struggle and a fight for his life. Even as Cortés risks all in the bloody campaign against the Tlascalans, he plays mind games with Moctezuma, aiming to dismantle the Aztec emperor’s confidence and defeat him psychologically before ever having to face him on the battlefield.The supernatural and compelling rich history combine in this tale of love, brutal courage and triumphs. War Return of the Plumed Serpent is a story of staggering magnificence.Graham Hancock on Hancock on Hancock's
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First published October 9, 2014
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About the author
Graham Hancock
126 books4,093 followersGraham Hancock is a British writer and journalist. His books include Lords of Poverty, The Sign and the Seal, Fingerprints of the Gods, Keeper of Genesis (released in the US as Message of the Sphinx), The Mars Mystery, Heaven's Mirror (with wife Santha Faiia), Underworld: The Mysterious Origins of Civilization, Talisman: Sacred Cities, Secret Faith (with co-author Robert Bauval), Supernatural: Meeting with the Ancient Teachers of Mankind and Magicians of the Gods. He also wrote and presented the Channel 4 documentaries Underworld: Flooded Kingdoms of the Ice Age and Quest for the Lost Civilisation. His first novel, Entangled, was published in 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 12, 2019
Part of Sumer 2019 season
Mostly enjoyed the 1st in the series, enough it seems to come back for more! Was it the right move, as there were one or two niggles from the first book?
The book follows on from the prior one, the great battle between Hernan Cortes & the Mayas complete, the Spanish moving ever forwards in search of Gold & conquest. The chapters are time dated, starting in April 1519 with each timeline/place associated with one of the leads as previously. The opening chapters are short & sharp as we pick up the threads quickly in the first 50 pages or so, getting acquainted & i find myself back at the hub of things in the Americas. The days are energised as a lot of events are occurring at once as the Spanish look to establish themselves after making camp, whilst the various Native tribes are continuing to resist the Aztecs & the Aztecs under Montezuma..... well..... look to appease their gods at what seems every opportunity (sacrifice anything that breathes it would seem!) & oppress all & sundry.
All the main POV’s are still with us, no new ones have appeared AND yes the gods & the witch (Tozi) are still there but I can tolerate, as it fits with the superstitions of the peoples of the era, which is how I acquaint it all rather than rolling my eyes when Tozi the witch “phases outta site”, in fact by now you are so used to it, it fits in with the story quite well which by the way is advertised as a fantasy adventure as opposed to historical fiction although most of the events/timeline ARE solidly based in historical terms.
As we go deeper into the book, the politics of the realms comes into play as does superstition & the believe systems for the Aztecs who seem to live for sacrifice to appease their War God, whilst Hernan Cortes is besieged by the in-fighting & posturing of the conquistador factions on one side whilst trying to secure local alliances on the other. It does put a halt on the action whilst the sides (seem to) stare each other out but it doesn’t stagnate as the story spools out the threads of machination. Before I know it i’m over half way through.....
Once the action starts, its thick & fast..... but not overtly gratuitous although you do have a realism of battle in the close quarter fighting. The deeper we go with the Hernan Cortes character the more I liken him to Genghis Khan in that he is calculated, ruthless, bloodthirsty for battle & above all set on his mission of conquest. Far different that the explorer fellah we learnt about in school!
The battles are well crafted & I think the author has got the balance right in that we learn/know of the atrocities which are described in detail at places but the story does not transcend into page upon page of continual orgies of blood, rape & pillage which is what is alluded the Spanish did under Cortes to show his power.
Must say overall I really enjoyed the characters which makes this series work for me.
4.25* rounded to a 4 Stars & it’s onto the final book in the trilogy next as we near the fabled golden city of Tenochtitlan.
Mostly enjoyed the 1st in the series, enough it seems to come back for more! Was it the right move, as there were one or two niggles from the first book?
The book follows on from the prior one, the great battle between Hernan Cortes & the Mayas complete, the Spanish moving ever forwards in search of Gold & conquest. The chapters are time dated, starting in April 1519 with each timeline/place associated with one of the leads as previously. The opening chapters are short & sharp as we pick up the threads quickly in the first 50 pages or so, getting acquainted & i find myself back at the hub of things in the Americas. The days are energised as a lot of events are occurring at once as the Spanish look to establish themselves after making camp, whilst the various Native tribes are continuing to resist the Aztecs & the Aztecs under Montezuma..... well..... look to appease their gods at what seems every opportunity (sacrifice anything that breathes it would seem!) & oppress all & sundry.
All the main POV’s are still with us, no new ones have appeared AND yes the gods & the witch (Tozi) are still there but I can tolerate, as it fits with the superstitions of the peoples of the era, which is how I acquaint it all rather than rolling my eyes when Tozi the witch “phases outta site”, in fact by now you are so used to it, it fits in with the story quite well which by the way is advertised as a fantasy adventure as opposed to historical fiction although most of the events/timeline ARE solidly based in historical terms.
As we go deeper into the book, the politics of the realms comes into play as does superstition & the believe systems for the Aztecs who seem to live for sacrifice to appease their War God, whilst Hernan Cortes is besieged by the in-fighting & posturing of the conquistador factions on one side whilst trying to secure local alliances on the other. It does put a halt on the action whilst the sides (seem to) stare each other out but it doesn’t stagnate as the story spools out the threads of machination. Before I know it i’m over half way through.....
Once the action starts, its thick & fast..... but not overtly gratuitous although you do have a realism of battle in the close quarter fighting. The deeper we go with the Hernan Cortes character the more I liken him to Genghis Khan in that he is calculated, ruthless, bloodthirsty for battle & above all set on his mission of conquest. Far different that the explorer fellah we learnt about in school!
The battles are well crafted & I think the author has got the balance right in that we learn/know of the atrocities which are described in detail at places but the story does not transcend into page upon page of continual orgies of blood, rape & pillage which is what is alluded the Spanish did under Cortes to show his power.
Must say overall I really enjoyed the characters which makes this series work for me.
4.25* rounded to a 4 Stars & it’s onto the final book in the trilogy next as we near the fabled golden city of Tenochtitlan.
September 21, 2025
I’ve read a great deal about Aztec culture and the arrival of Europeans to the Americas. Even tho the players and timeline are all the same, this one isn’t as good as others. It feels a little….basic.
Can’t recommend
Can’t recommend
January 3, 2017
Second volume of historical fiction detailing the destruction of the Mexica Empire by the Spanish.
There are no winners here- both factions are repellent and are played against each other for the bloody benefit of the duplicitous entity known as Hummingbird to the Mexica, and Saint Peter to the Spanish.
Violent and bloody- but compelling nonetheless.
There are no winners here- both factions are repellent and are played against each other for the bloody benefit of the duplicitous entity known as Hummingbird to the Mexica, and Saint Peter to the Spanish.
Violent and bloody- but compelling nonetheless.
December 17, 2020
Muy buen libro!!!
February 15, 2017
Secondo capitolo della trilogia sulla conquista del Messico, posso solo dire che ogni volta rimango rapito da come Hancock sia capace di raccontare questi avvenimenti; riesce a mescolare una trama di per se storicamente intricatissima, con una moltitudine di personaggi che fanno la propria parte risultando mai banali o stereotipati, perché Hancock nel caratterizzare i personaggi e nel descrivere il le loro tradizioni/costumi è sicuramente una certezza.
Nonostante sia un libro corposo di 520 pagine si legge velocemente, la storia ha un suo fascino ed essendo realmente accaduta si ha la consapevolezza dell'impresa titanica portata avanti da Cortés e compagnia, tutto quello che viene descritto e raccontato trasmette l'approfondito studio che c'è alla base di questo romanzo storico.
Mi resta solo da dire che lo consiglio assolutamente e spero che il prima possibile esca il terzo capitolo della trilogia per poter continuare l'avventura dei Conquistadores!
Nonostante sia un libro corposo di 520 pagine si legge velocemente, la storia ha un suo fascino ed essendo realmente accaduta si ha la consapevolezza dell'impresa titanica portata avanti da Cortés e compagnia, tutto quello che viene descritto e raccontato trasmette l'approfondito studio che c'è alla base di questo romanzo storico.
Mi resta solo da dire che lo consiglio assolutamente e spero che il prima possibile esca il terzo capitolo della trilogia per poter continuare l'avventura dei Conquistadores!
March 3, 2015
As with War God I Graham Hancock has managed to keep the reader firmly in his grip right up to the last page. The story is the continuation of the Spanish conquest of Mexico following the thoughts and events of multiple characters. The author intertwines stories to keep the reader up to date with the various characters and events as they unfold in different parts of the land. See into the mind of the Mexica ruler's mind, the young witch, a Mayan princess, a Spanish boy and of course the Spanish captain. Are the Spaniards gods, because their arrival fits exactly an old prophecy of the return of the God of Peace. A fast paced read full of excitement, suspense and action. Not for the faint hearted. And Graham leaves us anticipating a third volume!
November 8, 2016
A good follow up to the first one... a bit more sexy this time... I wS disappointed that this is the second book in a trilogy... this info is hidden away ... so no punch up with Montezuma yet! Spose I'll have to wait!
December 3, 2017
Amazing work!
Such a great read. Haven't been this enthralled by a book in a long time. Would definitely recommend to everyone.
Such a great read. Haven't been this enthralled by a book in a long time. Would definitely recommend to everyone.
April 19, 2018
Spell Binding Book
Incredibly interesting depicting all the characters exactly as if you are seeing a movie. I would want to see all of the War God books put into a movie! Loved it.
Incredibly interesting depicting all the characters exactly as if you are seeing a movie. I would want to see all of the War God books put into a movie! Loved it.
July 17, 2021
In this, the second book of the ‘War God’ trilogy, Hernan Cortez continues on his journey from the coast towards the great Mexica city of Tenochtitlan, the Golden City, built on an island in a lake surrounded my mountains.
During these travels, he hopes to befriend some of the Indian tribes who pay tribute to Moctezuma, the Great Speaker, and leader of the Mexica people. Although many of these Indian tribes hate Moctezuma due to his greed, cruelty and demands for human sacrifice, they are independent and hostile. Cortez needs to engage many of them in battle in order to gain their admiration and co-operation in his plan to invade the city of Tenochtitlan and take Moctezuma hostage.
He is aided in his venture by the assistance of his Indian lover, Malinal, who acts as interpreter; and by her friend, Tozi, a witch, who is able to weaken and confuse the mind of Moctezuma by using her magical powers.
I thought the weakest sections of this book are the “dream scenes” when Cortez is advised and encouraged by the Christian St. Peter; especially the vision in which the planes and bombs of a modern war are predicted.
Moctezuma’s hallucinations are explicable due to his frequent consumption of the magic mushrooms, teonanacatl. However, Cortez presumably takes no such hallucinogenic drugs to initiate these vivid, futuristic premonitions. This device seemed to me utilized by the author only to add extra drama and drive the plot forward. Both leaders are egotistical, brutal, devious and lacking in any morals. Whether Pagan or Christian, their lack of humanity surely marks them out as psychotic individuals. Cortez is certainly far from the great hero as depicted in our history books.
Although there is a strong fantasy element, these stories are solidly based on fact, and the author’s research is extensive and commendable.
Another great historical adventure set in the time of the conquest of Central America. A bloodthirsty tale, but an interesting read.
During these travels, he hopes to befriend some of the Indian tribes who pay tribute to Moctezuma, the Great Speaker, and leader of the Mexica people. Although many of these Indian tribes hate Moctezuma due to his greed, cruelty and demands for human sacrifice, they are independent and hostile. Cortez needs to engage many of them in battle in order to gain their admiration and co-operation in his plan to invade the city of Tenochtitlan and take Moctezuma hostage.
He is aided in his venture by the assistance of his Indian lover, Malinal, who acts as interpreter; and by her friend, Tozi, a witch, who is able to weaken and confuse the mind of Moctezuma by using her magical powers.
I thought the weakest sections of this book are the “dream scenes” when Cortez is advised and encouraged by the Christian St. Peter; especially the vision in which the planes and bombs of a modern war are predicted.
Moctezuma’s hallucinations are explicable due to his frequent consumption of the magic mushrooms, teonanacatl. However, Cortez presumably takes no such hallucinogenic drugs to initiate these vivid, futuristic premonitions. This device seemed to me utilized by the author only to add extra drama and drive the plot forward. Both leaders are egotistical, brutal, devious and lacking in any morals. Whether Pagan or Christian, their lack of humanity surely marks them out as psychotic individuals. Cortez is certainly far from the great hero as depicted in our history books.
Although there is a strong fantasy element, these stories are solidly based on fact, and the author’s research is extensive and commendable.
Another great historical adventure set in the time of the conquest of Central America. A bloodthirsty tale, but an interesting read.
December 3, 2024
this is the sequel to Grahman Hancock's first war god novel. taking place in the year 1519. Hernan Cotes and his Coterie have landed in what is today Mexico. The land is in turmoil. Montezuma is gathing virgins for a massive sacrifice to his patron deity the Hummingbird God. Things are getting desperate. Malinal a former slave descended from royalty is now Cortez's interpreter. She was sent there by Huictol a spy against the Aztecs. Cortez nd his 500 conquistadors from Spain make quick mince meat of the mayans at Pontachon. Unhappy with theb lack of gold to be found they are soon directed toward Teonochtilan, a city rumored to be filled with gold. On his march over to the Aztec capital Cortes does battle and makes alliances with different tribes in the region. The enemies of Cortez are wiped out and the friend will join him in battle against Montezuma.
the Tlascan are hereditary enemies of the Aztec. Over rhe years they have offered staunch resistance. Many of the elders want to join an alliance against the Aztec. Skikotenka the young war chief ses through Cotez's plan and sees that a spanish victory will mean the eradication of his culture. After losing many battles against the Spaniards he is finally forced to join the alliance. The novel is filled with intrigue and internal poltics both amongst the invading Spanish and the Native inhabitant of the land. There is also a chapter on tozi the invisible witch. She goes on a spiritual quest to land of Azatlan in her dreams. It is the source of all magic as she must prepare to battle a Nahuatl, or sorceror.
the Tlascan are hereditary enemies of the Aztec. Over rhe years they have offered staunch resistance. Many of the elders want to join an alliance against the Aztec. Skikotenka the young war chief ses through Cotez's plan and sees that a spanish victory will mean the eradication of his culture. After losing many battles against the Spaniards he is finally forced to join the alliance. The novel is filled with intrigue and internal poltics both amongst the invading Spanish and the Native inhabitant of the land. There is also a chapter on tozi the invisible witch. She goes on a spiritual quest to land of Azatlan in her dreams. It is the source of all magic as she must prepare to battle a Nahuatl, or sorceror.
August 14, 2019
Nel tentativo di colmare una lacuna che mi porto dietro da anni, e di farlo in modo divertente, ho letto il romanzo storico “La guerra degli dei” di Graham Hancock. Mi sono sempre chiesto come diavolo abbia fatto il capo dei conquistadores, Hernan Cortes, con i suoi cinquecento uomini, ad avere la meglio sull’impero Azteco governato da Montezuma ed i suoi eserciti da centinaia di migliaia di uomini. Ok la superiorità dell’armamento e la superstizione ad handicap degli indigeni, ma stiamo parlando di una disparità di forze in campo mostruosa. Alla faccia delle guerre asimmetriche insomma.
Non che la lettura del romanzo mi abbia dato elementi maggiori e risolutivi per risolvere il mio quesito, ma a parte questo posso dire si sia rivelato un romanzo di piacevole lettura. Certo quando si ha fra le mani un romanzo, che come cita la copertina, ha venduto più di 5.000.000 di copie ed è stato tradotto in 27 paesi, ci si potrebbe anche attendere qualcosa di più. La prosa di Hancock non si caratterizza in qualcosa di speciale a mio avviso, né la trama del romanzo si presta a particolari slanci di originalità, ma tant’è, pur nella sua normalità, il libro si lascia leggere con piacere, spalancandoci le porte a questo Nuovo Mondo. Mi piace ricordare che gli eventi narrati risalgono al XVI° secolo, e non alla notte dei tempi, e questo è un aspetto che mi colpisce profondamente. Recensione completa su: https://www.scrittorindipendenti.com/...
Non che la lettura del romanzo mi abbia dato elementi maggiori e risolutivi per risolvere il mio quesito, ma a parte questo posso dire si sia rivelato un romanzo di piacevole lettura. Certo quando si ha fra le mani un romanzo, che come cita la copertina, ha venduto più di 5.000.000 di copie ed è stato tradotto in 27 paesi, ci si potrebbe anche attendere qualcosa di più. La prosa di Hancock non si caratterizza in qualcosa di speciale a mio avviso, né la trama del romanzo si presta a particolari slanci di originalità, ma tant’è, pur nella sua normalità, il libro si lascia leggere con piacere, spalancandoci le porte a questo Nuovo Mondo. Mi piace ricordare che gli eventi narrati risalgono al XVI° secolo, e non alla notte dei tempi, e questo è un aspetto che mi colpisce profondamente. Recensione completa su: https://www.scrittorindipendenti.com/...
June 26, 2018
The author keeps the story going and intriguing through multiple conflicts portrayed between characters and opposing forces such as:
· the Tlascans against the Mixtecs
· Shikotenka (Warrior Chief of the Tlascans) against Guatemac (Warrior Chief of the Mixtecs)
· Cortez against the Governor of Cuba and his supporters
· Cortez game of wits with Moctezuma
· the Witch Tozi against Moctezuma
· the Sorcerer Acopol against Tozi
· Malinal struggling for a place versus Aguilgar
· The Tlascans against the Spaniards
· The Spaniards against the Mixtecs
· Cortez's servant Pepillo against jealous rivals
with plot development switching from conflict to conflict in cliff hanging endings to keep the reader turning pages. Cortez's visions of St. Peter rivals Moctezuma's vision from the Hummingbird God of War, although having St. Peter take Cortez on a modern war plane view of the future was over the top.
· the Tlascans against the Mixtecs
· Shikotenka (Warrior Chief of the Tlascans) against Guatemac (Warrior Chief of the Mixtecs)
· Cortez against the Governor of Cuba and his supporters
· Cortez game of wits with Moctezuma
· the Witch Tozi against Moctezuma
· the Sorcerer Acopol against Tozi
· Malinal struggling for a place versus Aguilgar
· The Tlascans against the Spaniards
· The Spaniards against the Mixtecs
· Cortez's servant Pepillo against jealous rivals
with plot development switching from conflict to conflict in cliff hanging endings to keep the reader turning pages. Cortez's visions of St. Peter rivals Moctezuma's vision from the Hummingbird God of War, although having St. Peter take Cortez on a modern war plane view of the future was over the top.
January 2, 2024
Hancock, G. (2014) El Dios de la Guerra II "El Regreso de la Serpiente Emplumada"
No hay primera sin segunda y esta vez la segunda parte fue mejor que "Las Noches de la Bruja"
Esta novela trata de la crucial segunda etapa de la conquista española de México, más sangrienta y a diferencia de la primera, tiene escenas para +18.
A lo largo del libro cuestionó lo siguiente: los españoles aborrecían los sacrificios humanos, sin embargo, según el relato del libro arrasaron en una ocasión con ancianos mujeres y niños. Acaso para ellos no era lo mismo y solo cambiaba la forma?
Aún así, debo decir que es una historia espectacular digna de ser leída.
Me quedo muy triste porque el tercer libro de esta saga no está traducida al español y esperaba con ansías ese primer encuentro, frente a frente entre Cortés y Moctezuma.
Lo que más me ha gustado es la evolución de Pepillo...
@el.expreso.literario
No hay primera sin segunda y esta vez la segunda parte fue mejor que "Las Noches de la Bruja"
Esta novela trata de la crucial segunda etapa de la conquista española de México, más sangrienta y a diferencia de la primera, tiene escenas para +18.
A lo largo del libro cuestionó lo siguiente: los españoles aborrecían los sacrificios humanos, sin embargo, según el relato del libro arrasaron en una ocasión con ancianos mujeres y niños. Acaso para ellos no era lo mismo y solo cambiaba la forma?
Aún así, debo decir que es una historia espectacular digna de ser leída.
Me quedo muy triste porque el tercer libro de esta saga no está traducida al español y esperaba con ansías ese primer encuentro, frente a frente entre Cortés y Moctezuma.
Lo que más me ha gustado es la evolución de Pepillo...
@el.expreso.literario
June 28, 2019
It's very good, sometimes doesn't flow that well.
It's a great book, excellent piece of history to work with, Hancock knows what he's talking about and tries to include ever details you would want to learn about the time period. The action scenes are mostly well written, sometimes I had to go back over sections but it's easy to follow in most places.
No offence to Hancock but he's not primarily a fiction writer so it might not flow as well as other writers in this genre, but it's still great and worth a read of your interested in this time period. He writes it unbiased I would say, let you assume who you think is the good guy and whose the bad guy.
It's good, I will read the next one for sure, but not straightaway, I need a break and to read something else a bit more flowing.
It's a great book, excellent piece of history to work with, Hancock knows what he's talking about and tries to include ever details you would want to learn about the time period. The action scenes are mostly well written, sometimes I had to go back over sections but it's easy to follow in most places.
No offence to Hancock but he's not primarily a fiction writer so it might not flow as well as other writers in this genre, but it's still great and worth a read of your interested in this time period. He writes it unbiased I would say, let you assume who you think is the good guy and whose the bad guy.
It's good, I will read the next one for sure, but not straightaway, I need a break and to read something else a bit more flowing.
August 20, 2021
Either I am enamored by Hancock's War God series, or either my reading taste is more radically different to that of other reviewers-whatever it is Hancock exceeded all my expectations with this sequel to his 'Nights Of The Witch.'
Whereas its predecessor set the scene, 'Return Of The Plumed Servant' delivers a soulful and psychological tale in which Cortez and the Gods decide the fate of the Aztecs. This time around we meet the Talxcalans in their full glory with their war king Shiktotenka and Cortez warring it out while Moctezuma proves indecisive and prone to the Spaniards psyche games.
Hancock's style is evocative and upbeat. This time around the characters get their just due as far as back stories as well as timing is concerned.
Any negatives? Moctezuma's flat treatment. Otherwise, the narrative's pace is as swift as the currents of Lake Texcoco.
Whereas its predecessor set the scene, 'Return Of The Plumed Servant' delivers a soulful and psychological tale in which Cortez and the Gods decide the fate of the Aztecs. This time around we meet the Talxcalans in their full glory with their war king Shiktotenka and Cortez warring it out while Moctezuma proves indecisive and prone to the Spaniards psyche games.
Hancock's style is evocative and upbeat. This time around the characters get their just due as far as back stories as well as timing is concerned.
Any negatives? Moctezuma's flat treatment. Otherwise, the narrative's pace is as swift as the currents of Lake Texcoco.
August 9, 2019
It took me quite a while to actually finish this book, it is such a long and heavy read that I struggled to read it while reading other books, I actually restarted it two or three times because I couldn't remember enough of the plot points to really pick up where I had left off.
Historical accuracy has been well-blended with fantasy in Return of the Plumed Serpent - however, I have to stress learning the pronunciations of many of the words, otherwise, you will continuously stumble whenever you come across an Aztec name (be it for a character, item, location, etc).
Despite how much I struggled to finish it, War God #2 remains on my shelf of favourites, I may never read it again but that doesn't change how much I enjoyed it.
Historical accuracy has been well-blended with fantasy in Return of the Plumed Serpent - however, I have to stress learning the pronunciations of many of the words, otherwise, you will continuously stumble whenever you come across an Aztec name (be it for a character, item, location, etc).
Despite how much I struggled to finish it, War God #2 remains on my shelf of favourites, I may never read it again but that doesn't change how much I enjoyed it.
March 10, 2021
Graham Hancock's War God Trilogy are all badly written, simplistic, needlessly gory and yet I finished all three because the story of the Spanish 'conquest' and colonization of Mexico is so fascinating. Hancock in notes at the end of the book describes other historians of this period as 'politically correct' so no surprise he loves to cover the gore and horror of human sacrifice with glee, presumably to show that yes, the Spaniards were brutal, greedy colonizers but look at how horrible the Mexica were for carving out hearts of innocent victims for their Hummingbird to the Left of the Sun god. Almost stopped several times but it is such a compelling, mind-boggling story of the first interaction between Europeans and North American indigenous people.
May 10, 2020
Even better than book one. An incredible narrative of one of the greatest event that change world history as the conquest of the new world. In addition to a brilliant brush of fiction to fill the gaps in this great history, the meticulous insight on the mindset of the principal historical figures such as Cortes and Moctezuma; provides the reader with a different perspective to understand better the magnitude and nature of this great historical event.
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March 4, 2023This is a great story, except that it's not structured correctly. It ends absolutely abruptly. Not that it had to tie everything up in a nice bow. It just walks away from the whole package, let alone the bow.
I love all of Mr. Hancock's other work. So, I'll assume that this came down to a deadline. It's very well written and paced, which is why the...well, it's not an ending. It's really just a
See what I did there?
I love all of Mr. Hancock's other work. So, I'll assume that this came down to a deadline. It's very well written and paced, which is why the...well, it's not an ending. It's really just a
See what I did there?
January 28, 2024
I felt this book was a bit better than the first one, maybe a little slow at first but once it gets moving it's quite enjoyable.
Once again the author does a fantastic job of blending the historical facts of this time period with his own imaginings of the other possibilities.
He has kept the story believable in many ways, despite the extraordinary happenings herein.
I look forward to reading the conclusion in the third book, this story has been thoroughly interesting.
Once again the author does a fantastic job of blending the historical facts of this time period with his own imaginings of the other possibilities.
He has kept the story believable in many ways, despite the extraordinary happenings herein.
I look forward to reading the conclusion in the third book, this story has been thoroughly interesting.
July 14, 2019
The second volume of a trilogy about Cortes' conquest of Mexico. This is the very best fiction I have read in years. I am toying with the idea of describing it as a work of genius. These are adventure novels of the very highest quality in terms of historical accuracy, smooth writing and excitement, I do not want to wait for the third volume, but I must.
June 25, 2019
👍GREAT!
I thought, I would not like this book. I do like the author so decided to read it. I was blown away and had a hard time putting it down. So on to the next book in the series very soon.
I thought, I would not like this book. I do like the author so decided to read it. I was blown away and had a hard time putting it down. So on to the next book in the series very soon.
February 8, 2018
Excellent
March 11, 2019
Muy buena segunda parte de la saga abarca gran parte de las batallas de Tlaxcala (tzonpancingo) hasta la llegada de los españoles a la matanza de Cholula muy buena ficción histórica.
March 31, 2021
Gran libro, muy entretenido y espero con ansia la tercera parte. Una de las mejores historias en torno a la conquista de México.
September 6, 2024
As always, Graham definitely doesn't disappoint! Smooth reading, definitely a page turner!
March 25, 2023
Still on team Cortez! Still an awesome read! On to Tenochtlitan!
September 28, 2020
Luego de leer este libro por segunda vez, vuelvo a disfrutar su ritmo rápido, de su dramatismo épico, y en fin, de las excelentes capacidades narrativas del autor. Me parece que la magia que le agrega a la historia, con todos los elementos sobrenaturales, le suma mucho, ya que es diferente a las novelas históricas que suelo leer. Tiene un gusto a la épica griega, al hacer que los dioses intervengan, aunque no directamente, pero por medio de sueños a los personajes principales. Tiene así mismo un gusto a tragedia griega, porque todos sabemos quién gana al final, pero no por eso es menos emocionante ver cómo pasa. Entiendo a la gente que critica el libro de europeo-centrista, y la verdad el autor deja entrever muchas veces su preferencia por Cortés frente a Moctezuma, debido a los sacrificios humanos, pero al ser novela, no fue impedimento para que pueda disfrutarla. El mismo autor en la nota dice que su intención es novelar, y no hacer un libro estrictamente histórico. Supongo que eso es un disclaimer para los puristas, pero siento que a pesar de eso, es una de las mejores sagas históricas que he leído.
November 6, 2022
Qualitativamente sullo stesso piano della prima parte, questo romanzo continua a raccontare le gesta di Hernan Cortés e dei suoi compagni d'arme spagnoli che, esaltati dai primi scontri che li hanno visti vincitori contro gli eserciti dei nativi, numericamente grandi ma armati in maniera primitiva, e smodatamente attratti dall'oro, decidono di spingersi sempre più nell'entroterra per raggiungere la capitale dei Mexica, grazie anche all'appoggio ottenuto dai nuovi alleati, i Tlascaliani, capeggiati dell'indomito Shikotenka. Ciò che maggiormente li spinge in realtà è la speranza di impadronirsi dell'oro dei nativi e trasformare il loro incerto passato in un futuro di ricchezza. Spiccano tra i tanti personaggi, l'umanissima Malinal, la giovane Maya che diventa la compagna di Cortes nonché l'interprete ufficiale della spedizione e Pepillo, un giovanissimo orfano dal cuore d'oro cresciuto in un convento di frati che ha l'opportunità di mettere in mostra le sue capacità diventando lo scrivano di Hernan Cortés e facendosi apprezzare da Juan de Escalante, grande amico e alleato del caudillo, che decide di adottarlo e farne il suo erede.
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