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Conquist
Capitán Cristóbal de Varga’s drive for glory and gold in 1538 Peru leads him and his army of conquistadors into a New World that refuses to be conquered. He is a man torn by life-long obsessions and knows this is his last campaign. What he doesn’t know is that his Incan allies led by the princess Sarpay have their own furtive plans to make sure he never finds the golden city of Vilcabamba. He also doesn’t know that Héctor Valiente, the freed African slave he appointed as his lieutenant, has found a portal that will lead them all into a world that will challenge his deepest beliefs. And what he can’t possibly know is that this world will trap him in a war between two eternal enemies, leading him to question everything he has devoted his life to - his command, his Incan princess, his honor, his God. In the end, he faces the ultimate dilemma: how is it possible to battle your own obsessions . . . to conquer yourself?
360 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2024
7 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Dirk Strasser
79 books80 followersDirk Strasser has won multiple Australian Publisher Association Awards and a Ditmar for Best Professional Achievement. His mythic fantasy series, The Books of Ascension, has been republished by Macmillan Momentum, this time including Eclipse – The Lost Book of Ascension for the first time in English. His novels and short stories have been translated into a number of languages. He also founded the Aurealis Awards and has co-edited and co-published Aurealis magazine for over twenty years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 26, 2024
It is through my resignation that I have celebrated the only true conquest, the conquest over the flaws and obsessions with which you imprison yourself. [...] As a young man, I had always believed it was the outcomes of battles that determine a conquistador's life. I cannot say that I still hold this to be true. Perhaps the decision not to enter a battle is of greater importance.
[...] No, I now understand with the certainty of all my glorious and pitiful experiences that I value above all else that my words are heard. Even if no one saw the condor disappear, it existed.
— Capitán Cristóbal de Varga
Conquist by Dirk Strasser is an immersive historical fantasy that takes readers into 16th-century Peru during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, blending real events or details with a gripping, imaginative story. The novel follows Capitán Cristóbal de Varga, a conquistador on a quest for glory, who stumbles upon something far more transformative than gold—a hidden world that forces him to confront his deepest beliefs and inner struggles.
What stood out to me from the beginning was the book's unique setting and premise. There aren't many novels (if any?), especially in the fantasy genre, that focus on the Inca civilization and Spanish conquistadors. Strasser skillfully weaves history and fantasy together, capturing the tension between cultures while adding an intriguing layer of the supernatural. The historical details appear to be well researched; at the same time, the fantasy elements—like the mysterious portal that Cristóbal’s lieutenant, Héctor Valiente, discovers—create an exciting sense of mystery and adventure. Even more, I enjoyed Strasser’s use of literary devices and symbolism (for example, the portal symbolizing the passage into a world that challenges Cristóbal’s belief system) as well, adding complexity to the narrative.
Cristóbal is a compelling protagonist, and his character arc is truly one of the book's highlights. At first, he's driven by ambition and a hunger for fame, wanting his name to be remembered alongside conquistadors like Francisco Pizarro and Hernán Cortés. But as the story progresses, he starts to question his motives, his beliefs, and even his identity. His actions, thoughts, and in particular, his diary entries (which are scattered throughout the novel), offer some of the most insightful and reflective moments:
It’s this internal battle that makes Cristóbal’s journey feel so personal and perhaps relatable, even within the grand scope of a historical fantasy.
Furthermore, one of the strengths of Conquist is how it uses Cristóbal’s quest as a backdrop for deeper themes of self-discovery, obsession, honor, ambition, and the human tendency to chase after something—whether it’s gold, power, or salvation—only to question it later.
These reflections run throughout the novel, and it’s not just Cristóbal who wrestles with being consumed by ambition or similar ideas and struggles. The supporting characters, like his Incan ally/love interest Princess Sarpay, as well as his own men, also have their own motives and ambitions, often leading to tension and betrayal.
On that note, the relationship between Cristóbal and Sarpay is interesting, layered with desire, power struggles, and cultural differences. Sarpay is no mere side character; she’s a force of her own, often manipulating the situation to protect her people’s interests. There’s a brilliant moment when Sarpay presses her lips to Cristóbal’s and says, “Do you know, Cristóbal, that we Incas only kiss our gods?” that is such a power play.
Another character whose development piqued my interest was Padre Núñez, a devout Franciscan priest who becomes more conflicted as the story unfolds. His crisis of faith often mirrors Cristóbal’s own internal struggles, and his journey, more so later on, was fascinating to read. Indeed, the religious and philosophical questions raised by all—Cristóbal, Núñez, Sarpay, the ñakaqs (a people the Spaniards run into)—add an unexpected depth to the novel, making it more than just an adventure story.
My review thus far notwithstanding, the novel isn’t without its challenges. Initially, I found it difficult to keep track of all the characters, and the pacing is slower, something that some readers may not necessarily appreciate. However, once I adjusted to the large cast, I was able to fully appreciate the story’s depth. The antagonist (or at least, one of the antagonists) was also sufficiently loathsome and annoying, which is always a good sign in a book like this—he was easy to hate and made the stakes feel higher.
Dirk Strasser has crafted a story that not only takes you on a “physical” journey through the mountains and valleys of Peru but also a mental journey through the labyrinth of self-reflection. As Cristóbal states, “Words are real, maybe more real than anything else,” a sentiment that sums up the novel’s power—just as Cristóbal’s journal, his words, summed up the power of his journey. It’s not just about what happens, but about how those events are remembered, and the personal narratives we construct around our lives.
Overall, the combination of history and fantasy, along with the rich, thought-provoking, character development, made Conquist a memorable experience. If you’re looking for a book that’s not only exciting but also makes you reflect on the nature of conquest—both external and internal—Conquist is well worth the read.
Content warnings include violence, death, suicide, and infanticide.
See my review on my website for the full review!
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
[...] No, I now understand with the certainty of all my glorious and pitiful experiences that I value above all else that my words are heard. Even if no one saw the condor disappear, it existed.
— Capitán Cristóbal de Varga
Conquist by Dirk Strasser is an immersive historical fantasy that takes readers into 16th-century Peru during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, blending real events or details with a gripping, imaginative story. The novel follows Capitán Cristóbal de Varga, a conquistador on a quest for glory, who stumbles upon something far more transformative than gold—a hidden world that forces him to confront his deepest beliefs and inner struggles.
What stood out to me from the beginning was the book's unique setting and premise. There aren't many novels (if any?), especially in the fantasy genre, that focus on the Inca civilization and Spanish conquistadors. Strasser skillfully weaves history and fantasy together, capturing the tension between cultures while adding an intriguing layer of the supernatural. The historical details appear to be well researched; at the same time, the fantasy elements—like the mysterious portal that Cristóbal’s lieutenant, Héctor Valiente, discovers—create an exciting sense of mystery and adventure. Even more, I enjoyed Strasser’s use of literary devices and symbolism (for example, the portal symbolizing the passage into a world that challenges Cristóbal’s belief system) as well, adding complexity to the narrative.
Cristóbal is a compelling protagonist, and his character arc is truly one of the book's highlights. At first, he's driven by ambition and a hunger for fame, wanting his name to be remembered alongside conquistadors like Francisco Pizarro and Hernán Cortés. But as the story progresses, he starts to question his motives, his beliefs, and even his identity. His actions, thoughts, and in particular, his diary entries (which are scattered throughout the novel), offer some of the most insightful and reflective moments:
I have made some unwise decisions, but what can a man do about unwise decisions except to undertake to make no more.
I have found that obsession is a beast that can never be truly tamed.
“I don’t believe there are any gods in this world. Not my God, and not any of yours. We all need to stop looking for them. We’re on our own here.”
It’s this internal battle that makes Cristóbal’s journey feel so personal and perhaps relatable, even within the grand scope of a historical fantasy.
Furthermore, one of the strengths of Conquist is how it uses Cristóbal’s quest as a backdrop for deeper themes of self-discovery, obsession, honor, ambition, and the human tendency to chase after something—whether it’s gold, power, or salvation—only to question it later.
We conquistadors suffer from a disease whose symptom is an insatiable thirst for gold. Unlike other fevers, ours cause those innocent of infection to die. I know this, yet I still write these words in the fervent hope that my name will echo with Francisco Pizarro and Hernán Cortés.
“You know, I think we’re all trapped by our ambitions. We build our own prisons with the bricks of our passions. Whether it’s the desire for gold or the desire to save souls.”
“What’s a man’s life worth once he abandons his life’s work?”
These reflections run throughout the novel, and it’s not just Cristóbal who wrestles with being consumed by ambition or similar ideas and struggles. The supporting characters, like his Incan ally/love interest Princess Sarpay, as well as his own men, also have their own motives and ambitions, often leading to tension and betrayal.
On that note, the relationship between Cristóbal and Sarpay is interesting, layered with desire, power struggles, and cultural differences. Sarpay is no mere side character; she’s a force of her own, often manipulating the situation to protect her people’s interests. There’s a brilliant moment when Sarpay presses her lips to Cristóbal’s and says, “Do you know, Cristóbal, that we Incas only kiss our gods?” that is such a power play.
Another character whose development piqued my interest was Padre Núñez, a devout Franciscan priest who becomes more conflicted as the story unfolds. His crisis of faith often mirrors Cristóbal’s own internal struggles, and his journey, more so later on, was fascinating to read. Indeed, the religious and philosophical questions raised by all—Cristóbal, Núñez, Sarpay, the ñakaqs (a people the Spaniards run into)—add an unexpected depth to the novel, making it more than just an adventure story.
“You have the wrong view of eternal damnation, Capitán. Hell has nothing to do with dying an agonizing death. It’s failing again and again in the one thing you most strive for. [...] What is it you desire most, Capitán? What would eternal damnation be for you? Let me guess. Perhaps slowly to lose your command until you have no one left? Or could it be for your sense of honor to leak away until nothing remains? Or is it for you to achieve greatness, without anyone ever knowing what you’ve accomplished?”
Is it possible to know what it is that you most desire? I battle with this most deceptive of all questions, the beating heart of all our actions. For the mind can play itself for a fool. How can a man be certain that what he believes to be his most ardent yearning isn’t merely the hungers of others? Do we crave only the golden prizes that are held aloft by others to entice us? Do we conceal our true passions behind a mask of the passions of others? Are we ashamed of what the truth will reveal to ourselves? [...] I realized that a man who has no answer is squandering his life. And one who has a false answer is a shallow pool.
What man has the right to denounce another a demon? Who can truthfully make such judgment with the acuity of the unblemished? Should we not first be vigilant for demonic shadows that blight our own being? Should we not first watch the dark dance that plays our thoughts and dreams? Should we not first peer into our own souls?
My review thus far notwithstanding, the novel isn’t without its challenges. Initially, I found it difficult to keep track of all the characters, and the pacing is slower, something that some readers may not necessarily appreciate. However, once I adjusted to the large cast, I was able to fully appreciate the story’s depth. The antagonist (or at least, one of the antagonists) was also sufficiently loathsome and annoying, which is always a good sign in a book like this—he was easy to hate and made the stakes feel higher.
Dirk Strasser has crafted a story that not only takes you on a “physical” journey through the mountains and valleys of Peru but also a mental journey through the labyrinth of self-reflection. As Cristóbal states, “Words are real, maybe more real than anything else,” a sentiment that sums up the novel’s power—just as Cristóbal’s journal, his words, summed up the power of his journey. It’s not just about what happens, but about how those events are remembered, and the personal narratives we construct around our lives.
Overall, the combination of history and fantasy, along with the rich, thought-provoking, character development, made Conquist a memorable experience. If you’re looking for a book that’s not only exciting but also makes you reflect on the nature of conquest—both external and internal—Conquist is well worth the read.
Content warnings include violence, death, suicide, and infanticide.
See my review on my website for the full review!
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
February 27, 2025
Not your average historical fantasy.
This hallucinatory journey through 1538 Peru follows Cristòbal de Varga as he crashes through reality into Nueva Tierra, a folkloric realm where the "demonic" ñakaqs of Andean myth embody honor while the "angelic" Spanish duendes operate with the moral compass of sociopaths with pretty wings. Big kudos to the exquisite flip of the mirror there.
Strasser's prose is nothing short of intoxicating, while Cristòbal himself—plagued by an imposter syndrome so severe it deserves its own diagnosis—transforms from a glory-hunter into a man confronting the territory of his own delusions. The true conquest here isn't measured in gold or land but in hard-won self-knowledge, making this one of those rare historical fantasies that feels both wildly imaginative and profoundly human.
Strasser has conquered the difficult terrain at the intersections of commercial appeal, historical integrity and literary weight, leaving competing works looking like they brought butter knives to a sword fight.
A highly cinematic read and a must-have-on-the-shelves for all lovers of the genre.
This hallucinatory journey through 1538 Peru follows Cristòbal de Varga as he crashes through reality into Nueva Tierra, a folkloric realm where the "demonic" ñakaqs of Andean myth embody honor while the "angelic" Spanish duendes operate with the moral compass of sociopaths with pretty wings. Big kudos to the exquisite flip of the mirror there.
Strasser's prose is nothing short of intoxicating, while Cristòbal himself—plagued by an imposter syndrome so severe it deserves its own diagnosis—transforms from a glory-hunter into a man confronting the territory of his own delusions. The true conquest here isn't measured in gold or land but in hard-won self-knowledge, making this one of those rare historical fantasies that feels both wildly imaginative and profoundly human.
Strasser has conquered the difficult terrain at the intersections of commercial appeal, historical integrity and literary weight, leaving competing works looking like they brought butter knives to a sword fight.
A highly cinematic read and a must-have-on-the-shelves for all lovers of the genre.
August 23, 2024
Book: Conquist
Author: Dirk Strasser
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars
I thank the publisher, Roundfire Books, for sending me an ARC. This is unlike any book that I have read. I have not read anything fiction centred around the Incans and the conquistadors. It was a nice change of pace.
In this one, we follow Cristobal, a captain and conquistador in Peru. His goal is to find gold and get glory from it. He longs to be in the ranks of Cortes and Pizarro. So far his mission has not proven to be like that. He finds himself in a world that does not follow the rules. He knows that this will be his last mission. There is more to it than what he knows. Princess Sarpay and her fellow Incans have come up with a plan to make sure that he and the conquistadors don’t find the city of gold. He doesn’t know that one of his own has found a portal that will lead them to a world that challenges everything they have ever known. He doesn’t know that this will change everything that he has ever known and make him question everything.
Let’s talk about the setup and the plot. As I started by saying, I have not read anything fiction about the Incas. I know a lot of this is pulled from a diary, but I love how the author has taken the primary source and made it his own. I love the idea that the locals will do anything to hold onto their way of life taking down one of the strongest forces on earth. We see this friction between the Incans, the other groups, and the Spanish. It comes to headway in the religion. We see this all come to life on the page.
I loved the Spanish being taken to this world that they do not understand. Granted they are in a foreign place to begin with, but, then, it is taken beyond that. Like with Peru, this new world takes them out of their element. They are in a culture and setting that they don’t know and don’t understand. Instead of trying to gain insight, they do what they have done and have been good at: they try to conquer this land. The problem is this place does not want to be conquered and will not bow to them. They are used to having to fight people, but this is different. It forces the Spanish to look and reflect. It makes some of them ready to pay the ultimate price.
We do have a large cast of characters. This is where I struggled. I found it very difficult to keep some of the characters straight. It felt like some of them did not have their voice and had something to make them stand out. Most of the main characters were done well. We can see that Cristoral is a very complex and compelling character. There were some that there down this way. I would have liked to have seen them fleshed out a little bit more.
There were also parts in the middle that made me lose interest. Don’t get me wrong, these parts were well done, but it took me out of the story. I don’t know why it did this. It seemed like there was almost too much for a stand-alone book. I feel that there is enough in this single book for a trilogy. I don’t know if the author has that in mind, but I think this book has enough. I think it would have helped add a little bit to the characters and gave this book the punch it needed for me to give it a four-star rating.
I know I rated this three stars, but it is a high three-star. It just needed a little bit more to make it a four-star rating.
Overall, I am glad that I read this one. It is unlike anything I have read. It was a fun adventure.
Author: Dirk Strasser
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars
I thank the publisher, Roundfire Books, for sending me an ARC. This is unlike any book that I have read. I have not read anything fiction centred around the Incans and the conquistadors. It was a nice change of pace.
In this one, we follow Cristobal, a captain and conquistador in Peru. His goal is to find gold and get glory from it. He longs to be in the ranks of Cortes and Pizarro. So far his mission has not proven to be like that. He finds himself in a world that does not follow the rules. He knows that this will be his last mission. There is more to it than what he knows. Princess Sarpay and her fellow Incans have come up with a plan to make sure that he and the conquistadors don’t find the city of gold. He doesn’t know that one of his own has found a portal that will lead them to a world that challenges everything they have ever known. He doesn’t know that this will change everything that he has ever known and make him question everything.
Let’s talk about the setup and the plot. As I started by saying, I have not read anything fiction about the Incas. I know a lot of this is pulled from a diary, but I love how the author has taken the primary source and made it his own. I love the idea that the locals will do anything to hold onto their way of life taking down one of the strongest forces on earth. We see this friction between the Incans, the other groups, and the Spanish. It comes to headway in the religion. We see this all come to life on the page.
I loved the Spanish being taken to this world that they do not understand. Granted they are in a foreign place to begin with, but, then, it is taken beyond that. Like with Peru, this new world takes them out of their element. They are in a culture and setting that they don’t know and don’t understand. Instead of trying to gain insight, they do what they have done and have been good at: they try to conquer this land. The problem is this place does not want to be conquered and will not bow to them. They are used to having to fight people, but this is different. It forces the Spanish to look and reflect. It makes some of them ready to pay the ultimate price.
We do have a large cast of characters. This is where I struggled. I found it very difficult to keep some of the characters straight. It felt like some of them did not have their voice and had something to make them stand out. Most of the main characters were done well. We can see that Cristoral is a very complex and compelling character. There were some that there down this way. I would have liked to have seen them fleshed out a little bit more.
There were also parts in the middle that made me lose interest. Don’t get me wrong, these parts were well done, but it took me out of the story. I don’t know why it did this. It seemed like there was almost too much for a stand-alone book. I feel that there is enough in this single book for a trilogy. I don’t know if the author has that in mind, but I think this book has enough. I think it would have helped add a little bit to the characters and gave this book the punch it needed for me to give it a four-star rating.
I know I rated this three stars, but it is a high three-star. It just needed a little bit more to make it a four-star rating.
Overall, I am glad that I read this one. It is unlike anything I have read. It was a fun adventure.
February 22, 2025
This is a historical fantasy, which is somewhat of a new subgenre for me.
I read an essay by Dirk Strasser on his blog, (https://www.dirkstrasser.com) titled “People aren’t Orcs” written in February 2016. It focused on how the concepts of high fantasy surrounding “good” and “evil” have influenced politics, and how dangerous that can be. There is a poignant paragraph in the essay that is applicable, even now in 2025:
“History is littered with people who have done appalling things, totally convinced that they are right. The problem with treating people like Orcs is that it bestows the moral right to do absolutely anything to them. To be ruthless in unconditional certainty. No discussion. End of story.
But it shouldn’t be the end of the story.”
This quote is indicative of how the conquistadors (in the context of this novel), used this concept of “treating people like Orcs” as a driving force to obtain their desires of glory and gold.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Set in 1538, Spanish conquistadors/colonisers, led by Capitán Cristóbal de Varga are on a mission to conquer Inca land for the Spanish crown, take all their gold and revel in the glory. This desire leads them to sack the city of Machu Picchu, only to discover that this is not where the true wealth of the Inca Empire lies. De Varga forms an alliance with an Inca nobleman, Huarcay, and his sister Sarpay in hopes of locating the hidden city of Vilcabamba where the actual wealth is. Their thirst for gold and glory results in de Varga leading his men through a portal to another land – one that they cannot escape from. There, they get caught up in a war between the magical inhabitants of this hostile land, believing that the Ñakaqs are demons and the Duendes are angels. However, things are not as they seem. The book explores the notions of “good vs evil” in thought provoking way.
The world building was excellent and I enjoyed how insightful a lot of the characters were. I think this book could be studied as the imagery, symbolism and historical context amongst other themes made the narrative intellectually stimulating. Strasser also took a lot of colonial tropes and subverted them. For example, the driving force behind colonialism was to conquer land, steal gold and justify all this in the name of religion. In the book, they enter a land that they cannot conquer, gold is not valued in the same way, and as a result, religion takes a backseat.
I feel this review does not do the book justice, and it is a story best discussed in person. The theme of colonialism and the driving force behind it, especially in light of current global events stemming from colonial times, would make for a fantastic discussion. I truly enjoyed this read and it is all I have been thinking about for the last few days. I am looking forward to the movie!
I read an essay by Dirk Strasser on his blog, (https://www.dirkstrasser.com) titled “People aren’t Orcs” written in February 2016. It focused on how the concepts of high fantasy surrounding “good” and “evil” have influenced politics, and how dangerous that can be. There is a poignant paragraph in the essay that is applicable, even now in 2025:
“History is littered with people who have done appalling things, totally convinced that they are right. The problem with treating people like Orcs is that it bestows the moral right to do absolutely anything to them. To be ruthless in unconditional certainty. No discussion. End of story.
But it shouldn’t be the end of the story.”
This quote is indicative of how the conquistadors (in the context of this novel), used this concept of “treating people like Orcs” as a driving force to obtain their desires of glory and gold.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Set in 1538, Spanish conquistadors/colonisers, led by Capitán Cristóbal de Varga are on a mission to conquer Inca land for the Spanish crown, take all their gold and revel in the glory. This desire leads them to sack the city of Machu Picchu, only to discover that this is not where the true wealth of the Inca Empire lies. De Varga forms an alliance with an Inca nobleman, Huarcay, and his sister Sarpay in hopes of locating the hidden city of Vilcabamba where the actual wealth is. Their thirst for gold and glory results in de Varga leading his men through a portal to another land – one that they cannot escape from. There, they get caught up in a war between the magical inhabitants of this hostile land, believing that the Ñakaqs are demons and the Duendes are angels. However, things are not as they seem. The book explores the notions of “good vs evil” in thought provoking way.
The world building was excellent and I enjoyed how insightful a lot of the characters were. I think this book could be studied as the imagery, symbolism and historical context amongst other themes made the narrative intellectually stimulating. Strasser also took a lot of colonial tropes and subverted them. For example, the driving force behind colonialism was to conquer land, steal gold and justify all this in the name of religion. In the book, they enter a land that they cannot conquer, gold is not valued in the same way, and as a result, religion takes a backseat.
I feel this review does not do the book justice, and it is a story best discussed in person. The theme of colonialism and the driving force behind it, especially in light of current global events stemming from colonial times, would make for a fantastic discussion. I truly enjoyed this read and it is all I have been thinking about for the last few days. I am looking forward to the movie!
April 23, 2024
A rip-roaring lost world adventure
For more than a century our collective imaginations have been set alight by tales of lost worlds and the brave or foolish explorers that stumble into them. Stories like Rice Burroughs’s The Land That Time Forgot, Conan Doyle’s The Lost World and H Rider Hagard’s King Solomon’s Mines have spun wonderous tales of places that exist beyond our wildest dreams. And it’s from such works that Strasser’s Conquist takes its cue.
Cristobal de Varga idolizes Pizarro and Cortes and – like them – admits to being victim to an ‘insatiable thirst for gold’. Having sacked Machu Pichu with his six hundred conquistadors at his back, he’s now searching for Vilcabamba, reputed hiding place of Incan leader Manco Inca, where he and his men will find the mountains of gold they so desire. After six months of fruitless searching Varga has all but given up hope when his men pursue an Incan messenger through a mountainous pass. Following on, Varga finds a strange valley under an angry red sky where his men are attacked by bearded warriors. It’s then he discovers there is no way back to his own world. And so Varga must travel onward through a treacherous, hostile land in search of both the gold his men expect and a way home for all of them.
Like the best ‘lost world’ stories, the action of Conquist is unrelenting from the moment Varga and his men step through the one-way ‘entrada’ until the very last page. Through his travels, Varga encounters the strangest of flora and fauna, others like him who have wandered into this world only to be lost, enemies who become allies, and seeming friends who will betray them all.
Varga himself is a fascinating character, seemingly cruel and uncaring of the misery he inflicts on the Incas, staunchly loyal to his men, hoping to raise himself and his cousin Diego from penury and struggling with the legacy and memory of his father who chose honour above gold. He’s a clever tactician and brave in a fight and he and his men experience fearful battles, strange discoveries, desperate flights and pursuits, hidden places, and unimaginable wonders in equal measure while Varga learns a few hard truths about himself and his place in the world. He may not achieve all that he desires, but perhaps there are other more personal victories possible that can bring him peace.
I tore through the novel in record time. Conquist is a rip-roaring action adventure with heart that is sure to please.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
For more than a century our collective imaginations have been set alight by tales of lost worlds and the brave or foolish explorers that stumble into them. Stories like Rice Burroughs’s The Land That Time Forgot, Conan Doyle’s The Lost World and H Rider Hagard’s King Solomon’s Mines have spun wonderous tales of places that exist beyond our wildest dreams. And it’s from such works that Strasser’s Conquist takes its cue.
Cristobal de Varga idolizes Pizarro and Cortes and – like them – admits to being victim to an ‘insatiable thirst for gold’. Having sacked Machu Pichu with his six hundred conquistadors at his back, he’s now searching for Vilcabamba, reputed hiding place of Incan leader Manco Inca, where he and his men will find the mountains of gold they so desire. After six months of fruitless searching Varga has all but given up hope when his men pursue an Incan messenger through a mountainous pass. Following on, Varga finds a strange valley under an angry red sky where his men are attacked by bearded warriors. It’s then he discovers there is no way back to his own world. And so Varga must travel onward through a treacherous, hostile land in search of both the gold his men expect and a way home for all of them.
Like the best ‘lost world’ stories, the action of Conquist is unrelenting from the moment Varga and his men step through the one-way ‘entrada’ until the very last page. Through his travels, Varga encounters the strangest of flora and fauna, others like him who have wandered into this world only to be lost, enemies who become allies, and seeming friends who will betray them all.
Varga himself is a fascinating character, seemingly cruel and uncaring of the misery he inflicts on the Incas, staunchly loyal to his men, hoping to raise himself and his cousin Diego from penury and struggling with the legacy and memory of his father who chose honour above gold. He’s a clever tactician and brave in a fight and he and his men experience fearful battles, strange discoveries, desperate flights and pursuits, hidden places, and unimaginable wonders in equal measure while Varga learns a few hard truths about himself and his place in the world. He may not achieve all that he desires, but perhaps there are other more personal victories possible that can bring him peace.
I tore through the novel in record time. Conquist is a rip-roaring action adventure with heart that is sure to please.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2024
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a completely honest review.
Conquist starts from a little-known corner of real South American history. After Spanish conquistadors toppled the Incan empire, a leader called Manco Inca won a significant battle against them, then retreated to the ‘hidden’ city of Vilcabamba, where he set up a Neo-Incan empire in 1537. Dirk Strasser opens his novel in 1538, with Cristòbal de Varga searching for the hidden city and hoping to seize a great treasure of Incan gold.
Cristòbal is a wholly fictitious figure, and his life story soon moves out of the realm of real history. Misled in their search, he and his conquistadors break through into a fantasy otherworld called Nueva Tierra. Their quest becomes a journey of wonders, then becomes caught up in the eternal hostility between the ñakaqs and the duendes.
Apparently, ñakaqs are supernatural beings in Andean folklore and duende are supernatural beings in Spanish folklore, but they’ve both come a long way from their origins here. In Conquist, ñakaqs are ugly, hairy wild men who seem like demons to the Catholic conquistadors; the duendes are beautiful, winged women often referred to as angels. Their eternal hostility is an eternal enmity between ugliness and beauty - and the duendes hate body-hair! But as for good and evil … in a nice reversal, it’s the ‘demons’ who are essentially upright and honourable, while the ‘angels’ are lying, cold-hearted psychopaths.
Cristòbal himself is a good man by instinct, but deluded by a self-image in his head. He wants to be a great leader of men and to acquire the same fame and glory as those other (real) conquistadors, Cortes and Pizarro. Unlike his followers, he’s not interested in gold for its own sake. Unfortunately for him, he suffers from what we’d now call imposter syndrome! He can never quite believe in himself or his role or his own authority.
It’s not surprising that the choices he makes almost always turn out badly - that is, the choices he makes with his head in pursuit of his dreams. Since I never actually cared about his quest for gold or his ambition to be another Cortes or Pizarro, his failure never felt like a loss to me. I cared more about his wish to discover an exit from the otherworld of Nueva Tierra and to return to the real world of New Spain. But this never looked like a story that would have that sort of happy ending.
What happens instead is a more inward kind of reward. In the end, Cristòbal’s only conquest is a self-conquest. He learns to see through his own delusions and accept himself as the person he is. Out of all his original ambitions, the single one that remains is the desire to have his words heard - not for fame and glory, but simply as a mark that he once existed. A very writerly ambition!
I predict that Cristòbal’s words will be heard, and that Conquist will do some conquering of its own in the field of fantasy fiction. It’s fast paced as an adventure, thoughtful as a meditation on life, and of course highly imaginative. Great stuff!
PS My one small complaint - I could have done with a glossary! It’s hard to remember the meaning and reference of Spanish and American Indian terms, even after they’ve been explained.
Richard Harland
Merged review:
Conquist starts from a little-known corner of real South American history. After Spanish conquistadors toppled the Incan empire, a leader called Manco Inca won a significant battle against them, then retreated to the ‘hidden’ city of Vilcabamba, where he set up a Neo-Incan empire in 1537. Dirk Strasser opens his novel in 1538, with Cristòbal de Varga searching for the hidden city and hoping to seize a great treasure of Incan gold.
Cristòbal is a wholly fictitious figure, and his life story soon moves out of the realm of real history. Misled in their search, he and his conquistadors break through into a fantasy otherworld called Nueva Tierra. Their quest becomes a journey of wonders, then becomes caught up in the eternal hostility between the ñakaqs and the duendes.
Apparently, ñakaqs are supernatural beings in Andean folklore and duende are supernatural beings in Spanish folklore, but they’ve both come a long way from their origins here. In Conquist, ñakaqs are ugly, hairy wild men who seem like demons to the Catholic conquistadors; the duendes are beautiful, winged women often referred to as angels. Their eternal hostility is an eternal enmity between ugliness and beauty - and the duendes hate body-hair! But as for good and evil … in a nice reversal, it’s the ‘demons’ who are essentially upright and honourable, while the ‘angels’ are lying, cold-hearted psychopaths.
Cristòbal himself is a good man by instinct, but deluded by a self-image in his head. He wants to be a great leader of men and to acquire the same fame and glory as those other (real) conquistadors, Cortes and Pizarro. Unlike his followers, he’s not interested in gold for its own sake. Unfortunately for him, he suffers from what we’d now call imposter syndrome! He can never quite believe in himself or his role or his own authority.
It’s not surprising that the choices he makes almost always turn out badly - that is, the choices he makes with his head in pursuit of his dreams. Since I never actually cared about his quest for gold or his ambition to be another Cortes or Pizarro, his failure never felt like a loss to me. I cared more about his wish to discover an exit from the otherworld of Nueva Tierra and to return to the real world of New Spain. But this never looked like a story that would have that sort of happy ending.
What happens instead is a more inward kind of reward. In the end, Cristòbal’s only conquest is a self-conquest. He learns to see through his own delusions and accept himself as the person is. Out of all his original ambitions, the single one that remains is the desire to have his words heard - not for fame and glory, but simply as a mark that he once existed. A very writerly ambition!
I predict that Cristòbal’s words will be heard, and that Conquist will do some conquering of its own in the field of fantasy fiction. It’s fast paced as an adventure, thoughtful as a meditation on life, and of course highly imaginative. Great stuff!
PS My one small complaint - I could have done with a glossary! It’s hard to remember the meaning and reference of Spanish and American Indian terms, even after they’ve been explained.
Conquist starts from a little-known corner of real South American history. After Spanish conquistadors toppled the Incan empire, a leader called Manco Inca won a significant battle against them, then retreated to the ‘hidden’ city of Vilcabamba, where he set up a Neo-Incan empire in 1537. Dirk Strasser opens his novel in 1538, with Cristòbal de Varga searching for the hidden city and hoping to seize a great treasure of Incan gold.
Cristòbal is a wholly fictitious figure, and his life story soon moves out of the realm of real history. Misled in their search, he and his conquistadors break through into a fantasy otherworld called Nueva Tierra. Their quest becomes a journey of wonders, then becomes caught up in the eternal hostility between the ñakaqs and the duendes.
Apparently, ñakaqs are supernatural beings in Andean folklore and duende are supernatural beings in Spanish folklore, but they’ve both come a long way from their origins here. In Conquist, ñakaqs are ugly, hairy wild men who seem like demons to the Catholic conquistadors; the duendes are beautiful, winged women often referred to as angels. Their eternal hostility is an eternal enmity between ugliness and beauty - and the duendes hate body-hair! But as for good and evil … in a nice reversal, it’s the ‘demons’ who are essentially upright and honourable, while the ‘angels’ are lying, cold-hearted psychopaths.
Cristòbal himself is a good man by instinct, but deluded by a self-image in his head. He wants to be a great leader of men and to acquire the same fame and glory as those other (real) conquistadors, Cortes and Pizarro. Unlike his followers, he’s not interested in gold for its own sake. Unfortunately for him, he suffers from what we’d now call imposter syndrome! He can never quite believe in himself or his role or his own authority.
It’s not surprising that the choices he makes almost always turn out badly - that is, the choices he makes with his head in pursuit of his dreams. Since I never actually cared about his quest for gold or his ambition to be another Cortes or Pizarro, his failure never felt like a loss to me. I cared more about his wish to discover an exit from the otherworld of Nueva Tierra and to return to the real world of New Spain. But this never looked like a story that would have that sort of happy ending.
What happens instead is a more inward kind of reward. In the end, Cristòbal’s only conquest is a self-conquest. He learns to see through his own delusions and accept himself as the person he is. Out of all his original ambitions, the single one that remains is the desire to have his words heard - not for fame and glory, but simply as a mark that he once existed. A very writerly ambition!
I predict that Cristòbal’s words will be heard, and that Conquist will do some conquering of its own in the field of fantasy fiction. It’s fast paced as an adventure, thoughtful as a meditation on life, and of course highly imaginative. Great stuff!
PS My one small complaint - I could have done with a glossary! It’s hard to remember the meaning and reference of Spanish and American Indian terms, even after they’ve been explained.
Richard Harland
Merged review:
Conquist starts from a little-known corner of real South American history. After Spanish conquistadors toppled the Incan empire, a leader called Manco Inca won a significant battle against them, then retreated to the ‘hidden’ city of Vilcabamba, where he set up a Neo-Incan empire in 1537. Dirk Strasser opens his novel in 1538, with Cristòbal de Varga searching for the hidden city and hoping to seize a great treasure of Incan gold.
Cristòbal is a wholly fictitious figure, and his life story soon moves out of the realm of real history. Misled in their search, he and his conquistadors break through into a fantasy otherworld called Nueva Tierra. Their quest becomes a journey of wonders, then becomes caught up in the eternal hostility between the ñakaqs and the duendes.
Apparently, ñakaqs are supernatural beings in Andean folklore and duende are supernatural beings in Spanish folklore, but they’ve both come a long way from their origins here. In Conquist, ñakaqs are ugly, hairy wild men who seem like demons to the Catholic conquistadors; the duendes are beautiful, winged women often referred to as angels. Their eternal hostility is an eternal enmity between ugliness and beauty - and the duendes hate body-hair! But as for good and evil … in a nice reversal, it’s the ‘demons’ who are essentially upright and honourable, while the ‘angels’ are lying, cold-hearted psychopaths.
Cristòbal himself is a good man by instinct, but deluded by a self-image in his head. He wants to be a great leader of men and to acquire the same fame and glory as those other (real) conquistadors, Cortes and Pizarro. Unlike his followers, he’s not interested in gold for its own sake. Unfortunately for him, he suffers from what we’d now call imposter syndrome! He can never quite believe in himself or his role or his own authority.
It’s not surprising that the choices he makes almost always turn out badly - that is, the choices he makes with his head in pursuit of his dreams. Since I never actually cared about his quest for gold or his ambition to be another Cortes or Pizarro, his failure never felt like a loss to me. I cared more about his wish to discover an exit from the otherworld of Nueva Tierra and to return to the real world of New Spain. But this never looked like a story that would have that sort of happy ending.
What happens instead is a more inward kind of reward. In the end, Cristòbal’s only conquest is a self-conquest. He learns to see through his own delusions and accept himself as the person is. Out of all his original ambitions, the single one that remains is the desire to have his words heard - not for fame and glory, but simply as a mark that he once existed. A very writerly ambition!
I predict that Cristòbal’s words will be heard, and that Conquist will do some conquering of its own in the field of fantasy fiction. It’s fast paced as an adventure, thoughtful as a meditation on life, and of course highly imaginative. Great stuff!
PS My one small complaint - I could have done with a glossary! It’s hard to remember the meaning and reference of Spanish and American Indian terms, even after they’ve been explained.
February 16, 2025
Conquist by Dirk Strasser takes readers on an extraordinary journey into the heart of 1538 Peru, where ambition, obsession, and the clash of civilizations form the backdrop for a story that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. For anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially when blended with a touch of the fantastical, this novel delivers in spades.
Cristóbal de Varga, a man driven by his hunger for glory and gold, becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue, spiritual crisis, and a deeply personal battle for self-dominion. His mission is clear—conquer the unyielding land of Peru—but he soon discovers that his journey is far from what he anticipated. What really drew me into this story was how Strasser crafted Cristóbal’s inner turmoil. The man is consumed by his obsession with glory, but it's his eventual struggle with the deeper, more existential questions of his life that captivated me most.
The addition of Sarpay, the Incan princess, added a fascinating layer to the story. Her quiet strength, combined with her hidden agenda, made her a character I couldn’t stop thinking about. It was clear she had her own plans for Cristóbal and his men, which only added to the tension as the lines between ally and enemy began to blur.
But perhaps my favorite twist came from Héctor Valiente, the freed African slave who finds a portal leading into a world that challenges everything Cristóbal holds dear. The way this alternate world—where two eternal enemies are locked in war—upends Cristóbal’s perception of honor, God, and duty was nothing short of brilliant. Strasser weaves historical events with a fantastical realm, and it’s in this surreal setting that the true battle takes place: the one for Cristóbal’s soul.
Strasser has created a thought-provoking narrative that isn’t just about physical conquest but also about the internal battle we all face. The pacing was perfect, and the historical elements added richness to the fantastical plot. As a lover of both history and stories that dive deep into character development, I found Conquist to be a mesmerizing read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A powerful and immersive historical tale where the ultimate conquest is not of land, but of the soul.
Cristóbal de Varga, a man driven by his hunger for glory and gold, becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue, spiritual crisis, and a deeply personal battle for self-dominion. His mission is clear—conquer the unyielding land of Peru—but he soon discovers that his journey is far from what he anticipated. What really drew me into this story was how Strasser crafted Cristóbal’s inner turmoil. The man is consumed by his obsession with glory, but it's his eventual struggle with the deeper, more existential questions of his life that captivated me most.
The addition of Sarpay, the Incan princess, added a fascinating layer to the story. Her quiet strength, combined with her hidden agenda, made her a character I couldn’t stop thinking about. It was clear she had her own plans for Cristóbal and his men, which only added to the tension as the lines between ally and enemy began to blur.
But perhaps my favorite twist came from Héctor Valiente, the freed African slave who finds a portal leading into a world that challenges everything Cristóbal holds dear. The way this alternate world—where two eternal enemies are locked in war—upends Cristóbal’s perception of honor, God, and duty was nothing short of brilliant. Strasser weaves historical events with a fantastical realm, and it’s in this surreal setting that the true battle takes place: the one for Cristóbal’s soul.
Strasser has created a thought-provoking narrative that isn’t just about physical conquest but also about the internal battle we all face. The pacing was perfect, and the historical elements added richness to the fantastical plot. As a lover of both history and stories that dive deep into character development, I found Conquist to be a mesmerizing read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A powerful and immersive historical tale where the ultimate conquest is not of land, but of the soul.
June 1, 2024
The clash of cultures is always a productive area for fiction. In Conquist, Dirk Strasser looks at the results of both a clash of cultures, as well as a clash of cultural iconography. Not only does Strasser explore the ramifications of the Spanish incursion into the Incan Empire, but he explores the attendant clash between the folkloric beings allied with each of the combating forces. The ñakaqs are supernatural beings springing from Andean folklore and the Duende arrive with the Spanish conquerors.
This duality of cultural clash is interesting of itself and Strasser introduces some clever play with the reader’s perceptions of the nature of the ñakaqs and the Duende. However, all of this would be just world building, although very good world building, if Strasser were to leave it here. Instead he grounds this conflict with the ‘conflicted’ main character of Cristòbal de Varga.
De Varga finds himself in the mythical otherworld of Nueva Tierra where he and his men are caught up in the clash between the supernatural elements of the two warring cultures. There is some really impressive writing here. The set piece describing the intrusion into Nueva Tierra is a really assured piece of writing. Indeed, Conquist is a wholly original idea, delivered with panache and it is an immensely entertaining read.
Strasser guides the reader through unfamiliar territory highlighting the trials that De Varga faces as he contends with the unfamiliar culture of both the Incas and of the supernatural folkloric representations of the Incan culture he has to face in the world of Nueva Tierra.
Conquist has an unusual fantasy setting, which gives a freshness and vitality to the writing. The unfamiliar world of South America in the 1500’s is made even stranger by the incursion into the mythical world of Nueva Tierra. Strasser deftly fuses his story with these strange worlds and has crafted a masterly tale.
I received an advance review copy of Conquist from Roundfire Books
This duality of cultural clash is interesting of itself and Strasser introduces some clever play with the reader’s perceptions of the nature of the ñakaqs and the Duende. However, all of this would be just world building, although very good world building, if Strasser were to leave it here. Instead he grounds this conflict with the ‘conflicted’ main character of Cristòbal de Varga.
De Varga finds himself in the mythical otherworld of Nueva Tierra where he and his men are caught up in the clash between the supernatural elements of the two warring cultures. There is some really impressive writing here. The set piece describing the intrusion into Nueva Tierra is a really assured piece of writing. Indeed, Conquist is a wholly original idea, delivered with panache and it is an immensely entertaining read.
Strasser guides the reader through unfamiliar territory highlighting the trials that De Varga faces as he contends with the unfamiliar culture of both the Incas and of the supernatural folkloric representations of the Incan culture he has to face in the world of Nueva Tierra.
Conquist has an unusual fantasy setting, which gives a freshness and vitality to the writing. The unfamiliar world of South America in the 1500’s is made even stranger by the incursion into the mythical world of Nueva Tierra. Strasser deftly fuses his story with these strange worlds and has crafted a masterly tale.
I received an advance review copy of Conquist from Roundfire Books
August 25, 2024
Thank you to Roundfire Books for gifting me this in return for an honest review. To be totally honest, this, historical fantasy, is not my go-to genre but I was surprised. We are in 1538 and Cristobal de Varga is leading his group of conquistadors, having sacked Machu Pichu, on a quest to find the hidden Incan city of Vilcabamba, ruled by Manco Inca and allegedly full of gold. Although de Varga is a fictional character, we have the basis of history with the conquistadors and the Incans, but then we move into the realms of fantasy when the group pass through an 'entrada' and find themselves in an otherworld where the skies are crimson - Nueva Tierra. The conquerers are now in unfamiliar territory and have to traverse this strange land to find a way home as the 'entrada' that they passed through does not allow them to cross back. From being the, I suppose, colonisers who were looking to defeat the Incans, to take their gold, their lands and turn them to Christianity, de Varga and his men now find that they are the ones under attack and he and his men find themselves caught up in a battle between two very different races. The author draws on the folklore of the Andes and the Spanish and he plays with the idea of good and evil. I loved the world building in this novel and I was never quite sure where I was going to end up, where I was being led - which is good. This novel wasn't predictable - for me anyway. As for de Varga, he comes across as a good man who isn't so much led by ideas of gold, but a man who wants to be remembered, like Cortes and Pizarro before him. However, as we see in the novel, some of the choices he makes are not always good. But his main aim now is to get his men out of this strange world that they have found themselves in. I enjoyed this and does de Varga do what he sets out to do? Well, you'll have to read it to find out.
September 1, 2024
“Conquist” is a strong novel, using historical fact as a jumping off point for an original fantasy adventure which will intrigue many readers.
The actual history here is a very light touch, but it’s enough to lend veracity to the people and setting. The attitudes and behaviours are very typical of white men of this class and time. Combined with a realistic projection of the Incan natives’ own behaviour and attitudes, I found it believable and easy to sink into.
This veracity is helpful when Strasser plunges you into his fantasy world. You’re already engaged with strong and realistic characters, and it’s not a stretch to follow them into something fantastical.
The fantasy world is well imagined. The portrayal of other races is particularly vivid. It may not rouse much empathy in you – they’re deliberately portrayed as very alien to the humans in their attitudes and behaviours – but you’ll probably find them understandable.
Although there’s a fair bit of action here, there’s more than a few thoughtful questions underpinning the story. Cristobal becomes quite introspective at times, reflecting on the motivation and actions of not only himself, but his men. This gives the novel considerably more depth than if it relied on action alone.
Overall this is a great read. It’s fast moving and a lot happens, but there’s also a fair bit to think about. It’s vivid and original, and I enjoyed it a great deal.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
The actual history here is a very light touch, but it’s enough to lend veracity to the people and setting. The attitudes and behaviours are very typical of white men of this class and time. Combined with a realistic projection of the Incan natives’ own behaviour and attitudes, I found it believable and easy to sink into.
This veracity is helpful when Strasser plunges you into his fantasy world. You’re already engaged with strong and realistic characters, and it’s not a stretch to follow them into something fantastical.
The fantasy world is well imagined. The portrayal of other races is particularly vivid. It may not rouse much empathy in you – they’re deliberately portrayed as very alien to the humans in their attitudes and behaviours – but you’ll probably find them understandable.
Although there’s a fair bit of action here, there’s more than a few thoughtful questions underpinning the story. Cristobal becomes quite introspective at times, reflecting on the motivation and actions of not only himself, but his men. This gives the novel considerably more depth than if it relied on action alone.
Overall this is a great read. It’s fast moving and a lot happens, but there’s also a fair bit to think about. It’s vivid and original, and I enjoyed it a great deal.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
April 15, 2024
CONQUIST by Dirk Strasser
Dirk Strasser's latest novel, Conquist, is an ambitious and refreshingly different work. Authors who set their fantasy novels in worlds of their own creation do not have to do much research into settings, cultures and characters, but historical fantasies are a lot harder. Conquist is just such a fantasy, set in 1538, during the early decades of the Spanish conquest of the Incas. Strasser has risen to the challenge, having travelled to what remains of the Inca civilization in Peru, as well as doing some quite meticulous research.
The result is a novel that demonstrates how factions in many civilizations, in both the Americas and in Asia, used the arrival of European colonisers for their own political and economic advantage. In the case of South America, the newcomers were focussed on acquiring gold and Christian converts. One group of these conquistadors, led by Cristobal de Varga, discovers a portal into the parallel world of the winged, beautiful Duendes, and their troglodyte enemies, the Nakaqs.
Although it has been compared to Tolkein's The Lord of the Rings, for me Conquist is closer to Clavell's Shogunin themes, characterisation and the politics of cultural collision. Even though much of the novel explores the outlook and motivations of the Spanish invaders, it is still a well paced, entertaining read. Highly recommended.
Dirk Strasser's latest novel, Conquist, is an ambitious and refreshingly different work. Authors who set their fantasy novels in worlds of their own creation do not have to do much research into settings, cultures and characters, but historical fantasies are a lot harder. Conquist is just such a fantasy, set in 1538, during the early decades of the Spanish conquest of the Incas. Strasser has risen to the challenge, having travelled to what remains of the Inca civilization in Peru, as well as doing some quite meticulous research.
The result is a novel that demonstrates how factions in many civilizations, in both the Americas and in Asia, used the arrival of European colonisers for their own political and economic advantage. In the case of South America, the newcomers were focussed on acquiring gold and Christian converts. One group of these conquistadors, led by Cristobal de Varga, discovers a portal into the parallel world of the winged, beautiful Duendes, and their troglodyte enemies, the Nakaqs.
Although it has been compared to Tolkein's The Lord of the Rings, for me Conquist is closer to Clavell's Shogunin themes, characterisation and the politics of cultural collision. Even though much of the novel explores the outlook and motivations of the Spanish invaders, it is still a well paced, entertaining read. Highly recommended.
October 14, 2024
This fantasy tale builds on the history of the Spanish Conquistadors and their interaction (conquering) of the Incan Empire, but that’s just foundation. The author has created a fantasy tale whereby a group of Conquistadors, a Padre, a bunch of Spanish regulars, and Incan allies seek out the “other” Incans, with the goal of gaining gold. A LOT of goal. What they get instead is surprise, betrayal, and a parallel dimension with what I see as this author’s creative variation on the trope of Elves and Dwarves. But it’s QUITE the variation, and likely the best part of the story.
I found the writing to be OK. It didn’t suck me in, but there was nothing really wrong with it. I simply found it lacking sufficient complexity and depth to truly engage me. But I finished, which means there was certainly enough there for many readers.
One oddity in the writing that I found jarring was the author having characters use the occasional Spanish word, when I believe the characters were already speaking Spanish to each other (written in English for the readers benefit, of course). Each time this happened, it broke my flow in the story.
I will say the story finished with a bang, and I appreciated the solid and creative ending. Well done!
I found the writing to be OK. It didn’t suck me in, but there was nothing really wrong with it. I simply found it lacking sufficient complexity and depth to truly engage me. But I finished, which means there was certainly enough there for many readers.
One oddity in the writing that I found jarring was the author having characters use the occasional Spanish word, when I believe the characters were already speaking Spanish to each other (written in English for the readers benefit, of course). Each time this happened, it broke my flow in the story.
I will say the story finished with a bang, and I appreciated the solid and creative ending. Well done!
November 18, 2024
I happened to read Conquist at the same time I watched Graham Campbell’s Ancient Apocalypse on Netflix, which mentions in some detail certain mythologies and archeological legacies of the Inca, particularly in Sacsayhuamán. I’m not saying I believe all the conclusions Campbell puts out there, but I will admit I was glued to the TV and started researching some stuff obsessively.
Conquist served in some small part to further the fantastical elements of the mysterious structures that remain—and still left quite a bit to be desired in terms of information. Any novel that propels a reader further into a rabbit hole of reading and research gets high marks from me.
My thanks to the author, Roundfire Books, and Collective Ink for the review copy, for which I willingly give my own, honest opinion.
See the full review on my blog!
Blog / Instagram / Literal / BookBub
Conquist served in some small part to further the fantastical elements of the mysterious structures that remain—and still left quite a bit to be desired in terms of information. Any novel that propels a reader further into a rabbit hole of reading and research gets high marks from me.
My thanks to the author, Roundfire Books, and Collective Ink for the review copy, for which I willingly give my own, honest opinion.
See the full review on my blog!
Blog / Instagram / Literal / BookBub
June 14, 2024
I was given a copy of this book for early review from the publisher, Roundfire books.
I genuinely cannot remember the last time I read a portal fantasy title (maybe an unpublished book on Authonomy if anyone remembers that), let alone historical portal fantasy. While historical fantasy exists, Strasser's newest novel, Conquist, seems to go in a new and bold direction, blending the fantastical, historical, and ahistorical in a masterful sense. We follow our conflicted lead, Cristobal de Varga, following in the footsteps of Pizarro and Cortes, attempting to uncover Vilcabamba before being swept into a new world. Beset on all sides by enemies underneath a burning red sky, Cristobal has to navigate his allies, enemies and his own morality, in order to fight and survive. Strasser has created a tight and believable world to enter us into, and while this might be my first read of his, if the quality is similar across, then it won't be the last.
I genuinely cannot remember the last time I read a portal fantasy title (maybe an unpublished book on Authonomy if anyone remembers that), let alone historical portal fantasy. While historical fantasy exists, Strasser's newest novel, Conquist, seems to go in a new and bold direction, blending the fantastical, historical, and ahistorical in a masterful sense. We follow our conflicted lead, Cristobal de Varga, following in the footsteps of Pizarro and Cortes, attempting to uncover Vilcabamba before being swept into a new world. Beset on all sides by enemies underneath a burning red sky, Cristobal has to navigate his allies, enemies and his own morality, in order to fight and survive. Strasser has created a tight and believable world to enter us into, and while this might be my first read of his, if the quality is similar across, then it won't be the last.
September 19, 2024
Conquist blends, with great fidelity, the history of Spanish exploration and conquest in South America with a fantasy world filled with human-ish creatures with their own civilisation. This novel fits into a long tradition of lost world stories, but it’s not trying to ride the coat-tails of some other popular work or movie or just an idea floating around the zeitgeist. Its take on the lost world fantasy genre is original, and that alone makes it interesting. Strasser’s writing is spare and focused, with the focus never moving from the plot that keeps moving forward. This is intelligent but kinetic fiction. Things happen. Threads come together. The world and geographies—richly rendered—cohere. At no point do you find yourself zoned out, wondering what just happened or whether you should care enough to go back and re-read that page that is already just a blur. This is what fiction should be—engaging, locked in. It’s good.
November 11, 2024
Conquist is a historical fantasy that takes place in the 16th century in South America. Cristobal is our MMC who is a captain in the military. He is headed to Peru and one of his men finds a portal to another world. I loved the fantasy part of this story too! It reminds me of Lord of the Rings in a Spanish elves and dwarves way. That is my favorite type of fantasy writing. Cristobal must navigate this new and violent world with a huge number of enemies too.
There is a lot of history in this book, which history lovers will love! The characters were written realistic to the time period, like the white men in this book interacting with our main characters. The way the author describes the races are spot on and you feel like you are looking at the races through the character eyes. This is an action filled story about Cristobal who is thought filled and has a lot of depth to it overall. I look forward to more books from this author!
There is a lot of history in this book, which history lovers will love! The characters were written realistic to the time period, like the white men in this book interacting with our main characters. The way the author describes the races are spot on and you feel like you are looking at the races through the character eyes. This is an action filled story about Cristobal who is thought filled and has a lot of depth to it overall. I look forward to more books from this author!
June 4, 2024
I tore through Conquist in record time! It's a great blend of action and introspection that kept me glued to the pages.
The world-building is enticing and brings Nueva Tierra to life with vivid descriptions, making the fantastical creatures inspired by South American myths feel real and menacing.
Varga's journey of self-discovery resonated with me. His struggles with self-doubt and ambition felt genuine, and I found myself rooting for him even when his choices led him astray.
Conquist is more than just a thrilling adventure. It's a story about facing your inner demons and finding peace with who you are. It left me feeling reflective and entertained, which is a winning combination in my book.
Highly recommend! Especially if you enjoy fast-paced adventures with a touch of depth.
The world-building is enticing and brings Nueva Tierra to life with vivid descriptions, making the fantastical creatures inspired by South American myths feel real and menacing.
Varga's journey of self-discovery resonated with me. His struggles with self-doubt and ambition felt genuine, and I found myself rooting for him even when his choices led him astray.
Conquist is more than just a thrilling adventure. It's a story about facing your inner demons and finding peace with who you are. It left me feeling reflective and entertained, which is a winning combination in my book.
Highly recommend! Especially if you enjoy fast-paced adventures with a touch of depth.
June 16, 2024
What Are We Reading: Conquist, by Dirk Strasser
3.5/5 Golden Treasures Under Blood Red Skies
Give Me The Short Version: Who hasn't wanted magic entities to whomp the conquistadors back?
Follow de Varga, captain of the conquistadors as he unwittingly leads his gold-hungry men into the brutal trap of a supernatural land where they will be caught between political forces beyond their reckoning.
It's taken me longer than I thought to write this review, and reading through Conquist a couple of times, as it ultimately isn't my kind of book; but don't stop here because it 100% might be yours! Conquist is a fast paced historical-adventure-fantasy and won't have any trouble finding its audience among readers excited to be swept up in the dangers and wonders of a complex New World.
(note: I was fortunate enough to access an ARC of this book)
3.5/5 Golden Treasures Under Blood Red Skies
Give Me The Short Version: Who hasn't wanted magic entities to whomp the conquistadors back?
Follow de Varga, captain of the conquistadors as he unwittingly leads his gold-hungry men into the brutal trap of a supernatural land where they will be caught between political forces beyond their reckoning.
It's taken me longer than I thought to write this review, and reading through Conquist a couple of times, as it ultimately isn't my kind of book; but don't stop here because it 100% might be yours! Conquist is a fast paced historical-adventure-fantasy and won't have any trouble finding its audience among readers excited to be swept up in the dangers and wonders of a complex New World.
(note: I was fortunate enough to access an ARC of this book)
May 30, 2024
Conquist was an exciting find for me, as I love fantasy and history, and this novel combined them in a fascinating and unique way.
Interactions between Europeans and the indigenous peoples of the New World already feel like the first contact between alien civilizations, and this clever reimagining weaves an authentic period of history and a magical portal into another realm. The strange turn amplifies the awareness of what the conquistador's are doing, and the internal struggles and rivalries amongst the traveller's is exciting and profound.
I won't spoil the ending, but stakes are raised, challenges amplified, and the chance of redemption hangs just within reach. I loved this story, and highly recommend that you read it.
Interactions between Europeans and the indigenous peoples of the New World already feel like the first contact between alien civilizations, and this clever reimagining weaves an authentic period of history and a magical portal into another realm. The strange turn amplifies the awareness of what the conquistador's are doing, and the internal struggles and rivalries amongst the traveller's is exciting and profound.
I won't spoil the ending, but stakes are raised, challenges amplified, and the chance of redemption hangs just within reach. I loved this story, and highly recommend that you read it.
June 7, 2024
Conquist is a seamless mixture of well-researched history and fantasy, for adults. The world building is not overly complicated, and the internal logic is consistently delivered across various landscapes.
Strasser has created a place where it is hard to tell which sides are good or evil, where allegiances change, loves comes and go and where trust is a doubtful concept.
The novel does not wear out its welcome at 337 pages and appears to be a standalone and not part of a series.
Action and battle scenes abound. A satisfying read with a firm conclusion; the last page completes the cycle with the first page.
I was given an early copy of Conquist by the publisher Roundfire Books.
Strasser has created a place where it is hard to tell which sides are good or evil, where allegiances change, loves comes and go and where trust is a doubtful concept.
The novel does not wear out its welcome at 337 pages and appears to be a standalone and not part of a series.
Action and battle scenes abound. A satisfying read with a firm conclusion; the last page completes the cycle with the first page.
I was given an early copy of Conquist by the publisher Roundfire Books.
April 14, 2024
If you're after an historical fantasy set in a rather different time and locale from most historical fantasy, 'Conquist' is for you. If you're after a character driven adventure that doesn't neglect clever plotting and pacing, 'Conquist' is for you. If you're after an imaginative narrative that astounds, amazes and ultimately satisfies, 'Conquist' is for you.
Dirk Strasser knows how to tell a story that inveigles, intrigues and inspires and takes every reader on an unforgettable journey. This isn't a run of the mill Fantasy - it's special.
Dirk Strasser knows how to tell a story that inveigles, intrigues and inspires and takes every reader on an unforgettable journey. This isn't a run of the mill Fantasy - it's special.
February 28, 2024
This was an intriguing read. Having spent time in Peru, including Macchu Pichu, I was immediately in that land, though would have liked more description of the settings. I loved the interspersing of the Captain's diary. The characters were compelling though, other than the hero, could have done with more depth. There was little emotion shown but that made for a fast paced plot which was well rounded at the end. A good mix of spec fic with historical fiction.
May 23, 2024
Conquist is a deeply engaging novel with intriguing characters, a tense and thought-provoking plot, and imaginative world-building. I have enjoyed immersing myself in the pictorial narrative and watching the words unfold into a suspense movie.
Highly recommended to those who are looking for not just a well-written storyline, but also a distinct style of writing with beauty in simplicity. Or anyone looking to just escape reality for a short while.
Highly recommended to those who are looking for not just a well-written storyline, but also a distinct style of writing with beauty in simplicity. Or anyone looking to just escape reality for a short while.
September 20, 2024
There are plenty of ‘portal’ fantasies – stories of ordinary people who walk through a magical gateway that take them to a fantasy world. In Conquist, Australian speculative fiction author Dirk Strasser takes this idea and does something new with it. For a start, he sets the action in South America and opens with the sacking of Machu Picchu by the Spanish in the sixteenth century. And secondly, his main characters are conquistadors, Spanish explorers and invaders who felt it was their right to conquer the ‘New World’, And then Strasser asks the question – what if that new world was actually a completely new world?
The central figure of Conquist is Cristóbal de Varga and it is the discovery of fragments of his diaries that powers the narrative. De Varga has a plan to install the Incan Huarcay, as ruler of the Incas under his command and de Varga is also obsessed with the man’s sister Sarpay. But the Incans have other plans, and conspire to lead de Varga and his men through a portal on the basis that it will lead him to his enemy and a mythical city of gold. Once through the portal, de Varga and his men find themselves in a literal new world and well out of their depth, although given their inherent idea of Spanish superiority it takes them a while to understand just how far.
Conquist is a fascinating mash up of historical fiction and fantasy tropes. Strasser plays on his protagonists’ prejudices placing them between war-like, bearded ñakaq and the angelic, winged duende who have been locked in a generations-long war of attrition. And then finding that appearances are not quite what they seem. Thrown into this conflict is not only the conquistadors and their quest for gold and power but their priest intent on converting both sides to Christianity.
Most portal fantasies feature either ordinary people, essentially reader surrogates, entering a magical world and learning its rules or a character entering the portal being some sort of ‘chosen one’. Think of classics like the Narnia books, Alice in Wonderland or the Wizard of Oz. Conquist eschews this approach and instead explores this fantasy world through a particular world view – the Spanish in their time of conquest – and they are certainly not saviours, although they do impact on the status quo. This approach provides for a unique and fascinating fantasy adventure – one that explores themes of colonialism, belief and obsession.
The central figure of Conquist is Cristóbal de Varga and it is the discovery of fragments of his diaries that powers the narrative. De Varga has a plan to install the Incan Huarcay, as ruler of the Incas under his command and de Varga is also obsessed with the man’s sister Sarpay. But the Incans have other plans, and conspire to lead de Varga and his men through a portal on the basis that it will lead him to his enemy and a mythical city of gold. Once through the portal, de Varga and his men find themselves in a literal new world and well out of their depth, although given their inherent idea of Spanish superiority it takes them a while to understand just how far.
Conquist is a fascinating mash up of historical fiction and fantasy tropes. Strasser plays on his protagonists’ prejudices placing them between war-like, bearded ñakaq and the angelic, winged duende who have been locked in a generations-long war of attrition. And then finding that appearances are not quite what they seem. Thrown into this conflict is not only the conquistadors and their quest for gold and power but their priest intent on converting both sides to Christianity.
Most portal fantasies feature either ordinary people, essentially reader surrogates, entering a magical world and learning its rules or a character entering the portal being some sort of ‘chosen one’. Think of classics like the Narnia books, Alice in Wonderland or the Wizard of Oz. Conquist eschews this approach and instead explores this fantasy world through a particular world view – the Spanish in their time of conquest – and they are certainly not saviours, although they do impact on the status quo. This approach provides for a unique and fascinating fantasy adventure – one that explores themes of colonialism, belief and obsession.
February 14, 2025
I liked that it was fast paced and loaded with action. The characters were always interacting with npc or the environment and that being said the book kept your attention. Hearing that this was a high fantasy book with that small of a page count(375) i was surprised and grateful. I missed the world build though. I didn’t feel fully in the moment. I missed the place descriptions so the visual imagery i usually get when reading these kind of books wasn’t there. 3.5 stars.
February 25, 2025
At this point you know what you're getting with Dirk Strasser - fantastic world building, well draw characters and some truly great writing. The award winning author has created another great read. I really enjoyed the journey of Cristóbal de Varga. I don't read much historical fiction but I loved the setting and the fantasy aspects really drew me to the novel. There are lots of characters in this novel so keep a notepad handy! Highly recommended.
May 22, 2024
Dirk Strasser’s Conquist is a riveting historical odyssey with deep characters, like Ithilia, the gold-winged leader of the duendes—‘her face shimmering like sunlight on water’, and how she befuddles Capitán Cristóbal de Varga, the captain of the conquistadors. Cruel and tender. A stunning novel of conquest and magic. Enchantment splashed with darkness and light.
May 31, 2024
For all lovers of history meets fantasy. Conquist by Dirk Strasser is a thoroughly enjoyable book that takes the reader on a creative adventure that includes everything from conquistadors to ñakaqs and the fantastical winged duende. If you would like to take a journey in an alternate world, this is the novel to read.
Note - I was given an early copy of Conquist by the publisher Roundfire Books.
Note - I was given an early copy of Conquist by the publisher Roundfire Books.
June 8, 2024
Conquist is a compelling read that successfully straddles a number of genres. The historical aspects are well researched and blend seamlessly with the amazing new world of Nueva Tierra. Strasser’s characters are deep, complex and sometimes flawed. If you are looking for fantasy that is a cut above the rest this is the book for you. A thoroughly satisfying read that will hold you right to the last pages which won’t disappoint. Highly recommended
February 3, 2025
This was a great action-packed read.
The characters draw the reader in as you became invested in their lives.
The writing is great and managed to bring the story to life with a great world building.
The plot is interesting and brings you to the edge of your seat a number of times. Which at times is a little frightening and overwhelming in a good way.
Don't miss it!
The characters draw the reader in as you became invested in their lives.
The writing is great and managed to bring the story to life with a great world building.
The plot is interesting and brings you to the edge of your seat a number of times. Which at times is a little frightening and overwhelming in a good way.
Don't miss it!
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