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The Aztec Chronicles #1
Obsidian Puma
Little did Miztli’s father know when he decided to send his promising youngest son to the Great Capital of the Aztecs in hopes of a better future. A miner from a small village, he believed that, in the big city, the boy might have a chance at developing his talents, becoming a metalworker and not just a simple miner or a peasant like the rest of the family. A glorious future for a simple villager, as shiny as the golden-copper jewelry his son would be producing after learning the intricate trade.
However, the great island capital with its towering pyramids and gushing industrial life was busy with its internal politics, disdainful of foreigners, especially barefoot villagers among those, indifferent to their small aspirations. A civil war was brewing, preying on everyone’s minds, and when the actual trouble erupted Miztli found himself in the heart of it, swept by the powerful surge that cared nothing for his private frustrations with the big city, thrown in with the most unexpected company: from pretty Chantli, the workshop owner’s daughter, to a pair of adventure-seeking noble school pupils Necalli and Axolin, to the wildest kid of them all, Ahuitzotl, the youngest brother of none other than the Emperor himself.
A fun escapade of sneaking into the underground tunnel full of hidden weaponry and other anticipated treasures turned out to be not as harmless as they expected, pitting them against ruthless smugglers and worse, unleashing a series of events none of them could have foreseen or foretold.
However, the great island capital with its towering pyramids and gushing industrial life was busy with its internal politics, disdainful of foreigners, especially barefoot villagers among those, indifferent to their small aspirations. A civil war was brewing, preying on everyone’s minds, and when the actual trouble erupted Miztli found himself in the heart of it, swept by the powerful surge that cared nothing for his private frustrations with the big city, thrown in with the most unexpected company: from pretty Chantli, the workshop owner’s daughter, to a pair of adventure-seeking noble school pupils Necalli and Axolin, to the wildest kid of them all, Ahuitzotl, the youngest brother of none other than the Emperor himself.
A fun escapade of sneaking into the underground tunnel full of hidden weaponry and other anticipated treasures turned out to be not as harmless as they expected, pitting them against ruthless smugglers and worse, unleashing a series of events none of them could have foreseen or foretold.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2016
60 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Saadia
32 books332 followersZoe Saadia is the author of several novels of pre-Columbian Americas. From the architects of the Aztec Empire to the founders of the Iroquois Great League, from the towering pyramids of the Mexican Valley to the longhouses of the Great Lakes, her novels bring long-forgotten history, cultures and people to life, tracing pivotal events that brought about the greatness of North and Mesoamerica.
Having researched various pre-contact cultures of this continent for more than a decade, she is convinced that it's a shame that such a large part of history was completely overlooked, by historical fiction most of all. Both Americas had an extremely rich, diverse, fascinating history long before this continent came in contact with the rest of the world.
So her professional motto is set. America has not been 'discovered', not yet. Maybe not ever :-)
Having researched various pre-contact cultures of this continent for more than a decade, she is convinced that it's a shame that such a large part of history was completely overlooked, by historical fiction most of all. Both Americas had an extremely rich, diverse, fascinating history long before this continent came in contact with the rest of the world.
So her professional motto is set. America has not been 'discovered', not yet. Maybe not ever :-)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 19, 2016
Highly enjoyable! Loved the Aztec teens' antics. From nobility to 'barefoot' commoners teens will always be teens, curious, mischievous, bored at school, up to no good if they can help it. The political aspect added to the story, made it into proper historical fiction and not just periodical piece. Hope the next book comes out soon
December 8, 2016
Fascinating, fast-paced, can't wait to read the sequel (can't decide if it's a cliff-hanger ending or not)
January 10, 2017
I enjoyed this yet another dive into the Aztec world, long forgotten and inaccessible but through those stories. Compelling, well-plotted, and yet again full of characters you care about. Terrific adventures for teens, and not only
May 4, 2021
Where to even start? This book was...okay.
Our setting is Tenochtitlan, mid-15th century. Our characters are a couple of students from the noble school as well as one metal worker who gets into the adventure by chance, and two members of the family he works with.
I was excited about reading a book set in Tenochtitlan! I did not expect anything historically accurate or anything too complex but I did expect a good story. What I got was some really well researched facts about Tenochtitlan, the culture, the way that society was set up and the conflict between the capital and the neighboring communities. What I did not get was a well-told story. I struggled to imagine the places that the author was describing. Where is the calmecac? Where is the tunnel? It really made my ability to be immersed in the story difficult. The characters were interesting. I wanted to know more about them and their development and some of them got a bit of that (Necalli and Chantli) but others were flat and we didn't get to know much more about them than the small role they played at key points (even if they were part of the group in the adventure the whole time, Patli, I'm lookng at you).
I feel like in search of remaining historically accurate, the story and the characters suffered. I wish the author had taken the reins of the story more and given us a complete story, beginning to end, as well. The ending well... where is the ending? XD
I understand that this is the first book in a series but...no. And don't get me wrong, I did enjoy learning about the culture and the characters went on a very interesting adventure but it was just not enough for me to give it a higher rating.
I would recommend it to anyone interested in prehispanic culture in Tenochtitlan, the later chapters had great descriptions of warriors using various weapons in a contest and that was really the best part of the book.
Our setting is Tenochtitlan, mid-15th century. Our characters are a couple of students from the noble school as well as one metal worker who gets into the adventure by chance, and two members of the family he works with.
I was excited about reading a book set in Tenochtitlan! I did not expect anything historically accurate or anything too complex but I did expect a good story. What I got was some really well researched facts about Tenochtitlan, the culture, the way that society was set up and the conflict between the capital and the neighboring communities. What I did not get was a well-told story. I struggled to imagine the places that the author was describing. Where is the calmecac? Where is the tunnel? It really made my ability to be immersed in the story difficult. The characters were interesting. I wanted to know more about them and their development and some of them got a bit of that (Necalli and Chantli) but others were flat and we didn't get to know much more about them than the small role they played at key points (even if they were part of the group in the adventure the whole time, Patli, I'm lookng at you).
I feel like in search of remaining historically accurate, the story and the characters suffered. I wish the author had taken the reins of the story more and given us a complete story, beginning to end, as well. The ending well... where is the ending? XD
I understand that this is the first book in a series but...no. And don't get me wrong, I did enjoy learning about the culture and the characters went on a very interesting adventure but it was just not enough for me to give it a higher rating.
I would recommend it to anyone interested in prehispanic culture in Tenochtitlan, the later chapters had great descriptions of warriors using various weapons in a contest and that was really the best part of the book.
June 20, 2018
Artfully Blended
Zoe Saadia does a wonderful job blending interesting fiction with historical facts. I get an enjoyable experience as I gain a good sense of this historical period! I’m looking forward to growing closer to the characters in this series as I have with other characters in some of her other series.
Zoe Saadia does a wonderful job blending interesting fiction with historical facts. I get an enjoyable experience as I gain a good sense of this historical period! I’m looking forward to growing closer to the characters in this series as I have with other characters in some of her other series.
April 13, 2017
OBSIDIAN PUMA
(The Aztec Chronicles Book 1)
Zoe Saadia
Reviewed by Author Roy Murry
Young people become of age differently. During the time of the growth of the Aztec nations, a young woman of fourteen summers depending on which layer of the caste system, he or she would be in school or working in a shop learning a trade.
In Ms. Saadia’s novel, each child is representative of the royalty, middle, and working class and a female child of the working class bring the adventure together. The boys go out to looking for hidden caves, putting themselves in grave danger returning home with different types of wounds. One is missing through the night into the next day.
During the second sojourn, Chanti, the young lady takes charge of the group looking for the lost boy, who is more man than the others. We get to know the character of each member’s strengths and weakness.
The Aztec class system is at issue within the interaction of the members confronting the common enemy of their city-state. A lesson they learn is that a civilization needs complementary abilities to survive.
One member rises from a near death occasion, bringing about an ending that leads into new horizons for all the young people involved. The adventure binds them and the future of their country.
Ms. Saadia’s storytelling brings out the time and place of the Aztec Nation without being historically boring. Contrary, the lives of these adventurers is enjoyable and endearingly well done. Great lead in of a series.
(The Aztec Chronicles Book 1)
Zoe Saadia
Reviewed by Author Roy Murry
Young people become of age differently. During the time of the growth of the Aztec nations, a young woman of fourteen summers depending on which layer of the caste system, he or she would be in school or working in a shop learning a trade.
In Ms. Saadia’s novel, each child is representative of the royalty, middle, and working class and a female child of the working class bring the adventure together. The boys go out to looking for hidden caves, putting themselves in grave danger returning home with different types of wounds. One is missing through the night into the next day.
During the second sojourn, Chanti, the young lady takes charge of the group looking for the lost boy, who is more man than the others. We get to know the character of each member’s strengths and weakness.
The Aztec class system is at issue within the interaction of the members confronting the common enemy of their city-state. A lesson they learn is that a civilization needs complementary abilities to survive.
One member rises from a near death occasion, bringing about an ending that leads into new horizons for all the young people involved. The adventure binds them and the future of their country.
Ms. Saadia’s storytelling brings out the time and place of the Aztec Nation without being historically boring. Contrary, the lives of these adventurers is enjoyable and endearingly well done. Great lead in of a series.
December 13, 2016
Good read (for teens but good enough to keep that old reader enjoying)
July 8, 2017
Being an apprentice in Tenochtitlan is only slightly better than being a slave, even if the master is your uncle, but ItzMiztli wanted to do the best he could to make his father proud and to learn the copper trade. All those good intentions are suddenly gone when he is offered to join some other young people in exploring some hidden parts of the town. This adventure seems to spiral out of control as they encounter far more than expected. In this well written story we see bravery, cowardice, treachery, and politics. It is interesting to see who displays leadership, intelligence and bravery and who does not. After reading this book I am ready for more adventures with these characters!
September 17, 2017
Venture into the Aztec Empire just before an outbreak of war. The Obsidian Puma, #1 in the Aztec Chronicles, is a joy to read, a fresh and engaging journey into a world of myth and unfamiliar legend. The oncoming civil war worries everyone. Young Miztli becomes embroiled with thrown in with the pretty Chantli, the workshop owner’s daughter, young nobles seeking adventure. And they do find it, swept up in the trials of Ahuitzotl, the youngest brother of the emperor . . .
Great fun from an estimable you talent. If you read one of Zoe Saadia's Aztec books, you'll want more.
Great fun from an estimable you talent. If you read one of Zoe Saadia's Aztec books, you'll want more.
November 20, 2017
Obsidian Puma is an epic tale full of interesting characters. The hero is an Aztec boy named Miztli. His father sends him to the Great Capital of the Aztecs in the hope he will have a better future than in the village. But war is coming and the boy gets involved in dangerous situations. The book is full of politics and adventure. The culture and customs are well described. If you like historical fiction, you will enjoy this one.
March 13, 2018
Great Beginning to a New Series
This is a well-crafted historical novel set in the pre-Columbian era. Miztli leaves his small village and goes to the Great Capital, hoping for a better future. The city isn’t that welcoming and a civil war is brewing. When trouble does emerge, he finds himself in strange company. He goes with them on a fun exploit that leads to some unsavory characters and danger. This is a spellbinding tale full of twists and turns. A real page-turner. Good read!
This is a well-crafted historical novel set in the pre-Columbian era. Miztli leaves his small village and goes to the Great Capital, hoping for a better future. The city isn’t that welcoming and a civil war is brewing. When trouble does emerge, he finds himself in strange company. He goes with them on a fun exploit that leads to some unsavory characters and danger. This is a spellbinding tale full of twists and turns. A real page-turner. Good read!
June 16, 2018
Fascinating. The depth of the story is really great!
February 12, 2024
Very slow action wise until the last few chapters.
October 30, 2025
2,75 stars
December 14, 2016
Good start to new series
January 2, 2017
Wonderful, full of action. Left me hanging
February 3, 2017
Zoe continues to be one of my favorite authors. This new series is just as good, if not better, than the last. I love how tradition, ritual, and custom are woven into the fascinating stories with characters we bond with while reading. Keep them coming Zoe!
January 16, 2017
Obsidian Puma (The Aztec Chronicles Book 1) Kindle Edition
by Zoe Saadia
An excellent Aztec adventure, superbly crafted with amazing historical detail.
Extremely well written and looking forward to Book 2 of the The Aztec Chronicles.
Superb Aztec adventure.
by Zoe Saadia
An excellent Aztec adventure, superbly crafted with amazing historical detail.
Extremely well written and looking forward to Book 2 of the The Aztec Chronicles.
Superb Aztec adventure.
December 27, 2016
Great! Loved the interaction between the boys and their growing friendship despite their differences. Chantli was my favorite tho, love her drive and strength and honesty
January 31, 2017
Good series, not only for teens
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews