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Pre-Aztec #3
The Warrior's Way
The small Aztecs island is busy trying to gain its independence, while helping the Tepanecs expand their Empire, engaging in more and more wars.
Yet, the Great Empire's interests are not always going along with our heroes' goals. While trying to achieve their aims, they find themselves on different unexpected paths, each fraught with losses and danger.
Yet, the Great Empire's interests are not always going along with our heroes' goals. While trying to achieve their aims, they find themselves on different unexpected paths, each fraught with losses and danger.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2012
About the author
Zoe Saadia
32 books330 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 29, 2015
This last of the pre Aztec series takes place mostly in the Tepanec capital of Azcapotzalco. Atolli has returned from Tenochtitlan a changed man after his experiences there, he has a purpose and is determined to make his mark. Mecatl has fallen in love with a rescued slave girl, Mino, who arrives with them and their new recruits.
Atolli has been offered the position of leading warrior by the Aztec ruler if he succeeds in conquering the targeted settlements during his raids with his band of Aztec warriors. He sees this as a great opportunity now, but can’t go back to Tenochtitlan other than with permission for the Aztecs to campaign independently. Azcapotzalco needs a new Chief Warlord and Ocelotlzin, the Emperor’s nephew, is being considered for the position. He is not alone in resisting independence for the Aztecs.
"His father shrugged. “There are Tepanecs who see this island nation as a threat, although they are not many. Most see the Aztecs as barbarians with no finesse. I used to share this opinion, although I’m not so sure about that now. Their history to date was not inspiring, starting from their nomadic ancestry and ending with the flayed princess of Culhuacan. They make good warriors, and that is why they are tolerated. I don’t see how they could be a threat to us, a small nation stuck on a pitiful island…”
Tecpatl, in a fairly untenable position as Adviser to the Emperor and subject to his whims, hates the politics and unscrupulousness he’s subjected to. While using his influence and trying to further Atolli’s cause he incurs the displeasure of the Emperor and Tecpatl’s fortunes decline rapidly.
These are such well crafted narratives with wonderfully developed and engaging personalities. As always, Zoe Saadia writes excellent and absorbing stories, imaginative and detailed, bringing the characters to life vividly. Informative and enjoyable at the same time, a great way to learn about history.
The ending is superb, dramatic and quite moving. I love getting so immersed in a story that the characters feel completely real. A fascinating and insightful glimpse into history and the daily life and customs of the Mesoamericans, pre conquest. Life is very unpredictable and circumstances can change suddenly as Tecpatl and his family discover. It’s a very male dominated, polygamous society where women are relegated to caring for home and children, cooking and weaving. Some are unfortunate enough to sold as slaves. Worshipping gods and making sacrifices to appease or ask for favours is a standard practice. It’ll be interesting to see how, or if, life changes with the advance of the Aztec civilisation.
The series leaves the Aztecs poised to become the dominant force, beginning with book one of The Rise of the Aztecs series, The Highlander.
My thanks to Zoe Saadia for complimentary copies of the books. This does not influence/alter my opinion or the content of this review.
Atolli has been offered the position of leading warrior by the Aztec ruler if he succeeds in conquering the targeted settlements during his raids with his band of Aztec warriors. He sees this as a great opportunity now, but can’t go back to Tenochtitlan other than with permission for the Aztecs to campaign independently. Azcapotzalco needs a new Chief Warlord and Ocelotlzin, the Emperor’s nephew, is being considered for the position. He is not alone in resisting independence for the Aztecs.
"His father shrugged. “There are Tepanecs who see this island nation as a threat, although they are not many. Most see the Aztecs as barbarians with no finesse. I used to share this opinion, although I’m not so sure about that now. Their history to date was not inspiring, starting from their nomadic ancestry and ending with the flayed princess of Culhuacan. They make good warriors, and that is why they are tolerated. I don’t see how they could be a threat to us, a small nation stuck on a pitiful island…”
Tecpatl, in a fairly untenable position as Adviser to the Emperor and subject to his whims, hates the politics and unscrupulousness he’s subjected to. While using his influence and trying to further Atolli’s cause he incurs the displeasure of the Emperor and Tecpatl’s fortunes decline rapidly.
These are such well crafted narratives with wonderfully developed and engaging personalities. As always, Zoe Saadia writes excellent and absorbing stories, imaginative and detailed, bringing the characters to life vividly. Informative and enjoyable at the same time, a great way to learn about history.
The ending is superb, dramatic and quite moving. I love getting so immersed in a story that the characters feel completely real. A fascinating and insightful glimpse into history and the daily life and customs of the Mesoamericans, pre conquest. Life is very unpredictable and circumstances can change suddenly as Tecpatl and his family discover. It’s a very male dominated, polygamous society where women are relegated to caring for home and children, cooking and weaving. Some are unfortunate enough to sold as slaves. Worshipping gods and making sacrifices to appease or ask for favours is a standard practice. It’ll be interesting to see how, or if, life changes with the advance of the Aztec civilisation.
The series leaves the Aztecs poised to become the dominant force, beginning with book one of The Rise of the Aztecs series, The Highlander.
My thanks to Zoe Saadia for complimentary copies of the books. This does not influence/alter my opinion or the content of this review.
July 17, 2012
Zoie Saadia brings us back into a world rarely written about, and creatively mastered in her novels. In The Warrior's Way, we stand on the cusp of a new era; the largest, most dominant empire known to the Americas before the coming of the Europeans is set to take the stage, ready to grow from a small, isolated subject-people to a force of Mesoamerica. Zoie's writing style brings to life this amazing period through relateable characters, dramatic and dynamic relationships, and page-turning action. Her research shows through in her writing, as she drops small tidbits of information casually into text that help set the stage and establish that this is an author who most certainly has done her research on her topic.
She writes with a passion for this era, and these people, that make her body of work a must-read for anybody interested in Pre-Colombian fiction, or just historical fiction in general. This book most certainly does not disappoint in that collection, building upon the continuing drama from the previous two to create an exciting, detailed historical novel.
She writes with a passion for this era, and these people, that make her body of work a must-read for anybody interested in Pre-Colombian fiction, or just historical fiction in general. This book most certainly does not disappoint in that collection, building upon the continuing drama from the previous two to create an exciting, detailed historical novel.
June 21, 2012
I’ve really enjoyed reading Author Zoe Saadia’s “Pre-Aztec Series.” I’ve long had an interest in the historical eras of the Aztec and the Inca, and Ms. Saadia brings so vividly to life the characters, the settings, and the events. Perhaps it is being older now that inspires me to awareness of the sociological underpinnings of these novels, and to draw parallels to other historical societies (such as the European Middle Ages, and the at-that-time-still in the future Spanish Conquest), and to contemporary society with all its foibles.
Ms. Saadia makes history readable, enjoyable, and readily accessible. No longer can the subject be considered dry or untimely. I recommend this quartet of novels, and hope to read more from this accomplished author in future.
Ms. Saadia makes history readable, enjoyable, and readily accessible. No longer can the subject be considered dry or untimely. I recommend this quartet of novels, and hope to read more from this accomplished author in future.
September 8, 2012
This was a wild ride , many surprising twists in the stories.Every time you think your favorite characters are heading in one direction they slip down a different road.The nobility had such low opinions and value on lower classes,each life was valued less for what they did and more for how they died.through all this romances flourish and Heroes emerge ..there are crooked politicians and military genius all teaching about a lost culture .Totally brought the past world to life!
January 25, 2018
I continue to be amazed at the enjoyment I experience while reading Zoe's books! Normally, after reading multiple stories written by the same author, I can fairly accurately anticipate what will happen next. However, while reading Zoe's books, I'm completely involved until the end! She does a terrific job of making not only the characters, but also the setting and events realistic. I'm on to another series written by Zoe Saadia ...
April 20, 2014
Another wonderful Historical fiction by Zoe Saadia. I learn much by the characters from different cultures interacting. In being so dismissive of the others culture and religion, it helps to illuminate what those cultures and religions are all about.
July 22, 2014
Action story.
This is an action story of a Tepeniac warrior family. The story is about their daily life and customs in the valley of central Mexico in the 14th century. A must read. well written.
This is an action story of a Tepeniac warrior family. The story is about their daily life and customs in the valley of central Mexico in the 14th century. A must read. well written.
January 3, 2016
Lovely and lively read
Diving deeply into pre-Columbian Mexico the novel reveals in depth characters who reach out to us across time. The novel is an easy read, hard to set down, and demanding the story continue.
Diving deeply into pre-Columbian Mexico the novel reveals in depth characters who reach out to us across time. The novel is an easy read, hard to set down, and demanding the story continue.
June 23, 2012
A wonderful end to the Pre-Aztec series. All the unexpected had happened, keeping me turning pages deep into the night
September 27, 2013
A wonderful end to the series. Everything unexpected happened!
September 19, 2014
Fascinating and well researched, I have enjoyed delving into the life and times of the pre-Aztec civilization with our fearless leader.
January 25, 2015
good series!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews