★★★★★ 5
Graham Hancock has woven a compelling tale of historical fiction that does not feel like history or fiction
Format: Kindle
This has been a relentless and compelling read from page one and comes from one of the most innovative thinkers of our time. Graham Hancock has woven a compelling tale of historical fiction that does not feel like history or fiction. Its characters are real and relatable for their humanity, their virtues, their vices, and their corruption. I especially enjoy his characterization of Montezuma and Cortes, two iconic characters from the pages of history who become living, breathing, understandable humans for the readers. The supernatural elements of the story are undeniably present, but they are handled in a way that blends into the tapestry of the story rather than as silly plot devices. Also, those same supernatural elements help throw into sharper relief the unimaginable brutality and horror of which both of these great civilizations on a collision course were capable. The violence is brutal and horrific, no doubt, but for me the gentleness and humanity of the author in describing it softens its impact. Also, even though the book ventures into some very dark, cruel times in human history, the goodness and humanity of many of the characters prevents the story from becoming a tale of despair or hopelessness. I am a fan of Graham Hancock's non-fiction work, and this book firmly cements him as a fiction author I will be revisiting. Superb!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2015


