Aztec is a 1980 historical fiction novel written by gary jennings. It also gives a remarkable vision of how the aztec empire may have been as the hero is variously, scribe, warrior, trader, traveler and interpreter. Can anyone reccomend any good books to read about the aztec empire. In 1980, after the successful novel aztec, he specialized in writing adult historical fiction. After the spanish conquest, mixtli is asked by the bishop of new spain to tell his life story to a group of friars who are recording his story for the king of spain. Can anyone reccomend any good books to read about the. Aztec myths, legends, and heroes by cecilia villarreal on prezi. There is also a link to the publishers website in the back of the book, which is still up and has some great graphics for aztec studies.
In the opening pages of jenningss aztec massive, audacious historical novel about the gothic conquest of the roman empire, thorn, the hermaphrodite heroheroine, is seduced first by a monk and then by a nun. Can anyone reccomend any good books to read about the aztec. Anastasia martinez, a beautiful, young, twentyfive year old american citizen gets lost in mexico after her friends mysteriously disappear in the aztec canals that once was responsible. Overlong and gratuitously sexy and grotesquebut also highly entertainingfinish to jenningss trilogy of valiant aztec indian heroes who use their wits, cultural heritage, and sexual wiles to turn the tables on the conquering spaniards. Gary jenningss aztec is the extraordinary story of the last and greatest native. The triumphant, controversial life of the aztec woman malinali is one of the great and enduring legends of mexico. May 16, 2006 gary jenningss aztec is the extraordinary story of the last and greatest native civilization of north america. Having watched the gruesome autodafc of dark cloud, the doomed, conflicted hero of aztec, tenamxtli, dark clouds. They may portray humans grappling with supernatural forces. Sep 18, 2012 historical fiction and the aztecs my preaztec series ended toward the second half of the 14th century, leaving mexican valley under the stern rule of the tepanec empire.
Aztec and millions of other books are available for amazon kindle. Are there any good books on the aztec empire or its fall. Gary jennings books list of books by author gary jennings. It does not give the kind of overall aztec history you may want, but it is a fascinating firsthand story of the earliest contacts between european and aztec civilizations. Janvier gutenberg text, illustrated html, and page images the aztec treasurehouse. It is the highly lengthy life story of a noble aztec more properly mexica man named mixtli, or dark cloud. His ability to write almost native teenage prose and weave together the ancient and modern has made him a. Articles relating to the depiction of the aztec civilisation in fiction. One of the little works that actually explains why aztecs should not be confused with mexicas, this is a must for anyone who wants a real look into mexican prehispanic history. Feb 08, 2019 find out what it was like to grow up as an aztec kid. It is the first of two novels jennings wrote in the aztec series.
The book is called aztec, and the book is not about aztecs, it is about mexica. Maybe it was the difference, between the reading and listening, or even comparing it with aztec, but i just didnt really love this one. Rick riordan on writing, fiction, and mythology rick riordan is an instantly recognizable name among young readers. Even his refusal to take an additional wife, a necessary thing for a man of his status, especially if his woman was a barbarian imported from the distant lands of anasazi, did nothing to hinder his. Epic tale, with great research in a wonderful novel. Aztec myth this myth refers to how the moon and the sun were created. The earth was dark, the sun and the moon didnt exist. Its cruel and raw, adventurous and passionate, at times even perverse, and in the end heart breaking.
Both are very good and i could not recommend a better nonfiction account. In the opening pages of jenningss aztec massive, audacious historical novel about the gothic conquest of the roman empire, thorn, the hermaphrodite hero heroine, is seduced first by a monk and th. Jones, a cowboy just tagging along for the fun of it, to get rid of a cursed aztec artifact. A scifi adventure novel about min, a teenage fox spirit, who runs away to solve the mystery of what. The index in the book is a nice addition containing vocabulary related to the aztec culture including their diet. Gary jenningss aztec is the extraordinary story of the last and greatest. Duran 1579 book of the gods and rites and the ancient calendar horacasitas and heyden trans. The highlander by zoe saadia, aztec by gary jennings, the fall of the empire by zoe saadia, crossing worlds by zoe saadia, t. He befriends a spanish notary who understands the aztec language and begins to learn spanish in a mission. The myths of mexico and peru, by lewis spence illustrated html at filed under. Meztli was coming of age, and she believed it to be an honor to sacrifice herself.
For the legend of vanilla, follow the link on our aztec links teachers and older students page though virginia cano has a gentler version for 3 aztec myths, rewritten for children as part of the yalenew haven teachers institute resource bank usa by lorna dils, follow the same link and look for aztec mythology. I was worried at first that it might be an indiana jones style adventure that relies on popular rather than accurate information about the aztecs, but this looks to be well researched as. Apr 12, 2016 gary jenningss aztec is the extraordinary story of the last and greatest native civilization of north america told in the words of one of the most robust and memorable characters in modern fiction, mixtlidark cloud, aztec reveals the very depths of aztec civilization from the peak and featherbanner splendor of the aztec capital of tenochtitlan to the arrival of hernan cortas and his. Growing up is tough for todays fictional heroes books. Some of the gruesome aspects of aztec culture are touched upon but not dwelt on. The story of mixtli is the story of the aztecs themselvesa compelling, epic tale of heroic dignity and a colossal civilizations rise and fall. Pages in category aztecs in fiction the following 29 pages are in this category, out of 29 total.
There is an ongoing commentary by the bishop while. This study guide consists of approximately 60 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of aztec. I dont read fiction for funi try to read novels that express some fundamental part of the human condition or some hard won truth. U oklahoma press sahagun 1569 general history of the things of new spain, book. In the aztec life it was required to offer yourself as sacrifice to the gods at the age of 17.
I alert kids that historical fiction and written accounts of history are different. A typical culture hero might be credited as the discoverer of fire, or agriculture, songs, tradition, law or religion, and is usually the most important legendary figure of a people, sometimes as the founder of its ruling dynasty. Mixtli is brought in by the catholic bishop to talk about his life. Mar 20, 2007 it also gives a remarkable vision of how the aztec empire may have been as the hero is variously, scribe, warrior, trader, traveler and interpreter. Uneven, comparatively brief sequel to jenningss epic historical tale aztec 1980. The legendary aztec civilization is here brought to life in blazing color, as the author traces the story of one of the most extraordinary love affairs of history. Oct 18, 2017 quibbling aside, there are a few traits common to dark fantasy stories. Gary jennings september 20, 1928 february, 1999 was an american author who wrote childrens and adult novels. Told in the words of one of the most robust and memorable characters in modern fiction, mixtlidark cloud, aztec reveals the very depths of aztec civilization from the peak and featherbanner splendor of the aztec capital of tenochtitlan to the arrival of hernan cortes and his.
This list is mostly for nonromanceerotica, things like mysteries, thrillers, etc. Aztec rage is an extraordinary novel for the accuracy of its history, the vivid voice of its narrator, its sense of drama and joy and its explication of love and hate, told by a picaresque hero who is as fast with a woman as with his sword. We personally assess every book s quality and offer rare, outofprint treasures. It combines themes of mythology, allegory and religion with some great characters and moments of true horror. The remaining three novels were written by other authors after jennings died in 1999. Backdrop for action and adventure is the mexican revolution. Why one teacher uses historical fiction in the classroom, tips for choosing good historical fiction, and strategies for helping students differentiate between fact and fiction. Why and how i teach with historical fiction scholastic. A concise guide to the gods, heroes, sagas, rituals and beliefs of aztec myths audiobook by bernard hayes. Having watched the gruesome autodafc of dark cloud, the doomed, conflicted hero of aztec, tenamxtli, dark clouds son, vows revenge on the spaniards who have conquered and destroyed the aztec empire. I just felt that this book fell short of getting you to identify with and connect with the characters. A culture hero is a mythological hero specific to some group cultural, ethnic, religious, etc.
Pre aztec series, book 1 having achieved the exalted position of a chief warlord, tecpatl was content, happy with his career and his family. Online shopping for aztec ancient from a great selection at books store. And, they may feature an anti hero as the main character. The definitive chronicle of the ancient peoples of central america and mexico including the aztec, maya, olmec, mixtec, toltec and zapotec. Against the lords of death is a graphic novel with a high level of appeal to children in upper ks2. Heroes and gods from twelve mythological worlds jan 15 2019. How can we help them differentiate between makebelieve and history, and recognize the interpretive nature of historical reporting. Gary jenningss aztec is the extraordinary story of the last and greatest native civilization of north america told in the words of one of the most robust and memorable characters in modern fiction, mixtlidark cloud, aztec reveals the very depths of aztec civilization from the peak and featherbanner splendor of the aztec capital of tenochtitlan to the arrival of hernan cortas and his.
Told in the words of one of the most robust and memorable characters in modern fiction, mixtlidark cloud, aztec reveals the very depths of aztec civilization from the peak and featherbanner splendor of the aztec capital of tenochtitlan to the arrival of hernan cortas and his. Apr 15, 2020 aztec books an introduction were grateful to our research officer, julia flood, for this entrylevel piece on aztecmexica books and writing. Told in the words of one of the most robust and memorable characters in modern fiction, mixtlidark cloud, aztec reveals the very depths of aztec civilization from the peak and featherbanner splendor of the aztec capital of tenochtitlan to the arrival of hernan cortas and his conquistadores, and their destruction of the aztec empire. It takes the life of a character born at the very upslope of the aztec empire and follows him throughout his career. Told in the words of one of the most robust and memorable characters in modern fiction, mixtlidark cloud, aztec reveals the very depths of aztec civilization from the peak and featherbanner splendor of the aztec capital of tenochtitlan to the arrival of hern n cort s and his. Best fiction books are always available here the largest online library. Jun 27, 2018 werewolf romance novels are my comfort reads. Aztec is an outstanding novel of historical fiction. You can learn more about the mesoamericans with our sponsor, the great courses plus. Sep 23, 2016 one middle grade book i have not had a chance to read but that looks really good is neil flambe and the aztec abduction, part of a series of adventure books. Thriftbooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices.
In 1880s mexico, a local girl teams up with occultist and professional victorian gentleman arthur kirkland, his french rival francis bonnefoy, and alfred f. Librarything is a cataloging and social networking site for booklovers. The story of mixtli is the story of the aztecs themselvesa. Aztec is the extraordinary story of the last and greatest native civilization of north america.
One of the little works that actually explains why aztecs should not be confused with mexicas, this is a must for anyone. The island of the dolls one of the worlds most haunted and scariest places to visit and even to talk about. Thanks, julia, for kickstarting our new section on aztec writing with this excellent introduction, aimed at young learners. I love historical fiction, and the aztec reign is tantalizing on a number of levels, so im. The first three books in this series were written by gary jennings. Aztec and the journeyer are 2 of my all time favorites. Buy aztec by gary jennings from amazons fiction books store.
Evicted from a monastery and a convent, thorn is then schooled in the ways of the world by the grumpy, blasphemous woodsman wyrd. Against the lords of death a mayan myth the hero twins. Told from the aztec perspective, this book connects the past with a modernday discovery. Gary jenningss aztec is the extraordinary story of the last and greatest native civilization of north america. Discussionquestion i have a deep interest in learning about native american culture from mexico south and i have a particular interest in the aztecs. The definitive edition of the mayan book of the dawn of life and the glories of gods and kings dennis tedlock. Aztec mythology is the body or collection of myths of aztec civilization of central mexico. Follow the tale of the hero twins, hunahpu and xbalanque, whose special skills at the mayan ball game potapok cause upset to the rulers of the land of the dead. See all books authored by gary jennings, including aztec, and aztec autumn, and more on. Our students are faced with the same dilemma when we teach with historical fiction.
Aztec is a story of impossible odds, unimaginable cruelty, breathtaking courage and ruthless genius, an adventure that still resonates throughout history. The aztecs were nahuatl speaking groups living in central mexico and much of their mythology is similar to that of other mesoamerican cultures. He was also popular for writing adult novels of historical fiction and gained prominence after the immense of his 1980 book called aztec. Whenever i need a book that is guaranteed to delight or something to pull me out of a reading slump, werewolf romances are my very first choice. Growing up is tough for todays fictional heroes from bullying to terminal illness, contemporary childrens fiction is confronting ever more difficult subjects julia eccleshare. This book is not for the faint of heart, but it is simply the best single novel that i. Much of my obsession with werewolf romance books comes via the fated mates trope that almost always permeates these paranormal books.
Aztec is the extraordinary story of the last and greatest native civilization of north. The american revolution on aztec rage aztec rage is an extraordinary novel for the accuracy of its history, the vivid voice of its narrator, its sense of drama and joy and its explication of love and hate, told by a picaresque hero who is as fast with a woman as with his sword. Browse your favourite books and read them free in our ereader. Pantheon triptych, book 4 by james lovegrove book cover, description, publication history. I hope youll enjoy these though for a fuller list, read my article on the 24 fiction books that can change your life. The complete illustrated history details the greatest civilizations of ancient central america with photographs, paintings, and maps uncovers the rise and fall of the many different empires of mexico and central america their political and military campaigns, their legends and myths, and their art, architecture and social history. Aztec is a 1980 historical fiction novel by gary jennings.
Mixtli is the story of the aztecs themselvesa compelling, epic tale of heroic dignity and a colossal. Its hero, 18yearold tenamaxtli, is on a visit to mexico city with his mother and uncle when they witness the death of an aztec who has not quite lived up to the rules of the new religion. This book has blood in it, cruelty, sexuality, freaks, incest, war, struggle, a lost love. I am uncertain as to how accurate this picture is, but if it is fiction it is the fiction of a remarkable imagination. It is the story of the aztec civilization and its conquest by the spaniards. Stream and download audiobooks to your computer, tablet or mobile phone.
52 148 13 1195 1042 1554 341 853 994 399 1029 454 1097 1162 60 302 705 1027 1087 554 757 870 1239 563 479 756 1066 238 997 1480 1614 67 1199 1103 303 602 318 507