My webmistress suggested that I read Aztec, which is a "historical novel", and to my mind this is just one step above Harlequin - not interested. I had visions of reading "Johnny Tremain" in the fifth grade, which just didn't it do it for me. I've not read a historical novel in 30 years.

But she was persuasive, particularly in her characterizaton "depraved", so I gave it a try. I was captivated and at this point have read the two followons. Just stunningly good writing, and it surprised the hell out of me.

It's the story of Mixtli, a very colorful Aztec man as it recounts the story of his life, and the incredible richness of Aztec culture and technology is much, much more interesting than it sounds in a cold review. There is war, conquest, sex (lots of it), very bizarre human sacrifice, and all the other things that make a book interesting. This was a can't-put-it-down book, and it does not take long to get into.

Everybody I know who's read this loves it. Not for the delicate, but everybody else ought to love this book.

Wow.