The Highlander: Rise of the Aztecs #1 by Zoe Saadia is the first in a series of early Mesoamerican historical fiction. Saadia has published a large collection of novels about the Central America’s indigenous peoples.

Most Americans have heard of the Aztecs, but know them mostly from the bloody sacrifices and “savage nature.” There has been quite a bit of embellishment in the Aztec stories that most people know. My knowledge comes mostly from undergraduate history courses where the history begins with the Spanish contact. The indigenous people are given a passing mention: Aztecs are warriors, Mayans had primitive science, and the Incas had the gold. There is much more to these people than that, and historical fiction is a great way learn and enjoy.

Historical fiction in the case of the Aztecs and surrounding city-states requires a bit of work on the author’s part. In American Civil War historical fiction, the characters need little development. We all have a good idea who Lincoln, Lee, Jackson, Grant, and Sherman are, and the mention of their name alone creates a ready made character in our minds. For Saadia, it is a bit more difficult as there are no readily recognizable figures from this time period and culture for the reader to instantly relate to. She has to create believable characters within the historical restrictions. The characters in The Highlanders are well developed and reflect the differences between the different groups that inhabit the area surrounding Lake Texcoco. The friction between different city states is reflected in the comments of the general public as well as the main characters. For a relatively small geographic region, there are very clear cut and deep feelings between neighboring peoples.

The politics of the region is a main source of information in the story. Alliances, tributes, enemies, and diplomacy all play an important role in this story. Although this may be the driving force of the plot, events are viewed mostly through the eyes of the two main characters: Kuini and Coyotl. Kuini, is a highlander living outside the main city states surrounding Lake Texcoco. He is the next in line to be the Warrior Leader. Although considered barbarians, Kuini is quite the artist. Coyotl is the son or the ruler of Texcoco. He comes from privilege and civilization. The two meet accidentally and develop a friendship even though they homelands are enemies. To tie things together Coyotl’s sister is introduced as a major character along with an Aztec warrior/emissary. The characters weave the story together with their mutual experiences and keep the plot moving and tied together.

The Highlander does historical fiction right. There is a plot that is true to history. The characters are well developed, likeable, and important to the story and the history. This is the kind of historical fiction that is educational and fun to read. It is not like read a history of Vietnam; It is more like having a veteran tell you his experiences in Vietnam. The Highlander has that same personal feel. More than reading history, you are experiencing history. Saadia is off to a great start with this book. Highly recommended. ( )

"Another ride into the ancient world of Aztecs and their neighbors turned out to be a fascinating experience. A continuation of Pre-Aztec books, ‘The Highlander’ offers a peek into the escalating politics of the region, while two young men, Kuini and Coyotl, youths of absolutely different backgrounds, become friends despite the enmity of their nations.
But will their friendship endure the escalating hostilities of the region that must result in war? And will Kuini manage to safe Coyotl’s sister, his secret love, from a political marriage?
Like the books of the previous series, ‘The Highlander’ is a fast-paced story, full of action and suspense, subtle romance and history of the times and places untouched by historical fiction so far. I recommend this book as highly as the others." ( )

THE HIGHLANDER, is Zoe Saadia's first book in her THE RISE OF THE AZTECS series, and what a page turner it is. Great plot, loveable characters, and with a historical bonus that will make make you want to read the other books in the series. Glad I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review. ( )

The HIGHLANDER is book one in Zoe Saadia's The Rise of the Aztec Series. I like it so much that I already bought the bundle that includes the next three books in the series. This is a story of ancient Mesoamerica and the various cultures within it.

The Highlander is a unique young man who travels outside his people's territory in his teens to spy on a much greater culture, one that has great buildings and much more spectacular on the surface than the much more modest tribe that the Highlander is a member. He is both intrigued and repulsed by these Lowlanders, one of whom becomes his best and most trusted friend.

It becomes a journey of two friends from enemy cultures who form an unexpected, challenging and enduring friendship. For the Highlander nothing is as it appears to be, not with his family, his people or much of anything else. In the end he must decide to fight beside his friend, fight against his friend or stay out of the brewing battle that is certain to bring much bloodshed.

The story also reminds us of women's fate in most past societies, even princesses, as they were too often shuffled off for political reasons at a very young age by their fathers to become the unwilling bride of this or that powerful man. The Highlander is determined to prevent the love of his life from facing this fate.

This is a great piece of historical fiction that is well written. It also is well worth the read for those who enjoy a good adventure with romance, secrets, politics and war as a backdrop. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Zoe Saadia's books. Well done! ( )

I just finished reading Zoe Saadia's The Highlander (The Rise of The Aztecs Series, book 1). It is such a wonderful blend of history and fiction. I was totally absorbed in her two young characters Kuini and Coyotl, and the friendship they forged, in spite of the fact that they were supposed to be enemies. For me, there was a strong message for today, that transcends the historical background of her story. Her introduction of the young female Iztac-Ayotl, makes this as compelling a love between two young people as any in contemporary society. I look forward to reading all the books in this series, to see where their adventures lead. Kudos to Ms Saadia for bringing a strong message of hope in our own time and weaving it with almost poetic precision via these entertaining characters. Kudos Ms Saadia for your provoking dance through Mesoamerica. ( )