I've got a deep amateur interest in the story of the Incas...particularly the story of the Spanish Conquest and downfall of the Incas. So the title of Turtledove's short story, "Vilcabamba" caught my eye.

Vilcabamba is Andean jungle hideaway of the last rules of the Inca nation who were holding out against Francisco Pizarro and his Conquistadors. Turtledove's story paints a parallel portrait of a future America overrun by aliens. Like the Incas, humans weren't completely obliterated as soon as the aliens arrived. They hid (sometimes in plain sight), and some chose to try and get along with their new rulers. They even led their own government in their isolated mountain fiefdom.

Turtledove's story follows a similar path. The President of the Free United States is trying to find ways to fight back against a vastly superior fighting force. There aren't many options beyond coordinated guerrilla tactics.

The story was fun...and at only about 20 pages long, Turtledove did a terrific job fleshing out a couple of key characters which would make for a strong start to a longer form work in this Universe. At only $.99, it's totally worth the download. ( )

This was a longish story, but fairly interestingly told. However, as the story progressed, it became more and more dismal. As it neared the end, it was obvious where it was going and where it was going would be depressing as hell. In one way it’s a refreshing take on the indomitability of the human spirit. I’m not so sure the payoff was worth the length though. You’ll have to read/listen to it for yourself.

More at: http://reading.kingrat.biz/story-reviews/tor-com-story-podcast-february-2010 ( )