Review: The Sword is another great book by Zoe Saadia
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 17, 2014
The Sword by Zoe SaadiaHaving read and thoroughly enjoyed the Rise of the Aztecs series, it was a nice surprise when The Sword was released earlier this month. The Sword picks up where The Fall of the Empire left off, with Coyotl reclaiming throne that was taken from his farther in a bloody coup.As is human nature, ambitious men plot against the new leader. His unusual alliance with the Highlander and Tlacaelel makes him friendlier with the Mexica-Aztec Capital than some are comfortable. Our old friend, the Highlander, has a mythical reputation as a fighter. His sword has also taken on mythical proportions, not simply because of his many victories in battle, but because of the Highlander's high skilled carving in its construction. As the new emperor's chief warlord, the Highlander and his sword are central to the story.While a great celebration is taking place, a plot is carried out to steal the Highlander's sword that is believed to possess magical powers. A familiar team of assassins, dressed in black, steal the sword while the Highlander is away. This sets the plot in motion.The Highlander's children emerge in this story, the twin boys and his sassy daughter. Proving that the apple does not fall far from the tree, one of the Highlander's twins is where he should not be, which places him in the path of the team of assassins/thieves, and finds himself their hostage.The story becomes one of getting back the sword and the Highlander's son, the twin with the limp. Emerging at this point are the strong women from the past. Tlalli, one of the heroes of the last book, emerges as a much more mature and cultured woman. Much of the story is told through her. Like the one Highlander twin, she has a penchant to be where the trouble erupts. Overhearing a plot against the emperor, she springs into action, alerting the necessary parties.  Her exchanges with the two wives of Highlander are particularly telling and interesting.The team of assassins race away with the sword and the limping twin. The Highlander and Tlacaelel pursue them.  Those who have loved the Highlander in these books will love the Highlander son. He is wild, brave, innovative and fearless. There is much intrigue as the good guys pursue the bad guys, and vice versa. The climax is thrilling.The Sword is a great read. I look forward to the next book in the series, as the Highlander children presumably will continue to assume their position in this wonderful series of historical fiction. While lovers of history are certain to love these books, they are written for anybody. There are certainly great elements of history, but there is also romance, mystery, suspense and adventure that make this an appealing read beyond simply historical fiction fans.Congratulations to Zoe Saadia for researching the history, and mixing it with the creative magic of fiction. I look forward to the next book!