Fifth Sun

Always struggle to rate non fiction, just as a book I'd give it a 3 for how entertaining it was but I don't want to drag down the rating so I'll skip it. It’s not written in a mainstream flirty fashion, some parts are more interesting than others and it’s obvious that there’s a lack of sources. Does leave me wanting more so I’ll look around to see if I can find other books on the subject.

I think this is a terrific book, in the sense that it tells a valuable story in an accessible way and is filled with information that was completely new to me, even though I've been to central Mexico (the territory of the “Aztecs” several times). The thoroughness and authenticity of the book also prevent it from being an excellent read–there are sooo many names of people that are difficult for an English-speaking audience that the book, as others have noted, is a bit of a slog to get through. Nonetheless, I do recommend this book if you are interested in learning the history of the indigenous Mexicans and the Spanish conquest from the point of view of the people who were there before the Spaniards. (Although I listened to the audiobook, I also got a copy out of the library to consult charts and maps.)