Montezuma's Daughter

Montezuma's Daughter by Henry Rider Haggard is not widely known, but it has the potential to be a classic. Written through the eyes of a young man whom fate has wronged, the story is one of revenge, lost and current love, and the fall of an empire. The writing has a poetic ring and flows in old English. Never has there been a story with the power of this one, just as there was never and shall never be an empire like the Aztecs. Set in the very ancient and crumbling city of Montezuma, this story will take you captive.

Young Thomas Wingfield never thought his life would turn out the way it did. As a very young man, he finds himself pursuing a man halfway around the world. Determined to bring this murderer to justice Thomas leaves behind his love, family, and everything familiar to travel to a truly savage country. South America is a wild, untamed vastness in which no Englishman has ever walked. And thrown into this wilderness Thomas must survive much hardship and even the threat of death, not only from the elements but also the savage Aztecs. These people were once the crow jewel of South America, but they were destroyed, and Thomas will be there to witness their end. But will he survive to tell about it?

This is a well written story with excellent dialogue and unforgettable characters that will touch your heart forever, just as they touched Thomas. I would recommend that only older students read this book because there are chapters that contain bloody, descriptive violence. And a few pagan worship scenes. Older students who do read this should know a little history about the Aztecs before starting so they will know a bit about the Aztecs beliefs and customs, as well as their end; the story is very historically accurate. This an all together excellent read, and instant classic.

*****
RJ