Review of Aztec Century by Christopher Evans

Despite the explosion of culture - the eruption of books, films, series, games, etc. the past decade, it remains far from a given that good, let alone great storytelling will be inherent to any of those efforts.  One would assume that lessons learned would have steadily accumulated to the point basic techniques would be the norm.  But such is not the case.  Most popular books these days feel like they have been peer workshopped into mediocrity.  Stories with a razor sharp plot edges that generate genuine momentum are few and far between.  These are great reasons to appreciate Christopher Evans' fantastically sustaining Aztec Century (1993).

Aztec Century is set in what was Evan's present day (early 90s), but with a major twist. Centuries ago Cortez was unable to subdue the Aztecs, and in the time since they have evolved to become an aggressive, global power. Occupying all of South and Central America and a lot of North America, the kingdom of Mexica, as they call themselves, sets its sights on Europe at the outset of Aztec Century. Taking England and Wales quickly, the Mexica force the British royal family to flee, including Princess Catherine. Despite being a woman with a backbone, she finds herself hiding out for months in a Welsh cottage, together with her sister, husband, and servants. But when the Aztecs learn their location and send gunships, Katherine is forced to flee, again. Trouble is, she doesn't get far.

Aztec Century is one of those novels so smooth as to almost mesmerize. Evans' prose and storytelling are effortless. Before the reader knows it they are neck deep, and wanting to drown. While predominantly court drama, Katherine's story becomes caught up in Aztec royal dealings, conspiracy theories, global conflict, and international drama as she tries to protect Britain from its invaders. The reader hangs on each page, desperate to understand what's happening beyond Katherine's understanding, and what will happen. Again, prose and story are phenomenal, the book imminently readable.

Regarding deeper theme and substance, there isn't much. Alternate history can be used for multiple purposes, but in the case of Aztec Century it's for an interesting setting and spicy bits of imagination. (It should be stated that Evans both uses and subverts Aztec stereotypes effectively.) But beyond rich story, where Aztec Century may make a mark is in Katherine's character.

It's no secret we live in the era of girl bosses—so-called 'strong female characters' on screen and page. I would describe Katherine as a girl boss, but a relatable, more realistic, 90s version. That time frame is crucial. Where girl bosses today are rude, angry, distant, and stomp and brood all over scene and story, girl bosses of yesteryear used to show a different kind of strength, namely by being competent, articulate, flawed, determined, and focused. Katherine is precisely this. While constantly under the thumb of the Aztecs, she makes her mark without superseding her character or story.

The last item of note regarding Aztec Century is its conclusion. I will not spoil anything except to say it takes the “third road”. What is the third road? The third road is the ending the reader cannot predict. Most stories fit some template, including Aztec Century (the princess defending her land in a hostile occupation where her closest enemies are more human than malevolent). And the closer the reader gets to the end, the more they dread the two most obvious endings: the comedic or the tragic. In Aztec Century neither ending occurs. Evans takes the third road. The fact it is also thematic—both classical and science fictional—makes it an item of note; no reader couldn't predict it, and yet it feels right.

In the end, Aztec Century is a spot of seamlessly written alternate history with a gripping story—and I rarely use the word 'gripping' on this blog. Evans delivers a clinic on how to write engagingly. Regarding the setting/alternate history, there are readers who will feel Evans does a lot with the Aztec DNA, and there will be others who feel he doesn't do enough. I think the denouement puts this argument to rest. If you're looking for a beach read to take you away into another world, this is it. Just be prepared with another book as this one will be finished in just a few sittings.