The Fall of the Empire (Kindle Edition)

Having just been advanced into the ranks of the first-class traders, Etl thought his life could not get any better. He was a trader of the Tepanec Empire, living in the Great Capital itself. Yes, there had been a war, an outright revolt by the united tributaries and other subdued nations of his beloved city-state, but those would be squashed easily. The Tepanecs were always victorious.

The only thing that made him worry was the decision of Tlalli, the girl from the marketplace he liked, to sell herself into the Palace’s services. He didn't want her to do that, having intended to take care of her himself, but the stubborn, pretty thing went on and did it all the same. Why?

Apparently, Tlalli was not just a simple market girl, but a young woman with a very unusual agenda. She had her own grudge to settle, and with no lesser person than the Emperor himself.

But then the enemies struck...

The Highlander (The Rise of the Aztecs Series, Book 1) (Kindle Edition)

A Great Story by a Fine Writer

By Mary Gindling

Every so often a book comes along that pulls you so deeply into its world that you experience a sort of culture shock when you return to your own world. This is one of those books.

The book is set in ancient Mesoamerica during a time of impending war and political strife. The author seamlessly merges her story with actual historical events of the time. The story revolves around two young men who should be on opposite sides of the coming conflict, but whose strong friendship transcends the intrigues swirling around them. Her characters are three-dimensional and you find yourself hoping they will find a way to pull themselves out of what appears to be an inevitable conflict.

Author Zoe Saadia expertly brings to life the brilliant world of Mesoamerica, providing rich details about the culture and physical world of its people, all without being intrusive.

If you are interested at all in reading a great book in an unusual setting, please try this book. You will not regret it.

The Highlander is the first of a series entitled “The Rise of the Aztecs.” I am looking forward to reading many more offerings by this great author.

Crossing Worlds (The Rise of the Aztecs Series, Book 2) (Kindle Edition)

With the crushing defeat resulting in the conquest of the beautiful Texcoco, fleeing into the Highlands seemed like their only option. Before giving it much thought, Kuini takes his highborn Acolhua friend, the heir to Texcoco throne, to his homeland, to hide in the safety of the mountains, while counting on the help of his people.

But the enmity between the two nations goes back generations, and while both youths are ready to face the consequences of their deed, neither are prepared for the way Kuini’s family gets into trouble on account of them.

The Emperor's Second Wife (The Rise of the Aztecs Series, Book 3) (Kindle Edition)

Back in the Aztec Capital, the troubles were brewing. While benefiting from its neutrality in the Texcoco-Tepanec War, many influential Mexica-Aztecs grew wary of the way their city was becoming absorbed in the mighty Tepanec Empire.

Upon their arrival in the great island-city, Kuini and Coyotl are quick to discover that something dangerous is about to happen, and that they are expected to take a part in it.

Currents of War (The Rise of The Aztecs Series, book 4) (Kindle Edition)

Trouble in Paradise?

By Antoinette

Following this family of warriors through each generation in this Pre Colombian Saga was an eye opener. True loyalty and friendship on every page but True joy following the irreverent Kuini and Dehe! I was thrilled to find them together and having children...

Then a neighbouring nation decide to change the maps of their world to one nation killing leaders , warriors . All while Coyotyl is visiting! You know somehow Kuini will become involved. When Kuini is involved so are all the people who love him.

The journey becomes twisted and knarled and you have no idea how it will end ! The life of all becomes embroiled as well and The hatred of the Emperor make daily life difficult..

The more I read about this ancient civilization , their twisted politics and culture the more I wanted to know..To have romance as well was like icing on the cake! This was a paradise and yet someone is always stirring up trouble.. Hmm what does that remind me of?

At Road's End (Pre-Aztec Series, Book 1) (Kindle Edition)

At Road's End is a breath of fresh air.

By Stuart MacAllister, Historical Novel Society reviewer

Zoe Saadia has written a breathtaking story. Her use of prose and language is excellent, her descriptions invoke your imagination to picture the scenes and you really get drawn in to the storyline.

Her research is impeccable, her characters jump off the page and you cannot fail but become thoroughly engrossed in her work.

I never publish a review if a book doesn’t reach a minimum four star rating, and I have to say this is not a four star book.

Sir Read-A-Lot gives Zoe Saadia’s “At Road’s End” 5 stars! Read the full review...

“At Road's End” was honored with “The Golden Hammer & Anvil Shield” Award.

The award is reserved for books that are "...impeccably crafted, where authors have taken care to ensure their manuscript is properly edited and prepared to a professional standard and where the story evokes thought and emotion long after the final sentence has been read..."

The Young Jaguar (Pre-Aztec Series, Book 2) (Kindle Edition)

Living through History Vividly

By Mallory_Supernatural Aficionado

"The Young Jaguar" is the second entry in author Zoe Saadia's exciting Pre-Aztec Series. I totally enjoyed Book 1, "At Road's End," but possibly this novel may be even better. Any of Ms. Saadia's books are an education in themselves: with smooth writing, fast pace, and enjoyable characters who quickly elicit the reader's empathy, we learn about a period of time so long ago, and yet in many ways, so much like our own. Certainly the peoples of that time suffered and joyed, became impassioned or bored, frustrated or patient, just as do we. Ms. Saadia brings all this home vividly, and we feel as if we're reading the story of our friends, family, and neighbors-only the setting, fashions, and some of the situations are different. Probably not too many of us (in Western culture) encounter temples on every corner, each dedicated to a different deity (or do we?) yet how is this so dissimilar? Certainly we can each relate to the ongoing plot lines and to the characters, and we learn much more about the settings and the era than if we were instead reading a dry-as-dust archaeological recounting. Ms. Saadia possesses an immense talent for bringing these long-gone eras to life, making them vivid, sensory, and clear to contemporary readers. What are you waiting for? Drop everything and go buy this series!

The Jaguar Warrior (Pre-Aztec Series, Book 3) (Kindle Edition)

OUTSTANDING THIRD NOVEL OF THE SERIES!

By readitz "creative reader"

I've read the first and second of this series and the third is no less gripping. Just as in the second of the series, this third book, The Jaguar Warrior, brings back familiar characters from the last book, and it is oh so full, full, full, of surprises. This series has twists and turns, and there is never a dull moment. I am now awaiting the forth of this series and though I don't think the authors fingers could ever type fast enough for me, I'm really really hoping that history will not play out too fast in this series. I'd gladly read a dozen more novels filled with the world of these characters and situations. This is a fascinating storyline and very well written. No matter what genre you read, this series will not disappoint. There's excitement, suspense, it's laden with historical facts, and there's even a bit of romance in this series. I'm hooked. This author's got a follower for life.

The Warrior's Way (Pre-Aztec Series, Book 4) (Kindle Edition)

History Comes to Life

By Mallory_Supernatural Aficionado

I've really enjoyed reading Author Zoe Saadia's "Pre-Aztec Series." I've long had an interest in the historical eras of the Aztec and the Inca, and Ms. Saadia brings so vividly to life the characters, the settings, and the events. Perhaps it is being older now that inspires me to awareness of the sociological underpinnings of these novels, and to draw parallels to other historical societies (such as the European Middle Ages, and the at-that-time-still in the future Spanish Conquest), and to contemporary society with all its foibles.

Ms. Saadia makes history readable, enjoyable, and readily accessible. No longer can the subject be considered dry or untimely. I recommend this quartet of novels, and hope to read more from this accomplished author in future.

Pre-Aztec Series Bundle: Books 2-4 (Kindle Edition)

Changing their World

By Antoinette

This Pre Colombian Series brings home in a very personal way the strife and lives of the people in an entirely engrossing way.Following one family as the political maneuvering changes the world around them.When falling in love can cost you your life.Choosing your loyalties,country or family?No matter how and who they choose Their entire world will be changed forever! I was amazed at the details put in a fascinating story.I was so engrossed in their lives and finding out how people lived in this ancient world.To know that politics then could be even dirtier then now.I was so thrilled that it was a series and as each story ended , the next one connected to loved characters.What a wonderful way to learn historical facts.Wished this series could have been attached to History classes .Warriors fighting..Emperors lives at risk..when marrying the wrong person can ruin an entire family's world! I loved every word!

The Cahokian (Kindle Edition)

Loved it, great read!

By Tarrin Lupo

This was a fast read for such a large book. I had never known anything about the Cahokian culture and this time period. The descriptions were excellent and sucked me right in. The story flowed well but it does remind you how brutal and cheap life was back then. You can loose your life in a gambling game, sacrificed to stop the bad weather, used as a pawn in a land grab battle for politicians, family power grabs or simply a macho duel of egos. This is was a wonderful and fascinating time period that has been greatly ignored. The author defiantly did her homework and kept a tough topic very interesting. I liked the characters and it was well edited. The ending wrapped up nicely and does not toy with the reader. I am looking forward to what Zoe comes up with next!

“At Road's End” was honored with “The Golden Hammer & Anvil Shield” Award.

This award is reserved for books that are “...impeccably crafted, where authors have taken care to ensure their manuscript is properly edited and prepared to a professional standard and where the story evokes thought and emotion long after the final sentence has been read...”