Inca

There is one great problem with novels about the Incas: I already know there won't be a happy ending, for the fate of this people is one of the most crushingly tragic stories in history. For this reason I was reluctant to even start reading it. But the story is so well narrated that it captivated me before I could put it down. The portrayal of life in the Inca empire reads like some fantasy novel about an exotic imaginary kingdom.The protagonist isn't a mighty warrior or prince, but a master accountant. His purpose in life is not self-aggrandizement or glory, but simply to run an empire so that its inhabitants can live prosperous and decent lives. I was charmed by the portrayal of "writing" with knots and strings, and of a great 'quipu house' full of yarn and counting stones. The description of the Incas' meticulous record-keeping boggles the mind. Their society wasn't exactly democratic, but somehow, during their heyday, they did manage to do better by the people of Peru than anyone since.Narrator Haylli has misadventures with schoolmates, and later with plotting backstabbers. But it is only about 2/3 of the way through the book when the real trouble starts. A series of ever more horrific disasters befalls the narrator and his people: plague, devastating civil war, and finally the Spanish invasion. (To imagine what this must have been like, think of an invasion from space.) So no, there is no way it could end happily. Nevertheless, this story is so vivid and well-written that I could not put it down. The author says he plans to write more stories about the Incas, and I sure hope he does. Sign me up!

A powerful work of art that will stay with you forever! It is such a rare and happy occasion to come across a contemporary author who is a true master of his business, and after having read this wonderful tribute to the Incas (another Inca treasure, one could say), I expect to be able to thank Mr. Geoff Micks some day for it. A couple of month's ago, I was in Ecuador for the first time -- my first time in a 'true' Inca land, if I don't take northern Chile into account -- and I was looking for some 'Inca History' to start reading while I was still there. That's how I came across this book. I saw it was historical fiction, but the plot and the praise were so inviting that I decided to buy it. It was the best thing I could have done! I now understand more about the Inca Empire and the everyday lives of people within its territory than I thought would ever be possible, and the book has motivated me to go for more (as a professor of Linguistics, I am specially interested in the qipu knots). Do not miss this wonderful book!!

I enjoyed the book most of the time, but there were too many characters to keep track of. The main characters kept appearing in the story but the references to ceremonies and locations were difficult to separate and thus made it difficult reading at times. There was a glossary at the conclusion of the book - which if it was included in the preface would most likely have helped sort things out quite a bit. I love learning about these cultures so wading through some of the difficult reading was worth it in the long run. The gold standard for these types of historical ficton is still Gary Jennings with 'AZTEC' . Nothing better in my opinion.

It didn't take long before I was strongly reminded of the book Aztec by Gary Jennings. With the noted difference of 'quipu' strings of the Inca and the picture writings of the Aztec, the plot and story line are too similar. Not a bad read, but not as truly informative or deeply researched as the other book. I had higher hopes for this.

Great book, gloriously written, meticulously researched. I think I have finally got it straight in my mind who the Incas were as opposed to the Aztec and Mayan peoples, and will not confuse them again. This is partly because of the sense of place that shines throughout the narrative. I hesitate to say that INCA is an easy read because that implies that it lacks substance which is certainly untrue -- so instead of "easy", I will say that I loved reading it, I was completely pulled into the plot and characters, and the author's obvious knowledge of the history and setting gives it a huge dimension. INCA is a book that I will read more than once.

I loved this book. I own a tour service in Bolivia and read it on my kindle on nights I was trekking through areas the story was set in. For that and for the wonderful story (beautiful relationships) it was one of the best reading experiences I've had in years. While a work of fiction, Geoff Micks drew from much of the evidence we have of the Inca and created a perfect tapestry from which to set out and explore the histories with a sense of bearing and perspective. For this reason I now recommend this book to many of my clients looking to further their understanding of pre-Hispanic history. There is only one thing I found fault with in this book. Having lived in Andean culture for years the behavior was sometimes implausible from a cultural context, although I would expect that from anyone who hadn't spent many years living here. Great research.

I really am enjoying this book. I got the Kindle edition for my smart phone so I would have something to read while I traveled in Peru. I was really exhausted at the end of each day and did not have much time to read, but I am thoroughly enjoying it now that I am home. Especially since I now know more about Peru and can visualize what he is describing and the Chechuan words are slightly familiar. I would have been lost without the word glossary at the end of the book for the words I did not know though. It is a really good story and keeps me in Peru a little bit longer.

An engrossing novel that describes the culture, customs, and history of the Incan empire from the Incan perspective and explains the perfect storm of civil war, hubris, and arrogance that led to its ultimate downfall. I would have given it five stars if it had been better edited; apparently neither the author nor the editor knows when to use the word 'me' as opposed to 'I' and there are some misused verbs --- all of which interrupt the flow of the story. This book is both fun and well researched --- the best kind of historical fiction.

This is one of those books i could stay up all night reading. I'm a sucker for books set in exotic and historic locations, and have never read any from the point of view of the Incas, while there are some strange lexical choices, overall the experience of the book is enough to elevate it.Exploring the Inca world is fascinating, and although sometimes the language they use is out of place. The author succeeds in filling Tahuantinsuyu with engaging and memorable characters.While it is impossible not to compare it to Gary Jenning's Aztec. For all intents and purposes they share basically same plot except for a shift in setting. Inca is an entertaining and haunting book in its own right. It doesnt surpass or come close to how dark or unsettling Aztec is, but it portrays the spirit of this civilization well, andd is definitely worth the investment

A bold and excellent attempt at describing the Inca at their most powerful and also their decline.The story is written around recorded facts and real characters with our hero being although imagined as near to possibility as can be.The style of writing is very professional and leads you through the highs and lows of Inca civilization and power describing their armies,conquests and punishments.Their way of life and sustainability which initself was almost modern and of course the gold and the final conquest by the Spanish and its complete destruction.If you enjoy a quality read then this kindle book is for you and I would also recommend his later book Zulu.

I was reading this novel alongside a historical account of the Inca conquest. I found it to be very well researched. It helped me to learn about the historical events in a pleasant manner. A great preparation before my trip to Peru, but also a very captivating book in its own right!

A riveting story and learned a great deal about the Inca culture.

One of the best books I've ever read, and easily the best one I read in 2018.Micks is a master at world-building, and this work would be impressive even if it weren't his first novel. Haylli Yupanki is an incredibly complex character that the reader will empathize with. Micks went to great lengths to create a main character that is relatable yet imperfect.As I devoured this book I felt like I was standing next to Haylli the entire time. I loved with him and suffered with him, and I have Micks to thank for that. Micks also makes it clear that many historical texts on the Inca will argue against the historical world that he created, which I appreciated. He clearly put a lot of love into this book, to the benefit of the reader.If you're on the fence, don't be. Absolutely read this.