Harbinger of the Storm

I loved researching and writing ethnographies in anthropology class; the idea of describing cultural norms in the hopes of understanding as well as to speculating on their function in society. A study of a culture’s biology, if you will. Aliette de Bodard’s series Obsidian and Blood (Bodard’s site) reminds me of an ethnography, but instead of the dry, pseudo-scientific tone discussing a culture in general, Bodard gives us the personal perspective of Acatl, High Priest of the Dead, as he seeks to protect his country from the fallout of a leader’s death. It’s the best kind of cultural story-telling, immersing me in a time and I place I can barely imagine and yet offering non-judgemental insight on ways of thinking and ancient show more lives.


I have more off-topic photos, links and on-topic musings at my blog, where I reside sans censorship:

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Harbinger of the Storm is the second installment of Aliette de Bodard's Aztec trilogy. These are fantasy-mystery hybrids set in pre-Columbian Aztec Mexico. The premise is that the Aztecs' cultural beliefs in magic and gods are true, so this is a world in which gods, humans, and other beings interact. The protagonist is Acatl, a High Priest of the Dead, who is once again investigating a mysterious death (which turns into two mysterious deaths).

I read this over the course of several nights and so my memories of it are kind of choppy; this is not a proper review. In addition to Acatl we revisit several characters from the first book, but his family doesn't play the central role that it did there. And Acatl is much less introspective and show more more caught up in the external issues. He seems to have come to grips with who he is and his self-worth, which was a relief.

The gods play a much more prominent role in this story. We have the specter of the world ending again, but the way it comes about is different, and we get plenty of political intrigue (among the humans and among the gods). It's a complicated plot, but it's not difficult to follow.

What I liked: Acatl continues to be a great protagonist. He's not a Hero type, he's more the Reluctant Primary Character, but without all the schmoopy agonizing that dominated earlier. His relationship with his noble apprentice, Teomitl, is nicely portrayed, and we get a new younger character who is more complex than he at first seems. That's true of everyone, actually; almost all the characters are complicated and if not morally ambiguous, at least very comfortable in the grey zones.

What I didn't like: this is a very, very male-dominated storyline, unlike the first book. There are maybe four female characters, some of whom are pivotal to the story, but none of whom are on page for very long. They're interesting, but they feel like supporting players to the War Among The Men. Acatl's sister, in particular, appears and then disappears when the action heats up. Given she seems totally able to take care of herself and help the cause, I hated that the narrative let the men send her away for her own good without calling them on it. I'm hoping she gets a starring role in the third book.

There is lots of blood sacrifice in this one, as there was in the first. And not just less-appealing creatures like newts. I don't recommend this for people who can't tolerate animals being harmed. It's appropriate and not sensationalized, but it's right there on page. For everyone else, I recommend the series. show less

The Emperor/Revered Speaker Axayacatl has died. A member of the council to appoint his successor has been found ripped apart by a star-demon, but who summoned it and why?

I had problems following this one, trying to keep track of the different factions and what plots the main players were trying to forward. All very confusing, but I will persevere with the final episode.

Swiftly paced blood covered rush to save the Mexica civilization from the ravages of the too rapidly descending star demons that have taken the lives inside the wards of the palace. It isn't easy to feel much sympathy with constant reminders of just how much blood is being shed constantly.

...I found Harbinger of the Storm to be a worthy successor to what I consider to be a very successful début. The emphasis in this book has shifted a bit from a murder mystery to political intrigue but the setting hasn't lost any of its appeal in the process. The novel zooms out a bit to allow room for more religious and political aspects of Aztec society to slip into the story. Despite my preoccupation with the historical aspects of the novel, Harbinger of the Storm is mostly a race against the clock to deflect a supernatural attempt to end the empire and the world. De Bodard manages to work a great sense of urgency into the story, making it a very fast read. She has once again managed to deliver a very interesting book. I'm looking show more forward to reading the third, as of yet unnamed, book in this series.

Full Random Comments review show less

I've just started "Harbinger of the Storm" today. So far its great! I loved the first book in this series sooo much, so I have high expectations for this one!
I JUST finished "Harbinger of the storm" a few minutes ago. While, I found " Servant of the Underworld" to be a more immersing read; I still really enjoyed "Harbinger of the storm". I can't wait for more of my favorite Aztec's adventures!

I've just started "Harbinger of the Storm" today. So far its great! I loved the first book in this series sooo much, so I have high expectations for this one!
I JUST finished "Harbinger of the storm" a few minutes ago. While, I found " Servant of the Underworld" to be a more immersing read; I still really enjoyed "Harbinger of the storm". I can't wait for more of my favorite Aztec's adventures!