A narrative history of the conquest of Mexico offers contrasting studies of Hernán Cortés and the powerful Aztec king Montezuma, and discusses the complex civilization of the Aztecs and the military campaign that brought down the entire Aztec nation.

When Malinalli, a member of a tribe conquered by the Aztec warriors, first meets Cortes, she--like so many--believes that the conquistador is the reincarnated forefather god of her tribe. Naturally, she assumes that her task is to help Cortes destroy the Aztec empire and free her people. The two fall passionately in love, but Malinalli gradually comes to realize that Cortes's thirst for conquest is all too human. He is willing to destroy anyone, even...