Customer Reviews

Black Conquistador: The Narvaez Expedition in Florida (Historic Adventure Series, No. 1)

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A true history novel with a smattering of sex, violence, and language for authenticity. The author begins with the fall of Granada and continues with a 600-man expedition departing Spain under ruthless Panfilo de Narvaez's command The adventure continues from the point of view of Estevanico, an African slave who is one of only four men to survive the trek. After a violent storm off the coast of Cuba, the ships land at Tampa Bay where the action begins. With four hundred men marching north toward today's Tallahassee, the ships return to sea never to be seen again. The foot soldiers encounter Indian attacks, starvation, disease and sleep deprivation. To compound things, Estevanico falls in love with an Indian maiden. The author writes several chapters from the Indain's point of view so we get to see how 16th century Indians lived. This is an exciting true story written in easy to read novel format and I recommend it to anyone interested in the Spanish conquest, prehistoric Indians of Florida history or archaeology.

Mac Perry seems to catch the intensity of a new world as some of the first European explorers set foot on the North American continent. He has blended drama and well researched history to entertain and educate at the same time.I found this story intriguing and informative as to one of the important early contact episodes in Florida history.This volume is a great addition to any history buffs collection, and will also please anyone who likes a good story.