Series: In the Time of the Sixth Sun, Book 1

Author: Thomas Harlan

Genre: Science Fiction

This would be what is called hard SF. It is based on an alternate history and future. But that setting is based on quite an amazing ‘what if’ – What if the Aztecs had never fallen, and had, instead, conquered the earth and then set out to conquer the universe? Now, that’s not what this book is about, but if you don’t understand the setting, then many things seem largely out of place. There are references to historical events and individuals which don’t exist in our world. Don’t let this dismay or dissuade you from reading this excellent novel – just be forewarned!

The novel itself is centered around two main characters, Gretchen Anderssen (an xeno-archeologist) and Mitsuharu Hadeishi (commanding officer of an light cruiser). There is also Green Humminbird who is a “wiry, bald old man” of great prestige and importance in the Aztec Empire – and the most important supporting character in the novel.

The novel itself moves along decently, though it has a few slower moments, and then others where things move along at a nice pace. Harlan has woven quite an intriguing plot throughout the book and it was that which kept me intrigued from the first few pages. Every time I thought I had figured out what was going to happen – it didn’t quite pan out like I expected.

His strongest element is his characters, and they are truly engaging an interesting. In fact, by the end of the story you really want to spend more time with them. The good news is, this is the first of a trilogy of books, so if you get the other books you can!

In the end I do give this book a solid recommendation. Being the first in a series it stands very solidly on its own, and there is enough resolution at the end to satisfy most readers. There is no sexual content and there really wasn’t any bad language that stuck out to me, so in that aspect it would be appropriate for younger readers if they can grasp enough of the scientific and social concepts which set a background for the book.

Worldview: secular, evolutionary

Recommended Age: It would be appropriate for middle school age children if they can understand some of the concepts, though a few parts may be a little scary/frightening for children that young.