The Broken Spear

For hundreds of years, the history of the conquest of Mexico and the defeat of the Aztecs has been told in the words of the Spanish victors. Miguel León-Portilla has long been at the forefront of expanding that history to include the voices of indigenous peoples. In this new and updated edition of his classic The Broken Spears, León-Portilla has included accounts from native Aztec descendants across the centuries. These texts bear witness to the extraordinary vitality of an oral tradition that preserves the viewpoints of the vanquished instead of the victors. León-Portilla's new Postscript reflects upon the critical importance of these unexpected historical accounts.

For hundreds of years, the history of the conquest of Mexico and the defeat of the Aztecs has been told in the words of the Spanish victors. Miguel León-Portilla has long been at the forefront of expanding that history to include the voices of indigenous peoples. In this new and updated edition of his classic The Broken Spears, León-Portilla has included accounts from native Aztec descendants across the centuries. These texts bear witness to the extraordinary vitality of an oral tradition that preserves the viewpoints of the vanquished instead of the victors. León-Portilla's new Postscript reflects upon the critical importance of these unexpected historical accounts.

Black Tom Birch, once the most feared person in Van Diemen's Land, terrorised colonisers until he was captured and turned against his people. But history is wrong. Here, for the first time, is the truth about this Aboriginal patriot.

Following two decades of military dictatorship under General Eric Tweh--the first indigene to govern the Republic of Desertland, a land that is scarred by one and half century of elitist dominance in politics and economics--the people, Desertlanders, popularly welcome the Flirt Leech Maison led rebel war. Tweh is captured and killed. Fearing that if charismatic but dubious Maison is not elected president the war would wage on, Desertlanders elect him. Will looking presidential in white suit nullify the inherent rebel nature in Maison? Will his vow to uphold the constitution and protect the people assure them of a reborn Flirt Leech Maison? Such thousands of questions dictate the life's journey of Gedekan, a teacher, who becomes a refugee in Clayland. Will the challenges that await him in Clayland make him more determined to secure a place on the Resettlement Program to enable him join his United States based family or return home to face what the aftermath of the civil war has in store for him?

Man and beast exert themselves to surviveby fight, flight, or submission. Respecting the pecking order prevents conflict, but when leaders are challenged, lethal fights for dominance may occur. However, the survival of the fittest is sometimes thwarted by the sheer tenacity of the underdog. In first century Corinth, nine-year-old Jason is teased and bullied by his pugnacious rival, Krato, who is two years older. Jasons grandfather urges him to take the submissive role until he and his rival are both adults. Then the two year difference will vanish, enabling Jason to throw off Krato's reign by beating him in the discus and javelin events at the Isthmian Games. When that long anticipated day arrives, Jason is both winner and loser. His dream turns into a nightmare. He flees for his life, bringing immense hardship on himself and his beloved Tabitha. Sexy Diana tries luring Jason in the wrong direction. The apostle Paul arrives with the holy gospel in their wicked city. The Christian message is woven into the fabric of choices and consequences. Circumstances beyond their control eventually bring the four Corinthians together in a place of horror. In the face of death, old beliefs are turned upside down. They only have a broken spear for defense.

The fires of rebellion and freedom burn brightly in sixteenth century Scotland. The Carmichael Clan—the men of The Broken Spear—lead an uprising against the Roman Catholic Church in a quest to reveal the truth of God’s Word to all, thanks to William Tyndale’s translation of the Bible into English. William Carmichael rides through the Scottish countryside, warning and rescuing his countrymen from Church-sanctioned hangings and other persecutions though Sir John, Clan chief, advises him against an armed revolt. Peter Carmichael joins his fellow clansmen in their quest for both light and justice when his cousin is forced to serve as the mistress of King James V of Scots. Against the backdrop of Papal inquisitions, where seekers of Truth are burned at the stake, one family defends the cause of Christ – against all odds. Modern readers will marvel at the bravery and courage of the ancient Carmichael clan against the blood-soaked corruption of the papacy during Scotland’s Protestant Reformation. Endorsements What a privilege to have the opportunity to be one of the first to read The Broken Spear: Reformation Rising, the first in a new series by the award-winning author Ruth Ann Ellinger. Historical fiction with a base in true history and family ties is some of my favorite books to read and from the first page, the reader is engrossed in the familial relationships and ties and potential adventure and strife that lay ahead. Ellinger is a gifted author of intrigue and drama. Marie A. Gilmore Editor and Publisher of the award-winning Osprey Observer and Christian Voice monthly newspapers The Broken Spear by Ruth Ann Ellinger sheds a bright light on the complexities of the Scottish Reformation and its effect on the clans and people of Scotland. History comes alive through her characters’ struggles to make sense of the intrigues surrounding the Scottish court and the possible catastrophic effects those intrigues might have on Clan Carmichael. Faith and loyalty are tested and sacrifices must be made for the good of the country, the church, and most especially, for family. A fine read for fans of historical fiction set in Scotland. Carol Umberger Author of The Scottish Crown series