"…fascinating. Rowen's research into the historical record is impressively thorough…While unprovable, the fictionalizations are one of the book’s great strengths, stepping beyond worn stereotypes to humanize the protagonists as individuals…the book adds to our understanding of the Taínos and Contact history."L. Antonio Curet, Caribbean archaeologist, museum curator. Co-ed., Islands at the Crossroads: Migration, Seafaring, and Interaction in the Caribbean
"…[a] powerful standalone sequel to Encounters Unforeseen: 1492 Retold…brims with striking historical detail…Rowen weaves bravery and treachery and pits truth against myth in this sweeping tour de force…A meticulously researched and intensely tragic novel of Columbus's offensive against the Taíno people."booklife
"…Rowen takes us on a deep journey that humanizes our ancestors and treats us as equals rather than passive victims. The dialogue between the Caciques and Spaniards is intelligent, meaningful, and extremely believable…His writing invokes vivid images of events…credibly weaving fiction and fact! I recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject!"Kacike Jorge Baracutei Estevez, Higuayagua Taíno of the Caribbean
"…a feat of meticulous research, beautiful writing, and great imagination. Much of the early history of the Caribbean is irretrievably lost, but Andrew Rowen has given us a detailed and exciting glimpse."Andrés Reséndez, The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Enslavement in America, Conquering the Pacific
"…captures the vast political intrigue…Action scenes abound, including battles between the Taíno and European forces, as do lovingly written romantic scenes…Casual readers will simply enjoy the rich characters, thrilling plot, and exploration of a little-known culture."Blue Ink Review
"…succeeds on two levels, as all the best historical fiction must do. With meticulous research and deft phrasing, Andrew Rowen brings the 1490s to life. At the same time, he tells a great story…"Matthew Restall, Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest, When Montezuma Met Cortés
"…guile is shown to trump innocence…to read this book is to be forced to confront the very worst of arrogant, hubristic conquestand the sobering fact that the conquerors achieved their grim goals…An often absorbing story and an impressive work of scholarship."Kirkus Reviews