[advance review copy supplied by netgalley]
An alternate history novel - the first in what looks like being a very interesting series - exploring the premise of a reverse discovery timeline in which the Americas discover Europe and engage in conquest and colonisation of this "New World". The prime movers are the Toltec Nation, already possessed of superior technology courtesy of a previous beneficial encounter with the Chinese. They have conquered and imposed their culture upon Ireland, moved on to post-Anarchy England, and exert treaty obligations on the Welsh kingdoms. Now, while attention and soldiers are diverted towards an invasion of France, the Scots invade.
Events are seen through the eyes of Mixcoatl - senior military officer remaining in England, Rowena - a Saxon Christian refugee, and Fergus - an Irish Inquisitor-in-training for the Toltec blood-cult of Tetzcatlipoca.
Ingenious and brilliantly realised, this reminded me of Harry Turtledove at his best, but with more of an emphasis on character and the interaction of the personal with the story's events than we are accustomed to see in that author's military-heavy oeuvre.
As an introductory piece, we achieve familiarity with the protagonists somewhat at the expense of plot development - unavoidable, I'd say, in presenting such a radical concept - but there are so many threads running here that I fully expect a sizable and satisfying expansion of the story lines in future volumes.
R.J. Hore has a strongly-realised and readable authorial style, and I expect great things as this series proceeds. Highly recommended for alternate history fans, but I think anyone would glean some enjoyment from reading Toltec Dawn.