Barbacoa by Erik Orrantia

BarbacoaLGTitle: Barbacoa
Series: N/A
Author: Erik Orrantia
Genre: Historical…kinda
Length: Novel (220 Pages)
ISBN: 978-63216-120-8
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 24th, 2014)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Leigh
Blurb: Professor Diego and his team have made a potentially world-shaking discovery at their archeological site in Central Mexico— two Aztec skeletons lovingly interred. As they begin to examine the remains, the story of an ancient mystery couple begins to unfold.

In pre-Columbian Mexico, a young Aztec warrior called Metzín cannot understand the strange attraction he feels for Tototli, a quiet slave owned by his family. Torn between familial duty and love for his “little bird,” Metzín becomes the target of a sadistic bully, both at school and on the battlefield.

In the present, Diego and his assistant, Gerardo, dare to start a romance amid the conflicting forces of their families, religion, society, and work. With funding for their project in jeopardy, they must balance love with social disapproval and solve the mystery of the intertwined Aztec skeletons.

And for Metzín—as war draws near, he must choose his destiny. Will he prove himself on the field of honor, or stay behind with his love? It is a more dangerous choice than Metzín realizes. Unbeknownst to him, forces beyond his control are gathering. It will be all he can do to survive the coming storm—and hold on to his love.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5547

Review: This book is two love stories in one. In the ancient Aztec world, you have Metzin and the slave Tototli . In the present, you have Diego a professor and Gerardo his head assistant. Diego and Gerardo are on a research dig and locate two male bodies buried together with their hands clasped together. The book switches back and forth between the present and the past, showing how both relationships form.

Metzin is training to be a warrior for his people but is forced by his merchant father to travel and trade. While on this trade, the family’s newest servant-slave is brought along. Tototli was sold by his family because they were poor farmers. Metzin starts to feel strangely for Tototli, protective of him. Those feeling grow and become something more. Something forbidden.

Diego is a man married to his work. He has no real friends, and his family is not very close and moved away. Gerardo on the other hand is very close with his family, and their old-fashioned ways. Gerardo is in the closet because he doesn’t want to be disowned by his family. His mother is already showing signs of suspecting about Gerardo.

The two men decide to continue on, in private, and keep acting professional in front of others. So as they investigate the two bodies found, their feelings deepen.

It was interesting reading about the way the Aztec people lived. The way they prayed and sacrificed to their gods, and the things they saw as good and bad omens. The present day showed how ancient sites are investigated to get an insight into how the old worlds lived and died.

Although, it was a little strange as each chapter switches back and forth between time frames. You tend to get into one relationship and then get put back into another. The family dynamics of each family and their reactions to the two relationships are truly heartbreaking at times and heartwarming at others.