Red Smoking Mirror: 'The love child of JG Ballard and Ursula K Le Guin’ Joanna Pocock

Nick Hunt's novel Red Smoking Mirror is a captivating blend of historical fiction and fantasy, set in 1521 Tenochtitlan during the Spanish conquest of Mexico. It explores themes of power, religion, and the consequences of colonialism.
Nick Hunt's novel Red Smoking Mirror is a captivating blend of historical fiction and fantasy, set in 1521 Tenochtitlan during the Spanish conquest of Mexico, exploring themes of power, religion, and colonialism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2024
Publisher: Swift Press

‘A beautifully written evocation of a world that never was - Guardian The year is 1521 in the Mexica city of Tenochtitlan. Twenty-nine years earlier,Islamic Spain never fell to the Christians,and Andalus launched a voyage of discovery to the New Maghreb. For two decades the Jewish merchant Eli Ben Abram,who led the first ships across the sea,has maintained a delicate peace in the Moorish enclave of Moctezumas breathtaking capital. But the emperor has been acting strangely,sacrifices are increasing at the temples,a mysterious sickness is spreading through the city,and there are rumours of a hostile army crossing the sea… ‘Highly original - Irish Times ‘A beautifully written evocation of a world that never was - Guardian The year is 1521 in the Mexica city of Tenochtitlan. Twenty-nine years earlier,Islamic Spain never fell to the Christians,and Andalus launched a voyage of discovery to the New Maghreb. For two decades the Jewish merchant Eli Ben Abram,who led the first ships across the sea,has maintained a delicate peace in the Moorish enclave of Moctezumas breathtaking capital. But the emperor has been acting strangely,sacrifices are increasing at the temples,a mysterious sickness is spreading through the city,and there are rumours of a hostile army crossing the sea…
Nick Hunt's "Red Smoking Mirror" is a captivating novel that blends the literary styles of JG Ballard and Ursula K. Le Guin, creating a unique and immersive world. Set in 1521 in the Mexica city of Tenochtitlan, the story follows the Jewish merchant Eli Ben Abram, who has maintained a fragile peace in the Moorish enclave of Moctezuma's capital for two decades. However, the emperor's behavior has become increasingly erratic, sacrifices are increasing at the temples, a mysterious sickness is spreading through the city, and rumors of a hostile army crossing the sea are circulating. The novel has received high praise from critics, with the Guardian describing it as "a beautifully written evocation of a world that never was." The Irish Times called it "highly original" and praised its ability to create a vivid and immersive world. The novel has been shortlisted for the 2024 Edward Stanford Awards for the Viking Award for Fiction with a Sense of Place, further highlighting its literary merit. "Red Smoking Mirror" is a must-read for fans of literary fiction and anyone who enjoys exploring new and unique worlds.

Weight: 244g
Dimension: 200 x 130 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800753235