With Cortez in Mexico, or By Right of Conquest by G. A. Henty is a gripping historical fiction novel that delves into the conquest of Mexico by the Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortez. The story follows the adventures of young Ned Hearne, a page in Cortez's army, as he witnesses the fall of the Aztec empire and the clash of civilizations between the Spanish invaders and the native tribes.

Henty does an excellent job of bringing the history of this tumultuous period to life, vividly describing the battles, political intrigue, and cultural clashes that defined Cortez's campaign. The author's attention to detail is remarkable, painting a vivid picture of the harsh realities of warfare and the challenges faced by both the conquistadors and the indigenous people they encountered.

While the novel is biased towards the European perspective, it does attempt to portray the complexity of the conflict and the humanity of all involved. The characters are well-developed and engaging, particularly Ned Hearne, whose coming-of-age journey is both thrilling and poignant.

Overall, With Cortez in Mexico is a riveting tale that offers a unique perspective on a crucial chapter in world history. Fans of historical fiction and adventure stories will find much to enjoy in this well-crafted novel.

Book Description:
In perhaps the most audacious military enterprise in the history of human conquest, Cortez, with only a few hundred men, conquered a civilization of tens of thousands. This is the story of an Englishman who boards a merchant ship destined for the New World, but a shipwreck strands him in Pre-Columbian Mexico, and Roger must find a way to avoid becoming one of the many human sacrifices offered to the Aztec gods.