Rating: 
Summary: Below the usual Jennings standard but still above the crowd
Review: A Gary Jennings novel is always a breathless, exotic and occasionally shocking ride, and this one is no exception. Third in a trilogy of early Mexico that began with Aztec and continued with Aztec Autumn, Aztec Blood was partially ghostwritten from Jennings's own notes and research. As a result, it's inferior to his other works, like Raptor, Journeyer and the first two Aztec books. It's closer to a pure adventure novel. Still, there's plenty of insight into politics, religion and injustice, and it's all packaged up with that signature Jennings objectivity.
Cristo the Bastard is the son of a Spanish father and an Aztec mother in a time and place where mixed blood makes him legally less than human. But he uses a superior intellect, a little well-placed luck, and a remarkable ability to reinvent himself to stunning advantage. The beggar from the dusty streets of Veracruz becomes a bandito; the bandito later emerges as a Spanish gentleman. Cristo pursues wealth and position not for its own sake, but that he might be worthy of the beautiful Spanish lady he loves.
This story is more than mere adventure, however. Jennings paints an unapologetic picture of seventeenth-century Mexico: A rampantly corrupt government. Natives who are not always innocent victims. Priests devoted to caring for the poor, and priest-inquisitors devoted to the refinements of torture.
Diminishing the story somewhat are grammatical errors so numerous that it would seem the first draft went straight to the typesetter without first crossing an editor's desk. Such a liability might render the average novel unworthy of reading. But Aztec Blood, with its brilliant plot, flawless pacing and fascinating characters, is anything but average. It is a marvelous adventure brimming with love, mystery and danger - one whose ending leaves the reader feeling immensely satisfied, yet frustrated that there isn't any more.
Rating:
Summary: WOW - What a vast array of reviews....
Review: I am a major Gary Jennings fan, having read all of his novels. I liked Aztec Blood, what is lacked in writing style is what I expected when I bought the book. Gary Jennings didn't write the book and therefore, I did not expect an exact copy of his writing style. This novel was fast paced, fun, certainly unbelievable in most parts, but very good. Similar to some of Jennings other works, the hero of the story is in constant trouble but continues to avoid the ultimate. If you have read Aztec and Aztec Autumn, read this. Like many of Jennings others books, this one continues his assault on the church. I am only sorry that there will be no more from this great author.
Rating: 
Summary: Despite not being written by Jennings, still a decent book
Review: I enjoyed reading Aztec Blood despite its flaws. Even though it was actually written by Junius Podrug, based on the notes of Gary Jennings, I disagree with the reviewers who do not think that this book should have been published. Perhaps the publisher and the estate of Gary Jennings should have put more effort into publishing Aztec Blood and more accurately represented who the writer (as opposed to author) was, but after enjoying both Aztec and Aztec Autumn, I was just thankful to have the opportunity to read what Mr. Jennings had planned for the third book in the Aztec series, even it was not in his own words. Like other reviewers have noted, Aztec Blood does not contain the same amount or quality of Spanish or Nahuatl usage as the previous two Aztec books. When there are some foreign words or phrases used (beyond the occassional "Ay de mi!"), it seems awkward and detracts from the atmosphere of the story, unlike the previous two books in which the usage of foreign words and phrases enhanced the atmosphere of the story and made me feel like I was there. In addition, Aztec Blood does not reach the same level of descriptive storytelling that Gary Jennings achieved in the first two Aztec novels. Due to this and a fairly complex plot with a lot of action towards the end, much of the story (especially the last several chapters) seems rushed. I find it ironic that a book featuring a main character of "mixed blood" is itself a mixed work. Overall, the story is fascinating and the writing is good enough to warrant a read. However, for anyone who is interested in reading historical fiction based during the time of the Aztecs, the Spanish Conquest, or Spanish Inquisition, I would recommend reading Aztec or Aztec Autumn first.
Rating:
Summary: Not one of the Better Jennings
Review: I had read the first two novels in this trilogy and found the quality going down each time. Aztec was a phenomenal book, Aztec Autumn was good. I found Aztec Blood to be so-so (probably 3 1/2 stars). It centers around a mixed-breed Mestiso, who is spurned by all. He is raised by a Fray (a friar) and taught to read and write, which is forbidden to all but Spaniards. It seems like everyone he meets wants to kill him. The reader can only suspect why, until the late in the book.The book does have some elements of the prior two and that is explaining some of the ancient rituals of human sacrifice and the horrors wraught by the Spanish Inquisition. There are some interesting characters too (Mateo, Sanchez, the Healer), but in camparison to some of Mr. Jennings other books they are just not as good. I understand that this book was completed by a ghost writer after Mr. Jennings untimely death. The writer did a great job of capturing Mr. Jennings style.
Rating: 
Summary: Jennings' fans should skip this book.
Review: I have read both Aztec and Aztec Autumn and was excited to start this one. I can't say I hate the book but, I wouldn't recommend it. Read Aztec which was fabulous and if so inclined, read Aztec Autumn.
While some aspects of the book were enjoyable, you can really tell this book was written by a different author. I felt like I was reading a plain romance/adventure novel instead of the great historical fiction book (i.e. Aztec) I expected.
The only reason I finished the book was to find out why Cristo was being persecuted. While I had a feeling what the reason would be, I was hoping it wouldn't be that predictable.
I agree with other reviewers on the editing aspects. The spanish spelling and grammar were horrible and there were simple errors that should have been caught by anyone remotely familiar with the spanish language.
Rating:
Summary: Jennings' fans should skip this book.
Review: I picked up Aztec Blood (paperback version) at a bookstore after reading the quotes on the cover about how wonderful Gary Jennings is, only to discover on closer inspection that he didn't write this book. The publisher chose to obscure this fact to the point of fraud, in my opionion.
Regarding the book itself, I found it VERY uneven in the treatment of the characters and plot (what did all that Aztec god dream stuff have to do with anything, anway?). I don't think the book knows whether it is a serious treatment of life and suffering during its time/place or a Flashman-like tongue-in-cheek sexual-hijinks anit-hero adventure. I did finish it (though it was touch and go for a while), and found the historical aspects interesting, and for all I know the books actually written and finished by Gary Jennings are better, but Aztec Blood should not have been published as is. Shame on the publisher.
Rating:
Summary: Was John Wayne the Spanish language consultant?
Review: It must be Jennings!! And even though this book was technically not written by Jennings but rather based on manuscripts found after his death, I have to say it was very very good. I felt some apprehension about reading this books for those stated reasons, but I'm glad I went ahead and read it anyway. In the third and final of the Aztec series, we get to follow the adventures and tribulations of Cristo, a mestizo (mixed blood) in now conquered New Spain. The thing I found very interesting about this book is that you are pulled back and forth between the Spanish and India culture that existed side by side, but extremely separate from eachother during the 1600's. Since Cristo is of mixed blood, he switches back and forth between being a full blooded Spaniard and an Indio beggar. The book is full of adventure, sex, torture; all the typical Jennings subjects, and does not disappoint.
Rating:
Summary: A real page turner
Review: Since this is the first "Gary Jennings" book I've read, I really can't compare it to his earlier works - when he was actually alive. For myself, I really, really enjoyed this book. There's not a slow spot in the entire 700 plus pages. It's non-stop action, adventure, mystery, intrigue, outlaws and inquisitors, captures and escapes, myths and legends, love and sex. I'm anxious now to read his other books.
Rating: 
Summary: The early history of Mexico comes alive
Review: There seems to be a trend in book publishing these days in which unfinished manuscripts by deceased, well-known authors are finished by others and then published under the famous name. I've read several of these types of books, with varying degrees of interest. This last book from Gary Jennings, and another, unknown writer, is definitely one of the better collaborations. It captures extremely well the essense of Mr. Jennings' writing, so that there is a terrifice story line, and action aplenty! The background and history is given as well as can be done without diverting attention from the tale, and the knowledge inserted is, for the most part, not intrusive. I do wonder, however, what the finished product would have been like had Mr. Jennings managed to complete it all on his own. Make no mistake, though, I really liked the book, and am sorry that no others will be forthcoming from Mr. Jennings. His death is a loss to all of his fans, among which I number myself.
Rating:
Summary: Norman Mailers Ancient Evenings is better
Review: This book is ok but in my opinion he borrowed heavily from Norman Mailers Ancient Evenings which in my opinion is a better book. This book is mediocore at best. Mr. JEnnings was no expert in the Spanish language thats for sure. It is ok if you are really into the Aztec culture.
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