___Large parts of the narrative are told in 1st-person through mouth of Gomez, a Moorish slave owned by one of the Spanish aristocrats. Gomez befriends the boy Perico, a member of the Chicora tribe who dwell along the River of Corn. Gomez saves Perico from the wrath of De Soto. In so doing, he advises Perico to guide De Soto's expedition to his homelands.
___This book is true to the historical records of this era. The author depicts De Soto for the arrogant fool that he was. Likewise the author weaves extensive plagues, sickness and death into the narrative. The Spanish genocide, whether intentional or unwitting, has been documented by many historians, including Charles C. Mann in his excellent twin volumes: "1491" and "1493". Mann speculates the introduction of old-world swine did as much as the Spaniards themselves to spread sickness and death among the aboriginals.
___Putnam presents an amazing plot with much intrigue and cunning. Against all odds, Gomez, Perico and the Chicora nation manage to at least partially survive the onslaughts of the Spaniards as well as rival tribes. I won't spoil the details for prospective readers, but I will caution there are a few scenes of brutal violence. This is to be expected since the aboriginals embody a culture that was equivalent to those of the Eurasian Bronze Age.
___I found this an enjoyable read. Histories may render the broad outlines and raw statistics, but historical fiction adds human emotions to the deaths of 95% of the native inhabitants. Highly recommended. Five stars.
___See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hernando_de_Soto