Conquist - the novel
This time they invaded a new world that refused to be conquered.
Capitán Cristóbal de Varga’s drive for glory and gold in 1538 Peru leads him and his conquistadors into a New World. He knows it's his last campaign. What he doesn’t know is that his Incan allies led by the princess Sarpay have their own furtive plans to make sure he never finds the golden city of Vilcabamba. He also doesn’t know that the freed African slave Lieutenant Héctor Valiente has found a portal to a world that will challenge his deepest beliefs. And what he can’t possibly know is that this world will trap him in a war between two eternal enemies, leading him to question everything he has devoted his life to — his command, his Incan princess, his honor, his God. In the end, he faces the ultimate dilemma: how is it possible to battle your own obsessions . . . to conquer yourself?
Cover art by Alejandro Colucci
Cover art by Alejandro Colucci
Chapter 1
El diario de Cristóbal de Varga
We conquistadors suffer from a disease whose symptom is an insatiable thirst for gold. Unlike other fevers, ours cause those innocent of infection to die. I know this, yet I still write these words in the fervent hope that my name will echo with Francisco Pizarro and Hernán Cortés.
On the eve of All Souls in the year of Our Lord 1538, I, Cristóbal de Varga, humble servant of His Imperial Majesty Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor, led my six hundred conquistadors through an entrada into a new world.
But that is not when my tale truly began. Was it when I first felt the bright ache for the riches of New Spain as I stood on the banks of Seville’s Guadalquivir River and saw the square-rigged galleon sails swell in the gusting wind? Or was it the day my family lost the last of its noble pretenses and was overcome by grinding poverty with the death of my father? Or perhaps it began when I gained my commission from His Majesty King Charles V. No, I know when my tale took flight. It began when I first tasted the acrid sweetness of conquest, the day I fully experienced the florid symptoms of the conquistador’s disease. It was the day many innocents perished in the grip of our contagion. The day we sacked Machu Picchu.
Illustration by Kim Lennard
On the eve of All Souls in the year of Our Lord 1538, I, Cristóbal de Varga, humble servant of His Imperial Majesty Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor, led my six hundred conquistadors through an entrada into a new world.
But that is not when my tale truly began. Was it when I first felt the bright ache for the riches of New Spain as I stood on the banks of Seville’s Guadalquivir River and saw the square-rigged galleon sails swell in the gusting wind? Or was it the day my family lost the last of its noble pretenses and was overcome by grinding poverty with the death of my father? Or perhaps it began when I gained my commission from His Majesty King Charles V. No, I know when my tale took flight. It began when I first tasted the acrid sweetness of conquest, the day I fully experienced the florid symptoms of the conquistador’s disease. It was the day many innocents perished in the grip of our contagion. The day we sacked Machu Picchu.
Illustration by Kim Lennard
Chapter One Reading
Praise for Conquist
Conquist was a Finalist for Best Fantasy Novel in the Aurealis Awards.
I predict that Cristòbal’s words will be heard, and that Conquist will do some conquering of its own in the field of fantasy fiction. It’s fast paced as an adventure, thoughtful as a meditation on life, and of course highly imaginative. Great stuff!
~ Richard Harland, multi award-winning fantasy author of Worldshaker
Dirk Strasser's latest novel, Conquist, is an ambitious and refreshingly different work… Although it has been compared to Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, for me Conquist is closer to Clavell's Shogun in themes, characterisation and the politics of cultural collision.
~ Sean McMullen, Hugo and BSFA nominated author
If you're after a character driven adventure that doesn't neglect clever plotting and pacing, Conquist is for you. If you're after an imaginative narrative that astounds, amazes and ultimately satisfies, Conquist is for you. Dirk Strasser knows how to tell a story that inveigles, intrigues and inspires and takes every reader on an unforgettable journey. This isn't a run of the mill Fantasy—it's special.
~ Michael Pryor, multi Aurealis Award shortlisted author of The Laws of Magic series
Dirk Strasser’s Conquist is a riveting historical odyssey with deep characters with deep characters, like Ithilia, the gold-winged leader of the duendes—‘her face shimmering like sunlight on water’, and how she befuddles Capitán Cristóbal de Varga, the captain of the conquistadors. Cruel and tender. A stunning novel of conquest and magic. Enchantment splashed with darkness and light.’
~ Eugen Bacon, World Fantasy Award finalist and award-winning author of Secondhand Daylight (Book Trade Professional), Netgalley
“Conquist” is the perfect fever dream of conquistadors, magic, and portals, alongside conflict, some drama, and gold-mad lunatics. If I could somehow teleport to Strasser’s location right now, I’d do so to a) get my copy signed, and b) talk about this book… If this book didn’t already entice me with the historical fiction aspect of it all, the fantasy creatures in this book make it even more tantalising to read.
~ Jonathan Putnam, SFF Insiders
An original and riveting read from start to finish, "Conquist" by author Dirk Strasser will have a very special appeal to readers with an interest in sword & sorcery style heroic fantasy. An action/adventure fantasy novel raised to an impressive level of literary excellence by the storytelling talents of Dirk Strasser as a novelist, "Conquist" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended pick.
~ Michael J. Carson, Midwest Book Review
Conquist is swiftly paced and filled with action and political intrigue. .. As a reader who does not typically engage with the fantasy genre, I found Conquist to be very accessible and the historical elements made it more enjoyable for me. Strasser has already turned his novel into a screenplay, and I can certainly see the great potential for this novel to be successfully adapted for the screen. Ultimately, fans of the fantasy genre will find much to enjoy in Conquist.
~ We need to talk about books
Stacked with deeply rounded out characters, this simply riveting, enchantingly magical odyssey not only acts as a heartily entertaining, and devilishly satisfying read, but this intriguing fantasy has quickly become a must-read for all fans of this genre.
~ Anne Carlini, Exclusive Magazine Reviewer
Like the best ‘lost world’ stories, the action of Conquist is unrelenting from the moment Varga and his men step through the one-way ‘entrada’ until the very last page… I tore through the novel in record time. Conquist is a rip-roaring action adventure with heart that is sure to please.
~ Keith Stevenson (Book Trade Professional), Netgalley
Conquist blends, with great fidelity, the history of Spanish exploration and conquest in South America with a fantasy world filled with human-ish creatures with their own civilisation... Its take on the lost world fantasy genre is original, and that alone makes it interesting… This is intelligent but kinetic fiction. Things happen. Threads come together. The world and geographies—richly rendered—cohere… This is what fiction should be—engaging, locked in. It’s good.
~ Cliente (Reviewer), Amazon UK
Conquist is a strong novel, using historical fact as a jumping off point for an original fantasy adventure which will intrigue many readers… Overall this is a great read. It’s fast moving and a lot happens, but there’s also a fair bit to think about. It’s vivid and original, and I enjoyed it a great deal.
~ Lorraine Cormack (Reviewer), Netgalley
Conquist is a wholly original idea, delivered with panache and it is an immensely entertaining read.
~ Stephen Higgins (Reviewer), Goodreads
I really loved this fantasy novel, Conquist by Dirk Strasser... Capitan Christobal was vulnerable, loyal, aggressive, strong and loving, he is a real and relatable hero. I enjoyed the strong women, the adventure, the warring and, the exciting and new landscapes and races the Conquistadors journeyed through and engaged with. A great read, exciting from start to end!
~ Lindy Howlett (Reviewer), Goodreads
I tore through Conquist in record time! It's a great blend of action and introspection that kept me glued to the pages.
~ Lynette Watters (Reviewer), Goodreads
While historical fantasy exists, Strasser's newest novel, Conquist, seems to go in a new and bold direction, blending the fantastical, historical, and ahistorical in a masterful sense… Strasser has created a tight and believable world to enter us into.
~ Lewis Fisher (Reviewer), Goodreads
I easily lost myself in this tale and felt I had jumped back into its pages on picking it up again after a long day of real life… Thanks Dirk, unputdownable.
~ Virginie Ryan (Reviewer), Goodreads
Conquist was an exciting find for me, as I love fantasy and history, and this novel combined them in a fascinating and unique way.
~ David Catt (Reviewer), Goodreads
This was a fantastic historical fiction novel, it had everything that I wanted. The characters were what I was looking for and enjoyed how they worked in this universe. Dirk Strasser has a great writing style and was glad I got to read this.
~ Kathryn McLeer (Reviewer), Netgalley
What’s most interesting about this world is the way it defies all expectations and challenges the characters’ assumptions. The Spanish believe they are in purgatory, while the Inca believe it’s the realm of the sun god Inti. The truth is something more nebulous. In a search for an escape from this increasingly hostile world, Cristobal must decide where his priorities truly lie. In Conquist, Strasser tells a riveting odyssey of conquest, magic, and redemption that fans of historical fantasy will devour.
~ Gabriel Robertson, Aurealis
For all lovers of history meets fantasy. Conquist by Dirk Strasser is a thoroughly enjoyable book that takes the reader on a creative adventure that includes everything from conquistadors to ñakaqs and the fantastical winged duende.
~ Kim Lennard (Reviewer), Goodreads
Give Me The Short Version: Who hasn't wanted magic entities to whomp the conquistadors back?... Conquist is a fast paced historical-adventure-fantasy and won't have any trouble finding its audience among readers excited to be swept up in the dangers and wonders of a complex New World.
~ B P Gregory (Reviewer), Goodreads
Strasser has created a place where it is hard to tell which sides are good or evil, where allegiances change, loves comes and go and where trust is a doubtful concept… Action and battle scenes abound. A satisfying read with a firm conclusion; the last page completes the cycle with the first page.
~ David Tansey (Reviewer), Goodreads
This was an intriguing read… I loved the interspersing of the Captain's diary... A good mix of spec fic with historical fiction.
~ Paula Boer (Reviewer), Goodreads
Conquist is a deeply engaging novel with intriguing characters, a tense and thought-provoking plot, and imaginative world-building… Highly recommended to those who are looking for not just a well-written storyline, but also a distinct style of writing with beauty in simplicity. Or anyone looking to just escape reality for a short while.
~ Cindy Huang (Reviewer), Goodreads
Conquist is a compelling read that successfully straddles a number of genres. The historical aspects are well researched and blend seamlessly with the amazing new world of Nueva Tierra. Strasser’s characters are deep, complex and sometimes flawed. If you are looking for fantasy that is a cut above the rest this is the book for you. A thoroughly satisfying read that will hold you right to the last pages, which won’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
~ Malcolm Parsons (Reviewer), Goodreads
An engrossing and fast-paced read with intriguing fantasy elements. Such a delight!!!!
~ Helen Smith (Reviewer), Goodreads
I predict that Cristòbal’s words will be heard, and that Conquist will do some conquering of its own in the field of fantasy fiction. It’s fast paced as an adventure, thoughtful as a meditation on life, and of course highly imaginative. Great stuff!
~ Richard Harland, multi award-winning fantasy author of Worldshaker
Dirk Strasser's latest novel, Conquist, is an ambitious and refreshingly different work… Although it has been compared to Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, for me Conquist is closer to Clavell's Shogun in themes, characterisation and the politics of cultural collision.
~ Sean McMullen, Hugo and BSFA nominated author
If you're after a character driven adventure that doesn't neglect clever plotting and pacing, Conquist is for you. If you're after an imaginative narrative that astounds, amazes and ultimately satisfies, Conquist is for you. Dirk Strasser knows how to tell a story that inveigles, intrigues and inspires and takes every reader on an unforgettable journey. This isn't a run of the mill Fantasy—it's special.
~ Michael Pryor, multi Aurealis Award shortlisted author of The Laws of Magic series
Dirk Strasser’s Conquist is a riveting historical odyssey with deep characters with deep characters, like Ithilia, the gold-winged leader of the duendes—‘her face shimmering like sunlight on water’, and how she befuddles Capitán Cristóbal de Varga, the captain of the conquistadors. Cruel and tender. A stunning novel of conquest and magic. Enchantment splashed with darkness and light.’
~ Eugen Bacon, World Fantasy Award finalist and award-winning author of Secondhand Daylight (Book Trade Professional), Netgalley
“Conquist” is the perfect fever dream of conquistadors, magic, and portals, alongside conflict, some drama, and gold-mad lunatics. If I could somehow teleport to Strasser’s location right now, I’d do so to a) get my copy signed, and b) talk about this book… If this book didn’t already entice me with the historical fiction aspect of it all, the fantasy creatures in this book make it even more tantalising to read.
~ Jonathan Putnam, SFF Insiders
An original and riveting read from start to finish, "Conquist" by author Dirk Strasser will have a very special appeal to readers with an interest in sword & sorcery style heroic fantasy. An action/adventure fantasy novel raised to an impressive level of literary excellence by the storytelling talents of Dirk Strasser as a novelist, "Conquist" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended pick.
~ Michael J. Carson, Midwest Book Review
Conquist is swiftly paced and filled with action and political intrigue. .. As a reader who does not typically engage with the fantasy genre, I found Conquist to be very accessible and the historical elements made it more enjoyable for me. Strasser has already turned his novel into a screenplay, and I can certainly see the great potential for this novel to be successfully adapted for the screen. Ultimately, fans of the fantasy genre will find much to enjoy in Conquist.
~ We need to talk about books
Stacked with deeply rounded out characters, this simply riveting, enchantingly magical odyssey not only acts as a heartily entertaining, and devilishly satisfying read, but this intriguing fantasy has quickly become a must-read for all fans of this genre.
~ Anne Carlini, Exclusive Magazine Reviewer
Like the best ‘lost world’ stories, the action of Conquist is unrelenting from the moment Varga and his men step through the one-way ‘entrada’ until the very last page… I tore through the novel in record time. Conquist is a rip-roaring action adventure with heart that is sure to please.
~ Keith Stevenson (Book Trade Professional), Netgalley
Conquist blends, with great fidelity, the history of Spanish exploration and conquest in South America with a fantasy world filled with human-ish creatures with their own civilisation... Its take on the lost world fantasy genre is original, and that alone makes it interesting… This is intelligent but kinetic fiction. Things happen. Threads come together. The world and geographies—richly rendered—cohere… This is what fiction should be—engaging, locked in. It’s good.
~ Cliente (Reviewer), Amazon UK
Conquist is a strong novel, using historical fact as a jumping off point for an original fantasy adventure which will intrigue many readers… Overall this is a great read. It’s fast moving and a lot happens, but there’s also a fair bit to think about. It’s vivid and original, and I enjoyed it a great deal.
~ Lorraine Cormack (Reviewer), Netgalley
Conquist is a wholly original idea, delivered with panache and it is an immensely entertaining read.
~ Stephen Higgins (Reviewer), Goodreads
I really loved this fantasy novel, Conquist by Dirk Strasser... Capitan Christobal was vulnerable, loyal, aggressive, strong and loving, he is a real and relatable hero. I enjoyed the strong women, the adventure, the warring and, the exciting and new landscapes and races the Conquistadors journeyed through and engaged with. A great read, exciting from start to end!
~ Lindy Howlett (Reviewer), Goodreads
I tore through Conquist in record time! It's a great blend of action and introspection that kept me glued to the pages.
~ Lynette Watters (Reviewer), Goodreads
While historical fantasy exists, Strasser's newest novel, Conquist, seems to go in a new and bold direction, blending the fantastical, historical, and ahistorical in a masterful sense… Strasser has created a tight and believable world to enter us into.
~ Lewis Fisher (Reviewer), Goodreads
I easily lost myself in this tale and felt I had jumped back into its pages on picking it up again after a long day of real life… Thanks Dirk, unputdownable.
~ Virginie Ryan (Reviewer), Goodreads
Conquist was an exciting find for me, as I love fantasy and history, and this novel combined them in a fascinating and unique way.
~ David Catt (Reviewer), Goodreads
This was a fantastic historical fiction novel, it had everything that I wanted. The characters were what I was looking for and enjoyed how they worked in this universe. Dirk Strasser has a great writing style and was glad I got to read this.
~ Kathryn McLeer (Reviewer), Netgalley
What’s most interesting about this world is the way it defies all expectations and challenges the characters’ assumptions. The Spanish believe they are in purgatory, while the Inca believe it’s the realm of the sun god Inti. The truth is something more nebulous. In a search for an escape from this increasingly hostile world, Cristobal must decide where his priorities truly lie. In Conquist, Strasser tells a riveting odyssey of conquest, magic, and redemption that fans of historical fantasy will devour.
~ Gabriel Robertson, Aurealis
For all lovers of history meets fantasy. Conquist by Dirk Strasser is a thoroughly enjoyable book that takes the reader on a creative adventure that includes everything from conquistadors to ñakaqs and the fantastical winged duende.
~ Kim Lennard (Reviewer), Goodreads
Give Me The Short Version: Who hasn't wanted magic entities to whomp the conquistadors back?... Conquist is a fast paced historical-adventure-fantasy and won't have any trouble finding its audience among readers excited to be swept up in the dangers and wonders of a complex New World.
~ B P Gregory (Reviewer), Goodreads
Strasser has created a place where it is hard to tell which sides are good or evil, where allegiances change, loves comes and go and where trust is a doubtful concept… Action and battle scenes abound. A satisfying read with a firm conclusion; the last page completes the cycle with the first page.
~ David Tansey (Reviewer), Goodreads
This was an intriguing read… I loved the interspersing of the Captain's diary... A good mix of spec fic with historical fiction.
~ Paula Boer (Reviewer), Goodreads
Conquist is a deeply engaging novel with intriguing characters, a tense and thought-provoking plot, and imaginative world-building… Highly recommended to those who are looking for not just a well-written storyline, but also a distinct style of writing with beauty in simplicity. Or anyone looking to just escape reality for a short while.
~ Cindy Huang (Reviewer), Goodreads
Conquist is a compelling read that successfully straddles a number of genres. The historical aspects are well researched and blend seamlessly with the amazing new world of Nueva Tierra. Strasser’s characters are deep, complex and sometimes flawed. If you are looking for fantasy that is a cut above the rest this is the book for you. A thoroughly satisfying read that will hold you right to the last pages, which won’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
~ Malcolm Parsons (Reviewer), Goodreads
An engrossing and fast-paced read with intriguing fantasy elements. Such a delight!!!!
~ Helen Smith (Reviewer), Goodreads