Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Hummingbird and the Serpent is a work penned by E.S. Ramirez that combines historical fiction, interpersonal drama, and cultural issues. It is best suited to the mature adult reading audience owing to explicit discussions of slavery, scenes of violence, and other adult content. In this thrilling and evocative work set in the Americas of the early 16th century, we meet our protagonist Maria Estrada when she is trying to leave the bloodshed, fear, and violence of her past behind. But an opportunity arises to accompany an intrepid explorer back to the heartland, and Maria cannot resist the call to finally put her earlier horrors to rest.

E.S. Ramirez has crafted a totally immersive historical novel that will certainly please fans of emotive and visceral character-led fiction. One of the features which really impressed me about this novel was how it didn’t hold back on the horrors of the past and different forms of slavery and abuse that people had to endure worldwide. There’s a lot of cruelty in Maria’s background that really shapes her current attitude and could determine her future, depending on the emotional and psychological process that she can make in facing her demons. We go on a passionate and evocative journey with her that is enhanced by the vivid descriptions of the Mexican heartland and the rich dialogue and characterization of Cortes and the others she meets during the expedition. The Hummingbird and the Serpent is a fully immersive work rich in research and details that fans of character-led historical dramas will adore.