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. Through his travels, Varga encounters the strangest of flora and fauna, others like him who have wandered into this world only to be lost, enemies who become allies, and seeming friends who will betray them all. Varga himself is a fascinating character, seemingly cruel and uncaring of the misery he inflicts on the Incas, staunchly loyal to his men, hoping to raise himself and his cousin Diego from penury and struggling with the legacy and memory of his father who chose honour above gold. He’s a clever tactician and brave in a fight, and he and his men experience fearful battles, strange discoveries, desperate flights and pursuits, hidden places, and unimaginable wonders in equal measure while Varga learns a few hard truths about himself and his place in the world. He may not achieve all that he desires, but perhaps there are other, more personal victories possible that can bring him peace. 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

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

Dirk is a master… It is a joy to behold Dirk’s impressive oeuvre finally getting the notice it so justly deserves: I won’t be able to call him an unsung hero for very much longer. Like my old pal Harlan Ellison, Dirk is a giver, not a taker; and it’s a joy to see all that good karma finally coming back to him. And you – you, for whom luck is with you right now, right this very minute because – you hold one of his gifts right in the palms of your hands. Enjoy and behold what the fuss is all about. Now turn the goddamn page and watch the show! It’s Dirk Strasser time. ~ Jack Dann, Nebula and World Fantasy Award-winner

Dirk Strasser's stories leave an indelible after-image in the mind's eye, through which you must ever after view the mundane world. ~ Isobelle Carmody, multi-award winning fantasy author

Dirk Strasser’s novel Conquist with its deep characters and historic odyssey ran in 2020. But, in his 2022 review, Gabriel Robertson rekindled my personal affection for Ithilia, the gold-winged leader of the duendes—‘her face shimmering like sunlight on water’, and how she befuddled Capitán Cristóbal de Varga, the captain of the conquistadors. An enchanting story splashed with darkness and light. ~ Eugen Bacon, World Fantasy Award finalist and award-winning author of Danged Black Thing, Mage of Fools and Chasing Whispers