I have one question. Why aren't there any Mayan ancestors in my family tree? Seriously, they have a goddess of chocolate! Anyway, this latest from Rick Riordan Presents focuses on the story of Zane Obispo and the prophecy that is tied to his fate. It foretells that someone will release the imprisoned god of death. Actually, he is the "lord of three things...Death, disaster, and darkness." So what does one kid with a limp have to do with a conflict between ancient Mayan gods that could destroy the world? Zane himself has no clue, so readers learn about it as he does.
Along the way we meet various members of the Mayan pantheon, as well as demons, seers, giants, and shape-shifters. Zane's mother, his uncle (a huge fan of wrestling), his dog Rosie, and his neighbors Mr. Ortiz and Ms. Cab are the only ones Zane trusts. He has just started a new school and already clashed with bullies and the principal. There is a volcano in his backyard. He sees a plane crash. A mysterious girl shows up and warns him about the prophecy. What would a typical teenage guy do? You guessed it - the opposite of what everyone advises him to do.
So we have deadly chili peppers, magical chocolate drinks, enchanted party wear, giant serpents, jaguars, storms, owl attacks, killer basketball games, and all while our hero tries to survive long enough to either fulfill or fall victim to the prophecy. Which will it be?
For those who loved Percy Jackson and the Kane Chronicles, and have now found the joys of the new imprint with Aru Shah - this is your latest crush to be. Welcome to the incredible world of Mayan mythology. Highly recommended for middle grade readers and up.
Recommended by; Suzanne Costner, Librarian, Tennessee USA
See more of her recommendations: fveslibrary.blogspot.com
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A contemporary adventure based on Maya mythology from Rick Riordan Presents! Zane Obispo spends every day exploring the sleeping volcano in his backyard. "The Beast," as he calls it, is the one place where he can escape other kids, who make fun of him because he has a limp and walks with a cane.
After a twin-engine plane crashes into The Beast, a mysterious girl named Brooks shows up at Zane's doorstep, insisting that they meet at the volcano, where she will reveal a terrible secret. Zane agrees, mostly because beautiful girls like her don't usually talk to him. Brooks tells him that the volcano is actually a centuries-old prison for the Maya god of death, whose destiny is directly tied to Zane's. No way, Zane thinks. He's just a thirteen-year old nobody, and destiny or no destiny, he wants nothing to do with any of it, especially some god of death.
But Brooks opens his eyes to the truth: magic, monsters, and gods are real, and Zane is at the center of an ancient prophecy that could mean the destruction of the world.Suddenly finding himself entangled in a web of dangerous secrets, Zane embarks on a quest that will take him far from home and test him to the very core.
Feisty heroes, tricky gods, murderous demons, and spirited giants are just some of the pleasures that await in this fresh and funny take on Maya mythology, as rich and delicious as a mug of authentic hot chocolate.--from the publisher
