The Feathered Serpent

The Seven Serpents Trilogy #2

by Scott O'Dell

Julian Escobar becomes trapped in the role of Mayan god Kukulcan, confronting pagan "subjects" and priests, and encountering emperor Moctezuma and conquistador Cortes

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, Historical, Childrens

211 pages, Hardcover

First published October 26, 1981

About the author

Scott O'Dell was an American author celebrated for his historical fiction, especially novels for young readers. He is best known for Island of the Blue Dolphins, a classic that earned the Newbery Medal and has been translated into many languages and adapted for film. Over his career he wrote more than two dozen novels for young people, as well as works of nonfiction and adult fiction, often drawing on the history and landscapes of California and Mexico. His books, including The King’s Fifth, The Black Pearl, and Sing Down the Moon, earned him multiple Newbery Honors and a wide readership. O'Dell received numerous awards for his contribution to children’s literature, among them the Hans Christian Andersen Award and the Regina Medal. In 1984, he established the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction to encourage outstanding works in the genre.

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this a bit more than the first: this one I’d consider 2.6 stars rounded up. It is more traditional historical fiction without the questionable ethics of the first of the trilogy. In this one Julian Escobar witnessed the fall of Tenochtitlan and the ruler Moctezuma. The last one is about the Incas, another advanced civilization destroyed by the Conquistadores.This is definitely meant for YA and older! See review of the last title, Amethyst Ring.

[itchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

eponymous sentence:
p1: "A god, the Feathered Serpent of the Maya!"

plot:
p99: The dwarf came alone, riding behind me.

I thought to see some sports action here, reminiscent of Disney's The Road to El Dorado, but it was deemed "more bloodier than the sacrificial altar." Oh, well.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is in the Young Adult category. I have read O'Dell previously, but not this book. It was a good read in a simple form. Some violent content, sacrifices and so on. Hernan Cortes invades Aztec nation on the pretense of spreading the word of God, but really the lust for gold. Young seminarian tries to be an influence to prevent the pillage and annihilation of a nation.

[Stephanie Pieck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julian Escobar, the young seminarian introduced in the first book of this trilogy, grows more comfortable with his role as the Mayan god Kulkulcan. He travels to the fabled imperial city of Tenochtitlan to visit Moctezuma, ruler of the Aztecs. Along the way, he also encounters Hernan Cortes and experiences plenty of bloody and dangerous adventures.

[Gabe Herrmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read many of Scott O'Dell's books, and I have liked almost all of them, he doesn't go into detail on the adult stuff, but this time he did, and I didn't really appreciate that about this book, so I would not recommend it. Definitely more young adult-oriented.

[Books Kids Like · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julian Escobar, the seminarian, continues to play the role of Kukulcan, the feathered serpent. Accepted by all the people living in the City of the Seven Serpents, Julian tries to hold on to his religious ideals while portraying a pagan god. Capturing Aztec slaves to use as workmen, Julian starts restoring the ancient city. He stubbornly refuses to allow these slaves to be sacrificed by Chalco, the high priest. Even when drought comes, Julian holds true to his convictions, praying to God for rain. When Julian decides to visit Moctezuma in his fabled city Tenochtitlan, Chalco goes with him. It is here that Chalco's hatred for Julian almost comes to fruition. Julian and Cantu, the dwarf, are turned over to Moctezuma for sacrifice. They are able to escape only to fall into the hands of Hernan Cortez, the Spanish conquistador. Pressed into service for a time, Julian and Cantu escape and return to The City of the Seven Serpents.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A childhood favorite when I read it in the early 1980s.