What do you think?
Rate this book
Mayan Blue
Xibalba, home of torture and sacrifice, is the kingdom of the lord of death. He stalked the night in the guise of a putrefied corpse, with the head of an owl and adorned with a necklace of disembodied eyes that hung from nerve cords. He commanded legions of shapeshifting creatures, spectral shamans, and corpses hungry for the flesh of the living. The Mayans feared him and his realm of horror. He sat atop his pyramid temple surrounded by his demon kings and demanded sacrifices of blood and beating hearts as tribute to him and his ghostly world.
These legends, along with those that lived in fear of them, have been dead and gone for centuries. Yet now, a doorway has been opened in Georgia. A group of college students seek their missing professor, a man who has secretly uncovered the answer to one of history’s greatest mysteries. However, what they find is more than the evidence of a hidden civilization. It’s also a gateway to a world of living nightmares.
These legends, along with those that lived in fear of them, have been dead and gone for centuries. Yet now, a doorway has been opened in Georgia. A group of college students seek their missing professor, a man who has secretly uncovered the answer to one of history’s greatest mysteries. However, what they find is more than the evidence of a hidden civilization. It’s also a gateway to a world of living nightmares.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2016
22 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 8, 2016
The debut novel of horror from the shared pen of Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason, known collectively as "The Sisters of Slaughter", is an exuberantly over the top gorefest that captures the no holds barred spirit of the early days of the horror boom.
An archeology professor, seeking the truth behind the end of the Mayan civilization, unleashes that truth when he unwittingly breaks open the seal on the doorway to Xibalba....the realm of the Mayan Lord of Death, hidden deep in the mountains of Georgia.
A fast paced read that captures the feel of a 70s horror movie, while offering up a myth system that is so colorfully different and complex, it grabs your attention.....and yanks it out your nose. The Sisters' shared imagination is a thing of wonder, and they let it run wild in these pages, creating imagery that will splatter blood across your nightmares for a long time to come. Yeah, this one gets nasty......but ain't that what we're here for?
While there are points where this novel is obviously a first effort, the Sisters' writing is near perfect, seamless as they work in concert, raising Mayan Blue above the pack of debut authors.
The Sisters of Slaughter are authors to watch.....and I know I will be. Grab a copy of Mayan Blue and tell me I'm wrong.
Highly recommended.
An archeology professor, seeking the truth behind the end of the Mayan civilization, unleashes that truth when he unwittingly breaks open the seal on the doorway to Xibalba....the realm of the Mayan Lord of Death, hidden deep in the mountains of Georgia.
A fast paced read that captures the feel of a 70s horror movie, while offering up a myth system that is so colorfully different and complex, it grabs your attention.....and yanks it out your nose. The Sisters' shared imagination is a thing of wonder, and they let it run wild in these pages, creating imagery that will splatter blood across your nightmares for a long time to come. Yeah, this one gets nasty......but ain't that what we're here for?
While there are points where this novel is obviously a first effort, the Sisters' writing is near perfect, seamless as they work in concert, raising Mayan Blue above the pack of debut authors.
The Sisters of Slaughter are authors to watch.....and I know I will be. Grab a copy of Mayan Blue and tell me I'm wrong.
Highly recommended.
June 12, 2016
This energetic first novel from the "Sisters of Slaughter" begins in traditional B-movie territory but quickly ends up in a bizarre Mayan underworld...in Georgia (love that).
Imagination and gore flow freely throughout the book; however, much like the book's heroes as they run through sanguinary vines, readers may find themselves occasionally tangled up in prose.
Final Verdict: An enjoyable romp in a fresh setting.
3.5 Stars.
Imagination and gore flow freely throughout the book; however, much like the book's heroes as they run through sanguinary vines, readers may find themselves occasionally tangled up in prose.
Final Verdict: An enjoyable romp in a fresh setting.
3.5 Stars.
June 30, 2016
MAYAN BLUE, by Michelle Garza and Melissa Larson (the "Slaughter Sisters") takes us on a bloody journey involving the Mayan legends of "Ah-Puch", Lord of Death and sadistic ruler of Xibalba, the Underworld.
An archeological trip, headed by Professor Lipton, his devoted assistant Wes, and students Alissa, Kelly, Tyler, and Dennis, leads to more than just the proof of the Mayan relocation to Georgia, that the esteemed Professor sought.
". . . Around the circular seam he could see the mortar was weakening, which caused his better judgement to soon begin to crumble as well. . . "
The story is ripe with visceral scenes, tormented, undead humans, and evil shapeshifting minions, eager to add to their god's human sacrifices. I love the direction the story takes in terms of the Mayan legends, and mutilations--I've never felt "on edge" before at the sound of an owl's squawk!
There were a few issues that could have used some ironing out, however. For the most part, the characters struck me as two-dimensional stereotypes--little more than "extras" designed to be quickly forgotten. Also, in some paragraphs, it was confusing as to who was the speaker, as names were omitted and multiple people were chiming in. In other paragraphs--where only one person was present--their "name" began every single sentence.
Otherwise, I felt the story was very intriguing and original in concept--especially concerning the methods of torture--after death--utilized by Ah-Puch.
A debut from two talented authors. With a bit more characterization and fine tuning from an editorial standpoint, I feel that we will see some great novels from this duo in the future.
An archeological trip, headed by Professor Lipton, his devoted assistant Wes, and students Alissa, Kelly, Tyler, and Dennis, leads to more than just the proof of the Mayan relocation to Georgia, that the esteemed Professor sought.
". . . Around the circular seam he could see the mortar was weakening, which caused his better judgement to soon begin to crumble as well. . . "
The story is ripe with visceral scenes, tormented, undead humans, and evil shapeshifting minions, eager to add to their god's human sacrifices. I love the direction the story takes in terms of the Mayan legends, and mutilations--I've never felt "on edge" before at the sound of an owl's squawk!
There were a few issues that could have used some ironing out, however. For the most part, the characters struck me as two-dimensional stereotypes--little more than "extras" designed to be quickly forgotten. Also, in some paragraphs, it was confusing as to who was the speaker, as names were omitted and multiple people were chiming in. In other paragraphs--where only one person was present--their "name" began every single sentence.
Otherwise, I felt the story was very intriguing and original in concept--especially concerning the methods of torture--after death--utilized by Ah-Puch.
A debut from two talented authors. With a bit more characterization and fine tuning from an editorial standpoint, I feel that we will see some great novels from this duo in the future.
July 4, 2016
An outstanding short debut novel from two remarkable authors who obviously know their horror history -- and are imbuing new energy into it in this new century.
June 18, 2016
Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason are described as "The Sisters of Slaughter" and Mayan Blue is their debut. And a confused debut it is.
Four students and their assistant professor head for the mountains of Georgia where they are to meet up with their professor who feels he's made a great discovery that will change the way history books are written. Once near the rendezvous point, all hell breaks loose. In what they think is the professor crying out for help, Wes and Alissa go off to find him. What they discover an open doorway to a Mayan underworld located deep within a cave inside the mountain. Mayans in Georgia? I like the idea. Unfortunately, that's about as good as it gets.
Mayan Blue had some promise. The premise of a Mayan underworld in Georgia had lots of possibilities. Instead, it ended up being one long chase scene where way too little happens. The beginning of the story starts out as a B-horror movie style story. Annoying cannon fodder characters that scream I'm going to be killed before the story even gets going. Then it opens up into the Mayan underworld with good shapeshifting characters. Then the last 1/2 to 1/3 ends up being a murky chase scene where characters are introduced for no apparent reason adding nothing to the story. Our heroes get injured so many times that you start wondering why they haven't dropped long ago from blood loss. Too little character and plot development dampens what could've been a great story.
You can see the talent is there. They simply need to focus on tightening up the story, spending more time on plot.
2 1/2 Sacrifices out of 5
This ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
Four students and their assistant professor head for the mountains of Georgia where they are to meet up with their professor who feels he's made a great discovery that will change the way history books are written. Once near the rendezvous point, all hell breaks loose. In what they think is the professor crying out for help, Wes and Alissa go off to find him. What they discover an open doorway to a Mayan underworld located deep within a cave inside the mountain. Mayans in Georgia? I like the idea. Unfortunately, that's about as good as it gets.
Mayan Blue had some promise. The premise of a Mayan underworld in Georgia had lots of possibilities. Instead, it ended up being one long chase scene where way too little happens. The beginning of the story starts out as a B-horror movie style story. Annoying cannon fodder characters that scream I'm going to be killed before the story even gets going. Then it opens up into the Mayan underworld with good shapeshifting characters. Then the last 1/2 to 1/3 ends up being a murky chase scene where characters are introduced for no apparent reason adding nothing to the story. Our heroes get injured so many times that you start wondering why they haven't dropped long ago from blood loss. Too little character and plot development dampens what could've been a great story.
You can see the talent is there. They simply need to focus on tightening up the story, spending more time on plot.
2 1/2 Sacrifices out of 5
This ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
May 13, 2017
After an archeological expedition to the mountains in Georgia goes awry, a handful of college students, along with an archeologist and his associate professor, become trapped in a nightmarish Mayan underworld, Xibalba, ruled by the Lord of Death and his hellish minions. They unwittingly unsealed a doorway there and they cannot escape their fate.
Brutal, unrelenting, Garza and Lason aka The Sisters of Slaughter live up to their nickname in this lean novel, that ends with a teaser of more forthcoming!
Recommended for fans of hardcore horror!
Brutal, unrelenting, Garza and Lason aka The Sisters of Slaughter live up to their nickname in this lean novel, that ends with a teaser of more forthcoming!
Recommended for fans of hardcore horror!
May 10, 2016
Dubbed The Sisters of Slaughter by the editor of Fireside Press, Michelle Garza and Melissa Larson make their novel-length debut with Mayan Blue. I think the Fireside folks were on to something with their proclamation, and the sisters earn their bloody stripes well here.
First off, let me just say how glad I am to read a horror book that is influenced by ancient continental American lore, rather then the johnny come lately Christian influences that predominate most modern works. Granted, those influences have produced some great stories, particularly in terms of my recent reads like Paul Tremblay’s A Head Full of Ghosts and Hunter Shea’s I Kill In Peace. But it’s fun to spice things up a bit by reaching into a deeper, richer history of the Americas.
Mayan Blue, as the title indicates, reaches back to the peak of the Mayan heyday, drawing on the occult beliefs of Mesoamerican and Central American people to craft a present-day horror story. Building off the debunked speculations of Mayan civilization reaching as far north as Georgia, the sisters craft a novel in which such speculations are on the verge of being validated. Unfortunately, the professor in possession of the evidence has gone missing, and his small team of university researchers are en route to recover him.
From the outset, Garza and Lason let the blood spill, plunging their small cast of characters into the depths of Mayan hell. There’s plenty of action to go around as the group is confronted with a number of horrors, from the labyrinthine and booby-trapped maze of the newly discovered Mayan temple to the angry gods and their owl-headed, sharp-clawed servants.
This is a fun and quick bit of adventure horror, with a number of well-drawn splatter scenes. Bodies are flayed and entrails spilled all over the place. My only real complaint about the book is that the characters are paper thin, with several of them never rising above a quickly drawn stereotype before being dispatched in some nicely grisly scenes. While their deaths are certainly interesting, it’s a shame that their demise is the most interesting thing to happen to them in the brief moments we spend with them. In order for horror to be truly effective, there needs to be characters to root for and against, people you can become attached to and sympathize for and with. I didn’t feel particularly attached to anybody in this book. While the gore and setting may be memorable, the characters, unfortunately, are not.
Aside from that, I had a fun time with Mayan Blue. I greatly appreciated the change of scenery it provided, and the way its influences in both the creature-feature and slasher genres merged to form a truly appropriate temple of doom.
Final score: 3.5 stars.
[Note: this review is based an advanced, uncorrected proof copy supplied by the authors in exchange for an honest review.]
May 13, 2016
This first novel by the Sisters of Slaughter is highly entertaining and very well written. I first came across these two in a short story anthology titled Wishful Thinking. There is something about how they draw you into their world's that they create that a lot of new writers don't seem to understand.
In Mayan Blue the story takes place on an archeology site. A professor has discovered that maybe the Mayans have settled further north into Georgia. A group of college students are on their way to help when things start to go south for them. I don't want to give away to much of the plot but have read another review that compares the world that Alissa and Wes and the rest of their friends to Clive Barker 's world in He'll bound Heart. While I can see some comparisons for me I would add elements of Edward Lee in the sometimes brutal way this book goes. This was one of the most enjoyable books that I have read this year. Having been a fan of The Sisters of Slaughter as they are affectionately know since day one it is great to see the growth in their writing. Their short works are wonderful to read. However this book proves that they can tackle longer works without missing a beat.
This book is officially released on May 25th pre order from Sinister Grin. You won't be disappointed.
Actually rating 4 1/2 stars.
In Mayan Blue the story takes place on an archeology site. A professor has discovered that maybe the Mayans have settled further north into Georgia. A group of college students are on their way to help when things start to go south for them. I don't want to give away to much of the plot but have read another review that compares the world that Alissa and Wes and the rest of their friends to Clive Barker 's world in He'll bound Heart. While I can see some comparisons for me I would add elements of Edward Lee in the sometimes brutal way this book goes. This was one of the most enjoyable books that I have read this year. Having been a fan of The Sisters of Slaughter as they are affectionately know since day one it is great to see the growth in their writing. Their short works are wonderful to read. However this book proves that they can tackle longer works without missing a beat.
This book is officially released on May 25th pre order from Sinister Grin. You won't be disappointed.
Actually rating 4 1/2 stars.
May 13, 2018
This is the first novel written by the Sisters of Slaughter, Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason, and it is filled with powerful imagery and vivid storytelling. It revolves around an interesting premise, the history of Mayan civilization and theories of its northern journey into the continent of North America, specifically Georgia. For those of us whom know Michelle and Melissa, their writing skills come as no surprise. I personally enjoyed this tale and the pictures it paints in the mind. I have heard that this book has gotten some well deserved acclaim from some well known names in the industry. In reality it has only opened a lot of eyes to the powerful prose from the pens of these two new voices on the scene of horror writing. Like the cool new kid in class, the two writers have taken the horror world by storm. That might be the reason you buy this one, but you will soon discover that not every story needs a happy ending to be good and that this first effort from the SoS proves they are here to stay.
July 27, 2017
Compulsively readable, quickly-paced horror novel which effectively blends elements of survival horror, slasher, splatterpunk, and the supernatural. The setup is classic; a group of college students going on an archaeological dig find more than they bargained for as the site is revealed to be a mouth into Xibalba, the Mayan underworld and a place of unending torment. Persistently intense and punctuated with some truly unsettling moments of suffering, this is a book I would recommend to any real gore-hounds and fans of the truly dark
July 26, 2019
Mayan Blue is a gory and utterly relentless novel that follows a student research trip that sets off into the mountains of Georgia to search for hidden Mayan ruins. It all goes awry pretty quickly and they find themselves besieged by inhabitants of the Mayan underworld.
The story is a fast paced B-movie style romp that doesn’t hold back, it’s a lot of fun and very visual - especially with its gore! If you’re looking for quiet and subtle horror this ain’t for you, however if you want some blood splattered fun I’d totally reccomend this.
The story is a fast paced B-movie style romp that doesn’t hold back, it’s a lot of fun and very visual - especially with its gore! If you’re looking for quiet and subtle horror this ain’t for you, however if you want some blood splattered fun I’d totally reccomend this.
February 10, 2017
This review was originally published on comicbooked.com:
Mayan Blue was released through Amazon on May 25th, 2016. I’ve been eagerly waiting for this book for a number of reasons. One, the book’s description incorporated Mayan mythology in a horror/dark fantasy setting, and there’s nothing I love more than occult/myth layered dark fiction with supernatural elements. Two, I thought it was pretty cool that the authors of this book are sisters, twins, in fact. A recent interview I read through Nev Murray‘s Confessions of a Reviewer website went into great detail of their writing process as sisters, and it seemed very unique and different in comparison to how other authors write.
This novel isn’t a long one. It’s 149 pages according to Amazon. Once it arrived to my Kindle, I could see it was well-written. There’s a good balance between descriptive language and action. Along with the description that is poetic yet to the point, there’s a lot to learn from this novel. Both of the sisters obviously did a good amount of research into Mayan culture and spirituality, breaking down their concept of a Death God and an underworld. We see what being trapped within that underworld or demonized by the underworld’s creatures would be like… and it’s scary. Depictions of sacrifice, death, and absolute hopelessness pop out of this short novel, and reading it all is fascinating.
Did the Mayans settle in places beyond Mexico? Mayan Blue plays with this possibility when a professor finds a Mayan artifact in the southeastern region of the United States, more specifically a mountain range in Georgia. While this professor makes his discovery and thinks about the best way to unveil it to the world, a pack of frisky college students go on a hike to meet up with the professor, assist him in his work, and help him haul tools. What follows is a story of Mayan hell, and how these unfortunate people are doomed to face this otherworldly dimension and its ruling God of Death, Ah Puch.
The writing is fun. There is the lovable tradition of modern horror made popular in movies where a group of young people in their prime end up in tragic circumstances, mixed with the Lovecraftian tradition of worlds, deities, and experiences beyond our understanding which suck us in and threaten to destroy our sense of reality. The respectable research for Mayan culture gives this story an innovative depth, and the pacing is good- the action doesn’t happen too quickly, but the tension doesn’t take too long to build also. The characterization is believable, and this novel would translate easily to film with the descriptive visuals laid out. With the short length of the novel, a film adaptation also wouldn’t leave much out. It reminded me of how I felt when I read The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker, which was translated into the film Hellraiser. The Hellbound Heart was short and quite visual like Mayan Blue, so the movie version of Clive’s novel worked well. I’d love to see Mayan Blue treated the same way by a filmmaker.
Check out Mayan Blue, and learn more about the Sisters of Slaughter on their Amazon Author Page. If you love tales about Hell, hopelessness, and dark, extreme horror, come on in to Xibalba.
Mayan Blue was released through Amazon on May 25th, 2016. I’ve been eagerly waiting for this book for a number of reasons. One, the book’s description incorporated Mayan mythology in a horror/dark fantasy setting, and there’s nothing I love more than occult/myth layered dark fiction with supernatural elements. Two, I thought it was pretty cool that the authors of this book are sisters, twins, in fact. A recent interview I read through Nev Murray‘s Confessions of a Reviewer website went into great detail of their writing process as sisters, and it seemed very unique and different in comparison to how other authors write.
This novel isn’t a long one. It’s 149 pages according to Amazon. Once it arrived to my Kindle, I could see it was well-written. There’s a good balance between descriptive language and action. Along with the description that is poetic yet to the point, there’s a lot to learn from this novel. Both of the sisters obviously did a good amount of research into Mayan culture and spirituality, breaking down their concept of a Death God and an underworld. We see what being trapped within that underworld or demonized by the underworld’s creatures would be like… and it’s scary. Depictions of sacrifice, death, and absolute hopelessness pop out of this short novel, and reading it all is fascinating.
Did the Mayans settle in places beyond Mexico? Mayan Blue plays with this possibility when a professor finds a Mayan artifact in the southeastern region of the United States, more specifically a mountain range in Georgia. While this professor makes his discovery and thinks about the best way to unveil it to the world, a pack of frisky college students go on a hike to meet up with the professor, assist him in his work, and help him haul tools. What follows is a story of Mayan hell, and how these unfortunate people are doomed to face this otherworldly dimension and its ruling God of Death, Ah Puch.
The writing is fun. There is the lovable tradition of modern horror made popular in movies where a group of young people in their prime end up in tragic circumstances, mixed with the Lovecraftian tradition of worlds, deities, and experiences beyond our understanding which suck us in and threaten to destroy our sense of reality. The respectable research for Mayan culture gives this story an innovative depth, and the pacing is good- the action doesn’t happen too quickly, but the tension doesn’t take too long to build also. The characterization is believable, and this novel would translate easily to film with the descriptive visuals laid out. With the short length of the novel, a film adaptation also wouldn’t leave much out. It reminded me of how I felt when I read The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker, which was translated into the film Hellraiser. The Hellbound Heart was short and quite visual like Mayan Blue, so the movie version of Clive’s novel worked well. I’d love to see Mayan Blue treated the same way by a filmmaker.
Check out Mayan Blue, and learn more about the Sisters of Slaughter on their Amazon Author Page. If you love tales about Hell, hopelessness, and dark, extreme horror, come on in to Xibalba.
June 29, 2016
Visions abound, etched deep within our psyches. Depictions of Hell that have, over the centuries of conditioning and the dominant influence of Christianity in western culture and history, taught us from the youngest age to fear a wrathful god. To be cast for an eternity into a fiery torment without relief or salvation is one of the greatest horror stories ever told. But, how many of us know of Xibalba, the Hell of the Mayan culture? Or of Ah-Puch, the Mayan god of Death who presides over all who find themselves forever in this place? The Christian depictions of Hell pale in comparison, as you will find within the pages of this book. Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason take you on a terrifying guided tour of Xibalba. The rulers and denizens of this realm of endless, unrelenting Death have been resurrected by these two necromantic authors with such deeply disturbing clarity, that you are there, suffering the agonising torments of Dennis, Kelly, Alissa, Tyler, and their teacher Wes as they set out to meet with Wes’s mentor of archaeology, Professor Lipton. Lipton has made a discovery that will rewrite the history books, but as fate would have it, he has opened the portal to Xibalba and fallen victim to those who have been set free. What follows is a tale of the truest horror. Mayan Blue is Michelle and Melissa’s debut novel and after reading many of their short stories beforehand, it was clear that this was a masterpiece in the making. Stifling, claustrophobic terror and hopelessness seeps from every page, every word. This book is the truest definition of horror you can imagine, and written with such naturally terrifying description as to leave you feeling grateful that the Mayans have faded into obscurity and your sinful life will only condemn you to the playground version of the Christian Hell. Five stars doesn’t even begin to rate this tale. Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason – The Sisters of Slaughter – have arrived with a vengeance that will plunge the world of horror into its very own nightmare. One from which it may never recover.
May 25, 2016
"I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to write a book with someone else. Now given the fact these girls are twins, I would suspect it may be easier than some collaborations but that is one thing that I didn’t notice until I had finished. It flowed extremely well. I defy anyone reading this to be able to pinpoint when the writer changes. It is seamless in that respect."
See here for the full review:
Mayan Blue
See here for the full review:
Mayan Blue
February 22, 2021
From the very first day that I entered into the dark fiction community, Michelle and Melissa have been cheering me on and encouraging me every step of the way. I’ve been recommended their work time and time again, but it was ‘Mayan Blue’ and ‘Tapetum Lucidum’ that really stood out for me. (I’ll be starting Tapetum shortly!)
‘Mayan Blue’ always interested me as I’ve always been intrigued by Xibalba and the Mayan lore of the Underworld. The Mayan Death Gods, specifically Ah Puch, have always got my imagination running and because of this, I wanted to see what type of carnage the Sisters of Slaughter could conjure up.
What I liked: The story begins innocently enough. Four college students and the Professor’s Assistant hike into the Georgia wilderness. They’re off to meet up with the Professor of Archaeology who has discovered a doorway in a cave, that he believes is Mayan. Little do the group of five know that the Professor has accidentally disturbed things that should never have been disturbed.
From this point on, Garza and Lason craft a story filled with survival and brutal, brutal moments. As the Gods of Death march forward and lust to capture the humans and bring them to the massive pyramid for sacrifice, the humans struggle to stay alive, even if they don’t know it’s already too late.
There are some gruesome scenes in here, scenes that rival anything Barker ever conjured. We get tons of blood, amazing progression as the various creatures get their moments in the spotlight and we see just how much each of the humans themselves, want to stay alive.
I really enjoyed how fast-paced this was and how vividly each of the underworld incarnations were described.
What I didn’t like: Two things. The first was, I felt like three of the five individuals were there just to be slaughtered. I didn’t get enough of them or their actual personalities to care much about them and the one woman was incredibly annoying. The second, was I wished there was more background on the lore surrounding what was to come. I felt like I had to play catch up as various levels and events happened and some characters filled the reader in after. Minor, but I think some parts would’ve made more sense.
Why you should buy this: Absolute, underworld blast. This was a really fun time, with a ton of Mayan history and anytime you can get a horror story based around Xibalba, the reader should be happy. The twosome crafted a really frantic, high-energy story and I loved how we saw things go darker and darker. Great stuff!
‘Mayan Blue’ always interested me as I’ve always been intrigued by Xibalba and the Mayan lore of the Underworld. The Mayan Death Gods, specifically Ah Puch, have always got my imagination running and because of this, I wanted to see what type of carnage the Sisters of Slaughter could conjure up.
What I liked: The story begins innocently enough. Four college students and the Professor’s Assistant hike into the Georgia wilderness. They’re off to meet up with the Professor of Archaeology who has discovered a doorway in a cave, that he believes is Mayan. Little do the group of five know that the Professor has accidentally disturbed things that should never have been disturbed.
From this point on, Garza and Lason craft a story filled with survival and brutal, brutal moments. As the Gods of Death march forward and lust to capture the humans and bring them to the massive pyramid for sacrifice, the humans struggle to stay alive, even if they don’t know it’s already too late.
There are some gruesome scenes in here, scenes that rival anything Barker ever conjured. We get tons of blood, amazing progression as the various creatures get their moments in the spotlight and we see just how much each of the humans themselves, want to stay alive.
I really enjoyed how fast-paced this was and how vividly each of the underworld incarnations were described.
What I didn’t like: Two things. The first was, I felt like three of the five individuals were there just to be slaughtered. I didn’t get enough of them or their actual personalities to care much about them and the one woman was incredibly annoying. The second, was I wished there was more background on the lore surrounding what was to come. I felt like I had to play catch up as various levels and events happened and some characters filled the reader in after. Minor, but I think some parts would’ve made more sense.
Why you should buy this: Absolute, underworld blast. This was a really fun time, with a ton of Mayan history and anytime you can get a horror story based around Xibalba, the reader should be happy. The twosome crafted a really frantic, high-energy story and I loved how we saw things go darker and darker. Great stuff!
August 31, 2017
Mayan Blue is every explorers nightmare, a nightmare that pulls you into the depths of a labyrinth where every turn leads to a Hell. Torture becomes soothing as you reach for an end and beg to die.
The Sisters of Slaughter are a match of horror to recognize they know how to drag a reader into a deadly tale and make them bleed out all the way to the end.
I'm glad to share a few TOC myself with these ladies, they can write too scare...
Highly Recommended!
The Sisters of Slaughter are a match of horror to recognize they know how to drag a reader into a deadly tale and make them bleed out all the way to the end.
I'm glad to share a few TOC myself with these ladies, they can write too scare...
Highly Recommended!
July 23, 2016
Okay, Eli Roth, James Wan, Rob Zombie, or perhaps Guillermo Del Toro, you need to read this book and make it into a movie. Because it already reads like a movie. A really good scary, gory movie. (I think Eli Roth would be good fit for this one, but that's just my opinion).
I have always been fascinated by the Mayans. I long to visit Chichen Itza and the other Mayan archaeological ruin sites. Mel Gibson's Apocalypto is one of my favorite films. Many people are interested in the fact that the Mayans practiced human sacrifice. Yes, that is interesting...and horrifying. However, I find the fact of their vast knowledge to be far more interesting. The creation of their hieroglyphic script, the only known fully developed writing system of the pre-Columbian Americas, as well their art, architecture, mathematics, calendar, and astronomical system, is what I find truly amazing.
The authors, known as The Sisters of Slaughter, have created a unique premise here with one of their characters, a professor and archaeologist, having a theory that some of the Mayan's scattered and found refuge in the mountain regions of the state of Georgia. I find this an interesting and even plausible theory. The Mayan's were so advanced...why couldn't some of them have broke away and migrated elsewhere?
The professor decides to explore his theory, along with his research assistant and a group of college students, traveling to the Blood Mountain area of Georgia. As you can probably imagine, it all goes down hill from there. I keep telling these archaeologists in movies/books...don't move or remove things, damn it. They don't listen. (and that's as spoilery as I'm going to get).
As I mentioned at the beginning, reading this is like watching a good horror movie. Edge of seat, nail biting terror at what is steadily revealed as the story progresses. Forget zombies. These entities (to use a nice word that doesn't even begin to describe them) are grotesque almost beyond description. Also, I love owls, but after this book,..I may have to think on that more. Oh, and don't forget the gore. This is a journey into Xibalba, the Mayan underworld. What can be expected but blood, gore and endless suffering in the world of Ah Puch, the god of death.
All I can say is that Mayan Blue is the BOMB. I was thrilled through every minute of reading it and I read it very fast...and I'm not a fast reader. I can't wait to read more from The Sisters of Slaughter.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
I have always been fascinated by the Mayans. I long to visit Chichen Itza and the other Mayan archaeological ruin sites. Mel Gibson's Apocalypto is one of my favorite films. Many people are interested in the fact that the Mayans practiced human sacrifice. Yes, that is interesting...and horrifying. However, I find the fact of their vast knowledge to be far more interesting. The creation of their hieroglyphic script, the only known fully developed writing system of the pre-Columbian Americas, as well their art, architecture, mathematics, calendar, and astronomical system, is what I find truly amazing.
The authors, known as The Sisters of Slaughter, have created a unique premise here with one of their characters, a professor and archaeologist, having a theory that some of the Mayan's scattered and found refuge in the mountain regions of the state of Georgia. I find this an interesting and even plausible theory. The Mayan's were so advanced...why couldn't some of them have broke away and migrated elsewhere?
The professor decides to explore his theory, along with his research assistant and a group of college students, traveling to the Blood Mountain area of Georgia. As you can probably imagine, it all goes down hill from there. I keep telling these archaeologists in movies/books...don't move or remove things, damn it. They don't listen. (and that's as spoilery as I'm going to get).
As I mentioned at the beginning, reading this is like watching a good horror movie. Edge of seat, nail biting terror at what is steadily revealed as the story progresses. Forget zombies. These entities (to use a nice word that doesn't even begin to describe them) are grotesque almost beyond description. Also, I love owls, but after this book,..I may have to think on that more. Oh, and don't forget the gore. This is a journey into Xibalba, the Mayan underworld. What can be expected but blood, gore and endless suffering in the world of Ah Puch, the god of death.
All I can say is that Mayan Blue is the BOMB. I was thrilled through every minute of reading it and I read it very fast...and I'm not a fast reader. I can't wait to read more from The Sisters of Slaughter.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
April 4, 2018
This was...alright, I suppose. It is competent enough for a first novel, but that's about it. Mostly I just saw a lot of wasted potential.
For example, mining Mayan mythology for the antagonist sounds like a pretty cool thing to do, but either Mayan death gods are really damned boring, or Garza and Lason just had no idea what to do with a Mayan death god. The story essentially just ends up being torture porn, and occasionally pointing out that the characters are painted with the titular Mayan Blue doesn't really change anything.
The larger problem, at least for me, is that the book is on shaky structural ground; it's just not well-written. There is an issue with figuring out which bad guy is doing what because the authors will just randomly introduce new honorifics without being clear who, exactly, that honorific applies to. On top of that, they'll keep randomly changing which honorific is used from paragraph to paragraph. It's sloppy writing, and an editor should have caught it.
And editor, or at least a proofreader, should have also caught the countless grammatical mistakes throughout. The Sisters of Slaughter have apparently never met a run-on sentence they didn't love. Even in sentences of appropriate length, there's a lot of dropped/missing punctuation. There's also a problem with homophones; taught and taut are not the same word, for example.
All this said, I did enjoy the book to some extent. The story had potential, even if it missed the mark a bit. Ultimately I think the bigger issue lies with the editorial side of this equation, because a lot of the problems could have been ironed out with some proper guidance. This is not the first time I've noticed similar issues with Sinister Grin titles from new authors.
For example, mining Mayan mythology for the antagonist sounds like a pretty cool thing to do, but either Mayan death gods are really damned boring, or Garza and Lason just had no idea what to do with a Mayan death god. The story essentially just ends up being torture porn, and occasionally pointing out that the characters are painted with the titular Mayan Blue doesn't really change anything.
The larger problem, at least for me, is that the book is on shaky structural ground; it's just not well-written. There is an issue with figuring out which bad guy is doing what because the authors will just randomly introduce new honorifics without being clear who, exactly, that honorific applies to. On top of that, they'll keep randomly changing which honorific is used from paragraph to paragraph. It's sloppy writing, and an editor should have caught it.
And editor, or at least a proofreader, should have also caught the countless grammatical mistakes throughout. The Sisters of Slaughter have apparently never met a run-on sentence they didn't love. Even in sentences of appropriate length, there's a lot of dropped/missing punctuation. There's also a problem with homophones; taught and taut are not the same word, for example.
All this said, I did enjoy the book to some extent. The story had potential, even if it missed the mark a bit. Ultimately I think the bigger issue lies with the editorial side of this equation, because a lot of the problems could have been ironed out with some proper guidance. This is not the first time I've noticed similar issues with Sinister Grin titles from new authors.
June 9, 2016
***The following is an excerpt from my review from This Is Horror***
It’s sometimes perplexing to see how two distinctly unique individuals can come together seemingly as one mind to create something so complex as a full length novel, and that complexity is probably why it’s such an uncommon occurrence in fiction. There have been a few notable pairings over the last forty years, most notably Skip and Spector, Preston and Child, even King and Straub—two remarkably different writers—have done it successfully. But when it comes to dark speculative fiction, there are no standout instances of female author teams writing together with any level of consistency. At least until now, there hasn’t been. Enter Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason.
***To read the rest of this review, please visit http://www.thisishorror.co.uk/book-re... ***
It’s sometimes perplexing to see how two distinctly unique individuals can come together seemingly as one mind to create something so complex as a full length novel, and that complexity is probably why it’s such an uncommon occurrence in fiction. There have been a few notable pairings over the last forty years, most notably Skip and Spector, Preston and Child, even King and Straub—two remarkably different writers—have done it successfully. But when it comes to dark speculative fiction, there are no standout instances of female author teams writing together with any level of consistency. At least until now, there hasn’t been. Enter Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason.
***To read the rest of this review, please visit http://www.thisishorror.co.uk/book-re... ***
August 31, 2016
A fun, violent debut novel that will delight fans of B-movie and survival-horror video games, but offers just the right amount of back story and history to appeal to those looking for a more hard-core adventure story with an original supernatural bent. The Sisters have pulled off some truly bloody, unrelenting action sequences and have captured the essence of the quintessentially naïve college kids who do and say things to make the reader cringe--but these characters only add to the novel's sadistic charm, and they're balanced with a couple of strong lead characters and a few nasty monsters. A compulsive read that would benefit from a deeper edit, but overall a book to add to your TBR list immediately.
July 24, 2016
A Group of students head out to search for their preofessor after he goes missing. As the mismatched group set up camp in the middle of nowhere, they discover that something they thought was myth is actually a reality and he's coming to slaughter them all. This was very visual, not for the faint of heart and I liked the mix of personalities in the group. Some of them were hard to like, but were very well written. I could imagine it like a horror movie playing out in my head. If you like horror and ancient myths then this is for you.
June 27, 2017
I was really intrigued by the idea behind of this book and it didn't disappoint. The writing is solid and well paced.
The characters are a classic horror movie line-up: The dumb slut, two party boys, a smart guy, and the intelligent girl who likes the smart guy. That's never really bother me with horror, in fact it kind of amuses me.
The Plot is prolly my favorite part about this book. So unique, I don't think i've found another book that is similar. I've always been big into the different kind of Mythologies and Cultures, and I feel like the Mayan culture isn't one often used in fiction. So, Mayan Underworld. Its a cool concept.
This is a gorefest. I liked this least about the book to be honest, but this is my fault for not looking more into the book before reading. I should have know coming from two authors that have gained the name "Sisters of Slaughter." Lol
I felt it took away from the storyline a bit and was over done. But as the story progressed, it bothered me less and made more sense.
If you don't mind some blood and gore, check it out. The story is worth it!
The characters are a classic horror movie line-up: The dumb slut, two party boys, a smart guy, and the intelligent girl who likes the smart guy. That's never really bother me with horror, in fact it kind of amuses me.
The Plot is prolly my favorite part about this book. So unique, I don't think i've found another book that is similar. I've always been big into the different kind of Mythologies and Cultures, and I feel like the Mayan culture isn't one often used in fiction. So, Mayan Underworld. Its a cool concept.
This is a gorefest. I liked this least about the book to be honest, but this is my fault for not looking more into the book before reading. I should have know coming from two authors that have gained the name "Sisters of Slaughter." Lol
I felt it took away from the storyline a bit and was over done. But as the story progressed, it bothered me less and made more sense.
If you don't mind some blood and gore, check it out. The story is worth it!
February 4, 2019
Mayan Blue was an incredible first novel by the writing team of Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason. Fantastic plot, on-spot pacing, and interesting characters. I enjoyed it immensely! Mayan Blue is an excellent place to start when discovering this horror-writing sister team and their growing body of work.
March 15, 2021
This fast-paced adventure seamlessly mixes Mayan mythology with a bloody, exciting race for survival.
More at this link: https://raforallhorror.blogspot.com/2...
More at this link: https://raforallhorror.blogspot.com/2...
October 28, 2018
Link to my video review on YouTube will be added once it is recorded and posted.
June 11, 2021
June Review #1: Mayan Blue by Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason (Sisters of Slaughter)
Have you ever wondered what the Frankenstein Monster combo of STARGATE, THE LAUGHING DEAD, APOCALYPTO, and Fulci’s THE BEYOND would be? Mayan Blue provides the answer. The only problem I had (also mentioned by another reviewer) is that there are too many titles floating around for the various entities present; give them names and move on!
Anthropomorphic penises aside, this was a fun and breezy extreme horror book.
Have you ever wondered what the Frankenstein Monster combo of STARGATE, THE LAUGHING DEAD, APOCALYPTO, and Fulci’s THE BEYOND would be? Mayan Blue provides the answer. The only problem I had (also mentioned by another reviewer) is that there are too many titles floating around for the various entities present; give them names and move on!
Anthropomorphic penises aside, this was a fun and breezy extreme horror book.
March 4, 2017
An awesome, bloody, violent trip through Hell. Fast paced and I could not put it down!! Once I got into it I finished it in one sitting!! can't wait to read more from the Sisters of Slaughter!
May 23, 2016
When I found out the Sisters of Slaughter were releasing a full length novel I was intrigued. I have read a few of their shorts and my horror trigger was always squeezed satisfactorily. (That sounds a bit perverse but hell, I'm leaving it in)
They never shied on the gore and waved to taboos as they passed them by on their terror tandem.
When I found out about the actual plot of Mayan Blue I was more than a little intrigued. The Mayan culture had always been known to me through various scaremongering interpretations of their prophetic calendar but that's as far as my own knowledge went with them. But I have always been fascinated by folklore, legends and religious beliefs and the idea behind this story got me interested as I had never read anything about the Mayans afterlife or their version of Hell.
Professor Lipton unearths something that he believes will be life changing, and history changing, in Georgia, undiscovered proof that the Mayans settled further than expected. His helper Wes and a team of students follow a few days behind ready to help with any artifacts that are found. Unbeknownst to them the Professor has opened up the doorway to Hell.
Monsters and demonic slaves spew forth to retrieve gifts and offerings for their long dormant Kings of Xibalba as the students are lured, dragged kicking and screaming into a subterranean world of nightmarish imaginings.
A lot, if not most, of the ghastly apparitions and monstrosities are actually based on the mythological beings in the Mayan culture, (I checked on Google and everything) which is always a good thing.
The gore isn't watered down and the characters are strong enough to cause you enough concern about their welfare.
In a way it's like an old school horror story, like something from the seventies or eighties. Aside from the odd reference to modern technology it could have been set anywhere in the last forty, fifty years.
Overall a great story with interesting twists and turns, and an insight into a culture that will have you googling for hours afterwards, or at every new word you come across like me. Any book that makes me do that has completely ensnared me.
5 out of 5 for horror
5 out of 5 for general
They never shied on the gore and waved to taboos as they passed them by on their terror tandem.
When I found out about the actual plot of Mayan Blue I was more than a little intrigued. The Mayan culture had always been known to me through various scaremongering interpretations of their prophetic calendar but that's as far as my own knowledge went with them. But I have always been fascinated by folklore, legends and religious beliefs and the idea behind this story got me interested as I had never read anything about the Mayans afterlife or their version of Hell.
Professor Lipton unearths something that he believes will be life changing, and history changing, in Georgia, undiscovered proof that the Mayans settled further than expected. His helper Wes and a team of students follow a few days behind ready to help with any artifacts that are found. Unbeknownst to them the Professor has opened up the doorway to Hell.
Monsters and demonic slaves spew forth to retrieve gifts and offerings for their long dormant Kings of Xibalba as the students are lured, dragged kicking and screaming into a subterranean world of nightmarish imaginings.
A lot, if not most, of the ghastly apparitions and monstrosities are actually based on the mythological beings in the Mayan culture, (I checked on Google and everything) which is always a good thing.
The gore isn't watered down and the characters are strong enough to cause you enough concern about their welfare.
In a way it's like an old school horror story, like something from the seventies or eighties. Aside from the odd reference to modern technology it could have been set anywhere in the last forty, fifty years.
Overall a great story with interesting twists and turns, and an insight into a culture that will have you googling for hours afterwards, or at every new word you come across like me. Any book that makes me do that has completely ensnared me.
5 out of 5 for horror
5 out of 5 for general
May 25, 2016
There's something special when a new author- or in case ,authors- releases a debut novel that reaches expectations. Michelle Graza and Melissa Lason have built a good reputation as solid storytellers. Their debut novel, MAYAN BLUE not only reaches expectations,but blows them off the door!
Slight spoilers ahead
Their tale of dark Mayan gods and the modern day mortals who become their selected sacrifices is a well written, deftly blood soaked journey into the underworld. A professor looking for proof of The Mayan culture in rural Georgia. He enlists the help from his students at a local collage and unwittingly opens a door to Xibalba, the Mayan version of hell.
The authors have always been excellent with their use of description and they don't disappoint. The journey though Xibalba is filled with danger. Rivers of pestilence, vampiric plants, even the air is dangerous. The sisters show excellent restraint in the prose. Never once is it weirdness for the sake of weirdness. Everything serves the story.
Where the authors shine however is with their characters. The heroes , Wes- the professor's associate and grad student Allisa are well drawn and believable, disputed their fantastic situation. There are several supporting characters that at first feel cliched but show some surprising layers. The villain Ah-Puch, the lord of the dead is a frightening figure. Pure evil and Merciless, the authors create a sense of menace from their villain and his demonic hordes without dialogue . His intentions are clear and dreadful.
The authors tell this story with honesty. They don't flinch or cheat where many other writers would.
While this isn't perfect. I wish there was more scenes with the secondary characters to flesh them out some more and one or two scenes dragged a little for me, those are minor points.
This is a solid, powerful debut novel that should be read.( I read it twice)Support horror fiction and buy this. Well worth the gruesome trip.
Slight spoilers ahead
Their tale of dark Mayan gods and the modern day mortals who become their selected sacrifices is a well written, deftly blood soaked journey into the underworld. A professor looking for proof of The Mayan culture in rural Georgia. He enlists the help from his students at a local collage and unwittingly opens a door to Xibalba, the Mayan version of hell.
The authors have always been excellent with their use of description and they don't disappoint. The journey though Xibalba is filled with danger. Rivers of pestilence, vampiric plants, even the air is dangerous. The sisters show excellent restraint in the prose. Never once is it weirdness for the sake of weirdness. Everything serves the story.
Where the authors shine however is with their characters. The heroes , Wes- the professor's associate and grad student Allisa are well drawn and believable, disputed their fantastic situation. There are several supporting characters that at first feel cliched but show some surprising layers. The villain Ah-Puch, the lord of the dead is a frightening figure. Pure evil and Merciless, the authors create a sense of menace from their villain and his demonic hordes without dialogue . His intentions are clear and dreadful.
The authors tell this story with honesty. They don't flinch or cheat where many other writers would.
While this isn't perfect. I wish there was more scenes with the secondary characters to flesh them out some more and one or two scenes dragged a little for me, those are minor points.
This is a solid, powerful debut novel that should be read.( I read it twice)Support horror fiction and buy this. Well worth the gruesome trip.
June 10, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is in no way reflected in my opinion of this book.
Xibalba, roughly translated as "place of fear", is the name of the underworld in Mayan mythology, ruled by the Mayan death gods and their helpers. Mayan Blue drags you kicking and screaming into this world full of pain and torment. This fast paced story, full of breathtaking and vivid descriptions, starts out with a bang and never lets up. Alissa, Wes, and The Shadow Priestess are easy to follow and root for, while you know from the start that Dennis, Kelly and Tyler are cannon fodder. This doesn't take anything away from the story for me because you can't have a horror story without victims. The creatures that inhabit this terrifying and hopeless world are something out of a nightmare had during a high fever. The Wayobs, the Nagual, and the Blood Maiden are going to stick with me. With Mayan Blue Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason have more than earned their title of The Sisters of Slaughter. I highly recommend this 4 star trip into terror.
Xibalba, roughly translated as "place of fear", is the name of the underworld in Mayan mythology, ruled by the Mayan death gods and their helpers. Mayan Blue drags you kicking and screaming into this world full of pain and torment. This fast paced story, full of breathtaking and vivid descriptions, starts out with a bang and never lets up. Alissa, Wes, and The Shadow Priestess are easy to follow and root for, while you know from the start that Dennis, Kelly and Tyler are cannon fodder. This doesn't take anything away from the story for me because you can't have a horror story without victims. The creatures that inhabit this terrifying and hopeless world are something out of a nightmare had during a high fever. The Wayobs, the Nagual, and the Blood Maiden are going to stick with me. With Mayan Blue Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason have more than earned their title of The Sisters of Slaughter. I highly recommend this 4 star trip into terror.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews