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The Water at the End of the World
While on his way to visit the healing waters of Tambo Puquio, the Capac Inca, emperor of Tahuantinsuyu, is forced to stop at the small village of Qomermoya. Perhaps this was the will of the gods, for there, Yana Mayu, an impetuous young woman, takes it upon herself to aid Topa Inca, the emperor’s ailing son. This act of kindness triggers a chain of events that will not only lead Yana on a journey of discovery, but will alter the course of history. Learning that only the water at the end of the world can cure Topa, Yana becomes convinced that she has been chosen to find this healing water, for in a dream the gods have shown her a crystalline river flowing underground. But as Ipa, Yana’s knowing aunt, says, “nothing in dreams is clear.” Undeterred, Yana leaves her home and those she loves to travel lonely roads across ice-covered mountains and into the rainforest in search of the entrance to the underworld and the source of the water at the end of the world. The Water at the End of the World is a retelling of an Andean legend as it realistically might have happened given the religion, politics and customs that characterized the height of the Inca Empire. It is descriptive of the natural beauty and majesty of the region’s diverse environments. It is a coming of age story certain to thrill both young adults and adults alike.
392 pages, Paperback
Published August 17, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 26, 2023
To save one she loves from an unfortunate result of his impulsive nature and one she just met whose health is ailing, one young woman embarks on a journey that will forever change her in Michael Easterling’s The Water at the End of the World.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
As the emperor of Tahuantinsuyu, Capac Inca, travels with his ailing son, Topa Inca, to reach some healing waters to cure him they pass through and stop in a small village, where Yana Mayu lives. When Topa Inca is sick in front of her, Yana offers him kindness and aid without a second thought, which is the start to a chain of events that will forever change their lives. Following visions bestowed upon her by the gods after her brother failed to adequately fulfill what he set out to do and his imprisonment, Yana ventures out on a journey with her llama Chumpi to find the water at the end of the world that’s foretold to cure the ailing Topa Inca to help save her brother and Topa. Determinedly venturing toward the water she’s seen in her visions and with the conviction instilled in her that her fate and Topa’s fate are intertwined, Yana travels a lonely path but is helped along the way by kind people, some of whom provide helpful information to direct her where she needs to go in addition to the welcome food and company they offer. Regardless of what might come to pass, Yana journeys forth with the faith and hope that she’ll succeed.
Through the retelling of an Andean legend that may not be commonly explored within Eurocentric folklore canon, this story introduces readers to a cultural experience as it follows a grand hero’s journey, with plenty of perils to be faced and overcome by one young woman with strong character and conviction (and her loyal llama companion). Yana exhibits believable character growth as she continues to face new challenges and throughout her journey her resolve and development is continually reinforced through the consistent emphasis in the text about helping others and accepting help from others, conveying the idea that “you can’t do it alone”; there’s also a strong theme of respecting others, and the gods, by ritually offering up tokens or sacrifices as a demonstration of that respect. The narrative is dense with description of the long, dangerous, and sometimes repetitive journey that Yana has undertaken, which could occasionally feel slow, but then sudden bursts of intense action were introduced, which took some mental readjustment to realize what just happened and whether it was a vision or real. As the text included thorough and rich descriptions using terms from another language, many of which were unfamiliar, there’s a helpful glossary of those terms in the backmatter to provide a deeper understanding of the vocabulary used to go beyond mere context clues or the way a word may have been explained through dialogue or description.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
As the emperor of Tahuantinsuyu, Capac Inca, travels with his ailing son, Topa Inca, to reach some healing waters to cure him they pass through and stop in a small village, where Yana Mayu lives. When Topa Inca is sick in front of her, Yana offers him kindness and aid without a second thought, which is the start to a chain of events that will forever change their lives. Following visions bestowed upon her by the gods after her brother failed to adequately fulfill what he set out to do and his imprisonment, Yana ventures out on a journey with her llama Chumpi to find the water at the end of the world that’s foretold to cure the ailing Topa Inca to help save her brother and Topa. Determinedly venturing toward the water she’s seen in her visions and with the conviction instilled in her that her fate and Topa’s fate are intertwined, Yana travels a lonely path but is helped along the way by kind people, some of whom provide helpful information to direct her where she needs to go in addition to the welcome food and company they offer. Regardless of what might come to pass, Yana journeys forth with the faith and hope that she’ll succeed.
Through the retelling of an Andean legend that may not be commonly explored within Eurocentric folklore canon, this story introduces readers to a cultural experience as it follows a grand hero’s journey, with plenty of perils to be faced and overcome by one young woman with strong character and conviction (and her loyal llama companion). Yana exhibits believable character growth as she continues to face new challenges and throughout her journey her resolve and development is continually reinforced through the consistent emphasis in the text about helping others and accepting help from others, conveying the idea that “you can’t do it alone”; there’s also a strong theme of respecting others, and the gods, by ritually offering up tokens or sacrifices as a demonstration of that respect. The narrative is dense with description of the long, dangerous, and sometimes repetitive journey that Yana has undertaken, which could occasionally feel slow, but then sudden bursts of intense action were introduced, which took some mental readjustment to realize what just happened and whether it was a vision or real. As the text included thorough and rich descriptions using terms from another language, many of which were unfamiliar, there’s a helpful glossary of those terms in the backmatter to provide a deeper understanding of the vocabulary used to go beyond mere context clues or the way a word may have been explained through dialogue or description.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2026
The story follows Yana on a fascinating adventure across the Inca world, filled with surprising twists, natural hazards, and moments of suspense. A spirited llama companion adds entertainment and warmth to the journey, and encounters with allies and challenges keep the adventure engaging. Some plot points follow familiar adventure patterns, making them predictable at times, but the story maintains momentum and excitement throughout.
Yana’s personal journey forms the heart of the novel. Her growth from hesitant youth to courageous young woman is compelling, with moments of fear and determination that make her relatable. A few emotional transitions resolve quickly, leaving certain developments feeling slightly rushed, yet her resilience and resourcefulness carry the story forward and provide a strong emotional core.
The Inca world is vividly realized through detailed descriptions of mountains, forests, and villages. The consistent use of Quechua words strengthens the cultural authenticity, though readers may occasionally need to refer to the glossary. While some passages slow the pacing, the rich setting and immersive world-building create a consistently engaging and memorable adventure.
Yana’s personal journey forms the heart of the novel. Her growth from hesitant youth to courageous young woman is compelling, with moments of fear and determination that make her relatable. A few emotional transitions resolve quickly, leaving certain developments feeling slightly rushed, yet her resilience and resourcefulness carry the story forward and provide a strong emotional core.
The Inca world is vividly realized through detailed descriptions of mountains, forests, and villages. The consistent use of Quechua words strengthens the cultural authenticity, though readers may occasionally need to refer to the glossary. While some passages slow the pacing, the rich setting and immersive world-building create a consistently engaging and memorable adventure.
November 27, 2023
‘The Water at the End of the World’ is a historical fiction about a rich and interesting world where Capac Inca, the emperor of Tahuantinsuyu, stops at the village of Qomermoya. At the same time, he is on his way to visit the dealing waters of Tambo Puquio.
You then meet Yana Mayu, a young woman who is a character with much enticement, wonder, and intrigue that captivates the attention of the reader as she attempts to save the emperor’s son with her kindness. Topa Inca can only be saved by the healing waiter at the end of the world, so the journey begins between the two protagonists and all the drama and action that goes with it.
While the Legend is exciting and rich in tale, the descriptive writing adds to the enjoyment of the read. The author has a particular skill and style in writing that is gratifying. The story has many twists and turns that add to its depth.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy action-adventure stories.
You then meet Yana Mayu, a young woman who is a character with much enticement, wonder, and intrigue that captivates the attention of the reader as she attempts to save the emperor’s son with her kindness. Topa Inca can only be saved by the healing waiter at the end of the world, so the journey begins between the two protagonists and all the drama and action that goes with it.
While the Legend is exciting and rich in tale, the descriptive writing adds to the enjoyment of the read. The author has a particular skill and style in writing that is gratifying. The story has many twists and turns that add to its depth.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy action-adventure stories.
January 29, 2023
Fabulous image on cover of this YA novel of life in Inca culture . . . . a story of overcoming difficulties in a quest for healing water. Yana overcomes obstacles much like Karana in 'Island of the Blue Dolphins.' As a reader of adventure and travel books, I wanted to explore the Andean and Patagonian region through different eyes [not the adult writer]. I usually don't read YA novels because I think they might have been 'invented' after I got out of high school [1964]. Preteen/teen readers interested in an indigenous culture ~ recommended. The story concept is really interesting. We need more access to stories like this.
September 17, 2017
An exotic tale full of adventure and romance. Though the story takes place in the ancient Incan Empire, the characters are relatable to today. Yana' s quest to solve the mystery of "the water at the end of the world" and save the life of the heir to the empire involves courage and resourcefulness. I enjoyed the many interesting characters she meets on her remarkable journey. I was surprised and charmed by this well told adventure.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews