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Mists of Palenque #4
The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K'Inuuw Mat of Palenque
She was born to serve the Goddess Ix Chel. But K'inuuw Mat is destined to continue the Palenque (Lakam Ha) dynasty by marriage to Tiwol, fourth son of famous ruler Pakal. Trained in prophetic arts, she uses scrying to foresee the face of the man with whom she will bear the dynastic heir―but it is not her husband's image. She is shocked upon arriving at Palenque to recognize that face as her husband's older brother, Kan Bahlam. They are immediately attracted, sharing deep interest in astronomy. Though she resists, the magnetic force of their attraction propels them into forbidden embraces, until Kan Bahlam designs a bold plan that would solve his inability to produce a son―if he can gain his brother's cooperation. Set in the splendor of Lakam Ha's artistic and scientific zenith, royal family conflicts and ambitions play out in a tapestry of brilliant Mayan accomplishments in calendars, astronomy, architecture, arts, and secret language codes that will astound people centuries later. As K'inuuw Mat contends with explosive emotions, she must answer the Goddess' mandate to preserve Mayan culture for future generations. Her passion with Kan Bahlam leads to a pale daughter and bold son who carry this out as their civilization begins the decline and eventual collapse her prophetic vision foresees. One great cycle rolls into the next . . . Contemporary Mexican archeologist Francesca and her partner Charlie, a British linguist, venture into Chiapas jungles to a remote Maya village, seeking to unravel her grandmother's secrets. The hostile village shaman holds the key, but refuses to share with outsiders the scandal that leads to foreign blood and ancient Palenque lineages. Only by re-claiming her own shamanic heritage can Francesca learn the truth of who she is, and bring her dynasty into the present.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
398 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2019
About the author
Leonide Martin
7 books141 followersLeonide (Lennie) Martin: Award winning author, retired California State University professor, former Family Nurse Practitioner, Research Member Maya Exploration Center.
Dr. Martin writes narrative nonfiction and historical fiction. Her nonfiction is genealogical research on the Acadian (Nova Scotia) roots of her South Louisiana Vial-Martin family that has lived for 7 generations in "upriver" parishes - 30 miles north of New Orleans along the Mississippi River. The quest led back 14 generations to original French settlers in the 1600s who created a unique culture. The founder of her lineage was an early governor of Acadia and nobleman from Champagne, near Paris. After 6 generations creating rich farmlands from marshes, the Acadians were forcefully expelled by British conquerors in 1755; scattered across Europe and Atlantic British colonies who received them with hostility. This exile of politically neutral Acadians is not considered violation of international law and ethnic cleansing. After years in exile, many Acadians journeyed to Louisiana and joined French settlements. Martin's ancestors went to the "Acadian Coast" and became landowners and professional leaders. They intermarried with French and Spanish Creoles, lived through the Louisiana Purchase, statehood, Civil War, and 2 World Wars; eventually forgetting their Acadian roots. The quest for these roots showed transition to mainly Creole heritage. Colorful personalities, political and educational leaders, curious events including a family feud, and the process of reconnecting estranged branches are highlighted in this book.
Dr. Martin’s historical fiction books portray ancient Maya culture and civilization through stories about both actual historical Mayans and fictional characters. She studied Maya culture and history from both scientific and indigenous viewpoints, lived five years in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, and apprenticed with Maya Elder Hunbatz Men, becoming a Solar Initiate and Maya Fire Women. Other indigenous teachers in Guatemala included Maya Priestess-Daykeeper Aum Rak Sapper and Maya elder Tata Pedro. The ancient Mayas created the most highly advanced civilization in the Western hemisphere, and Martin’s work is dedicated to their wisdom, spirituality, scientific, and cultural accomplishments through compelling historical novels.
Martin’s interest in ancient Mayan women led to writing the Mayan Queens’ series called The Mists of Palenque. This 4-book series—each book stands alone—tells the stories of powerful women who shaped the destinies of their people as rulers themselves, or wives of rulers. These remarkable Mayan women are unknown to most readers. Using extensive research and field study, Martin aspires to depict ancient Palenque authentically and make these amazing Mayan Queens accessible to a wide readership.
Dr. Martin lives with her husband David and white cat in California's Temecula Valley wine country, where she enjoys reading, gardening, nature walks, tap dancing, classical music, and wine tasting.
Blog: http://leonidemartinblog.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leonide.martin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lenniem07
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/leonide-martin
Dr. Martin writes narrative nonfiction and historical fiction. Her nonfiction is genealogical research on the Acadian (Nova Scotia) roots of her South Louisiana Vial-Martin family that has lived for 7 generations in "upriver" parishes - 30 miles north of New Orleans along the Mississippi River. The quest led back 14 generations to original French settlers in the 1600s who created a unique culture. The founder of her lineage was an early governor of Acadia and nobleman from Champagne, near Paris. After 6 generations creating rich farmlands from marshes, the Acadians were forcefully expelled by British conquerors in 1755; scattered across Europe and Atlantic British colonies who received them with hostility. This exile of politically neutral Acadians is not considered violation of international law and ethnic cleansing. After years in exile, many Acadians journeyed to Louisiana and joined French settlements. Martin's ancestors went to the "Acadian Coast" and became landowners and professional leaders. They intermarried with French and Spanish Creoles, lived through the Louisiana Purchase, statehood, Civil War, and 2 World Wars; eventually forgetting their Acadian roots. The quest for these roots showed transition to mainly Creole heritage. Colorful personalities, political and educational leaders, curious events including a family feud, and the process of reconnecting estranged branches are highlighted in this book.
Dr. Martin’s historical fiction books portray ancient Maya culture and civilization through stories about both actual historical Mayans and fictional characters. She studied Maya culture and history from both scientific and indigenous viewpoints, lived five years in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, and apprenticed with Maya Elder Hunbatz Men, becoming a Solar Initiate and Maya Fire Women. Other indigenous teachers in Guatemala included Maya Priestess-Daykeeper Aum Rak Sapper and Maya elder Tata Pedro. The ancient Mayas created the most highly advanced civilization in the Western hemisphere, and Martin’s work is dedicated to their wisdom, spirituality, scientific, and cultural accomplishments through compelling historical novels.
Martin’s interest in ancient Mayan women led to writing the Mayan Queens’ series called The Mists of Palenque. This 4-book series—each book stands alone—tells the stories of powerful women who shaped the destinies of their people as rulers themselves, or wives of rulers. These remarkable Mayan women are unknown to most readers. Using extensive research and field study, Martin aspires to depict ancient Palenque authentically and make these amazing Mayan Queens accessible to a wide readership.
Dr. Martin lives with her husband David and white cat in California's Temecula Valley wine country, where she enjoys reading, gardening, nature walks, tap dancing, classical music, and wine tasting.
Blog: http://leonidemartinblog.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leonide.martin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lenniem07
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/leonide-martin
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 31, 2019
Whenever a book starts with a map in the front cover, you know it's going to be good. This book was no exception. 'The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K'inuuw Mat of Palenque' by Leonide Martin was an interesting, rich and engaging read.
The book pulled me in right from the beginning, wrapping me in such an expansive yet intimate world. In the beginning, there is only K'inuuw Mat, a twelve-year-old girl who is just starting puberty and is, therefore taking her customary journey back home to the motherland of her people, the island of Cuzamil.
K'inuuw Mat's deepest wish is to be called by the Goddess that her people worship and to become a seer. This would mean that she would never marry and instead spend her time doing rituals and predicting future events. Of course, all does not go as planned and K'inuuw Mat discovers that she has a different destiny altogether.
I have always been a fan of Mayan culture and have always loved historical fiction and historical rewrites, so it's safe to say that this book and I were probably destined for each other. Leonide Martin's writing is terrific and inviting. While reading, I really felt like I'd been transported back in time and was standing on the boat with K'inuuw Mat. There was so much rich detail in the descriptions and settings and the atmosphere was pitch perfect. I loved this author's writing and can't wait to see what she does next.
5 very entertained and compelled stars. I would, without reservation recommend this book to anyone who enjoys, or wants to learn more about Mayan culture. You couldn't find a better novel, in that case.
I would also recommend this to anyone who doesn't really have an opinion on Mayan culture, but just enjoys a good novel, as it fulfills that need as well.
The book pulled me in right from the beginning, wrapping me in such an expansive yet intimate world. In the beginning, there is only K'inuuw Mat, a twelve-year-old girl who is just starting puberty and is, therefore taking her customary journey back home to the motherland of her people, the island of Cuzamil.
K'inuuw Mat's deepest wish is to be called by the Goddess that her people worship and to become a seer. This would mean that she would never marry and instead spend her time doing rituals and predicting future events. Of course, all does not go as planned and K'inuuw Mat discovers that she has a different destiny altogether.
I have always been a fan of Mayan culture and have always loved historical fiction and historical rewrites, so it's safe to say that this book and I were probably destined for each other. Leonide Martin's writing is terrific and inviting. While reading, I really felt like I'd been transported back in time and was standing on the boat with K'inuuw Mat. There was so much rich detail in the descriptions and settings and the atmosphere was pitch perfect. I loved this author's writing and can't wait to see what she does next.
5 very entertained and compelled stars. I would, without reservation recommend this book to anyone who enjoys, or wants to learn more about Mayan culture. You couldn't find a better novel, in that case.
I would also recommend this to anyone who doesn't really have an opinion on Mayan culture, but just enjoys a good novel, as it fulfills that need as well.
May 1, 2021
Leonide Martin’s fourth book in her The Mists of Palenque Series, like its predecessors, gives the reader a deep dive into Mayan history and culture. The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K'inuuw Mat of Palenque (The Mists of Palenque Book 4) is the story of K’inuuw Mat, a young highborn Mayan maiden on the cusp of womanhood. Her fervent wish is to serve as an acolyte to the goddess Ix Chel and become a seer, but she must accept that her destiny is to serve elsewhere. This is a story filled with romance and intrigue. Martin has a gift for description. If you’ve wondered what life was like for the ancient Mayans, this is the book for you.
March 5, 2020
Reviewed by Araceli Noriega for Reader Views (2/20)
“The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K’inuuw Mat of Palenque” is the fourth installment of the Mists of Palenque Series by Leonide Martin. In this novel, Leonide Martin sets out to tell the story of a young woman whose clairvoyant abilities have shown promise to a future calling for the Priestess she admires. Soon she learns that there is more to her calling than what she has envisioned. Readers are brought along for a journey filled with every imaginable emotion in the course of a heroine’s lifetime. As a result, a world that is stunningly beautiful and complete without ours—but intractably connected—surges through the pages of the book.
To describe Leonide Martin’s writing as superb is an understatement. The language of the book is for book lovers and logophiles alike. Martin uses advanced lexicon in adequate amounts and places to bring readers into the Mayan world of the protagonist, K’inuuw Mat. A favorite passage of mine is the following:
“When will she and her retinue arrive?” asked Kan Bhalam.
“Within two moon cycles, so the marriage may take place when Lady Uc shows her bright round face, glowing with love’s quickening heartbeat, in the night sky at summer solstice,” offered Chak Chan, an astronomer in the Academy of Kan Bahlam.
“Ever the sky watcher, and now also a poet!” exclaimed Tiwol Chan Mat.
Poetic, indeed! The statement by Chak Chan creates romantic imagery for readers followed by Tiwol’s insightful and witty commentary. Exchanges like this one—seen throughout the novel—show readers the intellect, affection, and self-awareness that the characters possess. Martin’s characters are reminiscent of Shakespearean character profiles and stories which carry the universal themes of humanity.
Fans of romance will undoubtedly enjoy this novel, though the storyline is unlike typical romance novels with predictable plotlines. Readers interested in learning about the ancient Mayan culture and its people will also instantly lose themselves in K’inuuw Mat’s story. Archeology enthusiasts would do well to read this novel also, as the book is both entertaining and educational.
Prior to reading “The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K’inuuw Mat of Palenque” I had decided that I’d like to learn the Mayan language. Like many of my peers, I have studied other languages but none that are considered ‘pre-Colombian’. This is an effort to honor my own maternal Mayan roots as my mother and her entire family is from Central America. I could not have asked for a better introduction into the nuances of the ancient Mayan language and way of life. The ‘Afterword’ section of the book is especially endearing to me as it is written for the scholar in all of us.
I highly recommend Leonide Martin’s “The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K’inuuw Mat of Palenque” for anyone who wants to connect with the heroine inside. The novel effectively takes readers through an adventure which competes with classic stories of self-fulfillment despite life’s unexpected challenges and loss. I look forward to reading all of the books in the series and I hope that Martin can bring some of these tales to life in film or a televised series.
Everything—including the cover art and maps to the storyline and author notes—about Martin’s “The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K’inuuw Mat of Palenque” delights the eyes and soul. Some might consider the writing a bit dense because it is advanced, at times “foreign-sounding”, and doesn’t use worn out tropes in fiction. However, at the end of the story, readers realize that they have been immersed into a tale of ascent to power besieged by challenging ethical dilemmas as well as metaphysical experiences. With its setting in the highly advanced civilization of the ancient Mayas, embedded dynamic characters in a heroine’s tale, this historical novel is sure to enamor readers of any genre.
“The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K’inuuw Mat of Palenque” is the fourth installment of the Mists of Palenque Series by Leonide Martin. In this novel, Leonide Martin sets out to tell the story of a young woman whose clairvoyant abilities have shown promise to a future calling for the Priestess she admires. Soon she learns that there is more to her calling than what she has envisioned. Readers are brought along for a journey filled with every imaginable emotion in the course of a heroine’s lifetime. As a result, a world that is stunningly beautiful and complete without ours—but intractably connected—surges through the pages of the book.
To describe Leonide Martin’s writing as superb is an understatement. The language of the book is for book lovers and logophiles alike. Martin uses advanced lexicon in adequate amounts and places to bring readers into the Mayan world of the protagonist, K’inuuw Mat. A favorite passage of mine is the following:
“When will she and her retinue arrive?” asked Kan Bhalam.
“Within two moon cycles, so the marriage may take place when Lady Uc shows her bright round face, glowing with love’s quickening heartbeat, in the night sky at summer solstice,” offered Chak Chan, an astronomer in the Academy of Kan Bahlam.
“Ever the sky watcher, and now also a poet!” exclaimed Tiwol Chan Mat.
Poetic, indeed! The statement by Chak Chan creates romantic imagery for readers followed by Tiwol’s insightful and witty commentary. Exchanges like this one—seen throughout the novel—show readers the intellect, affection, and self-awareness that the characters possess. Martin’s characters are reminiscent of Shakespearean character profiles and stories which carry the universal themes of humanity.
Fans of romance will undoubtedly enjoy this novel, though the storyline is unlike typical romance novels with predictable plotlines. Readers interested in learning about the ancient Mayan culture and its people will also instantly lose themselves in K’inuuw Mat’s story. Archeology enthusiasts would do well to read this novel also, as the book is both entertaining and educational.
Prior to reading “The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K’inuuw Mat of Palenque” I had decided that I’d like to learn the Mayan language. Like many of my peers, I have studied other languages but none that are considered ‘pre-Colombian’. This is an effort to honor my own maternal Mayan roots as my mother and her entire family is from Central America. I could not have asked for a better introduction into the nuances of the ancient Mayan language and way of life. The ‘Afterword’ section of the book is especially endearing to me as it is written for the scholar in all of us.
I highly recommend Leonide Martin’s “The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K’inuuw Mat of Palenque” for anyone who wants to connect with the heroine inside. The novel effectively takes readers through an adventure which competes with classic stories of self-fulfillment despite life’s unexpected challenges and loss. I look forward to reading all of the books in the series and I hope that Martin can bring some of these tales to life in film or a televised series.
Everything—including the cover art and maps to the storyline and author notes—about Martin’s “The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K’inuuw Mat of Palenque” delights the eyes and soul. Some might consider the writing a bit dense because it is advanced, at times “foreign-sounding”, and doesn’t use worn out tropes in fiction. However, at the end of the story, readers realize that they have been immersed into a tale of ascent to power besieged by challenging ethical dilemmas as well as metaphysical experiences. With its setting in the highly advanced civilization of the ancient Mayas, embedded dynamic characters in a heroine’s tale, this historical novel is sure to enamor readers of any genre.
February 3, 2019
A queen in waiting. A forbidden love. A destiny that must be fulfilled. All of these things are elements to Leonide Martin’s book ‘The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K’inuuw Mat of Palenque.’
The main character, K’inuuw Mat is a young girl embarking on a journey to discover her destiny on the Mayan island of Cuzamil. For generations, one daughter from every family in K’inuuw Mat’s line has been chosen to serve the goddess Ix Chel as a seer. Since K’inuuw Mat’s elder sister was not chosen, she assumes that she will be the one to fulfill this role. She’s excited by this, as it seems a fitting life for her. But an oracle on the island informs her that the goddess Ix Chel has not chosen her to be an acolyte and that she is instead destined to marry one of the royal sons of Lakam Ha.
Things rapidly become even more complicated for poor K’inuuw Mat when her own scrying reveals that she is destined to fall in love with her soon-to-be-husband’s brother, Kan Bahlam. I don’t want to reveal too many spoilers—because you should really read this one– but the love story between K’inuuw Mat and Kan Bahlam was powerful in a way that I don’t often really come across in historical novels.
I had a lot of trouble putting this one down and whenever I did I kept finding myself mentally back in Lakam Ha in 600-something BCE hearing K’inuuw Mat’s voice. I can’t remember a time when I’ve had a book pull me in and stick with me as much as this one and because of that, I have to give it 5 shiny and golden stars. I learned a lot and had a great time doing it! I fully recommend this to any and all readers!
The main character, K’inuuw Mat is a young girl embarking on a journey to discover her destiny on the Mayan island of Cuzamil. For generations, one daughter from every family in K’inuuw Mat’s line has been chosen to serve the goddess Ix Chel as a seer. Since K’inuuw Mat’s elder sister was not chosen, she assumes that she will be the one to fulfill this role. She’s excited by this, as it seems a fitting life for her. But an oracle on the island informs her that the goddess Ix Chel has not chosen her to be an acolyte and that she is instead destined to marry one of the royal sons of Lakam Ha.
Things rapidly become even more complicated for poor K’inuuw Mat when her own scrying reveals that she is destined to fall in love with her soon-to-be-husband’s brother, Kan Bahlam. I don’t want to reveal too many spoilers—because you should really read this one– but the love story between K’inuuw Mat and Kan Bahlam was powerful in a way that I don’t often really come across in historical novels.
I had a lot of trouble putting this one down and whenever I did I kept finding myself mentally back in Lakam Ha in 600-something BCE hearing K’inuuw Mat’s voice. I can’t remember a time when I’ve had a book pull me in and stick with me as much as this one and because of that, I have to give it 5 shiny and golden stars. I learned a lot and had a great time doing it! I fully recommend this to any and all readers!
July 31, 2019
This entertaining novel opens as young Mayan noble K’inuuw Mat travels with her mother and sister to the holy island of Cuzamil. The young girl on the verge of womanhood expects to remain on the island to serve the goddess Ix Chel, as other women in her family have done before her. She’s shocked when the oracle tells her that her path lies elsewhere. Though at first defiant, she accepts the prophecy.
So begins her adventure.
The author uses her impressive knowledge of Mayan culture to great effect in this epic tale, blending myth, history and imagination to tell K’inuuw Mat’s story. However, this is not just K’inuuw Mat’s story, but her people’s story. From the mists of Palenque, the author brings to life the magnificent Mayan civilization.
All in all, an impressive achievement.
So begins her adventure.
The author uses her impressive knowledge of Mayan culture to great effect in this epic tale, blending myth, history and imagination to tell K’inuuw Mat’s story. However, this is not just K’inuuw Mat’s story, but her people’s story. From the mists of Palenque, the author brings to life the magnificent Mayan civilization.
All in all, an impressive achievement.
November 10, 2018
K'inuuw Mat is the daughter of the ruler of the city of Uxte'kuh. It is expected she will follow her matrilineal line by being the daughter of her generation who will serve the goddess Ix Chel on Her island of Cuzamil. However, an oracular prophecy says she will serve the goddess in a different way. At first, K'inuuw Mat resists this and contemplates escaping back to the island. In the end, she accepts Ix Chel's will for her. The prophecy comes to pass when she becomes bride to one of the sons of the ruling family in Lakam Ha. She does her own divination to see what her future husband looks like and is granted a vision of a man who turns out to be her husband's brother. What does this vision actually mean, and how will it affect her people?
It's clear Martin has put a great deal of research into this story. I'm somewhat familiar with Mayan history & archaeology, and it was enjoyable to find things I recognised. It was a just as enjoyable to learn new things. This was a complex, quite advanced culture. They managed to plot calendars far in advance. Indeed, the ‘infamous’ 2012 was the ending of an impossibly long cycle. And they did it all without computers or digital calculators. As a person notoriously poor in mathematics, this boggles my mind.
Martin mentions that the Mayan language was very flowery and formal (at least as we understand it), and I liked that not only was the dialogue written this way, but the entity of the story was. I would have liked a pronunciation guide at the beginning though. Most things I actually remembered, and part of that was the various pronunciations of 'x’. What I didn't fully recall was what sound is used when. Some words, like Ix Chel, I remembered. Words new to me were the problem. However, I imagine these words would confuse readers unfamiliar with this fact.
The First North Americans series by archaeologists W Michael & Kathleen O'Neal Gear is one of my all-time favourite series, and this book (and series) made me think of a South/Mesoamerican version. K'inuuw Mat was the first book of this series that I've read, but I went and purchased the previous ones. I'm looking forward to reading them. A highly recommended book for those interested in the ancient Maya, or archaeology in general!
***Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. This book was reviewed for the Seattle Book Review.
It's clear Martin has put a great deal of research into this story. I'm somewhat familiar with Mayan history & archaeology, and it was enjoyable to find things I recognised. It was a just as enjoyable to learn new things. This was a complex, quite advanced culture. They managed to plot calendars far in advance. Indeed, the ‘infamous’ 2012 was the ending of an impossibly long cycle. And they did it all without computers or digital calculators. As a person notoriously poor in mathematics, this boggles my mind.
Martin mentions that the Mayan language was very flowery and formal (at least as we understand it), and I liked that not only was the dialogue written this way, but the entity of the story was. I would have liked a pronunciation guide at the beginning though. Most things I actually remembered, and part of that was the various pronunciations of 'x’. What I didn't fully recall was what sound is used when. Some words, like Ix Chel, I remembered. Words new to me were the problem. However, I imagine these words would confuse readers unfamiliar with this fact.
The First North Americans series by archaeologists W Michael & Kathleen O'Neal Gear is one of my all-time favourite series, and this book (and series) made me think of a South/Mesoamerican version. K'inuuw Mat was the first book of this series that I've read, but I went and purchased the previous ones. I'm looking forward to reading them. A highly recommended book for those interested in the ancient Maya, or archaeology in general!
***Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. This book was reviewed for the Seattle Book Review.
February 28, 2019
This is one of several book written by this author, built on factual individuals and events discovered in Mayan ruins.
K'Inuuw Mat of Palenque had desired to become a Priestess of Ix Chel her entire life. She had been eager for her 12th year to go to Cuzamil to live with her aunt and trained to be whatever type of Priestess her talents deemed her worthy of. She had shown promise of becoming a seer.
She only needed to show evidence of "becoming a woman" then request a meeting with the main Oracle to receive permission. Her first cycle in "becoming a woman" was fulfilled, but when she voiced her request to the Oracle, she was, shockingly, refused. She was to serve a different mission.
Soon, K'Inuuw Mat, was entreated by her father to accept a marriage proposal from an ally, in order tot strengthen their countries. The second brother came to negotiate on behalf of his younger brother. If the younger brother was as appealing as this one, she could willingly accept the offer.
On her journey to meet her betrothed, she used her seer skills to discover a view of the brother who she was to create a royal posterity with. He looked nothing like the brother she had met! He was huge and gruff looking!
After arriving, the next day the family met her in the Palace. Her betrothed looked much like his brother. Who was the image she saw through her seer stones?
This was a very interesting interpretation by the author, of what may have happened. The records recovered were extremely "sketchy". The author added much speculation and intrigue in "filling in" the missing events. It definitely added "spark" to the possibilities.
The characters were portrayed in an interesting way. The Book Title and Cover were very-well chosen and appealing to the ?browser".
I did have some issues with quite a lot of repetition and excess "wordiness". However, the factual information the author provides, additionally adding a map, pronunciation, explanation of terms, etc., made up for a lot of the lacking literary technique. i learned a lot about this aspect of the Mayan culture I never knew and am looking forward to reading more of this author's Mayan leader's adventures.
*This book was gifted me, with no request for a positive review. This is my honest review.
K'Inuuw Mat of Palenque had desired to become a Priestess of Ix Chel her entire life. She had been eager for her 12th year to go to Cuzamil to live with her aunt and trained to be whatever type of Priestess her talents deemed her worthy of. She had shown promise of becoming a seer.
She only needed to show evidence of "becoming a woman" then request a meeting with the main Oracle to receive permission. Her first cycle in "becoming a woman" was fulfilled, but when she voiced her request to the Oracle, she was, shockingly, refused. She was to serve a different mission.
Soon, K'Inuuw Mat, was entreated by her father to accept a marriage proposal from an ally, in order tot strengthen their countries. The second brother came to negotiate on behalf of his younger brother. If the younger brother was as appealing as this one, she could willingly accept the offer.
On her journey to meet her betrothed, she used her seer skills to discover a view of the brother who she was to create a royal posterity with. He looked nothing like the brother she had met! He was huge and gruff looking!
After arriving, the next day the family met her in the Palace. Her betrothed looked much like his brother. Who was the image she saw through her seer stones?
This was a very interesting interpretation by the author, of what may have happened. The records recovered were extremely "sketchy". The author added much speculation and intrigue in "filling in" the missing events. It definitely added "spark" to the possibilities.
The characters were portrayed in an interesting way. The Book Title and Cover were very-well chosen and appealing to the ?browser".
I did have some issues with quite a lot of repetition and excess "wordiness". However, the factual information the author provides, additionally adding a map, pronunciation, explanation of terms, etc., made up for a lot of the lacking literary technique. i learned a lot about this aspect of the Mayan culture I never knew and am looking forward to reading more of this author's Mayan leader's adventures.
*This book was gifted me, with no request for a positive review. This is my honest review.
January 13, 2019
I was fortunate to be able to read a copy of The Prophetic Mayan Queen. I knew so little about the Mayan cuture, and this book, besides being a fascinating story, was a wonderful glimpse into this civilization.
The story starts with a voyage - a young girl is accompanying her mother and her older sister to an island where priestesses live. They prophesize, and the girls are coming to be told their fortunes. The heroine of the story, K’inuuw Ma, is hoping to stay on the island and train to become one of the priestesses - but fate has other things in store for her - she is to marry a prince and found a dynasty. K’inuuw Mais a strong, interesting woman, and I found myself drawn into her story and not being able to stop reading! The author has done an amazing amount of research and I learned much about this incredible society. I loved the story, and highly recommend it!
The story starts with a voyage - a young girl is accompanying her mother and her older sister to an island where priestesses live. They prophesize, and the girls are coming to be told their fortunes. The heroine of the story, K’inuuw Ma, is hoping to stay on the island and train to become one of the priestesses - but fate has other things in store for her - she is to marry a prince and found a dynasty. K’inuuw Mais a strong, interesting woman, and I found myself drawn into her story and not being able to stop reading! The author has done an amazing amount of research and I learned much about this incredible society. I loved the story, and highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews