The Snake In The Castle

by B.L. Maxwell

Sixteen-year-old Jayden Sutton is looking forward to time off from school for spring break. Lots of time to sleep-in and take it easy. When a last-minute chance trip to Cancun presents itself, Jayden and his family are all excited to go. The idea of a week at the beach sounds like heaven, and he can’t wait to see what else there is to do at the tropical paradise.Hadwin Patil lives in Cancun with his family. His father has passed down his love and knowledge of their Maya heritage, and for Hadwin it’s more than a passing interest. When he spots a red-haired boy about his age on a tour of the ancient city of Chichén Itzá, he’s drawn to him, and soon they’re enjoying the sites together with his unique insights and knowledge.A chance meeting or fate, only the two of them can decide if it lasts longer than Jayden’s vacation. A Young Adult novel centered around the Spring Equinox, the magic of Chichén Itzá, and young love.

Genres: LGBT

114 pages, Paperback

Published April 5, 2021

Reviews

[Andreas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story. But it felt more like a children's book rather than YA. Jayden and Hadwin act more like twelve-year-olds that the sixteen they're supposed to be. I lost count how often Jayden asked his dad if he could do something or go somewhere. So everything is pretty tame here, not more than a little hand-holding and some shy kissing. Although this book is very short this gets kind of boring quite quickly. I have to admit I only skimmed through the epilogue, because I already lost interest.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Snake in the Castle is BL Maxwell’s first YA novel and she did a brilliant job. Jayden is 16 years old and on spring break when his father is offered a business trip to Cancun for the entire family. Once they arrive, the family plans a few excursions to visit the tourist attractions and spend some time at the beach. On one of their excursions, Jayden is drawn to a local teen, Hadwin, and both of them hit it off. As they journey into the country’s rich past and fall in love with the scenery and each other, they’re sad when Jayden’s trip comes to an end and agree to keep in touch. What a wonderful journey into the rich history of the ancient Mayans and Mexico! Another brilliant and touching story by my favorite author with a taste of a crush on vacation, separation, and a connection maintained over the years. The ending was lovely and I always love how BL writes the last chapter with a few years ahead to the future. I love getting a glimpse of the MCs and how they’re faring :)

**I received an ARC from the author so this review is solely my own.**

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but riveting read

Yet again, I am gifted a book that I have not read the blurb to. What a wonderful unexpected read. I have to add that I rarely, if ever, read an authors blurb. I feel that they often reveal too much of the book for my liking.

I have only visited the western side of Mexico, so I am unsure if these places are real, but I hope they are. Nevertheless, I learnt a lot and was thoroughly entranced by the heritage side.

The two main characters are fun and young, their relationship sweet. It's so refreshing to read a YA book, don't get me wrong, I love adult MM books, but the authors have to work harder sometimes with YA to get the relationship across without the rest of the relationship.

The narration was excellent, Jack Watson did an incredible job, and you felt like you were at the pyramids. I did increase the speed, but this is normal for me.

The Snake in the Castle
By: BL Maxwell
Narrated by: Jack Watson
Length: 2 hrs and 49 mins

❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.50 speed on Audible

I received this audiobook for free from the author at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - nor did the author influence my opinion.

[Mrs.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is basically an ode to the Mayan ruins in Mexico. It really made me want to catch the next fly out there and visit! Living them through Jayden’s eyes, with the wide-eyed wonder of a sixteen-years-old boy who has never experienced something like that, was incredibly magic. And the fact that his interest in the ancient history is piqued by meeting Hadwin, a local boy with Mayan origins is just the cherry on the cake! Their sweet interest in each other is so cute, and it’s great to see their love for the Mayan heritage feed off each other.

[Brei-ayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Sixteen Jayden Sutton and his family go to Cancun, Mexico. Jayden is so excited to explore. Jayden wants to go to the ancient city of Chichén Itzá. He meets a boy named Hadwin Patil there. Hadwin has lived in Mexico his whole life. Hadwin shows Jayden the magic and history of the Mayan culture.

[Mstay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was beautifully written. It captured all sweet innocence and eagerness of young adults. Seeing how these two met, shared interests, and flirted around each other had me smiling the entire time. It’s one of those feel good books that I can tell will be destined as a reread for me and a sort of palate cleanser when I just need a good story to perk me up.

[mmreads430 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful YA tale of a 16 year old California boy who meets a local Mexican boy his age while touring ruins at a historical site in the Yucatan with his family… Jayden discovers a new passion for ancient history through Hadwin, a young man with an uncommon depth of knowledge and passion for his own Maya heritage. Their meeting and new love is set against the experience of the Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza, and is beautiful in its innocence. Highly recommended.