Adventures among the Maya and the Secret of the Crystal Amulet

Book excerpt: IT’S 770 AD. IN WHAT WILL LATER BECOME CENTRAL AMERICA, THE ANCIENT MAYA HAVE FLOURISHED FOR CENTURIES, BUILDING A CIVILIZATION OF CULTURE, WONDER, AND INTRIGUE, BUT THEIR WAY OF LIFE MAY NOT ENDURE FOREVER. . . The intrepid Mara has left her homeland, Chichen Itza, on a mysterious quest when she is discovered in the jungle by Jorel, the handsome son of the king of Palenque, and his friends. Jorel takes Mara to Palenque and to Ruth, a sage and compassionate shaman. While learning from Ruth’s wisdom and connecting with the people of Palenque, Mara finds herself irresistibly drawn to Jorel—and wary of the king’s ruthless chief advisor, Caterra. Ruth shares with Mara a powerful secret that will guide her way as Mara navigates enough dangers and adventures to fill more than a lifetime. Learn about the rich cultural traditions and history of the Maya as Mara forges friendships and loves, fights for justice, and blazes her own path through history.