In Serpent and Storm by Marella Sands, enter the world of Sky Knife: A Mayan youth who was cursed with an unlucky name from birth. From a vision given to his mother, Sky Knife is pledged to honor whatever destiny the gods have decreed. Farmer, soldier, merchant-all these roads are closed to him. He isn't even worthy as a sacrifice to the gods. Sometimes, however, the gods have a very wicked sense of humor...and what some sages think of as the worst cosmic luck may in fact be the touch of the gods' own hands. From temple pariah to hero, Sky Knife discovers the magic within him and not only thwarts all the evil plots surrounding his king, but wins the hand of the beautiful and beloved Jade Flute in the process. Enemies vanquished and evil magic dispelled, life is good. And, as Sky Knife prepares for the birth of a long-awaited child, it seems like the fates have given him all that he desires. But, it appears the gods aren't quite done with Sky Knife just yet. He is to be sent to the distant city-kingdom of Teotihuacan, to bring greetings and to reopen diplomatic ties with these strange people. From missed meetings to strange guides, corrupt counselors to a bizarre court, Sky Knife feels his world shifting dangerously out of balance. And, when the Teotihuacan king is killed and bad luck seems to descend upon his kingdom, it is left to Sky Knife to solve the riddle of his death. Or he will be slaughtered in the killer's stead.
"Sands relates a unique tale of little known time and culture where human sacrifice is commonplace and the magic and miracles of the gods are manifest in the everyday lives of the people."
Library Journal
"Her strong sequel to Sky Knife will bring Sands' readers back into the fascinating realm of Mayan culture and folklore...Sands' knowledge of Mayan ritual is impressive, and she spins a good story. A banquet of imaginative characters--Sky Knife's brave battalion of friends include a prostitute, a hustler, and a dwarf--enliven this engaging tale."
