Born in the Wayeb: Book One of The Mayan Chronicles

by Lee E. Cart

Overview

Set against the backdrop of the ancient Mayan world, book one of The Mayan Chronicles is a riveting tale of magic and intrigue . . . Deep in the jungle, while drums pound and men dance to keep the evil gods of the Underworld at bay for the five days of the Wayeb, a baby is born. Her birth sends a ripple across the land, alerting Satal, the black witch of Mayapán, of the existence of a new rival. Fearful of the taint that clings to Na'om's fateful birth, the villagers of Pa nimá shun this child of the Wayeb. She lives her life as an outcast, more comfortable hidden in the liana vines with her pet jaguar, Ek' Balam, than near her neighbors. With the help of her grandmother and the tribe's shaman, Na'om struggles to understand the fearful dreams and visions that have plagued her since birth. When these dreams turn into living nightmares, will Na'om have the strength to confront the powerful adversary who threatens her life and the lives of those she holds dear?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780990676508
Publisher:	Ek' Balam Press
Publication date:	11/04/2014
Series:	The Mayan Chronicles , #1
Pages:	324
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.68(d)

Editorial Reviews

12/01/2014
This trilogy opener lines up a series of plot dominoes and neatly knocks them down. In Mexico during the Mayan Empire, children born during the ritual of the Wayeb must die, or disaster will befall the village. Na’om’s true birthday is hidden, but when she shows magical powers, all those around her will face the wrath of an evil witch. Debut novelist (and Ek’ Balam publisher) Cart carefully constructs a routine, unchallenging story, wasting the potential of the underused setting and the power of rotating point of view. The witch overreaches and stumbles; the magical child grows up an outcast, alternating between hurt and hope as she develops her powers and a forbidden friendship. This solidly unremarkable novel is easily read and just as easily forgotten. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

BORN IN THE WAYEB by Lee E. Cart is an excellent fantasy novel for those who want to travel deep into the fascinating world of the Mayans.
The cover is interesting and striking, and should attract those readers looking for this type of novel. I like how the author makes plain on the front and back that this is the first of a series. This is important, so readers will be on the lookout for additional books. The back cover copy is intriguing enough to encourage readers looking for this type of novel to purchase. An author photo would have been a nice touch. Endorsements would have also been nice to see.
All of the helps - map, glossaries, etc., are great additions. I found them useful as I read through the book. It took me awhile to get into the story, but it was very interesting. The author has taken the time to delve into the setting and knows the characters and background, and I felt really transported into this world. I could get lost in it. As a result, I think readers will definitely be looking for future installments. I think this talented author has a bright future and will develop a loyal reader following.--Judge, 23rd Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards

From the Publisher