From Publishers Weekly
Her strong sequel to Sky Knife will bring Sands's readers back into the fascinating realm of Mayan culture and folklore. Itzamma, god of the Mayan City Tikal, has sent his chief priest, Sky Knife, on a mystical journey to the center of the world to solve the murder of Tattooed Serpent, King of Teotihuacan. With only his "Hand of God" knife as protector and spiritual amulet, Sky Knife encounters the world of the Teotihuacanos: a city where poverty, treachery, polyandry, greed, sensuality and opulence abound. Arriving on the day of the king's puzzling death, Sky Knife is asked by the king's widow, Jaguar's Daughter, not only to protect her son, the heir, but also to find the murderer. Trekking through colorful marketplaces and back alleys full of intrigue, Sky Knife slowly unravels (through common sense, good luck and the power of Itzamma) the truth behind the regicide. When only four days remain before Black Coyote can ascend the Royal Mat, the future king is kidnapped, and Sky Knife must risk violating the sacred womb/cave of the Masked One, holy goddess of Teotihuacan, to rescue him. Sands's knowledge of Mayan ritual is impressive, and she spins a good story. A banquet of imaginative charactersASky Knife's brave battalion of friends include a prostitute, a hustler and a dwarfAenliven this engaging tale.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
In this second novel by Sands (Sky Knife, Forge, 1997), the story of Sky Knife, high priest of the Mayan god Itzama, continues. The high priest has journeyed from his home in the city of Tikal at the request of his king in order to reopen diplomatic ties with the northern city of Teotihuacan. On the day of his arrival, the king of Teotihuacan dies mysteriously. Sky Knife is drawn into a web of dark intrigue in the power struggle that ensues. In an effort to protect the young son of the king and his twin, who is to be the ritual sacrifice, Sky Knife draws on his priestly powers of leadership and ancient magic. Sands relates a unique tale of a 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. For a further look at Mayan culture and history, Marc Talbert's young adult title, Heart of a Jaguar (Atheneum, 1995), is highly recommended.AJane Baird, Anchorage Municipal Libs., AK
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
