When an ancient codex is found in the ruins of an illiterate society, brilliant archaeologist Angela Hunter is launched on a desperate quest to discover the secret of the Mound Builders society’s downfall before a shadowy evil returns. Can she prevent the tragedies of the past from happening again today? The Da Vinci Code meets Indiana Jones in this engrossing mystery.
When archaeologist Angela Hunter discovers an ancient codex at a Mississippian Indian dig site, she is mystified. The Mississippians, also called the Mound Builders, vanished more than 700 years ago and had no known written language. Who could have written this journal?
In the early 1300's, Chipahua’s family is torn apart. After he rebels against the Aztec tradition of human sacrifice, Chipahua is cursed by a jealous priest. The curse prevents him from bleeding, thus casting a cloud of shame over him since he is unable to participate in blood-letting rites to worship the gods. He escapes his enemies with his 12-year-old son Tototl and undertakes an arduous journey from the Gulf of Mexico up the Mississippi River. Guided by strange visions, they finally settle in the thriving community of Migaduha - modern-day Cahokia Mounds, Illinois.
Angela will let nothing stop her from solving the chronicle’s mystery – not Dr. Franklin Oettendorf, her former professor and lover, or Joseph Edgewater, grand master of a secret Native American society. She translates the symbols in the codex and learns a terrible secret that threatens the balance of nature today. Only by joining forces with Joseph does she stand a chance of conquering the horrifying evil. But can she trust him? Despite her growing attraction to Joseph, she senses he’s not telling her everything.
Excerpt From Chapter 2
…Chipahua waited until the hall emptied, then made his way to the city center where all the temples stood. He entered the Temple of Quetzalcóatl. Ichtaca’s words troubled him. It was not the first time they had exchanged angry words.
I know the gods require human blood. It is necessary to bring balance to the world. I just do not believe they need the blood of people forced to die before their time.
Inside the temple, Chipahua stood before the statue of Quetzalcóatl, the feathered serpent god. He reached in the folds of his tilma for a small ball of twisted grass. From it protruded several spines from a maguey plant. He withdrew one and raised it high to the statue.
"O great Quetzalcóatl, wise creator of all life, please accept my humble sacrifice," he prayed. He quickly stabbed the sharp spine into his elbow, which began to bleed copiously. He pierced his knee and again drew blood.
It is my privilege and responsibility as a noble to give blood to appease the gods. This will satisfy them more than sacrificing a desperate man.
From Chapter 13
…Troy returned to his spot and knelt on the damp earth, unconcerned about the mud caking on his knees. He whistled tunelessly to himself as he filled the bucket again and again.
He dug his spade into the ground. This time it hit something solid.
What’s this? he thought, his heart beating a little faster. Carefully digging around the area, he uncovered the jagged edge of a hard object.
"Hey, guys!" he called excitedly. "I think I hit the jackpot!"
Carl and Nancy rushed over to see what Troy had uncovered. They watched as he patiently removed the soil around the object, gradually revealing it.
Professional Reviews
Fun fact-based fiction about our local history
This is an intriguing novel that pivots back and forth from history to present times about the Aztec Indian culture and the Mississippian natives who left behind the fascinating Cahokia mounds in Illinois and many artifacts in the Chesterfield Valley of west-county St. Louis. The storylines are smart and the creative writing sparked my imagination. This was a captivating local-history novel that would make a thrilling movie!
Exciting and Informative
This is an exciting read, a real page-turner. The story travels between the past and present such that the events of the past parallel the discoveries in the present in a timely manner. The story is filled with adventure and mystery. It was written with some intelligence as the author displays in depth knowledge of ancient Aztec cultures, the Mississipians, and modern day archeological techniques. These are combined into a thrilling adventure. I look forward to the author's next book.
Good Blend of Fact and Fiction
I really enjoyed reading the "Chronicle of the Mound Builders." The author artfully wove the timelines dropping hints as the story unfolded. I also enjoyed trying to figure out the geographic locations since I live in the St. Louis area. The author's descriptions were so accurate that I was able to pinpoint exactly where the action was occurring.
I was so engrossed in the storyline that I read the book in two sittings during one weekend. My husband said that he had never seen me read a book that quickly. I was sorry when I had finished but realized that the author left the story open for a sequel. I look forward to reading that book, too.
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