Serpent and Storm (Sky Knife) [Hardcover]

Marella Sands (Author)

Book Description

Series: Sky Knife | Publication Date: March 15, 1999

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.

Editorial Reviews

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.

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Forge Books; 1st edition (March 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312861273
• ISBN-13: 978-0312861278
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,924,154 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a fresh, fast paced story., March 19, 2003

By 

Heather H. "Heather H." (New Jersey, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Serpent and Storm (Mass Market Paperback)

Since I usually read and collect pre-historic/Native American fiction, I was kinda weary about this book and "Sky Knife". How come I have never heard of it, why has Amazon never linked me to this author when I looked up "Aztec" and other novels of Ancient Mexico, is it that bad of a book?
The answer is no! This was a fast paced, full bodied book that has me hooked on this author and I hope she writes more, I really like her style.
The one hang-up I have with this book(and "Sky Knife")is that it leans a little too much on the "Magic of the Ancient Maya" and not enough at times on describing the culture and temples and... ah what the heck, it is just a good story.

5.0 out of 5 stars Only one complaint, August 28, 2008

By 

G. Roberts (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Serpent and Storm (Sky Knife) (Hardcover)

I haven't quite finished the book yet, however I love it..it's so interesting and makes me want to research the Mayans further. However I do have one critisism...tamales are made with masa spread onto softened corn husks. A filling is added and then they are rolled up and steamed until done. What the author is referring to are TORTILLAS...flat disks of unleaven bread that you put whatever you want into, then roll up and eat. Other than that, the book is wonderful.

5.0 out of 5 stars I didn't read this book, I devoured it!, June 6, 2003

By 

Heather H. "Heather H." (New Jersey, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Serpent and Storm (Sky Knife) (Hardcover)

As part of my 10 step recovery from "Shelters of Stone" I had been searching for other great works of Pre-Historic Fiction. I found one such book in "Serpent and Storm"(and the first book "Sky Knife"), what a fast paced, fresh, gripping tale. I hope Mrs. Sands keeps it up, I really like Sky Knife and I would love to see the rest of his story. I did keep me on the edge of my seat and up late on a few nights to see the end. I would give it 6 stars if I could!