Customer Reviews

The Sixth World (Maya Earth Trilogy)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was a page turner. The author has a fast plot driven by intrigue, romance and greed. You are not quite sure how it will all turn out until the end. I read it straight for two days. The romance side was gratifying also. The Mayan prophesies may indeed be realized, I would recommend that you read this if you like Dan Brown or Michael Crighton.

Set in present-day California, Joe Magee is a world-renowned anthropologist and expert on Mayan culture, working for a local museum. He is set to lead an expedition into California's Central Valley to explore the bizarre possibility that Mayan culture may have made it that far north, before they disappeared many centuries ago. Magee is told to include Amy Parrish, another world-renowned Mayan expert, in the expedition. The museum Board is less than convinced that is is a good idea.

She moves into Magee's isolated house in the hills, and the two immerse themselves in Mayan culture. One night, a strange computer virus is found on Joe's laptop, where he keeps his scientific data. The computer seems to turn on by itself, and sends Joe's files to an unknown location. Sean Gables is another museum employee, who is not what he seems. Sometimes, he is legitimately helpful to Joe and Amy, and other times, he acts, well, the word "slimy" comes to mind. Strange things are going on, but neither Joe or Amy can put their finger on it.

Later, a dead body is found in the nearby hills, a Hispanic male with his heart cut out. For most people, this is just a particularly gruesome murder, but for Joe and Amy, it means a lot more. According to Mayan prophecy, the Fifth World is ending, and the Sixth World will be coming in a few years. It is to be preceeded by three human sacrifices. Days later, two more bodies are found with their hearts removed, right on time. Someone is putting up a very large Keep Out sign. Joe has an anonymous benefactor paying him a lot of money to find Mayan culture in those hills. The Sixth World is characterized by a shift in the earth's magnetic pole, causing worldwide catastrophe. At that time, Mayan culture will rise again, and rule the world. During a mini-expedition in the hills with some college students, Joe and Amy make some huge discoveries which prove that the rumors of Mayan culture making it as far north as central California are not just rumors.

This is a really good thriller story. My only criticism is that the first half of the book could have moved a little faster. Stick with the book, and this is a story that will give the reader plenty to think about. Also, keep an eye on the month of December, 2012. According to Mayan prophecy, at that time, big things are supposed to happen.

"The Sixth World" is an interesting story about a secret, present-day Mayan culture existing in California that expects the end of this civilization and the beginning of another. It is told through the lives of two anthropologists who catch on to their trail, and each other (man and woman) meanwhile. I heartily recommend it; the characters are deep, there are several subplots which are well woven that come together in the end, the topic is engaging and obviously well researched, the suspense builds to a wonderful conclusion that still leaves the door open for a sequel.

At last we have someone who can write a decent novel without resorting to all the trite places and circumstances. Not ALL of us are interested in the beautiful people of Zoo York or La la land. Evans' book involves none of the overworked topics, either. This one is fresh; the characters are real.

When I first found out about "The Sixth World" it was suggested that I buy and read it. What a wonderful suggestion that was. The only problem with it was that I couldn't lay it down. As I study ancient cultures I find myself getting to the point where I want to think like the characters in the book. In this book the reader becomes fully submersed in the plot. Well written seems inadequate to describe this book. It takes us from the ordinary to the interesting and consuming in only a chapter. Mrs Evans doesn't need to rely on the sex angle to keep the reader involved with the plot. Instead she uses, a just plain good plot. While many of us would love to write, she does it with a wonderful flair. Congradulations to a fine story, a well written book that keeps you wondering the entire time. As a child I could never understand why my mother would read the end of the book before the beginning, but in this case it wouldn't have mattered, since the beginning of the book is just as interesting as the end. Just one thing tho, please when is the next book coming out. I would really like to have it ASAP. Sometimes a new writter doesn't hit it on the first try but Mrs Evans has, and has done so in a big way. As it turns out she is also the mother-in-law of my eldest granddaughter, and so this is just an added bonus.

With an interesting Mayan historical mystery for background (that is sprinkled with a dash of the future), the author has set her intriguing story in the present-day lush California countryside, balancing it perfectly with two inquisitive scientists unexpectedly turned detectives.
The novel is full of masterful shadings of place and character and appealing local color, where danger seems to abound at every turn, where nothing is what is appears to be, and where no one is who they say they are.

The book's vivid descriptions, detailed historical background, stylish writing, and cleverly crafted plot left me wanting more from this exciting new author, Margaret Evans. A most interesting and intriguing fast-forward slant on an ancient mystery - a fascinating and suspense-filled read - I couldn't put it down.
I highly recommend this book as a "must" for all mystery fans!

I am from California but live in Maryland now and the research and wonderful details made me see the landscape so vital to the story. The main characters are vivid and have depth. I see this as a wonderful book by itself or hopefully a sequel will be written. As a nurse I approved of the way the an injury was treated, which can be tricky in many stories!

I'd suggest this novel for anyone who likes a realistic read, and who has time to read cover to cover!I could not put this down!

I couldn't wait each day for the chance to pick up this book to find out what happens next. The plot is sweeping and fascinating. I can't wait to begin the next book in the Trilogy. Would make an excellent movie.

Dr. Joe Magee, a world-renowned professor of anthropology, specializing in pre-Colombian civilizations, is employed by the San Francisco Museum of American Antiquities. He conducts research and seminars from his home in the hills overlooking the lush Central Valley of California. Magee has a nice parcel of land and enjoys living in relative isolation. Except for his professional obligations, he has become reclusive in the last years, unusual for a man in his early thirties.

Dr. Amy Parrish, anthropologist and world expert on Mayan culture, attends one of Magee's seminars. Previously, Joe had been asked by one of the museum's directors to hire her to collaborate with him on an upcoming expedition on his property. However, he had never even met Parrish and was reluctant to do so. After talking with her at length after the lectures, Magee decides to employ her for the enterprise, planned for the spring. The success of the job interview may be largely attributed to Amy's beautiful blonde looks, as well as her extreme intelligence, a terrific personality and a specialty in Mayan culture.

The decline of the Maya civilization, and their disappearance from their home in the jungles of Central America, has long been a mystery. Dr. Magee, and other expedition members, plan to search for possible evidence that surviving members of this ancient civilization may have made their way north, as far as California's Central Valley. This hypothesis has long fascinated Amy Parrish. In fact, the work of both anthropologists meshes perfectly and Magee employs her ahead of time to assist on special projects and presentations. Amy moves out to Magee's property and into the lodging he provides for her near his home. The two turn from anthropology to detecting, however, when recent corpses are discovered on his property with their hearts torn out in a manner suggesting ancient Maya and/or Aztec sacrifices? They also find Mayan hieroglyphics in the area, forecasting the beginning of the Mayan Sixth World. It appears that 21st century descendents of the Maya are preparing for the cataclysmic end of the Fifth World, (that's the one we live in), as well as the inauguration of the Sixth, when the Maya will rule the earth.

December 22, 2012 is the projected date for the event, based on actual Mayan predictions of the new age involving the Earth's ongoing reverse magnetic energy, sunspots and solar flares. Are the predictions accurate? And is Dr. Parrish more involved than she is aware of, with this civilization she has always felt an affinity for?

The book's premise is certainly interesting. However, I had hoped that much more factual information about Mayan history, science and culture would be included in "The Sixth World." I am disappointed that elements of the novel were not more evidentiary based, as would befit a book of this kind, which asks the reader to buy into the fantastic. Ultimately, I had a difficult time going along with the author's storyline because she failed to back up her case with historical research.

The first part of the novel seems to focus primarily on the budding relationship between Parrish and Magee. Unfortunately, theirs is by no means a thrilling romance. There is little chemistry between the two, and they have barely kissed by page 200. What's worse, however, is I didn't even care, at this point, whether the prospective couple ever connected! I guess this means "The Sixth World" is not a romantic novel. Nor is it a historic novel, nor a fantasy sci-fi bolstered by fact. Other characters are introduced spottily, not in depth, as are the ancient Maya. At almost 400 pages, the book is overlong and the pace is slow during the first half. Almost no excitement - very little tension - is built in the relationships or in the mystery itself. The events warrant more passion than they actually provoke. The narrative could have been easily cut to make it more taut. I hung in there because I was hooked and wanted to see where the plot was leading. I am extremely interested in the Maya civilization, but was left wanting at the conclusion of "The Sixth World." I felt as if I had been served an appetizer and now wanted the main course.

As I said previously, I was curious enough to read the novel through to the end, so obviously there is interesting material here. Check it out at the library or book store, however, before you invest in a copy.
JANA