Eveningstar Macaw lives in a glorious Mayan city in the ninth century. When the king falls ill and dies, the city begins to crumble. An evil high priest, Great Skull Zero, orders the sacrifice of those who might become king, including Eveningstar's beloved brother. Suspicious of the High Priest's motives, Eveningstar attempts to save her brother, thus becoming an acknowledged enemy of the High Priest. Condemned to be thrown into the Well of Sacrifice, Eveningstar must find a way not only to save her own life but to rescue her family and her city from the tyrannical grasp of Great Skull Zero. Set against the vivid background of everyday life at the height of the Mayan golden age and illustrated with striking black-and-white paintings, Eveningstar's candid, gripping, and not-for-the-faint-of-heart account of the last days of a great city will have readers at the edge of their seats. Afterword.
Chris Eboch writes a variety of genres for children. She also writes for adults as Kris Bock (see below).
THE EYES OF PHARAOH, set in Egypt in 1177 BC, brings an ancient world to life. When Reya hints that Egypt is in danger from foreign nomads, Seshta and Horus don't take him seriously. How could anyone challenge Egypt? Then Reya disappears. To save their friend, Seshta and Horus spy on merchants, soldiers, and royalty, and start to suspect even The Eyes of Pharaoh, the powerful head of the secret police. Will Seshta and Horus escape the traps set for them, rescue Reya, and stop the plot against Egypt in time?
THE WELL OF SACRIFICE (Clarion Books, 1999) is a middle grade historical adventure set in ninth century Guatemala. Kirkus Reviews called The Well of Sacrifice, "[An] engrossing first novel.... Eboch crafts an exciting narrative with a richly textured depiction of ancient Mayan society.... The novel shines not only for a faithful recreation of an unfamiliar, ancient world, but also for the introduction of a brave, likable and determined heroine."
The HAUNTED series follows a brother and sister who travel with their parents' ghost hunter TV show. In each book, the TV show researches a new ghost at a new location. The kids try to help the ghosts, while keeping their activities secret from meddling grownups. The series, for ages 8-12, contains THE GHOST ON THE STAIRS, THE RIVERBOAT PHANTOM, and THE KNIGHT IN THE SHADOWS.
THE GHOST ON THE STAIRS is set at a Colorado hotel haunted by a ghost bride from the 1880s who is waiting for her missing husband to return. THE RIVERBOAT PHANTOM features a steamboat pilot still trying to prevent a long-ago disaster. In THE KNIGHT IN THE SHADOWS--winner of the 2010 New Mexico Book Awards in the category Juvenile Book--a Renaissance French squire protects a sword on display in the Metropolitan Museum in New York City.
JESSE OWENS: YOUNG RECORD BREAKER, for ages 8-12, is written under the name M. M. Eboch. This is an inspiring story, focused on Jesse's childhood. Through hard work and courage, African-American runner Jesse Owens overcame racism, poverty and poor health. He won four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics, in Hitler's Germany, proving that Blacks could compete at the highest level.
Like JESSE OWENS, MILTON HERSHEY, YOUNG CHOCOLATIER, is part of Simon & Schuster's Childhood of Famous Americans series. It's an inspirational biography of chocolate king Milton Hershey. Plus, chocolate history!
Chris also writes for adults as Kris Bock.
Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Adventures
WHISPERS IN THE DARK: A young archaeologist seeking peace after an assault stumbles into danger as mysteries unfold among ancient Southwest ruins. Can she overcome the fears from her past, learn to fight back, and open herself to a new romance?
RATTLED: The lost Victorio Peak treasure is the stuff of legends--a heretic Spanish priest's gold mine, made richer by the spoils of bandits and an Apache raider. When Erin, a quiet history professor, uncovers a clue that may pinpoint the lost treasure cave, she prepares for adventure. But she's not the only one after the treasure. Just how far will Erin go to find the treasure and discover what she's really made of?
"The story has it all--action, romance, danger, intrigue, lost treasure, not to mention a sizzling relationship...."
"The action never stopped .... It was adventure and romance at its best."
"I couldn't put this book down. You'll love it."
