The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K’inuuw Mat of Palenque by Leonide Martin

Publisher: Made for Success Publishing/Made for Wonder (Dec 1, 2018)
Category: Historical Fiction, Ancient World, Caribbean & Latin American, Historical Romance/ Ancient World
Available in Print and ebook, 350 pages

Synopsis

She was born to serve the Goddess Ix Chel. But K’inuuw Mat is destined to continue the Palenque (Lakam Ha) dynasty by marriage to Tiwol, fourth son of famous ruler Pakal. Trained in prophetic arts, she uses scrying to foresee the face of the man with whom she will bear the dynastic heir—but it is not her husband’s image. She is shocked upon arriving at Palenque to recognize that face as her husband’s older brother, Kan Bahlam. They are immediately attracted, sharing a deep interest in astronomy. Though she resists, the magnetic force of their attraction propels them into forbidden embraces, until Kan Bahlam designs a bold plan that would solve his inability to produce a son—if he can gain his brother’s cooperation.

Set in the splendor of Lakam Ha’s artistic and scientific zenith, royal family conflicts and ambitions play out in a tapestry of brilliant Mayan accomplishments in calendars, astronomy, architecture, arts, and secret language codes that will astound people centuries later. As K’inuuw Mat contends with explosive emotions, she must answer the Goddess’ mandate to preserve Mayan culture for future generations. Her passion with Kan Bahlam leads to a pale daughter and bold son who carry this out as their civilization begins the decline and eventual collapse her prophetic vision foresees.

One great cycle rolls into the next . . . Contemporary Mexican archeologist Francesca and her partner Charlie, a British linguist, venture into Chiapas jungles to a remote Maya village, seeking to unravel her grandmother’s secrets. The hostile village shaman holds the key but refuses to share with outsiders the scandal that leads to foreign blood and ancient Palenque lineages. Only by reclaiming her own shamanic heritage can Francesca learn the truth of who she is, and bring her dynasty into the present.

Excerpt

The Oracle of Ix Chel Gives Prophecies

A priestess stood at either side of the statue. The pungent, woody scent of copal was strong and smoke burned eyes and nostrils. Other aromas combined in an intoxicating mixture of sweet flowers and acrid minerals. Sak T’ul appeared to be almost swooning and clung to her mother’s arm. K’inuuw Mat breathed the fumes fearlessly and felt her awareness beginning to change. She looked carefully around the chamber to commit details to memory, but found nothing else inside except the statue and priestesses. The inner walls were unadorned, and the stone floor was bare.

“Speak, pilgrim. Ask what you will of the Ix Chel Oracle,” intoned one priestess.

Chelte’ bowed with crossed arms, and the girls followed suit.

“Esteemed and honored Oracle, this one before you is Chelte’ of Altun Ha, wife of the Uxte’kuh ruler.” Chelte’ said reverently. “For myself, I have no questions. My purpose is to give thanks to Ix Chel for her blessings, for an abundant and comfortable life, and for my three children. Please accept my undying gratitude and unceasing devotion.”

New curls of smoke emanated from the statue’s mouth and nose, and an eerie voice replied, seeming to come from nowhere and everywhere.

“Pleased am I to accept your gratitude, Chelte’ of Altun Ha. Your family is well known to me, true servants of my work. May you abide in my future blessings. So it is.”

Chelte’ bowed, pushed Sak T’ul in front of the statue, and spoke again:  “For my eldest daughter, Sak T’ul, I seek your prophecy for her upcoming marriage, her fertility and happiness in our city. She is shy and requested that I ask for her.”

After another release of smoke, the Oracle’s voice wafted through the thick air.

“The fate of this one hovers on jungle vines,

wherein the balance of wisdom and audacity are tested.

Aptly balanced, she lives a life of ease, abundance, and blessed fertility.

But failed, her life is short. Destiny lies not in her hands.

Those close to her take care. Great happiness can be hers.”

Sak T’ul was crying, her body shaking as the Oracle ended the prophecy. Chelte’ wrapped both arms around her daughter to keep her from crumpling to the floor. In her mind, Chelte’ repeated the Oracle’s words to memorize them for future analysis. She nodded to K’inuuw Mat to pose her question.

Although shaken, K’inuuw Mat mustered her courage and stepped in front of the statue. Gazing upward at the implacable face, crowned with a coiled serpent headdress and wearing huge earspools, the girl breathed deeply and felt the edges of her awareness dissolving. Quickly she posed her question, afraid she might lose consciousness soon.

“Oh, great and glorious Goddess, standing before you is the new maiden K’inuuw Mat of Uxte’kuh, second daughter of Chelte’, one who comes to your sacred island for first moon rites. My deepest desire is to remain here and dedicate my life to your service. May I receive your prophecy for the purpose and direction of my life.”

It appeared to K’inuuw Mat that an unusual amount of new smoke poured out of the statue’s mouth and nose. As the spirals drifted down, they circled around her body almost making her cough. She felt something cold and smooth against her leg, and then a squeezing sensation caused her to gasp. Looking down, she saw a long black snake slithering up her right leg. Its wedge-shaped head alerted her that this was a poisonous viper, and a bolt of terror shot through her. The snake halted its ascent, drew its head upward and fixated beady eyes upon her face, forked tongue rapidly quivering.

She glanced wide-eyed at the nearest priestess, but the woman simply stared into space, appearing not to notice. The statue was half-hidden by smoke and her mother not visible behind her. Remembering her aunt’s description of the Oracle’s snakes, she withdrew her awareness and dropped into her center, willing a state of calmness. Mentally she communicated to the snake:  You are welcome here, servant of Ix Chel. You come in peace and I receive you in gratitude.

The snake waved its head several times, flicked its tongue and slowly slithered down from her leg. She watched it disappear through a hole in the base of the statue. The Oracle’s voice startled her.

“A seer you are and well command your fears.

The gift of prophecy resides within you; use it in service of others.

Deep is your tie to Ix Chel, but not to be realized here.

A destiny beyond your own awaits. A people’s legacy depends on you.

In the high court of royalty shall your life unfold.

Rulers shall seek your wisdom; leaders your guidance.

Through you shall dynasties abide.”

K’inuuw Mat stood in stunned silence. The Oracle’s prophecy was emblazoned in her mind, but she refused to accept it. Surely this was not correct! How could her destiny be other than serving the Goddess on Cuzamil?

She managed a slight bow when prompted by Chelte’, who led her daughters, both in tears, out of the Oracle’s shrine.

Guest Review by Sal

Leonide Martin’s “The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K’inuuw Mat of Palenque” is a fascinating and exciting work of historical fiction. Set in the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, ‘Prophetic’ tells the story of a young queen, K’inuuw Mat who discovers that her destiny lies in birthing an heir to the throne. K’inuuw Mat is a seer. She is able to have visions from the goddess Ix Chel herself and these visions are supposed to guide her as she goes through life. But shortly after discovering that she is supposed to marry Tiwol Chan Mat, she has a vision of the man that will help her bring the heir into the world and it is not her husband but his brother.

This book surprised me with its emotional intensity and realism. Quite often I find that with historical novels, especially historical novels set in the ancient world, that the author has a tendency to dwell too much on the world building and doesn’t spend enough time on the actual plot or the characterization. But this book had everything I wanted. Excellent world building (from an author who clearly knows quite a bit about Mayan civilizations) and excellent characters.

I truly felt strongly about K’inuuw Mat and wanted her to succeed as a wife, a mother and as a queen. I even appreciated Tiwol Chan Mat’s character and the fact that Martin didn’t take the easy way out of making him abusive or any kind of dastardly villain to make the reader automatically hate him. The romance was so genuine and heartbreaking that I found myself tearing up at times.

What a stunning portrayal of a fascinating time in human history and a strange and lovely story. This book left a warm feeling in my heart that I know I will remember for years to come. If you love historical fiction this book is a must.  I give it all 5 stars!

About the Author

Award-winning author, Leonide (Lennie) Martin: Retired California State University professor, former Family Nurse Practitioner, Author, and Maya researcher, Research Member Maya Exploration Center.

Dr. Martin’s books portray ancient Maya culture and civilization through stories about both actual historical Mayans and fictional characters. She studied Maya culture and history from both scientific and indigenous viewpoints.

While living for five years in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, she apprenticed with Maya Elder Hunbatz Men, becoming a Solar Initiate and Maya Fire Women in the Itzá Maya tradition. Other indigenous teachers in Guatemala included Maya Priestess-Daykeeper Aum Rak Sapper and Maya elder Tata Pedro. The ancient Mayas created the most highly advanced civilization in the Western hemisphere, and Martin’s work is dedicated to their wisdom, spirituality, scientific, and cultural accomplishments through compelling historical novels.

Martin’s interest in ancient Mayan women led to writing the Mayan Queens’ series called The Mists of Palenque. This 4-book series—each book stands alone—tells the stories of powerful women who shaped the destinies of their people as rulers themselves, or wives of rulers. These remarkable Mayan women are unknown to most readers. Using extensive research and field study, Martin aspires to depict ancient Palenque authentically and make these amazing Mayan Queens accessible to a wide readership.

Presently Dr. Martin lives with her husband David Gortner and two white cats in Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country, where she enjoys reading, gardening, nature walks, classical music, and wine tasting.

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Giveaway

This giveaway is for the choice 3 print copies or ebook copies of the book, 1 copy per each of 3 winners. A print copy is available to Canada and the U.S. only but ebook is available worldwide. This giveaway ends on February 28, 2019, at midnight Pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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