Inspired by thePopol Vuh, Moreno-Garcia’s Gods of Jade and Shadow is a dazzling coming of age/ alchemic transformation story steeped in the rich mythology of the ancient Maya. 

Casiopea Tun and her ma live in virtual servitude to her grandfather. Unlike her ma, Casiopea bridles against the strict rules, and the disrespect of the family, especially of her cousin Martín. When Martín conspires to get Casiopea stuck at home, alone, while the rest of the family go to a local cenote famed for having sacred healing waters, she stumbles upon a coveted key her grandfather always kept close. A key to a mysterious chest no one was allowed to mess with. Thinking it full of coins, Casiopea decides to take some and flee to Merida, a bigger city than her village of Uukumil. Instead, the chest contains a dusty old skeleton. While rooting around, she gets stabbed by a bone shard, which buries under her skin. And resurrects the skeleton. After fifty years, Hun-Kame, a Lord of Xibalba is free of his prison. With Casiopea’s help, the pair must collect Hun-Jame’s missing eye, ear, and finger so that he may reclaim his proper place as Supreme Ruler of Xibalba. With no real choice in the matter, Casiopea sets off on an adventure spanning Yucatán, up into the US, and into the shadowed depth of Xibalba itself. 

I adored this book! I have copies of both the Popol Vuh and the Chilam Balam. As an archaeologist, and a lover of mythology, this was perfect! Hun-Kame was my favourite character by far. I loved seeing him change as he begins absorbing human traits from his link with Casiopea. His cold aloofness begins to give way to human emotions. I also really liked Loray, who reminded me in some ways of Crowley from Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens. To be fair, the entire story is reminiscent of Gaiman’s works. 

This is a story of family and forgiveness, of sacrifice, loyalty, and honour. Despite everything that happened between Hun-Kame and Vucub-Kame, between Casiopea and Martín, Casiopea found forgiveness for her cousin, and whether it was through example, blood influence, or both, Hun-Kame found forgiveness for his brother. Things changed for all, in a manner none had expected, and definitely for the better. 

My favourite parts by far were when we got to see Xibalba. This has long been a mythic place that fascinates me. Moreno-Garcia does a magnificent job of bringing it to life. I do wish a pronunciation guide had been included. Many of the Mayan words, Xibalba prominent among them, are unusual. Highly recommended!!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Quercus Books for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.