Jaguar Princess: The Last Maya Shaman Review

Jaguar Princess: The Last Maya Shaman

by Marjorie Bicknell Johnson

 “Jaguar Princess: The Last Maya Shaman,” by Marjorie Bicknell Johnson, is a fast-paced, richly layered, coming of age novel. The title was intriguing. How was Chanla Pex a Jaguar Princess and a Maya Shaman? I’d thought the Maya were an extinct civilization—it hadn't occurred to me thatthere must be descendents, even royal descendents.

As the story unfolds we learn that Chanla Pex is not only descended from Maya royalty, but also is training with her grandmother to be a Shaman. The story takes place in the jungles and cities of Yucatan, in the Mojave Desert mining country, in Texas, and in Spain. So you know you are in for a wild ride.

Ms. Johnson relies on her experience as a pilot for realistic flying scenes. She has thoroughly researched archeology, gem mining, the Yucatan, and Mayan civilization and Spanish history for this story. The addition of all these facts made it both an interesting and educational story. I appreciate the facts that are woven into the story. When Ms. Johnson describes archeology, the jungle, the cave scenes, or desert mining, you are right there with her. When she’s flying, you can feel it. When Chanla Pex is in dangerous situations, you root for her to use everything in her arsenal:  her mystical powers, her knowledge, and strong will to survive to accomplish her goals. She overcomes every obstacle in her way to becoming an archeologist. She experiences both the loss and gain of family and the love of a life partner as she matures and makes her place in the world.

I highly recommend this book to young adults and adults. I’ve read Ms. Johnson’s “Lost Jade of the Maya,” which continues Chanla Pesh’s story, and will review that next.

Information on Marjorie Bicknell Johnson is at

 http://mbicknelljohnson.com/Marjorie_Bicknell_Johnson/Home.html

Other books by Ms. Johnson are:

Personal Note:  

I met Marjorie Bicknell Johnson at the South Bay Writers Club of the California Writers Club. Marjorie is the outgoing editor of South Bay Writers club newsletter, Writer's Talk. She's published several of my short stories and poems in the newsletter. Over the past few years we've become good friends. I read Jaguar Princess: The Last Maya Shaman and then Lost Jade of the Maya. I have thoroughly enjoyed both books and look forward to reading Bird Watcher.

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Reviewed by:

Penelope Anne Cole

Tri-Valley Writers Conference 2017 Prose Award

San Mateo County Fair Short Story Award2017

Author of The Magical Series:  Magical Matthew, Magical Mea,

Magical Mea Goes to School, Magial Max and Magical Mickey, and

Magical Max and Magical Mickey’s Big Surprise

Ten Little Tricksters and Diez pequeños bromistas

What’s for Dinner? and ¿Qué vamos a comer?

In and Out, All ‘Round About - Opposite Friends

Grandma and Me Coloring book

Coming Soon:  My Grandma’s Pink House