The Jade Bones

Age of the Seventh Sun, Book 2

By: Lani Forbes

Narrated by: Stacy Gonzalez

Four young people risk their lives to save the world from a looming apocalypse in this captivating sequel to The Seventh Sun.

Cast into the underworld after an act of shattering betrayal, Mayana and Ahkin must overcome unimaginable odds if they are to return home and reclaim the throne of the Chicome. A river of blood and demons disguised as children are only two of the challenges standing in their way. Fortunately, they are not unequipped. Mayana’s royal blood controls the power of water, and Prince Ahkin wields the power of the sun itself. Ometeotl, the Mother goddess, provides them with other gifts - and an ominous warning that one of them may not survive. But can the goddess be trusted?

Back in the lands above, Mayana’s best friend, Yemania, has survived the empress selection ritual - but her next challenge may be more than she can bear. The new empress of the Chicome Empire demands she become High Healer. Yemania has no interest in serving in the palace; she wants to use her healing ability to help the common people. More than that, her heart is no longer her own. She has met an enchanting stranger - Ochix, one of the feared Miquitz people who are ancient enemies of the Chicome.

As Mayana and Ahkin move ever closer to confronting the lords of the dead, Yemania and Ochix must hide their forbidden romance or face the wrath of both their empires. Meanwhile, the new empress has made a dangerous alliance that might destroy everything they hold dear.

Based on ancient Mesoamerican legends and mythology, The Jade Bones is a compelling and romantic adventure that builds to a heart-stopping climax.

©2021 by Lani Forbes (P)2021 by Blackstone Publishing

Amazing world

A beautiful, rich world full of well-developed characters. I loved Yemania’s and Ochix’s love story.

Just as good as the first

I usually feel like middle books in the series our kind of just something to get through but this one was just as good as the first and I can’t wait to read the next.

A tale told on two planes.

The Jade Bones is a middle book in a Trilogy. So be warned, it won't stand on its own well. Read The Seventh Sun first.

This novel has two storylines that are told in alternating chapters. The first plot follows Ahkin and Mayana as they journey through the underworld I hopes of returning to the land of the living.

The second and in my opinion the more compelling story follows Yamania as she deals with Metzie the corrupted Emperess. Yamania is such a sensitive soul but only she knows the secrets of the Metzies schemes. And it's a rollercoaster of emotions as we watch he finally grow the courage to do something about it.

Once again I am glad I listened to the audiobook as I am sure I never would have pronounced these names correctly.

The narrator also reads with an amazing voice giving the reader the comfort of plain, understandable english with the tone and inflection that hints at a different language. (I feel sure this woman must be bilingual.) I also love how I can tell the different characters from how she talks, even though her voice doesn't change that much.

Narrator struggled with male POV

Narrator did an excellent job emoting the female POVs, but whenever she spoke for the males, she seemed more focused on deepening her voice than adding emotion.

Loved it!

This sequel is just as captivating as the first! The author does a great job of incorporating a side character from the first and making them into a main character in this one! Highly addictive!