“As I see it,” said Max, “all that stands between humankind and the end of the world is two talking monkeys, a crazy archaeologist covered in red paint, and a couple of kids with blowguns. Am I right?”
Fourteen-year-old Max Murphy, video-gamer extraordinaire, is furious when his archaeologist parents cancel the family vacation to go on a dig in Central America. But things go from bad to worse when Max is summoned to join them, only to discover that his parents have vanished. With the help of Lola, a fast-talking, quick-thinking Maya girl, Max embarks on a quest to find out just what’s going on. Soon Max and Lola are running for their lives in the perilous rainforest, as they unlock ancient secrets, meet mysterious strangers, and begin to understand that, in San Xavier, nothing is ever as it seems.
Fate has delivered a challenge of epic proportions to Max Murphy. But can a teen whose biggest talent is for video games rescue his parents from the Maya Underworld and save himself from the villainous Lords of Death?
Published in April 2010 by Egmont USA.
Available in paperback, library hardcover and audio book.
Price: Paperback, $8.99 ISBN 978-1606840719
Order Middleworld Now
Readers talk about Middleworld
“Suspense and intrigue, human sacrifice, smuggling, and secret doors and escape routes through pyramids ensure that the novel, the first in a projected trilogy, is likely to win legions of fans, who will gravitate toward the nonstop action that echoes Max's beloved video games.”
- School Library Journal, Starred Review
“The reader is treated to fascinating information about the Maya even as Max overcomes his dislike for his parents’ job and saves the world. I’m looking forward to the other books in this trilogy.”
- Booksense Pick, Winter 07/08
“The Voelkels have created an adventurous Mayan world---or two---as they link past and present. ... Middle schoolers should have great fun with this book.”
- Kliatt
“...exotic settings and themes ... breakneck pace
“Funny, fast-paced and entirely original.”
- New England Children’s Bookselling
Advisory Council, Fall Reviews, 2007
“The book’s unusual Mesoamerican backdrop is worth marking, and the Indiana Jones-influenced adventure, as well as the book’s polished line drawings, will keep readers interested and looking forward to future entries in the Jaguar Stones trilogy”
- Booklist
“The perfect bait to get a videogamer
to turn off the TV and read”
- Young Adults Books Central - Five Star Review
“A simply awesome read.”
- Flamingnet Book Reviews - Top Choice Award
“A lovely book, full of maps,
B&W illustrations and Maya history.”
“Plenty of action and humor will
keep readers on the edge of their seats.”
- Teens Read Too, 5-Star Review
“A page-turning suspenseful
story ...highly recommended.”
- Curled Up With A Good Kids Book, 4.5-Star Review
“A fast-paced, unique, and fascinating story.”
“It's like Harry Potter meets Indiana Jones!
Middle-graders - and their parents - will love it!”
- Lucinda Walker, Library Director, VT
“I could not put it down. The balance of
magic and 14-year old boy angst was great!”
- Liza Barnard, Co-Owner,
The Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT
“The subject matter transports the reader to a world in which the Maya dieties still have power and influence, where time and space are in flux, but where even a fourteen year old from the outside can become aware, and find wisdom and love, if he can but open his eyes to the magic around him.”
- Gregory Deyermenjian,
New England Chapter of The Explorers Club”
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Signed copies available from the Norwich Bookstore
Thanks to our local Independent Bookstore in Norwich, Vermont, you can always order a signed copy of any of the Jaguar Stones books. Your book(s) will be autographed by both of us and stamped with J&P in Maya glyphs.
Just give the bookstore the name(s) you'd like inscribed, any special message(s), in the comments box and leave the rest to them.
If you have any questions, please email The Norwich Bookstore at: info@norwichbookstore.com or phone them on 802-649-1114.
© J&P Voelkel 2008-2011
