The Sacrifice Game
Brian D’Amato
Dutton, July 5 2012, $29.99
ISBN: 9780525952411
In the present, the scientists sent math wizard ethnic Mayan Joachim “Jed” Carlos Xul Mixoc DeLanda back to 664 AD. His mission is to learn how his ancient ancestors deployed the divination game to predict the apocalypse on December 21, 2012 and to find a way to prevent the pandemic catastrophe from happening. The time travel did not go as planned when Jed ended up in the body of a volunteer sacrifice instead of that of the king (see Courts of the Sun).
However that landing proves beneficial in Jed’s mind as he understands why his host body agreed to die. As he learns more about the Mayan prediction, Jed agrees with his ancestors’ noble cause to end the world in order to end suffering; he agrees he must help it happen. However, his 2012 allies realize Jed turned traitor so he must be stopped from triggering the apocalypse.
Opening with a note from Jed to be read on December 21, 2012 in which he explains why he did it, the middle Mayan doomsday thriller is an exciting tale. Jed rationalizes why the end is justified based on what he learns about the Game and observes among the not so noble Mayan in the seventh century; his fascinating defection and betrayal seems like a Stockholm syndrome effect. The storyline slows down towards the middle with too much gruesome repetition of the feral aspects of the culture (better read on an empty stomach). Still fans will overall enjoy this dark tale as the doomsday countdown not only continues but is abetted by Jed.
Harriet Klausner
Brian D’Amato
Dutton, July 5 2012, $29.99
ISBN: 9780525952411
In the present, the scientists sent math wizard ethnic Mayan Joachim “Jed” Carlos Xul Mixoc DeLanda back to 664 AD. His mission is to learn how his ancient ancestors deployed the divination game to predict the apocalypse on December 21, 2012 and to find a way to prevent the pandemic catastrophe from happening. The time travel did not go as planned when Jed ended up in the body of a volunteer sacrifice instead of that of the king (see Courts of the Sun).
However that landing proves beneficial in Jed’s mind as he understands why his host body agreed to die. As he learns more about the Mayan prediction, Jed agrees with his ancestors’ noble cause to end the world in order to end suffering; he agrees he must help it happen. However, his 2012 allies realize Jed turned traitor so he must be stopped from triggering the apocalypse.
Opening with a note from Jed to be read on December 21, 2012 in which he explains why he did it, the middle Mayan doomsday thriller is an exciting tale. Jed rationalizes why the end is justified based on what he learns about the Game and observes among the not so noble Mayan in the seventh century; his fascinating defection and betrayal seems like a Stockholm syndrome effect. The storyline slows down towards the middle with too much gruesome repetition of the feral aspects of the culture (better read on an empty stomach). Still fans will overall enjoy this dark tale as the doomsday countdown not only continues but is abetted by Jed.
Harriet Klausner
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