For readers fascinated by history and epic journeys, this story follows a young man navigating cultural conflict and moral choices in the age of conquistadors.
A parent might reach for this book when their older child is ready to grapple with history's complexities and the gray areas of morality. This conclusion to a trilogy follows Julián Estaban, a young Spaniard in the New World who impersonates a Mayan god. He finds himself caught between the violent greed of conquistadors like Cortés and Pizarro and the cultures they seek to conquer. The story is a sweeping historical adventure, but its core is Julián's intense internal struggle with his identity, his faith, and his search for justice in a brutal world. For teens 12-15, it's a powerful, thought-provoking read that moves beyond simple good vs. evil narratives and opens conversations about colonialism, faith, and the true meaning of wealth.
Several key and secondary characters die, some in violent ways including sacrifice and execution.
Moral AmbiguityIntense
The protagonist's identity and allegiances are constantly in conflict. No easy heroes or villains.
Racism & DiscriminationModerate
Depicts colonial subjugation. The book itself has been criticized for a biased view of Indigenous cultures.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and unflinchingly with violence, including battle, human sacrifice, and execution. The approach is not sanitized and reflects the brutality of the historical period. Death is a frequent and impactful event. Julián's crisis of identity is the central theme: he is a Spaniard playing a Mayan god, a Christian who witnesses the failures of the church, and a man torn between two worlds. The resolution is not a simple happy ending but a spiritual one, where he finds peace by renouncing the material world that has caused so much suffering.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a mature 12 to 15-year-old who enjoys epic historical adventure but is also ready for significant moral complexity. This is for the teen who has moved past clear-cut hero narratives and is interested in characters who make mistakes and struggle with their conscience. It's a great fit for a young reader fascinated by history who is starting to ask difficult questions about justice and colonialism.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview the scenes of violence, particularly the bishop's sacrifice and the trial of Atahualpa. Most importantly, parents should be prepared to discuss the book's historical perspective. As noted by critic Isabel Schon, O'Dell's portrayal of Indigenous cultures has been criticized for focusing on negative aspects and relying on half-truths. It is crucial to frame this book as a historical artifact itself, a story told from a specific, and potentially biased, point of view. This context is essential for a balanced understanding. A parent might seek this out after their child expresses interest in the history of the Aztecs, Mayans, or Incas, or the age of exploration. Another trigger could be a child's questions about why bad things happen in history or grappling with the idea that historical figures are not always simply 'good' or 'bad'.
Age Experience
A younger reader (12-13) will likely be captivated by the fast-paced plot, the intrigue, and the adventure of Julián's journey. An older teen (14-15) is better equipped to understand the depth of Julián's spiritual crisis, the critique of colonialism, the tragic romance, and the profound statement he makes by giving away his wealth.
What Makes It Special
What makes this book unique is its profound moral ambiguity and the author's refusal to offer easy answers. The protagonist is not a clear hero; he is a complicated participant in historical events, often driven by survival. Unlike many historical novels for this age, it places the reader inside the complex psychology of someone on the side of the colonizers who grows to reject their values. The somber, spiritual ending focused on renunciation is also highly unusual for the genre.
Read plot summary
This is the final book in the City of the Seven Serpents trilogy. Julián Estaban, a young Spanish seminarian impersonating the Mayan god Kukulcán, is caught in the conflict between the Mayans and the invading Hernán Cortés. He witnesses the self-sacrifice of a captured bishop, whose amethyst ring he takes as a symbol of his own confused spiritual quest. After Cortés conquers the city, Julián escapes and has several adventures, including pearl trading and running a business, before joining Francisco Pizarro's expedition to Peru. He is present for the capture and ransom of the Inca king, Atahualpa. Disgusted by the Spaniards' treachery and greed, Julián leaves. He is rejected by his love, an Incan woman, because of his Spanish heritage. He returns to Spain and gives away his vast fortune to join a religious order, the Brothers of the Poor.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Julián wants to be a priest, but spends much of the book impersonating a Mayan god. Why do you think these two conflicting desires exist in him at the same time?
2
Bishop Perdoza chooses to be sacrificed. What message do you think he was trying to send to Julián or to the Mayans? How did this event change Julián?
3
At the end of the story, Julián has a great fortune but gives it all away to join the Brothers of the Poor. After everything he went through to get gold, why do you think he makes this choice?
4
Chima rejects Julián because he is a Spaniard, even though he disagreed with Pizarro. Do you feel her decision was justified? Why or why not?
5
Knowing that some critics feel the book presents a one-sided, negative view of Mayan culture, did you see any evidence of this as you were reading? How would the story be different if told by a Mayan or Incan character?
