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quinnster's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Not a big fan. There was a little too much of a history lesson to this book than the usual murder and mayhem I enjoy. I did find bits and pieces interesting, but I felt like it took away from the whole mystery, as if the crime was a side quest. However, the fact that Lara didn't see who the murderer was right from the start was wild to me.
skathryn's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
mrsfligs's review against another edition
2.0
2 Words that describe the book: Archaeological Mystery
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met:
* Setting: In and about Mayan ruins in Meridia, Mexico
* Lara McClintoch—former antiques shop owner and student of Mayan history
* Dr. Hernan Castillo—Lara’s friend whose mysterious phone call and request for help leads her to travel to Meridia
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it:
* I liked that the book satisfied the X requirement of my A to Z Title Challenge. The fact that I’m starting with that should tell you what I think of the book.
* I liked how the author wove in bits and pieces of Mayan history and mythology.
* I disliked that the characters were one-dimensional and forgettable and that the mystery was weak and predictable. There wasn’t much to Lara or any of the other characters. It seems like the author knew a lot about Mayan history and wanted a way to work it into a novel in some way. There is a whole series of these books (of which this was the first) so I’m not sure if the plotting and characterization gets any better.
* I liked that I was able to read the book quickly and put it behind me.
5 Stars or less for your rating?
I’m giving the book 2.5 stars. It wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t very good either.Honestly, I see no reason to read this book other than if you need a title that starts with X. However, if you have an interest in archeology and mysteries, these books may be of more interest to you than the casual reader.
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met:
* Setting: In and about Mayan ruins in Meridia, Mexico
* Lara McClintoch—former antiques shop owner and student of Mayan history
* Dr. Hernan Castillo—Lara’s friend whose mysterious phone call and request for help leads her to travel to Meridia
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it:
* I liked that the book satisfied the X requirement of my A to Z Title Challenge. The fact that I’m starting with that should tell you what I think of the book.
* I liked how the author wove in bits and pieces of Mayan history and mythology.
* I disliked that the characters were one-dimensional and forgettable and that the mystery was weak and predictable. There wasn’t much to Lara or any of the other characters. It seems like the author knew a lot about Mayan history and wanted a way to work it into a novel in some way. There is a whole series of these books (of which this was the first) so I’m not sure if the plotting and characterization gets any better.
* I liked that I was able to read the book quickly and put it behind me.
5 Stars or less for your rating?
I’m giving the book 2.5 stars. It wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t very good either.Honestly, I see no reason to read this book other than if you need a title that starts with X. However, if you have an interest in archeology and mysteries, these books may be of more interest to you than the casual reader.
libraryjen's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
An pleasant, but not outstanding read. The main character, Lara, seemed to have some pretty amazing detective skills for a former shopkeeper/current grad student. There were twists and turns, but I found them predictable. I probably won't continue the series, but I enjoyed learning more about Mayan culture.
astrochem's review
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
kmjmg's review
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Great read. A real page turner.
bibliovino's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Very interesting story with lots of intrigue and excitement, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. Told almost as a diary of expedition, the tone is dry and difficult to enjoy. Details are given in long prose and a lot of the action is severely truncated instead of thoroughly fleshed out. A shame as the material is so engrossing.
pageboi31's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Xibalba!
My expectations for this book were pretty low going in...mainly because this is a type of genre I've never read before, and because I needed an X book for my A-Z challenge (RIP September challenge, I'm a little too late). While I found the beginning exposition to be incredibly boring, it eventually picked up as the plot began to unfold. I found myself really enjoying the plot, even if I could guess who the "big bad" was early on in the read (but not fully correct). I was very surprised by how much Mayan culture was explained, with most chapters starting off explaining the Mayan day meaning, and covering historical topics and mythology, which I really enjoyed! It was a very "cozy" read, so to speak, and I can easily see the appeal for those who are a fan of themed mysteries.
One last time...Xibalba!
My expectations for this book were pretty low going in...mainly because this is a type of genre I've never read before, and because I needed an X book for my A-Z challenge (RIP September challenge, I'm a little too late). While I found the beginning exposition to be incredibly boring, it eventually picked up as the plot began to unfold. I found myself really enjoying the plot, even if I could guess who the "big bad" was early on in the read (but not fully correct). I was very surprised by how much Mayan culture was explained, with most chapters starting off explaining the Mayan day meaning, and covering historical topics and mythology, which I really enjoyed! It was a very "cozy" read, so to speak, and I can easily see the appeal for those who are a fan of themed mysteries.
One last time...Xibalba!