Calpulli

by D.J. Davis

One desperate man. One vengeful Aztec goddess. Who will survive?
Mitchell Faulconbridge was born to be sacrificed. Growing up in a cult left him shattered and alone. The ancient goddess they worshipped destroyed his family and his trust. He challenged the goddess three times and failed to defeat her, then was forced to kill to escape. He spent the next two decades scrubbing the memories from his mind.

Now he wants nothing more than to run his landscaping business and forget the horrors of the colony they called Calpulli. But when the cult’s spiritual leader kidnaps a child, only Mitchell knows how to find him. Calpulli drags him home where the goddess waits — and is still demanding his blood. Will the fourth time be the charm, or will the goddess claim them all?

340 pages, Hardcover

Published April 18, 2025

About the author

DJ Davis is a Colorado writer with mountains in her DNA. The rugged high country and rich history of the state set the scene for her characters. She’s the author of several novels and short stories. When she’s not writing or photographing the wildlife, she frequently disappears into the wilderness with her husband and dogs.

Reviews

[Michelle Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts off with a group of college kids want to buy a large piece of property where they can grow what they need to survive. They want to school their children, and have limited contact with the outside world. While in the planning process a professor is introduced who believes in an ancient Aztec goddess. He teaches the leader of the group all about the goddess. They find the property in Arizona, and they name it Calpulli. The leader's wife is pregnant. Both the professor and the leader believes that the unborn baby will rule Calpulli under the goddess. Calpulli is an Aztec term for a family dwelling. Trouble starts when the baby who is now a teenager, defies the goddess. I read the book in one day. I couldn't put it down. It's suspenseful, tragic, and hopeful all in one.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure

I have read everything that this author has written, so when this one came out I bought it as soon as I could. But after reading the synopsis I wasn’t sure if this was something I would enjoy or not. I finally picked it up the other day and finished it in about 2 days. I can’t tell you if I liked it or not but I couldn’t put it down. I had to read to the end to find out what happened. DJ Davis has a way of drawing you in and keeping you there until you read the very last word.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible page-turner. I just could not stop reading. This amazing author has a super talent for keeping the reader engaged and glued to the story. I loved everything about this book. I have not read any of this author's previous works but I intend to.

I received this book free from the author and am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Rachel Boni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, the storyline is great. It really kept me captivated with no slow points in between. A lot of fun with all the Aztec background information throughout the book. Wrapped up nicely too.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This turned out to be one of those books I just could not put down. There is really never a break in the suspense. The author does a great job keeping your attention, even going back and forth from past events leading up to the current turmoils and the current story (that actually just made me want to race to the next chapter to find out what happens after the previous one). The story itself is based on past real history with an Aztec goddess and a fictional cult following with a group of people, although her fiction is something that could certainly happen in present times, which makes it that much creepier. The story wove together nicely, made you gasp out loud at times as it wasn’t completely predictable, and I left completely satisfied with the ending. I can see myself reading this again and again, and I’ll definitely be looking for more books from this author in the future.

I received a free copy of this book as a gift from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[T.R. Kerby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author just gets better and better. Calpulli is DJ Davis' best work yet. A unique and interesting plot that grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. The characters are realistic and relatable with serious emotional issues from living in a cult. There are some seriously twisted individuals in this story. Threats from both human and supernatural forces combine to test the main characters. An excellent adventure that doesn't disappoint.

[Steve Martinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book! It tookme a little while (25-30 pgs.?) to really get into it, but when I did, I liked it. Glad I didn't give up on it. A small commune gains a new member; a college professor who is looking for a long forgotten Mexican god. When he thinks that he has found it, the commune slowly grows into a cult. A lot of mind games going on here. If you enjoy books about cults to old gods, sacrifices, etc., you will like this.