Tikal

by Daniel J. Peters

Set in the years--785-790 A.D.--that marked the beginning of the decline of the Mayan civilization, this novel traces the dynamics of this rich society through the lives of a variety of Mayan craftsmen, warriors, rulers, priests, and commoners.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Cultural

422 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 1983

Reviews

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too long. I find many books (or films/series) could be cut by 25% and not lose their oomph. This novel needs about 75% of it edited out. Daniel Peters is able to conjure up the fetid Mayan environment well, but this narrative dragged, with appealingly flawed characters having to recite endless diplomatically phrased confidences or defiances. Which was probably how business went back then at this time and place, but the intricacies of the plot kept harping on the same talking points...

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book opens up with the introduction of two of the main characters involved in a mundane task. For one, Balam Xoc, it is a life changing point and for the other an honorable assignment. Balam Xoc questions the ritual to celebrate the hierarchical status quo. He has had a prophetic vision warning of decadence: religious rites will no longer predict rain, guide farming decisions, or sustain social relationships. He anticipates the downfall of the Mayan status quo. Akbal, an artisan is in search of his inspiration and finds more questions about the universe and the gods. Nohich Ich, the Tun Count Priest and a member of clan council of the Close Ones in Tikal at first is puzzled by Balam Xoc's words but then becomes a follower of his. Kanan Naab rejects marriage and instead seeks another path. Finally, Kininich Kakmoo, a warrior sees the depravity and senselessness of continuing warfare and fears that the Maya are degenerating due to the constant warfare. Others around them also see the Mayan culture at a crucial crossroads of barbarism or continuing intellectual and artistic pursuits of enlightenment. Each family member soon lives the reality of that vision and their role in it. While these pursuits are meaningful and noble, there are too many narratives that do not cross each other. The result is confusion and difficulty in getting engaged in the novel. The author has written one of the most meandering and listless novels I have ever read. It was a months-long chore to finish these quasi-socio-cultural dramatic novel with little life. There was not much action or spirit in the book. The various social crisis are explained ad nauseum. I must admit that I skimmed through most of the novel about the pre-Columbian Mayan society and world. The plot was muddled and the characters were not interesting. I was quite disappointed in this speculative historical fiction novel about the role of religion in political life and the function of charismatic leaders.

[Angela Adkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book was a many months long odyssey. I learned a lot about one of my favorite ancient civilizations, the Mayans, right before the end of their Classic Period. I feel that I have more knowledge now than I did before I started this book, and for that I'm grateful. That being said, the story wasn't particularly engaging. It was very dense and dry in parts, hence getting through this book was rather an uphill battle. It was worth it in the end, though.

[Patricia Casias · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you appreciate exquisite writing, this book is a must-read. The author's words are a joy to savor.

[Tlaloc · Rating 2 out of 5]

A novel about the terminal stages of Mayan civilization, where mystics, warriors, and peasants must find refuge as their ways of life come crashing down.

Nowhere near absorbing as Peters' novel Inca, Tikal is decently entertaining but suffers from slow pacing and lack of likable characters.

[Christopher Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of three in a "series" about the great pre-Columbian civilizations of the Americas (the others being "The Luck of Huemac" and "Incas"). Long, complex, well written. Well worth the read.

[Thomas Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved his other books, but this one read so slow! I just couldn't get hooked on it and had to keep coming back to it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best historical fiction novels ever!