The Sixth World

Margaret Evans

Average Rating 9/10 (1 Review)

Two anthropologists, caught in an international intrigue, lead an expedition into the lush hills of California’s Central Valley to explore the unimaginable possibility of finding the Mayan civilization that vanished from Central America in the ninth century. They discover ancient, Mayan hieroglyphics that tell of the approaching end of the Mayan Fifth World, a vast treasure of gold and fantastic technology, hidden for centuries in preparation for the new age. As the fateful time draws near, ritual killings occur suggesting the Maya have survived to oversee the new age, and it is up to Amy Parrish and Joe Magee to stop the diabolic plot that threatens to destroy the Maya and the earth itself.

Review by Paul Lappen (251104) Rating (9/10)

Review by Paul Lappen
Rating 9/10
Set in present-day California, Joe Magee is a world-renowned anthropologist and expert on Mayan culture, working for a local museum. He is set to lead an expedition into California's Central Valley to explore the bizarre possibility that Mayan culture may have made it that far north, before they disappeared many centuries ago. Magee is told to include Amy Parrish, another world-renowned Mayan expert, in the expedition. The museum Board is less than convinced that is a good idea.

She moves into Magee’s isolated house in the hills, and the two immerse themselves in Mayan culture. One night, a strange computer virus is found on Joe’s laptop, where he keeps his scientific data. The computer seems to turn on by itself, and sends Joe’s files to an unknown location. Sean Gables is another museum employee, who is not what he seems. Sometimes, he is legitimately helpful to Joe and Amy, and other times, he acts, well, the word "slimy" comes to mind. Strange things are going on, but neither Joe nor Amy can put their finger on it.

Later, a dead body is found in the nearby hills, a Hispanic male with his heart cut out. For most people, this is just a particularly gruesome murder, but for Joe and Amy, it means a lot more. According to Mayan prophecy, the Fifth World is ending, and the Sixth World will be coming in a few years. It is to be preceded by three human sacrifices. Days later, two more bodies are found with their hearts removed, right on time. Someone is putting up a very large Keep Out sign. Joe has an anonymous benefactor paying him a lot of money to find Mayan culture in those hills. The Sixth World is characterized by a shift in the earth’s magnetic pole, causing worldwide catastrophe. At that time, Mayan culture will rise again, and rule the world. During a mini-expedition in the hills with some college students, Joe and Amy make some huge discoveries that prove that the rumors of Mayan culture making it as far north as central California are not just rumors.

This is a really good thriller story. My only criticism is that the first half of the book could have moved a little faster. Stick with the book, and this is a story that will give the reader plenty to think about. Also, keep an eye on the month of December 2012. According to Mayan prophecy, at that time, big things are supposed to happen.
Paul Lappen (25th November 2004)