The Jaguar Stones, Book One: Middleworld

By Jon Voelkel and Pamela Voelkel

Fourteen-year-old Max Murphy is looking forward to a family vacation. But his parents, both archaeologists and Maya experts, announce a change in plan. They must leave immediately for a dig in the tiny Central American country of San Xavier. Max will go to summer camp. Max is furious. When he's mysteriously summoned to San Xavier, he thinks they've had a change of heart.

Upon his arrival, Max's wild adventure in the tropical rainforests of San Xavier begins. During his journey, he will unlock ancient secrets and meet strangers who are connected to him in ways he could never have imagined. For fate has delivered a challenge of epic proportions to this pampered teenager. Can Max rescue his parents from the Maya Underworld and save the world from the Lords of Death, who now control the power of the Jaguar Stones in their villainous hands? The scene is set for a roller-coaster ride of suspense and terror, as the good guys and the bad guys face off against a background of haunted temples, zombie armies, and even human sacrifice!


From the Trade Paperback edition.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Apr 27, 2010
• ISBN: 9781606841792

Reviews for The Jaguar Stones, Book One

[sullywriter_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Good adventure story with lots of Mayan mythology and supernatural elements to give it flavor. Fast-paced, easy reading.

[wsquared_2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Fourteen-year-old Max's archaeologist parents have abandoned him yet again in favor of a Maya excavation. But his lazy summer gets cut short when he gets a mysterious ticket to join his parents in the Maya jungles of San Xavier. This city boy soon finds himself caught up in a fantastical world of artifact smugglers, ancient magic, and grand adventure accompanied by a headstrong Maya girl named Lola and her two howler monkeys. Can Max save his parents and the end of the world?Authors Jon and Pamela Voekel have created an action-packed adventure story filled with Maya history and culture. With the 2012 phenomenon, interest in the Maya is sure to be high and the book includes an informative glossary and explanation of the Maya calendar. While it's not a groundbreaking work of children's literature, the story is compelling and sets the groundwork for an eventual trilogy. The history and magic make this a good choice for kids graduating from the Magic Tree House books, but should appeal to many young readers in the 8-12 age range.

[malbebe · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel is an unforgettable adventure. We meet the main character, Max who is just looking for a vacation of video gaming, laying around the house, and visiting family in Europe. When his parents get an opprotunity they cannot refuse everything does not go as Max had hoped.His family's strange and mysterious housekeeper, Zia, soon sends him off to stay with his uncle. His uncle lives where Max's parents went missing. As Max uncovers some of his Family's secrets, he soon is swept up in an adventure with a girl named lola and her monkeys. Along the way Max meets some very interesting and unique characters.When Lola and Max go into the temples, Max has to use his skills in video gaming to help them get through the temple. I like how the Authors took Max's video gaming skills and had him use them in real life. Throughout the novel Max becomes a better person.The fate of the world lies on Max's shoulders in Middleworld. Will he be able to save everyone? Will he ever find his parents? Will he get the girl?I really did like Middleworld, but at times I had to push myself to keep reading. Even with pictures throughout the book it still is a long read. Well worth the time though! The ending is just amazing and I can not wait for book two!I would recommend Middleworld to anyone who is looking for an adventure in a place you have never been to before. If you like Percy Jackson you'll like Max too. Instead of mythology you will get to know the Mayans. Middleworld is a battle of good and evil. It is full of the value of friends, family, and where you come from. Also, in the back of the book are some fun extras! You will not want to miss this book.4.5 Stars!

[readafew · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Middleworld, book one of the Jaguar Stones, is a new Young Adult novel starring Massimo Francis Sylvanus “Max” Murphy, the son of 2 famous archaeologists, specializing in ancient Maya culture.One day after school his parents arrive home early with a surprise. The family is not going to spend this summer’s vacation in Italy visiting Grandma. Max’s parents are going to San Xavier (a little country on the Yucatan peninsula) for a dig that has just opened. Needless to say Max is unhappy with the situation. Shortly after his parents depart, Zia the housekeeper/baby sitter tells Max she was told to send him to San Xavier as well.Once there, Max has to stay with an uncle who he’s never met and discovers his parents have disappeared after the last big storm. He learns that his uncle isn’t what he pretends to be. A mysterious stone Max finds in his uncle’s secret vault causes all kinds of problems, the first of which is Max getting lost in the jungle. Max is saved by Lola, a Mayan girl his own age. We go on an adventure with Max and Lola as they race from Count Antonio de Landa and his goons, battle the Lords of Death, try to prevent the Apocalypse, and save Max’s parents from the underworld.This is a great Young Adult novel. It is an exciting well written story, full of interesting facts about the Mayan culture. Many of which I was completely unaware. The authors did their homework and integrated Mayan myths, legends and facts to create an excellent story.

[amandabock-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I could not get beyond 60 pages of this book. Too much whining and complaining on the part of the main character, and I really wasn't buying into the Mayan intrigue, although I wanted to. Maybe I wasn't in the right mood.