The Rising of the Fifth Sun

By Michael Cantwell

Peter Collins and Rosa Guzman, having passed their first round of tests in ancient Mexico, are again summoned by the Plumed Serpent who flies them back in time to the first morning of the world. There, the sixth graders witness the origins of human sacrifice as gods throw themselves into the sluggish sun that refuses to rise despite receiving divine fuel.

Finally, Quetzalcoatl, the Serpent, blows a hurricane-force wind that lifts the sun and whisks the children to Tollan Two in tenth century Mexico. They meet the young king, Topiltzin, who has banned human sacrifice in Tollan. But his neighbors, the Chiminec, worship Smoking Mirror who demands mass human sacrifice as the price for military victories. The Chiminec declare war on Tollan.

Topiltzin proposes an alternative to war. He challenges his neighbor to the sacred ball game which re-enacts the drama of the rising of the Fifth Sun. The winner is to be given complete power over the loser. All members of the losing team will be put to death. Tollans team includes Topiltzin, three of his finest warriors, and Peter, who volunteers despite Rosas protests.

The outcome of the game produces profound changes in Mexico as well as in the lives of Peter and Rosa.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jan 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9781462072026

Michael Cantwell

Michael Cantwell, CCIM (1958-present) is an author and commercial real estate agent in South Florida as well as a published photographer. He was born in Ft. Campbell KY, raised in Trenton, NJ, graduated college at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA. He now resides in Palm Beach County, Florida. He is married with three children and one dog. He loves music and is a big Miami Marlins, Dolphins, Panthers and Heat fan. He also enjoys strolling South Florida with his camera at hand. He has served on many board of directors and volunteered many hours as a coach for baseball and basketball as well as for Junior Achievement in many schools around South Florida.

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