Synopsis
Goddess of the Moon: Mayan World of Vampires is Volume one in a series of young-adult fantasy novels by American author Glenda Reynolds. The series presents a story in which vampires, both good and evil and angels who live among humans. In Mayan World of Vampires we find that Princess Melanna discovers that the man she falls in love with is both a vampire and her life-long protector. She also discovers that an ancient coven of vampires lead by Zafrina (the Dark One) has overtaken the Yucatan city of Coba while her father, King Tetaneeka, allows the coven to take control while he cowers in the shadows of his palace.
As the story unfolds, one sees a glimpse of the jungle of the Yucatan with its wildlife and the natives who celebrate life to the fullest. We see Mayan traditions observed and the celebration of the coming of age. We also glimpse the evil schemes of the vampires lead by their queen, Zafrina, as they prey on the Mayans and take total control over Coba, introducing human sacrifice. Princess Melanna fulfills prophecy to become the warrior that leads her people to freedom from the vampire reign, but not before a huge battle is waged against the coven.
Main Characters
Melanna Coszcatl ~ “Jewel”, the King’s daughter and Prophesied One. This is Melanna's journey; we begin to follow her from her birth. The reader shares in her losses, triumphs, romance and transformation to champion.
King Tetaneeka Achcauhtli ~ “Leader”, past ruler of Mayan empire. He is the father of Melanna and reigning king before the Spanish conquest of the Yucatan.
Queen Almika ~ “She of the sun”, mother of Melanna. She dies giving birth to Melanna which brings a wedge between Melanna and King Tetaneeka.
Eleuia Teyacapan ~ “Wish”, “first born”, sister to Melanna. Eleuia becomes Melanna's adversary out of jealousy and for the right to be queen of Coba. She uses a palace guard to kill her sister and later tries to take matters into her own hands. Her efforts only backfire on her.
Zafrina Mictlan ~ The “land of the dead”, vampire Goddess of the Moon. Zafrina is an ancient vampire who had her beginnings in ancient Egypt at the time of the Hebrew slaves. It was at that time that she was cursed to roam the earth with an unquenchable thirst for blood. Her servants became the Ancients who continued to serve her as subservient vampires. This is why she travels the world in search of nations to feed upon and have them build pyramids for her dwelling and human sacrifice. She also has the supernatural gift to effect the weather and elements of the atmosphere.
Chak Kojolaxel ~ “Conquering Prince”, Zafrina’s closest ally. Chak is a very seductive and calculating vampire. He is Zafrina's closest confidant. He is used to unite the vampires and the Mayans. His supernatural gift is to make his victims see hallucinations.
Tezcatli Uetzcayotl (Tez) ~ “The essence of light”, vampire, defender, and love interest of Melanna. Tez is the other main character of this story; he is introduced at the birth of Melanna. We learn his story and his reasons for wanting to defeat Zafrina and her vampires. And we learn what makes him different from the other vampires. He has the supernatural gift to effect plant life.
Teela ~ Friend of Melanna, dimple-faced sweet girl.
Zonya ~ Friend of Melanna, a girl of the outdoors with her sun-streaked hair and her carefree ways.
Nelli ~ Friend of Melanna, meaning “truth”, the mature and thoughtful one of the group.
Manauia or Manny ~ “Defender”, Melanna’s closest childhood friend and love interest of Xoco. Manny is to be admired as he looks out for Melanna. He trains to fight with the resistance which is where he meets Xoco. It was love and first fight.
Noctli ~ “Prickly pear fruit”, love interest of Zonya. He is the first victim of Melanna's circle of friends who falls prey to the vampires for a human sacrifice.
Zolin ~ “Quail”, manservant under king Tetaneeka
Qaileen ~ Melanna’s woman servant /surrogate mother
Mulac ~ Assassin, palace guard. He is Eleuia's love interest for the sole purpose of getting him to try to kill princess Melanna.
Amoxtli ~ Keeper of the Brotherhood of the Eagle, “protection, shelter”. Amoxtli is the leader of the resistance against Zafrina's coven. He is charged with keeping ancient writings and relics of the Brotherhood of the Eagle.
Xoco ~ “Youngest Sister”, female resistance fighter. Xoco is the love interest of Manny. She is the Mayan version of Xena. She is very good with a sword and dagger and doesn't take any crap from anybody.
Micah ~ “Who is like God?” Micah is an angel who travels the earth to proclaim doom and destruction. He also imparts physical healing.