First published 2002
Archaeologist Richard Bennington stands at the ancient ceremonial hill near Iztapalapa, just outside Mexico City. His daughter died in an earthquake. His marriage crumbles under the weight of grief. The Day of the Dead approaches, and Bennington has discovered something the Aztecs knew centuries ago. Every fifty-two years, this sacred ground hosted the New Fire Ceremony, a ritual that could bridge the worlds of living and dead. The ceremony hasn't been performed for hundreds of years, but Bennington believes he can resurrect the old gods and bring back what he has lost. He prepares to enact the ancient rites, driven by desperation and love. Yet the archaeologist overlooks a crucial truth about divine power and human nature. Neither gods nor mortals can be trusted when death has been cheated. Bennington must decide how much he will sacrifice to reclaim his daughter and save his marriage.
Genres: historical-fiction, archaeology, fantasy, magical-realism
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: grief, loss, resurrection
Setting: Iztapalapa, Mexico City
Period: Day of the Dead
118 pages · Hardcover · Earthling Pubns
Content warnings: death