Testimonials for Maya and the Crystal Skull

I'm thrilled that my latest novel Maya and the Crystal Skull is being well received. Maya and the Crystal Skull is my 85th book and a new direction for me, as I focus on longer novels for children and young adults. 

Here is what people are saying about Maya and the Crystal Skull.

...action-packed adventure...for readers aged 10+ who love history, great characters and plenty of plot twists.

Dee White, Kids' Book Capers

This a wholly enjoyable page turner with a wonderful, modern heroine on a classical hero journey. Maya's beliefs and bravery help her to overcome her hurt and not only seize the day but save it too. Any reader, young or old, will want more of her and her adventures.
John Dawson, artist and screenwriter

...the teen voices are realistic, it is easy to read and there is enough action and plenty of dialogue to keep the story moving. Readers will love to hate Sophia, Maya’s minder and enjoy the thrill of the chase through jungles and Mayan ruins...

Zoya Nojin, Buzz Words Books 

A book I recommend all children read. 
Warren Thurston, reviewer

The suspense is great throughout the book right until the end. 
Dianne, reader

So what is the story of Maya and the Crystal Skull? Naturally, I can't give you all the details but here is a little taste:

Move over Indiana Jones...

Maya's life has changed.
 
Her mother is dead, killed in a car accident; she's befriended by Ethan, a boy who claims he's from the spirit world; and now her father is missing.

What does the legend of the crystal skulls have to do with her father's disappearance? Will Maya travel to Mexico to save him? How can Maya's destiny have anything to do with the future of humankind?

The Mexican jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, dangerous bounty hunters and evil kidnappers...

Yes, Maya's life has changed.

The fate of the world now depends on her.

Please visit the following websites to purchase Maya and the Crystal Skull:

R & R Books Film Music
http://www.rnrbooksfilmmusic.com.au/maya.html

Amazon Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Maya-Crystal-Skull-ebook/dp/B0069WE3GK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1321834871&sr=1-1

The adventure continues in July 2012 with Maya and the Daring Heist.

With Love and Light,
Robyn Opie Parnell

A Review of Maya and The Crystal Skull

Review of Maya and the Crystal Skull
Author: Robyn Opie Parnell
Publisher: R&R Books Film Music
ISBN: 978-0-9756096-7-5
http://www.rnrbooksfilmmusic.com.au/maya.html

Maya and the Crystal Skull is the latest book from best-selling children’s author, Robyn Opie Parnell. The book follows the fortunes of fifteen year old Maya King after the death of her mother in a car accident. Maya’s father took the death of his wife hard. In his grief he travels to Mexico in search of the legendary Crystal Skulls. He believed that the Mayan Indians did possess these skulls before their culture vanished. This self exile of her father sees Maya stranded at home with Sophia, a housekeeper hired by him.

Sophia is every child’s nightmare, bossy, grumpy and no sense of fun. Maya has her routine of chores strictly controlled by Sophia. Each of her tasks, of which there are many, must adhere to Sophia’s strict code of practice. The fact that Maya is the child of a client does not deter Sophia. Having the run of Maya’s house and no one to answer to is the perfect world for Sophia to exploit. Maya finds herself no more than a slave in her own house, to a domineering woman.

One ray of light that comes into Maya’s life is Ethan. He is a spirit who has come to warn her that her father is in danger. Ethan also tells Maya that in a past life he was a Shaman priest with the Mayan Indians. Maya finds it hard to accept Ethan at first but then realizes that he is not a product of the stress she is under while living with Sophia.

Maya is quite concerned about her father and contacts her Uncle Peter. She is dismayed to discover that his fear of flying prevents him from going to Mexico. So instead of Uncle Peter, Maya and Sophia take the flight from Sydney to Mexico.

In Mexico she finds her father and discovers the power of the skulls. Kidnapped and in danger of losing her life, Maya finds that life is a precious gift no to be wasted. She also discovers that if you are prepared to help yourself, others will help you too.

I found Robyn Opie Parnell’s book a delight to read. The portrayal of the characters was realistic, and the story flowed quite well. Young readers will find this adventure a riveting read and easily empathise with Maya. Maya’s term for Sophia, witch-dragon, is an apt description of the lady. At times I felt like tearing Sophia from the pages and punishing her severely.

Maya and the Crystal Skull is a book I highly recommend all children read.

Review by Warren Thurston
Children’s Author
http://www.puddlywuddly.com

Maya and the Crystal Skull by Robyn Opie Parnell is available from leading booksellers, on- and off-line and by visiting the publisher - http://www.rnrbooksfilmmusic.com.au/maya.html

Coming Soon - Maya and the Crystal Skull by Robyn Opie Parnell

Move over Indiana Jones...

Maya's life has changed.

Her mother is dead, killed in a car accident; she's befriended by Ethan, a boy who claims he's from the spirit world; and now her father is missing.

What does the legend of the crystal skulls have to do with her father's disappearance? Will Maya travel to Mexico to save him? How can Maya's destiny have anything to do with the future of humankind?

The Mexican jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, dangerous bounty hunters and evil kidnappers...

Yes, Maya's life has changed.

The fate of the world now depends on her.

Coming in November 2011!

Title: Maya and the Crystal Skull
Author: Robyn Opie Parnell
ISBN: 9780975609675
Publisher: R & R Books Film Music
RRP: $19.95
Genre: Paranormal thriller for children aged 8+
Website: http://www.rnrbooksfilmmusic.com.au