Thursday, May 23, 2013

HFVBT Review for Chronicle of the Mound Builders by Elle Marie

A team of archeologists find a jar with a codex buried at the Cahokia Mounds near St. Louis. Knowing that the Mound Builders had no written language, Angela Hunter begins the daunting task of translating the codex. She finds a story, and a warning contained on the deerskin pages.

The story is that of Totol, and his father. Cursed by an Mexica priest, they flee their home near Ancient Veracruz and journey North. They assimilate with the Mound Builders and try to live a peaceful life. But the gods have different ideas.

The codex and artifacts create a battle, with many forces trying to claim the secrets.

Elle Marie's Chronicle of the Mound Builders is an historically detailed story. Starting off in Mexico, the scenes are precise and stunning. I enjoyed reading as Totol and his father traveled up the Mississippi. I wish I could say that I connected with the archeologist, Dr. Angela Hunter, but I found myself looking forward to Totol's narrations. The present day dialogue seemed unnatural and brief. Granted, there is a lot more drama going on in the present world with the different parties all wanting the codex. The present day ending will stretch the imagination and seemed rushed. I did enjoy getting to read about the Mound Builders and the Mexica family.

About the Author

Coming from a large family of readers, Elle Marie grew up with a love of reading. Her passion for reading led to a desire to write. After first publishing a nonfiction book, Living the Thin Life, she turned to fiction.

A visit to Cahokia Mounds sparked a fascination with the mysterious Mound Builders, about whom so little is known. What was their culture like? How did ordinary people live in the 14th century? What caused the civilization to vanish, seemingly overnight? She put her imagination to work and came up with a story line that put it all together. Extensive research enabled her to create a believable, engrossing world.

By day, she works in the information technology field at a large financial services firm. She is a graduate of the Missouri University of Science & Technology and lives in the St. Louis area with her husband. Chronicle of the Mound Builders is her first novel.

For more information, please visit the OFFICIAL WEBSITE.




I reviewed this book for Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours.

Link to Tour Schedule: http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/chronicleofthemoundbuildersvirtualtour/
Twitter Hashtag: #MoundBuildersTour



You can purchase Chronicle of the Mound Builders here:


Website: http://www.chronicleofthemoundbuilders.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Chronicle-Mound-Builders-Elle-Marie/dp/1479206652

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chronicle-of-the-mound-builders-elle-marie/1113712738?ean=9781479206650

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Z6MXPK

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chronicle-of-the-mound-builders-elle-marie/1113712738?ean=2940015914061

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/chronicle-mound-builders/id631871824?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4


2 comments:

  1. When I read this book, I tended to like whichever storyline I was reading the best. Like, when I read the ancient timeline I thought Tototl was my favorite, but then when I got to the modern timeline I liked Angela the best. I guess it means I liked everything!

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  2. It's odd that I connected with Totol, especially since I've never been a young teen boy. But I really enjoyed him. Maybe Dr. O just ruined the modern scenes. He was a nasty villain!

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