A dead king, a power-hungry high priest, a deep limestone pit used for human sacrifice … and only one young girl brave enough to fight the evil that pervades her city.
“The novel shines not only for a faithful recreation of an unfamiliar, ancient world, but also for the introduction of a brave, likable and determined heroine.” – Kirkus Reviews
Eveningstar’s courage is not about being fearless. Eveningstar Macaw is brave because she understands what is at stake and acts despite the danger.
When the Mayan king dies, Eveningstar’s city begins to unravel. The uncertainty creates an opening for Great Skull Zero, a powerful high priest determined to control the city.
He uses fear and ritual to eliminate those who might challenge him, including Eveningstar’s brother. For Eveningstar, this is personal. Someone she loves is in danger, and remaining silent would mean accepting the High Priest’s version of justice.
Eveningstar’s resistance reveals one of the book’s central themes: courage often begins with asking questions. She does not simply accept authority because someone holds a position of power. She pays attention, notices contradictions, and follows her instincts. Her willingness to think for herself becomes just as important as her physical bravery.
The novel also explores the cost of standing up to injustice. When Eveningstar does what she believes is right, she becomes a target. Her choices place her in greater danger, and she must face the terrifying possibility of being thrown into the Well of Sacrifice. The stakes keep rising because courageous decisions do not always make life easier. Sometimes they make the next choice even harder.
Yet Eveningstar never fights only for herself. Her determination is rooted in loyalty to her brother, her family, and her city. That sense of responsibility gives the adventure emotional power. Readers can understand why she takes risks, even when those risks seem impossible.
“The adventures of this tenacious heroine are suspenseful and entertaining, providing readers with an exciting story and a realistic feel for everyday life in and ceremonial practices of the ancient Mayan culture. Well-researched historical fiction and a good read.” – School Library Journal
The book’s historical setting deepens these themes. Eveningstar lives in a richly imagined Maya city, surrounded by ceremonies, architecture, social traditions, and beliefs that shape every part of daily life. The setting is not merely a backdrop for danger; it influences the choices characters make and helps readers understand what Eveningstar is trying to protect.
At its heart, The Well of Sacrifice asks a timeless question: What will you do when someone powerful uses fear to control the people around you? Eveningstar’s answer is simple but demanding. While she can still act, she will fight for what is right.
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‘The fifth graders loved the book. Students described it as gripping, suspenseful, plot-twisting, riveting, and entertaining. One student said, “It had me up all night thinking about what was happening.” Another said, “It kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to read more.” Another crowed, “The excitement went up up up!” We agreed it was incredibly detailed. We could “picture it in our mind as if we were living in the Maya times.”’ – The Brooklyn New School Fifth Grade teacher
Chris Eboch 