In their fifth adventure, Sam and Remi Fargo find a mummy hidden beneath an ancient lava flow, clutching a sealed pot. Sealed away for over a nearly five hundred years, the mummy offers an unprecedented look into the life of the ancient Mayans. Even more amazing than the man is what they find inside the pot; an ancient Mayan book. Only four are known to exist in the world. The knowledge inside the book is priceless. Sam and Remi must protect the book and the secrets it reveals from a very ruthless and wealthy woman who will stop at nothing to possess it.

THE MAYAN SECRETS by Clive Cussler and Thomas Perry supplies the excitement and adventure we've come to expect from this writing duo. With exotic locations, heart- pounding show-downs and the ever fascinating relics of the past, Cussler and Perry carry on the tradition of thrilling archeological adventures. For those new to the series and Cussler's brand of storytelling, the focus is on the action. There is little character development and there isn't a lot of time spent on building backstory. The reader joins Sam and Remi at this particular moment in their life and while their affection for each other is shown, there aren't many internal conversations or conflicts to show growth. This makes for a fast-paced adventure as Sam and Remi are constantly working toward an external goal, but if you love a character-driven story where the change comes from a realized truth, this might not be the book for you. I happen to love both kinds of stories, so I really enjoyed THE MAYAN SECRETS.

Cussler and Perry deliver an action filled adventure where the past and present are connected by the greed and courage within humanity. THE MAYAN SECRETS isn't simply about an ancient artifact of a lost civilization. It's the story of our civilization and our quest for knowledge and power. If you're a fan of the Fargos or if you're a fan of a good adventure, reading THE MAYAN SECRETS is a great way to relax and enjoy a well-deserved break.