10 Fantasy Books Based On Mayan Legends
The legends of the Maya civilization are as vast and intricate as the jungles that cradle their ancient cities. Gods shape the fate of humanity, underworld lords weave intricate traps, and heroic twins defy death itself. The Popol Vuh, the sacred book of the Maya, tells of trickster deities, celestial battles, and the creation of the world—all elements that make for stunning fantasy storytelling.
For readers eager to lose themselves in myth-infused adventures, here are 10 fantasy books that draw from the power, mystery, and magic of Mayan legends.
1. Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
💀 A Mortal Girl and the Lord of the Underworld
In 1920s Mexico, Casiopea Tun stumbles upon a mysterious box in her grandfather’s house—unleashing Hun-Kamé, the Mayan god of death. Bound to him by fate, she must help him reclaim his throne in Xibalba, the underworld. A lush, dazzling tale that blends myth with historical fantasy, this novel is a spellbinding take on Mayan deities and the timeless struggle between destiny and free will.
📖 Read if you love: Underworld adventures, reluctant heroines, and gods with a touch of melancholy.
2. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
🔥 A Boy, a Volcano, and a Hidden Godly Heritage
When Zane Obispo, a boy with a limp and a love for adventure, discovers that the volcano near his house is actually a portal to another world, he is thrust into the heart of an ancient prophecy. He soon learns that he is connected to the Mayan gods—particularly one destined to destroy the world. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, this book is a fast-paced, thrilling reimagining of Mayan mythology.
📖 Read if you love: Prophecies, demi-gods, and humor-packed adventure.
3. The Shadow Catcher by James R. Hannibal
🌙 A Battle Against the Lords of Xibalba
Jake, a young teen with the ability to “see” shadows others can’t, is pulled into a secret war between light and darkness—one tied to the Maya underworld and its shadowy rulers. Fast-paced and brimming with mythological horror, this book introduces readers to the eerie, high-stakes world of Xibalba.
📖 Read if you love: Shadowy magic, underworld deities, and pulse-pounding action.
4. Rise of the Jade Lord by J.C. Cervantes
⚡ A War Between Gods and the Fate of the Mortal Realm
The sequel to The Storm Runner, this novel dives deeper into the chaos of Mayan mythology, with gods, shape-shifters, and the ever-present dangers of Xibalba. Zane must navigate divine politics and growing powers, all while trying to survive the gods’ deadly games.
📖 Read if you love: Larger-than-life adventures, divine battles, and reluctant heroes.
5. The Seventh Sun by Lani Forbes
☀️ A Blood Ritual, a Prophecy, and a Struggle for Survival
Inspired by the rituals and mythology of the Maya and Aztecs, The Seventh Sun follows Prince Ahkin, who must choose a wife from among the daughters of the great houses after his father’s sudden death. But when unnatural disasters begin to plague the kingdom, it becomes clear that the gods have plans of their own.
📖 Read if you love: Royal intrigue, divine trials, and lush world-building.
6. The Fire Keeper by J.C. Cervantes
🔥 A Hero’s Quest to Save the Gods
In this Storm Runner sequel, Zane embarks on another high-stakes journey—this time to rescue his father, a Mayan god, from a fate worse than death. With Xibalba’s forces closing in and new secrets coming to light, this book raises the stakes for the young hero.
📖 Read if you love: Mythic quests, high-energy adventure, and found family themes.
7. Popol Vuh: A Retelling by Ilan Stavans
📜 The Epic of the Maya, Reimagined
The Popol Vuh—the sacred text of the Kʼicheʼ Maya—tells the story of the Hero Twins, Hunahpu and Xbalanque, who descend into Xibalba to outwit the gods of death. This retelling makes the ancient tale more accessible while preserving its fantastical, dreamlike quality.
📖 Read if you love: Classic mythology, cosmic battles, and trickster heroes.
8. The Jaguar Stones: Middleworld by J&P Voelkel
🐆 An Ancient Prophecy Awakens in the Modern World
When 14-year-old Max Murphy travels to Central America to search for his missing archaeologist parents, he finds himself entangled in a web of Mayan myth, ancient secrets, and gods who are not as dormant as they seem. A thrilling mix of modern adventure and ancient legend.
📖 Read if you love: Archaeological mysteries, adventure-packed fantasy, and unexpected friendships.
9. The Night Wandering Jaguar by David B. Bowles
🐾 A Shape-Shifting Hero on a Journey Through the Mayan Underworld
A young warrior cursed with the ability to transform into a jaguar must navigate the treacherous underworld of Xibalba to lift his curse. Along the way, he faces trials set by the gods of death, learns long-buried truths about his past, and discovers the true power of sacrifice.
📖 Read if you love: Shape-shifting heroes, eerie underworld landscapes, and stories of redemption.
10. Mesoamerican Mythology: A Fantasy Writer’s Guide by Joshua Bycer
📚 A Treasure Trove of Myths for Fantasy Lovers
While not a novel, this book is an invaluable resource for readers and writers fascinated by Mesoamerican mythology. It delves into the gods, monsters, and myths of the Maya, Aztec, and other ancient civilizations, providing insights that enrich any fantasy lover’s understanding of these epic tales.
📖 Read if you love: Learning about mythological lore, fantasy world-building, and cultural depth in storytelling.
Ancient Gods, New Legends
Mayan mythology is a vast, untamed world of trickster gods, vengeful underworld lords, and celestial destinies. Whether set in ancient kingdoms or modern-day adventures, these books keep the magic alive, weaving old legends into unforgettable new stories.
Which of these books calls to you? Or do you have a favorite Mayan-inspired fantasy that belongs on this list? Let me know! 🌿✨
