Mexico 1924. Alec Devlin’s father has been transferred from Egyptian embassy to Mexico City and then to the backwaters of Veracruz. Bored, Alec’s interest is sparked by the history of South America – the Olmec, the Mayan and the blood-thirsty Aztec civilisations -- when a day’s field trip suddenly takes a deadly turn. Alec, accompanied by his faithful valet Coates, and Ethan, the American hired to protect him, begin yet another unexpected adventure. Alec, Coates and Ethan narrowly escape Mexican bandits, before being involved in a plane crash in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, where they unwittingly make enemies of a lost Aztec city dedicated to Mictlan, the Lord of the Underworld. With no hope of rescue and little chance of escape, Alec has to gamble everything just to stay alive.

 Empire of the Skull is Alec’s second adventure. It is a fast-paced action adventure that literally brings the archaelogy and history of a lost civilisation to life. Above all the story is driven along by the characters and convincing dialogue.

The main character is Alec Devlin, a fifteen year-old, British version of Indiana Jones. Alec’s thirst for adventure is balanced by the cool reserve of Coates and Ethan’s experienced caution. There are other characters including an eco-warrior, a ruthless businessman, a manager in love with his star, a German WWI flying ace, and a royal brother and sister. There is also the main villan, the high-Priest Itztli whose religious fervour constantly threatens to kill Alec and his companions.

Moreover, the author Philip Caveney has clearly done his background research. He writes realistically about the Aztec civilization and Mexico after WWI, seemingly relishing the chance to describe the German monoplane Junkers F13 and capturing in his writing the glamour of the burgeoning film industry. This helps ground the story and makes the more supernatural elements of the story believable.

Empire of the Skull is a recommended read for young readers aged 11+, full of adventure and lost civilisations.

2009-08-19