New Belizean Novel Explores Maya Underworld

A thrilling new addition to Belizean literature has arrived. A special book launch for students at Saint Peter’s Anglican Primary School in Belize City was held for the launch of The Land of the Night Sun, the first book in the Jade Necklace trilogy,

The novel takes readers on a unique journey through the ancient Maya underworld, Xibalba. It follows Itzel, a brave young girl, on her daring journey through Xibalba, the Maya underworld, to find her missing grandmother.

With Belizean teenagers in mind, this fresh fantasy-adventure series offers a perfect blend of culture, magic, and mystery.

“I feel like there’s a lot of books out there for teenagers and a lot of books for really young kids, but there aren’t that many for pre-teens, like 10- to 13-year-olds,” Ian Gibson said, the author and illustrator behind the book. “That was the age group I had in mind, but really there’s no upper age limit.”