Book One of The Talisman Cycle
Two Young Heroes Across Two Eras Unite in One Ongoing Battle
In ancient Mesoamerica, young Hunac Ceel is the chosen heir to the Talisman of Nature and destined to become the next great Jaguar Priest of the Maya. But he must unlock its hidden powers and unite his people before a prophecy spanning centuries brings their civilization to the brink of destruction.
In modern America, Daring Rhodes inherits the Talisman of Time and must race to uncover its secrets before an ancient enemy uses its power to rewrite history and plunge the world into chaos.
"A spellbinding adventure weaving together ancient mythology, modern intrigue, and the unbreakable bonds between past and present. For fans of Rick Riordan and Brandon Sand-erson, this is a tale of courage, legacy, and the power hidden
within us all."
-Online Review
Have you seen my latest publication? More than 1,000 copies sold!
An Honor and a Privilege to Share
Among eight other authors, including the acclaimed Kevin J. Anderson, Rebecca Moesta, Monique Bucheger, and Kary English, I was asked to contribute a story that was influenced by my time working with the celebrated writing mentor, author, and contest judge, David Farland.
I shared a previously unpublished story that illustrated the techniques made famous by David Farland of outlining, story-plotting, and rewriting. The tale of Ah Xupan in The Death of the God King is a stand-alone story that serves as a bonus read for anyone piecing together the history of Hunac Ceel, the ancient Maya, and the winding paths of the Talismans.
"The powers of the Talismans were never meant to be combined. Anciently, the God King knew this—and so do those who seek them today. What happens when one man wields too much power? The answer lies in the past…"
My short story The Death of the God King is now available on Amazon!
An Official Short Story from The Talisman Cycle
A God. A Talisman. Assassination.
"Today is the day I kill a god."
Ah Xupan, prince of Uxmal, never believed in legends. But when a tyrant bearing the title of God King demands blood sacrifices and enslaves his people, he is forced to act.
His mission? Kill the immortal ruler of the Maya Empire and reclaim his family throne.
Read the untold story that shaped Book 1 of the Talisman Cycle.
Get your copy of "The Death of the God King" today and uncover the legend behind the talismans—before history repeats itself!
Shawn P. Butler
Author, Educator, Nerd
Thank you for visiting my website. Hello! Here's where I share who I am, what I write, and how you can learn more!
Shawn P. Butler is an author, teacher, entrepreneur, coach and consultant. He was born in Seattle, moved across the country to Peachtree City, Georgia for high school and has lived and studied in Atlanta, Virginia, North Carolina, Utah, and across four continents while learning to speak five and a half languages and earning multiple degrees, recognitions, and certifications in education, writing, consulting, and leadership.
Shawn holds a BA in marketing from Brigham Young University, an MS from the Sorbonne, and an MBA from Georgia State University. He has taught entrepreneurship, business strategy, marketing and value creation at multiple companies, colleges and universities and is passionate about sharing these concepts with students, writers, researchers, and business leaders. Shawn has been part of the successful exit planning and value creation of more than two hundred small to medium-sized companies.
In addition to business growth and cultural anthropology, Shawn has a lifetime fascination with ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia to Mesoamerica that includes two years living in the Yucatán Rainforest among the modern descendants of the ancient Maya which breathed life into his first series "The Talisman Cycle" and his short story "The Death of the God King" that earned an Honorable Mention in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest.
The Powers of Time and Nature
Book 1 of The Talisman Cycle
Explore a world of magic and adventure with Shawn P. Butler's captivating novels. Join inspiring protagonists on thrilling quests filled with ancient gods, monsters, and powers beyond our current understanding.
You'll be immersed in stories that blend mythology with modern realities and immersive conflicts, creating a gripping balance of action, mystery, humor, and heartfelt moments.
Chapter 1: The Talisman Ceremony
1180 AD - Three Days Walk West from the Modern-day Yucatán Peninsula
Hunac Ceel clung tightly to his father’s back as they rode the speeding jaguar through the rainforest. Noble, wise, strong, and incredibly fast, this was no ordinary jaguar, but one of the legendary jaguar gods his people worshipped. Beneath its gold and black spotted fur, the jaguar god’s thick muscles bunched and sprang with every leap, jostling Hunac’s already uncertain hold. The moss-furred ceiba and sapodilla trees blurred past at a terrifying speed.
Hunac had lost track of the hours they’d traveled this way, holding on for his life to this creature out of legends! Sweat slicked his hands and trickled down his face, and with every bound, Hunac reminded himself, You asked for this . . .
Begged for it, even.
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