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I shared a previously unpublished story that illustrated the techniques made famous by David Farland of outlining, story-plotting, and rewriting.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
Shawn P. Butler is a writer, entrepreneur, a teacher of story and strategy, and a lifelong traveler—around the world and between the worlds of business and imagination.
He was born in Seattle, moved across the country to Peachtree City, Georgia for high school, and has since lived and studied across four continents while learning to speak five and a half languages and earning multiple degrees and recognitions in business, writing, education, and leadership.
Shawn holds a BA in marketing from Brigham Young University, an MS from the Sorbonne, an MBA from Georgia State University, and a certification from David Farland’s Apex Writers Group. He has taught business, entrepreneurship, marketing, and the art of story to students, writers, founders, and leaders.
Shawn has been part of the successful exit planning and value creation for more than two hundred small- to medium-sized companies and is the Amazon bestselling author of Auomatic Exit: Turn Your Service Business into a Sellable Asset.
His lifetime fascination with ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia to Mesoamerica 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 2021 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 - Near the Modern-day Yucatán Peninsula
Hunac Ceel clung tightly to his father’s waist as they rode the Great Jaguar through the rainforest.
No ordinary jaguar—a god. One of the four sacred Jaguar Lords, Ajaw Balam. Its gold-and-black coat shimmered like obsidian in firelight. Each leap devoured distance. Each breath stirred the jungle.
The moss-furred ceiba and sapodilla trees blurred past in streaks of jade and amber. Branches lashed at Hunac’s cape. His arms ached. His legs burned. Sweat slicked his hands and stung his eyes.
Still they ran.
He reminded himself, You asked for this. Begged for it.
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