CRADLE OF THE SUN

An outspoken, colorful piece of historical fiction taking the reader back to the days of the Spanish Inquisition and the conquest of Yucatan. Love of women and soldiery dominates the life of Juan de Moncads and dictates his fate -- he incurs the hatred of powerful Don Diego Urbino as a rival for the affections of beautiful; Alisa Montejo and is denounced by the Inquisition. After punishment and the death of his parents, he escapes to the New World with a trusty friend. There are various encounters with Urbino and Alisa. Juan becomes involved with the Mayans, and after positions as slave and sacrifice becomes the adopted son of a king through marriage. Ultimately, with his forged arms, he leads the Mayans against the Spanish. Pretty obvious on the emotional level -- the unusual scene and the usual bloody adventures will be the book's strong points.