Published: April 11, 2011
Words: 144148 (approximate)
Language: English

Short description

The Jaguar’s Heart opens explosively during the assassination of a U.S. presidential candidate and takes the reader on a high speed ride into the world of Sangre de Dios, a shadowy drug soaked cult steeped in Aztec and Mayan mythology and sorcery. The cult’s demonic leader promises immortality for the chosen few and slavery for the rest of mankind when the end of an age, 2012, arrives.

Extended description

The Jaguar’s Heart opens explosively during the assassination of a U.S. presidential candidate and takes the reader on a high speed ride into the world of Sangre de Dios, a shadowy drug soaked cult steeped in Aztec and Mayan mythology and sorcery. The cult’s demonic leader promises immortality for the chosen few and slavery for the rest of mankind when the end of an age, 2012, arrives.

Jesse J. Rideout, former covert operator now a fugitive and artifact smuggler, must undergo a mind-bending transformation to learn if the cult leader has real occult power or if his followers are deluded by exotic hallucinogens, and then destroy an ancient horror to avert a war between the United States and Mexico.

Katarina Castillo, daughter of the aristocracy, is Jesse’s partner in their desperate attempt to stop the cult, which has subverted the highest levels of U.S. government. Their only ally is the secretive Society of the White Rose, sworn enemy of Sangre de Dios.... (Read more) The Jaguar’s Heart opens explosively during the assassination of a U.S. presidential candidate and takes the reader on a high speed ride into the world of Sangre de Dios, a shadowy drug soaked cult steeped in Aztec and Mayan mythology and sorcery. The cult’s demonic leader promises immortality for the chosen few and slavery for the rest of mankind when the end of an age, 2012, arrives.

Jesse J. Rideout, former covert operator now a fugitive and artifact smuggler, must undergo a mind-bending transformation to learn if the cult leader has real occult power or if his followers are deluded by exotic hallucinogens, and then destroy an ancient horror to avert a war between the United States and Mexico.

Katarina Castillo, daughter of the aristocracy, is Jesse’s partner in their desperate attempt to stop the cult, which has subverted the highest levels of U.S. government. Their only ally is the secretive Society of the White Rose, sworn enemy of Sangre de Dios.

This riveting page turner examines the conflict between individual morality and patriotism in the conscience of a hyper-perceptive young covert agent recently recruited from a special operations military unit. The Jaguar’s Heart is also the story of a young woman facing unimaginable horror and discovering new depths of courage.
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Tags

thriller, action, espionage, mayan mythology, aztec mythology

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Reviews

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Review by: killie81 on Oct. 08, 2011 :
Review originally posted on my blog - http://killie-booktalk.blogspot.com/2011/10/jaguars-heart-james-morgan-ayres.html

When I first started reading this book I really wasn't sure what genre to describe it as: at times I would have said thriller, then I would think it was more fantasy. Finally though I have settled on describing it as a fast paced exciting adventure story that reminded me of the Indiana Jones franchise. For example, the book is set in an historical setting and there are exotic locations, archaeological discoveries, political intrigue, occult sorcery & some really enjoyable action scenes.

The story itself follows Jesse J. Rideout, a former covert operative who is hiding in Mexico after an altercation with his US governmental employer. His amateur interest in archaeology leads him to uncover a secret society full of politicians and criminals who believe in the sorcery once practised by the pre-Columbian natives in Central America. The reader then gets taken on an enjoyable journey across Mexico as Jesse attempts to get revenge for the death of a close friend and understand what this secret group are really up to and why they seem determined to get a hold of an artefact he has uncovered.

I have to say that I really enjoyed this book; it was delivered brilliantly with a superb mix of thrills, mystery, fantasy, action and drama. More importantly though, it had a gripping plot that was fun to read: I struggled to put it down several times and found that it really was a page-turner. In addition, it really felt like the author knew Mexico, it was wonderfully detailed and there was a love and warmth for the country that really came through in the novel.

The characters were well defined and quite memorable with Jesse himself really coming across like a mix of Indiana Jones and James Bond. But it was more than just him, all the characters seemed to have clear motivations that made sense with everyone having a purpose and specific drive. There were no ornamental characters; the female characters especially were strong, independent women who knew what they wanted and how to achieve it which was nice to see as sometimes I have seen adventure books use the women screaming, moaning side-kicks.

In summary, this book was an enjoyable, entertaining, fast paced adventure story that has me turning the pages with anticipation. In addition, the writing itself was decent and the author has crafted some superb characters. Simply put, if you like adventure stories then I think you would love this book and should therefore pick it up for a read.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Coral Russell on Aug. 25, 2011 :
Listen/read my review here - http://alchemyofscrawl.wordpress.com/2011/08/20/book-review-the-jaguars-heart/
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Coral Russell on Aug. 25, 2011 : (no rating)
Listen/read my review here - http://alchemyofscrawl.wordpress.com/2011/08/20/book-review-the-jaguars-heart/
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Tom Negrino on June 14, 2011 :
I was really pleased with this book, and enjoyed it a great deal. I enjoy thrillers, and this book delivered. The story was compelling, and moved along quickly. The characters are well-drawn and memorable; their motivations are clear and make sense. Jesse, the central character, has been around the block more than once, and ends up in a situation where his unique skills become essential for not just himself, but for nations.

It's clear that the author is familiar from personal experience with both the book's setting (Mexico) and with covert operations. Whether he is personally conversant with the book's more mystical trappings, I can't say. But I will say that it's a fun and engaging read. Recommended.

I agree with the previous reviewer that the book seems to be a good basis for a movie. That's not always a good thing (some books are better left as books!), but in this case, with the right filmmaker, it would make a fine action flick.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: scottbfree1 on June 05, 2011 : (no rating)
I came upon this novel on "Smashwords" and I believe it to be a first book by a Mr. James Morgan Ayres. If this is a first attempt at publishing, Mr Ayres has a very bright future indeed. This book is, in the parlance of the trade, a real page turner. To me it is as gripping and as well crafted as any novel I've read in a long time. Perfectly set to be produced as a film, or for a follow up novel using the same strong character.

"A Jaguars Heart" is a winner. Congratulations Mr. Ayres.

Scott Graham, from Japan
(reviewed the day of purchase)

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