1,000 YEAR-OLD LOVE STORY SERVES AS PLOT FOR EPIC ROMANCE

(PHOENIX, AZ --DECEMBER 1, 2000) -- A new book with the unusual title ‘TZIN is the first historical novel to use as its plot line the famous legend of Quetzalcoatl (the god-king of ancient Mexico), a story that has been mentioned in many historical novels. From Lew ‘Ben-Hur Wallaces The Fair God" (1887) and Shellabargers Captain from Castile" (1945), to more recent works like Scott O'Dell's The Feathered Serpent" and Jennings Aztec," authors have been referrring to this legend as it impacted the conquest of the Aztec empire by the Spanish in 1521. It is widely believed that the Aztec emperor Montezuma thought the invading Cortez was Quetzalcoatl returned to reclaim his throne.

The legend, however, concerns events six centuries before Cortez. It may come as a surprise to many, but its really a love story," explains the author of ‘TZIN, Charles Lakin. It didnt take too much digging to suddenly arrive at that conclusion." ‘TZIN explores who the real Quetzalcoatl was, and how he came to be the source for a legend that continues to affect people today. While ‘TZIN is an epic saga of romance, intrigue, and violent conflict, it is also a meticulously researched celebration of Prehispanic Mexico. I want to present the rich cultural heritage of ancient Mexico in a very vital and immediate way, and the novel can do this," says Lakin. When you finish reading ‘TZIN, you will never, ever think of Mexico the same way again."

The story centers on the long life of Nunya, a member of an illustrious but vanquished people called the Nonoalca, and his personal relationships with two characters: Topiltzin, the enigmatic son of a murdered warlord; and Xilonen, a woman of great beauty, intellect and complexity. It is his close friendship with Topiltzin, and his profound love for Xilonen, that thrusts Nunya onto the stage of history as Topiltzin becomes king of the very nation that conquered the Nonoalca. Nunya soon achieves his boyhood dreams of becoming a 'Tzin, or prince. But there is also a price to pay when Nunya misuses his position of power to exact personal vengeance.

Nunya's quest for his destiny is played out against a backdrop of national upheaval among the unsettled nations of highland Mexico, and among the Maya of Yucatan. In ‘TZIN, Nunya's travels take him to far-flung outposts of civilization, down the sacred roads of the ancient Maya, through the abandoned pyramid city of Teotihuacan, and into the homes and palaces of the "Camelot" of ancient Mexico: the city of Tollan. He is drawn into the intrigues of the warring factions of the famous city-states of Yaxchilan and Palenque that result in the re-founding of Chichen Itza, and discovers the roots of his own people's past in the mist-shrouded swamps of Yucatan.

The broad scope of the story necessitated elbow room," says Lakin. Its a big book but it tells a big story that deserves detail."

Charles Lakin is a researcher and writer for Sky Creative Media Group, where he wrote the narrative for the company's critically acclaimed CD-ROM UFOs: Just the Facts. Also the author of seven plays, Lakin lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with his daughter Chandra.

‘TZIN is now available in a 572-page, 5.5" x 8.5" trade paperbound edition (ISBN 0 7388-2331-7) for $16.00 direct from Amazon.com, Borders.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and most brick & mortar" bookstores. It can also be ordered direct from the Xlibris bookstore website (www.xlibris.com/bookstore). Or by calling 1-888-795-4274, Fax: 1-215-923-4685, or via e-mail: orders@xlibris.com.

All libraries and bookstores can order ‘TZIN through their preferred distributor, or direct from Xlibris at special discounts.