A great adventure. The setting is the ancient Inca Empire, which is uniquely interesting. Yana is an enterprising heroine, loyal and brave. She must draw on her inner courage and resourcefulness to overcome dangers and mysteries. She meets wonderful, relatable characters in her quest to find the water that can save the Incan Prince. I enjoyed the surprising twists of plot and satisfying outcome of the story. An engaging tale that doesn't disappoint, one I just had to keep reading.

This is an adventure story that combines a lot of information about life in the Incan Empire with some elements of fantasy. Michael Easterling’s descriptions and attention to detail made me feel that I was right at Yana's side as she traveled across the mountains of Peru. I found the use of number of Quechua words throughout the the book to be a bit difficult at first, but eventually it contributed to the illusion being immersed in another culture. The pet llama is a lot of fun and Yana’s courage and upbeat attitude are inspirational. I also enjoyed many of the other characters in the book and appreciated the respect for strong women.

I enjoyed being transported back to the time of the Inca, and becoming emersed in the culture, the beauty of the land, and even some vocabulary! Yana is a strong female heroine for YA readers. The story reads much like a fable, but with more realistic detail and adventures. Well-researched and thoroughly enjoyable.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gave up sleep to keep on reading!

September 3, 2018

Format: Paperback

This book was wonderful. I now want a llama! There is a glossary at the end of the novel in case you need reminding of certain characters or festivities or any other word that is foreign, but I was able to remember all the characters from the beginning (and loved all of them) and only had to look up a few words for other things! I felt as if I were traveling across miles of countryside, meeting new people and exploring the cave and customs of Peru many centuries ago. Fear, excitement, worry and joy were what I felt as Yana searched for water to cure a sick child. The descriptions of the villages, wasis and people were perfect. I read through the night camping, then wished I had slowed down so the ending wouldn't come so soon! You will love this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Wonderful Adventure with Deeper Layers
November 30, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Michael Easterling has masterfully succeeded in creating a great historical adventure, set in the time of the mighty Inca. His thorough research into that world, including class system, customs, language, food, clothing and language transported me completely. Yana, the heroine, is a fascinating blend of innocence, naivete, strength, faith and courage and I enjoyed experiencing her character development throughout her quest to find the Water at the End of the World. Additionally, Mr. Easterling weaves a deep reverence for the earth, both in terms of its raw beauty and mankind's inexorable connection into the story. A melody played on a native flute mimics the sounds of a stream and the flight of a bird. Bravo!
https://amazon.com/Michael-Easterling/e/B0752PRJ7R

5.0 out of 5 stars You’ll want to Read it Again

Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2023

Verified Purchase

After reading this for the second time, it is back on my read again list. There are so many layers to the story lines that weave together to transport the reader through time, imagination and the spirit world all at once. It is a great adventure story, with surprising, unexpected and sometimes simply delightful twists and curves. Watching the growth and the development of the character Yana is one of the things that makes me keep wanting to come back to the story. Her transformation from an uncertain and afraid child, finding her inner strength and courage as she meets many challenges and grows into a strong self confident young woman is inspirational. The writing pulls you into a lost world. The language itself carries the reader into another time and place.. The sounds of the culture come alive with this well crafted novel.

Epic. That’s the best word I can think of to describe the quest of Yana Mayu, a young woman in the 15th century Incan Empire who goes on a physical, emotional and spiritual journey to find the water at the end of the world in order to save the heir to the empire and her little brother.

Yana’s journey from her Hatunruna village across mountains, through jungles, into the depths of pitch-black caverns and finally to the fabulous Incan city transforms her from a girl into a woman, from obedient villager to fearless path finder, from living on the fringe of the empire to becoming an important player in its legends. She travels alone, except for her llama, Chumpi — a dangerous feat for a woman of long ago — but the people and animals she meets along the way become her guides.