In our continued quest to keep you all as informed as possible, we have enlisted the help of Jessica Andersen, author of June release Nightkeepers. Nightkeepers features Mayan mythology and history. Don’t know much about the Maya, you say? Well, read on (and be sure to read Part 1 as well.)

Did you know?

• The ancient Maya worshipped their departed ancestors as being next to the gods. They believed that the best way to communicate with the gods was to be close to death, either through a near-death experience or an orgasm (the little death).
• The ancient Maya built tall pyramids not only in celebration of the gods and as astronomical tools, but also so they could act as landmarks, rising up from the otherwise featureless rainforest canopy.

• The ancient Mayan empire once included portions of Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Ecuador and Belize.

• Although called an empire, the ancient Mayan society was actually made up of loosely connected groups and kingdoms that often fought among each other, and took their defeated foes as workers. . . or sacrificial victims.

Do you feel a bit smarter? Read Nightkeepers and learn more!