(from the back of the book)

After being vanquished by the Spanish empire, little remains the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. From the ashes of their cities emerged a unified legend: Their conquerors possessed a mysterious artifact so powerful – so deadly – that it was universally known as the “Death Relic.” Despite its infamy, little else is known about it. Like the lives of the men who carried it, the object was lost long ago. Or was it?

When archaeologist Maria Pelati’s research team disappears in the rugged terrain of the Yucatan Peninsula, she contacts Jonathan Payne and David Jones to help track them down. Following the clues left behind, the duo discovers a link between the research team’s work and their recent disappearance.

As Payne and Jones embark on a perilous mission to find the lost archaeologist, they realize that Maria’s research may be the key to solving one of the darkest mysteries of the New World. But their quest may end up costing them their lives as they unearth the secret of the Death Relic.