The Twin Panthers
by Héctor Fox
| Illustrated by Raul Cruz
| Fiction
| Published 11-03-2024
In the tropical kingdom of Yaxchilan, ringed by vibrant jungles and powerful rivers, two royal daughters are born, destined to change the course of the war that threatens to destroy their home. Chanil, the older, and Itza', the younger, grow up under the guidance of Queen Xok and the warrior Lady Night Star. Despite Xok's insistence that Chanil learn to be a proper queen as Yaxchilan's heir-apparent, Chanil defies her mother and rushes into battle in hopes of becoming a great warrior that guides their people to victory. Itza', however, is desperate to learn about the incapacitating power that lies behind her obsidian-black eyes and uncover deeply-buried family secrets regarding the king's mysterious illness. As adults, Chanil defends their lands from the army that seeks to destroy it, but she is soon forced to rethink her role as a warrior in the face of the unexpected. Meanwhile, Itza' uses her cunning to form covert political alliances and networks of spies to gain favor in the war, but she must endure the trials of a scorned ex-ally who may hold the key to unlocking family secrets.
Héctor Fox is an author, poet, scientist, and activist. He writes magical realism and fantasy novels and numerous poems that live in dusty corners of the internet. He is also a published scientist and much of his work advocates for the restitution of land management to Indigenous knowledge holders and communities. When not working or writing, he can be found outside, at the gym, or training in Filipino martial arts.
The Twin Panthers book cover and interior map were created by Raúl Cruz. Raúl Cruz has been a freelance artist for over 25 years. Cruz is passionate about creating fantasy and science fiction art including sketches, drawings, concept art, illustrations, paintings, sculptures, costumes, and much more. His work consists of combining Mesoamerican cultures such as Mayans or Aztecs, with science fiction and fantasy, a concept with which he has published several books and held art exhibitions in several countries in America and Europe. In addition, he also does commissions for important companies in the video game industry, publishers, trading cards, and advertising, among others.