A girl with a magical necklace has fallen into the Underworld, except Itzel doesn’t belong in the Land of the Dead for one simple reason: she’s not dead. But she’s not leaving without her grandmother, even if she has to cheat death to do it.
The Jade Necklace is a three-part fantasy adventure series following a girl named Itzel on her journey through the Underworld of Xibalba in a tireless search for her grandmother.
Inspired by the rich folklore of the Maya, the story introduces ancient gods, legendary folktale creatures, and a host of animals with enormous personalities, no matter how small they may be. Some even join Itzel on her adventure, including Quashy, a coati with a magical tail and a stealing habit that constantly gets him into trouble.
But the Dead Queen is close behind, determined to claim the magical jade necklace that brought Itzel to Xibalba, while its old ruler, Yum Kimil, the God of Death, may be daring to return to his great reign of terror.
Will Itzel find her grandmother before the whole Underworld collapses beneath the weight of the gods and their endless drama?
The Complete Series
Available from Summer 2026
Available from 2027
The World Map
“From shadow, we shall make a new Xibalba—with sun and moon, with trees and fields—and let no trace nor stench of its former lord endure.”
— Kukulkan, King of the Gods
“And I shall provide the perfume.”
— Ek Chuah, Merchant God
Cast of Characters
Itzel
A brave and determined girl who refuses to accept loss, diving into Xibalba to bring her grandmother home… no matter the cost.
Quashy
A mischievous coati with a magical, ever-stretching tail and a habit of stealing anything that isn’t nailed down.
Snake-stick
A curious magical staff that can twist, slither, and transform, communicating only through hisses and flicks of its tongue.
Bright Macaw
A dazzling yet grouchy macaw whose feathers blaze like the sun… and who never lets anyone forget it.
