The Bottom Line
A very good first novel combining fantasy, mystery, Mayan archaeology, and romance, told from the perspective of a new breed of psychic -- the deathmaiden.
Pros
- Unusual first person present perspective
- Intriguing ideas on death and dying
- Good plot and development
Cons
- Unclear on virology and genetics info
- Too many characters
- Many unresolved threads and relationships
Description
- Deathmaidens are psychic midwives to death.
- Confessions is written entirely from the perspective of one of these deathmaidens.
- Plot centers on organ harvesting, Mayan artifact smuggling, and illegal immigration.
- Perspective ignores everything except what Frances sees, feels, or thinks.
- Information on ancient ritual sacrifice and cannibalism.
- Only tangential to ancient history.
Guide Review - Review of Ruth Francisco's Confessions of a Deathmaiden
Confessions of a Deathmaiden, by Ruth Francisco, looks at the gradual destruction of an ancient, but surviving Mayan tribe through the eyes of Frances, a death maiden trained in Mexico to help people "cross over." Frances discovers that since the ancient people carry rare DNA, their organs are especially valued by biogenetic companies and ambitious doctors. In the wake of her curiosity lie death, arson, and torture.
Whether it's because Confessions of a Deathmaiden is a first novel or the first person perspective is so limited, there are many plot and relationship issues that aren't resolved; however, this perspective is not without its charm.
Francisco has made a clear case for the need for deathmaidens. Too bad they're fictitious.
