The Seventh Sun by Lani Forbes

In a vaguely MesoAmerican world, two teenagers – a newly made Emperor and a girl destined to be either Empress or a blood sacrifice – struggle to interpret the will of the gods and keep a crumbling empire together.

Ahkin's father has died very suddenly and he must find a bride before he can be crowned. Mayana is one of his potential brides. Apparently alone among the court, she rails against the ceremonial sacrifices that accompany every detail of court life. Ahkin is drawn to her, but with various crises looming, can he take a chance on the girl who defies their very way of life?

First of all; look at that amazing cover. It's just fantastic. The colours, the detail...beautiful. Imagine this sitting on your shelf.

Second of all, this is the first of a series. I hadn't realised that when I started reading, which meant I was very confused as I approached the end of the book and things were still getting more complicated. I don't know how long the series will be, but I'm guessing a trilogy.

Third of all: this is a fantastic read. I really enjoyed it. It's loosely based on MesoAmerican myths, but Lani has twisted and rearranged them, creating something very new, something I couldn't put down. I had to know what was going to happen next.

As always with me, I had some trouble telling people apart; the main characters were ok, but right up to the end of the novel I was still struggling with three of the princesses. This is very much a problem with me across many novels, though, so YMMV.

If you enjoyed The Selection, if you like rich historical fiction, if you like mythological systems and deep characters...this is the series for you.

Thrust into leadership upon the death of his emperor father, young Prince Ahkin feels completely unready for his new position. Though his royal blood controls the power of the sun, he's now responsible for the lives of all the Chicome people. And despite all Ahkin's efforts, the sun is fading--and the end of the world may be at hand.

For Mayana, the only daughter of the Chicome family whose blood controls the power of water, the old emperor's death may mean that she is next. Prince Ahkin must be married before he can ascend the throne, and Mayana is one of six noble daughters presented to him as a possible wife. Those who are not chosen will be sacrificed to the gods.

Only one girl can become Ahkin's bride. Mayana and Ahkin feel an immediate connection, but the gods themselves may be against them. Both recognize that the ancient rites of blood that keep the gods appeased may be harming the Chicome more than they help. As a bloodred comet and the fading sun bring a growing sense of dread, only two young people may hope to change their world.

Rich in imagination and romance, and based on the legends and history of the Aztec and Maya people, The Seventh Sun brings to vivid life a world on the edge of apocalyptic disaster.