The Visionary Mayan Queen: Yohl Ik’nal of Palenque

The Visionary Mayan Queen: Yohl Ik’nal of Palenque is historical fiction set in the ancient Maya city Palenque in the sixth century. From these misty tropical jungles, a royal Mayan girl with visionary powers, becomes the first woman ruler of her city. But while this young ruler learns the craft of leadership, relatives plot with enemy cities to overthrow the dynasty. In the midst of betrayal and power struggles, she learns the most important lessons of her life. Her choices could lead to ruin or bring her city to greatness.

Leonide (Lennie) Martin Retired California State University professor, former Family Nurse Practitioner, currently author and Maya researcher. My books bring ancient Maya culture and civilization to life in stories about both real historical Mayas and fictional characters. For historical accuracy, I researched Maya archeology, anthropology and history from the scientific perspective. For indigenous viewpoints, I studied with Maya teachers including Aum Rak Sapper, Guatemalan Priestess-Daykeeper and Hunbatz Men, Itza Maya Elder-Daykeeper. I lived in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico for five years to apprentice with Hunbatz Men, becoming a Solar Initiate and Maya Fire Woman in the Itza Maya tradition. The ancient Mayas created the most highly advanced civilization in the Western hemisphere, and my work is dedicated to their wisdom, spirituality, scientific and cultural accomplishments through compelling historical novels. For more information about my writing and the Mayas, visit: