The Crystal Skull by Manda Scott
A Twisting Adventure Through History and Religion to Apocalypse.
Jul 22, 2008
In one of her best novels yet, Scott manages to give both a history lesson as well as develop a highly enjoyable read. The Crystal Skull (Bantam 2008) transfers from past to present seamlessly, as the viewpoint shifts from the historical owner of the skull to the current owner, main character Stella. As usual, Scott manages to incorporate serious themes into what is essentially a quick read.
Relationships in The Crystal Skull
Scott's work always includes strong female characters, and this novel is no exception. Beautifully constructed as well, however, is the relationship she develops between the two main characters. After a serious accident that leaves one of them acutely injured, they must figure out how to relate to one another in a way that includes hurt pride and the necessity of leaning on one another in new ways.
Even when the characters act regrettably, Scott draws the reader to the pathos of the situation. Friendships also receive a thorough examination, as loyalties are questioned when it comes down to power. Right to the very end, the reader is never certain which friendship will be Stella’s downfall.
Religion and Beliefs
Throughout the story is a subtle discussion of beliefs. The thirteen skulls are possessed by people around the world, regardless of religion, nationality or gender. What is fundamental is a belief in the power of the skulls, in an esoteric understanding that the end of the world is to be brought about by men, not a remote deity. This forces both the science and the religion into the same sphere, making the main characters focus on finding a space in their belief systems for both of these powerful ideologies. Through her use of present/past characters, Scott shows that this is a struggle that has been going on for centuries, and will continue until it becomes essential for survival to integrate the two.
Politics and the Skulls
This is perhaps the most subtle of the themes. Rather than go into full detail about how mankind is killing the planet, Scott allows the reader to draw those conclusions for themselves. According to the Mayan legend, the date for the end of the world as we know it is December 21, 2012.
Mentioned only a few (but important) times, it is made clear that there are governments and people who want to find and crush the skulls, which will allow the end of the world to happen. It is only when the thirteen skulls come together that the world can be saved; this seems to be a metaphor for the parts of the world where the skulls are hidden to come together in order to prevail against the corruption and environmental destruction of the planet.
Manda Scott: The Author
Manda Scott is an accomplished author. Her Boudica series focuses on the ancient pre-Roman warrior queen. Those novels are; I Boudica: Dreaming the Eagle, II Boudica: Dreaming the Bull, III Boudica, Dreaming the Hound, andIV Boudica, Dreaming the Serpent Spear. She has also written several crime/mystery books, which are thrilling in an entirely different way. Her first novel, Hen's Teeth, came out in 1998. She is also a member of the group "Unusual Suspects," a group of crime writers who share their talent for creating memorable plots and characters on the web.
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