Yes — “Oh Maya Gods” is the second book in Maz Evans’s Who Let the Gods Out? series, a middle-grade fantasy adventure published in 2017. It continues the story of Elliot Hooper and Virgo, a constellation goddess, as they face the chaos unleashed by the daemon Thanatos. The title is a playful pun on “Oh my gods,” and it deepens the series’ blend of Greek mythology, humor, and heartfelt family drama.
Background: The Who Let the Gods Out? Series
Maz Evans’s series began with Who Let the Gods Out? (2017), introducing Elliot, a boy whose mother has a degenerative brain condition, and Virgo, a constellation goddess who accidentally crashes into his life. The first book establishes the core conflict: Elliot and Virgo must stop the evil daemon Thanatos from releasing the imprisoned daemons of Greek mythology. The series is known for its witty dialogue, fast pacing, and its surprising emotional depth, particularly around Elliot’s relationship with his mother.
Oh Maya Gods is the second book, published in 2017 by Chicken House. It picks up immediately after the first book’s cliffhanger, with Elliot and Virgo now on the run, pursued by the police and the gods themselves. The title’s pun on “Oh my gods” reflects the series’ tone: irreverent, punny, and full of mythological references.
Plot Summary: What Happens in Oh Maya Gods?
The book follows Elliot and Virgo as they flee to the British Museum, where they accidentally awaken the Mayan gods. The Mayan pantheon, led by the god of death, Ah Puch, becomes a new threat, complicating their mission to stop Thanatos. Meanwhile, Elliot is also dealing with the fallout of his mother’s illness and the discovery that he may have a larger role in the cosmic order than he thought.
Key plot points include:
- Elliot and Virgo hiding in the museum and meeting the Mayan gods.
- The introduction of the Mayan god of creation, Itzamna, and the hero twins, Hunahpu and Xbalanque, from the Popol Vuh.
- A race against time to prevent Thanatos from gaining ultimate power.
- Elliot’s emotional struggle as he learns more about his father and his own destiny.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, leading directly into the third book, Simply the Quest.
Mythology in the Book: Greek and Mayan Gods
Evans draws on two distinct mythological traditions. The Greek gods, including Zeus, Hermes, and Artemis, appear as bumbling, modernized characters, often at odds with each other. The Mayan gods, however, are portrayed as more ancient and mysterious, with a focus on death and rebirth. The hero twins from the Popol Vuh are depicted as heroic but also comically out of their depth in the modern world.
Notable mythological figures in the book include:
- Thanatos – the Greek personification of death, the main antagonist.
- Ah Puch – the Mayan god of death, often depicted as a skeletal figure.
- Itzamna – a Mayan creator god, associated with writing and wisdom.
- Hunahpu and Xbalanque – the Hero Twins, who in the Popol Vuh defeat the lords of Xibalba (the underworld).
Evans uses these figures for both comedy and genuine menace, staying true to their core attributes while placing them in absurd situations.
How the Book Works: Structure and Style
Oh Maya Gods is written in third-person limited point of view, alternating between Elliot’s perspective and Virgo’s. The chapters are short, often ending on cliffhangers, which makes the book highly engaging for young readers. Evans’s prose is full of puns, pop-culture references, and British humor, but it also handles serious themes like grief, illness, and family with sensitivity.
The book is approximately 320 pages long and is aimed at readers aged 8–12, but it has a broad appeal due to its clever writing and emotional depth.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the book is a direct retelling of Mayan mythology. In reality, Evans uses Mayan gods as characters but creates her own plot around them, much like Rick Riordan does with Greek gods in Percy Jackson. The Mayan gods are not the central focus; they are secondary antagonists and allies.
Another question readers often have is whether the book can be read as a standalone. While it is possible to follow the plot, the emotional stakes and character development rely heavily on the first book, so it is best read in order.
Comparisons to Other Myth-Based Series
Fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series will find similar humor and mythological mashups, but Evans’s series is more focused on family and mental illness. The tone is lighter than Riordan’s, with less violence and more slapstick. It also differs from the Heroes of Olympus series in that it includes a wider range of pantheons, rather than just Greek and Roman.
Another comparison is to the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott, which also features multiple mythologies. However, Evans’s books are more accessible and shorter, making them a good entry point for younger readers.
Cost and Availability
Oh Maya Gods is widely available in print, ebook, and audiobook formats. The paperback typically retails for around $7–10 USD, and the Kindle edition is often under $5. The audiobook, narrated by the author, is popular and usually costs around $15–20. It is available at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository, as well as public libraries.
Safety and Appropriateness
The book is safe for children, with no graphic violence or inappropriate content. It does deal with the theme of a parent’s terminal illness, which may be emotionally challenging for some young readers, but it is handled gently and offers a message of hope. Parents may want to discuss the mythological elements with children, as the book includes some scary depictions of death gods, but nothing that is likely to cause nightmares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oh Maya Gods a standalone book?
No, it is the second book in a four-book series. It continues directly from the first book’s ending, and the plot relies on prior character development. It is best to read the series in order.
What age group is the book suitable for?
The publisher recommends ages 8–12, but the humor and emotional depth make it enjoyable for older readers and adults as well. It is a good read-aloud for younger children.
Does the book actually feature Mayan gods?
Yes, it features several Mayan gods, including Ah Puch, Itzamna, and the Hero Twins. However, their portrayal is fictionalized and adapted for the story, not a strict retelling of Mayan myths.
Is there a movie adaptation?
As of now, there is no official movie or TV adaptation of the series. The books remain in print and have a dedicated fanbase, but no adaptation has been announced.
What is the reading order for the series?
The order is: Who Let the Gods Out? (book 1), Oh Maya Gods (book 2), Simply the Quest (book 3), and Against All Gods (book 4). The series concluded in 2019.
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