Peter Collins is a shy sixth-grader who thinks his worst problems are being bullied by his stepfather and his classmates-until he awakens one night to see a giant feathered serpent hovering over his bed. Terrified beyond belief, he has no idea that he and his classmate, Rosa Guzman, are about to time travel to ancient Mexico on the back of Quetzalcoatl, the god of life and peace.
Through Quetzalcoatl, Peter soon learns it is time for him to discover the powers that are his rightful heritage. Two nights later, the twelve-year-olds cling to the serpent's feathered coat and lift off away from Peter's bedroom, achieving speeds that send them to a different time. After they fly over a dazzling city of colorful pyramids and temples, the children quickly descend to earth in feathered parachutes and begin their mission to help a boy prince defeat the evil lords of Smoking Mirror, the god of war.
Guided by the feathered serpent, Peter and Rosa find the courage to meet their challenges, unravel the Secret of the Smoking Mirror, and transform their lives.