THE JUNGLE WITHIN
Young Adult | Fantasy | Romance | Adventure
What if a trip to the Amazon resulted in an amazing discovery?
Nineteen-year-old Pace Howell knows there’s more to life than bussing tables at Luigi’s Restaurante. Though brilliant at animal biology, he flunked out his freshman year because of too much partying. Now he’s back living with his parents and working the late shift slopping half-eaten meatballs.
Then one afternoon he meets Sage, the girl of his wildest dreams. Through her, Pace learns of a humanitarian group helping villagers on the Amazon River. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Sage is a team member. So, an adventure with his crush? Yes, please. Reigniting his humdrum life? Sign him up.
It’s an inspiring trip until he discovers the rainforest hides a dark side. And there are whispers of a mythical creature lurking in the river; a violent beast with a legendary history. Could it be real? Soon Pace is pulled into events bigger than he imagined, forcing him to confront not only the dangers around him but something even scarier... the jungle of fears within himself.
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5 STARS
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
Author Brian Forrester sets readers on a course for adventure in the typical optimistic style of YA fiction, then delivers a series of brilliant twists that have us crashing back to earth with all the hidden dangers and mysteries of life in the jungle. One of the features I enjoyed most about this book was the descriptive work, which felt highly cinematic, but was also really attuned to Pace’s viewpoint and experience, which made me feel it all the more keenly with each new vista he explored.
Pace and Sage make a good central dynamic for the plot to revolve around, one which is sure to please readers who love a good crush-worthy storyline. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Jungle Within to YA and adult readers alike who are looking for a fun and mysterious adventure novel that is also emotionally resonant and cleverly penned.
Reviewed by Heather L. Barksdale of Heather’s Bookshelf
A thriller with a bunch of suspense, a hint of romance, and packed with action-adventure. The Amazon provides the perfect setting for this page turner.
