City of the Beasts

City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende is an enchanting ecological romance brimming with adventure, magic, and the pulsating rhythm of the Amazon rainforest. This compelling novel follows fifteen-year-old Alexander Cold, who, thrust into an unexpected journey, discovers the wonders and secrets of one of the world's most remote and mystical places.

With his mother gravely ill and hospitalised, Alex is sent to live with his grandmother, Kate, a fearless and formidable reporter known for her sharp blue eyes. Kate is preparing for an expedition deep into the Amazon rainforest, a place fraught with dangers and mysteries. Rather than postponing her plans, she decides to bring Alex on this extraordinary adventure.

The expedition team, including a local guide and his insightful daughter Nadia, who captivates Alex with her wild curly hair and honey-coloured skin, sets off in search of a legendary headhunting tribe and a mythical creature known as 'the Beast'. As they venture deeper into the jungle, they uncover far more than they anticipated, unravelling the enigmatic and spiritual realms of the rainforest and its indigenous inhabitants.

Isabel Allende masterfully weaves a tale that transcends age, inviting readers to experience a voyage of discovery and wonder. City of the Beasts serves as a powerful narrative that blends ecological themes with heartfelt human connections, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the breathtaking and often perilous beauty of the Amazon.