Amazonia

By James Rollins

After reading “The Lost Symbol”, I was craving for a good book. When I bought “Ice Hunt”, I got to know that “Amazonia” is one of the best books of James Rollins. All I would say about this book is “Wow!” It’s fast paced, exciting and undeniably qualifies for an entertaining read. The characterizations and the flow of events are quite similar to “Ice Hunt”, but the fact that there are no mind-numbing hide and seek games comes as a knight in shining armor. The characterizations are superb and there’s a brief background for almost every character, even for the non-humans!

Nathan Rand, a renowned pharmaceutical company’s employee lives in Amazon forest to collect rare plants, more so, for he feels close to his deceased parents. Carl Rand, his father was a part of an expedition group which was lost in the jungles. Just as Nathan comes in terms with his father’s death, he’s contacted by the CIA and a group of scientists to follow his dad’s expedition and find them, if they’re still alive. Nathan, reluctant at first finally agrees after learning that one scientist of his father’s group had arrived alive but had died due to cancerous tumors. The CIA’s interest is triggered by the fact that the dead scientist somehow managed to grow his arm back which he lost well before going to the expedition.

With all the protection, hope, and curiosity, Nathan starts his Amazonian adventure with his dear friend, Matt and his guru, Kuowe. Officially, Nathan is the hero of the book, but for some reason I liked Matt better than Nathan. The group is attracted by the odd symbol of the Ban-ali tribe found on the scientist’s body. Then we encounter the typical Rollins syndrome of chasing villains, mysterious animals, and unusual escapes. There is also a French villain following the team in their shadows to sneak their findings.

The forest and the lush green landscape open up before our eyes as Rollins narrates the story. The Amazon and its dangers become vivid with each and every line of the book. The group loses people as each day proceeds. A pair of black caimans or a faction of locusts or a group of crazy piranhas or a massive, blood-thirsty jaguar might be the reason. Strangely, though, the killer could also be a svelte female with a bizarre hobby.

Slowly and painfully, the group moves farther into the forest losing people with every step. With the infection from the dead soldier spreading rapidly in the country, the coercion to find the remedy tops everyone’s mind. The fortunate individuals encounter the Ban-ali to find the deadliest secret that can never even be imagined.

The book is a perfect read in my opinion. Never, at one point did I feel boring or ridiculous, except maybe during Nate’s cheery romance right under the nose of dangers. Be it the astute and calm Professor Kuowe or the scrutinizing and shrewd Private Carrera or the ebullient pet jaguar Tor-tor, the characters are a perfect mix of reality, love, fun, and life.

Must read if you are in the mood for a thriller.