Title: Into the Jungle
Author: Erica Ferencik
First published May 28, 2019
327 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781501168925 (ISBN10: 1501168924)
Rating: 3.73
Overview
Erica Ferencik’s latest novel, Into the Jungle, is a heart-pumping adventure that will leave you breathless. Lily Bushwold, a young woman searching for her place in the world, thought she had found it in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
However, when her job falls through, Lily finds herself aimlessly wandering the streets until she meets Omar, a local man with a tragic past. Omar convinces Lily to travel to the remote jungle village of Ayachero to help him avenge the death of his nephew, killed by a jaguar.
As they journey deeper into the jungle, Lily is confronted with unimaginable terrors: giant anacondas, deadly spiders, and vengeful shamans. With Omar as her guide, Lily must use all her strength and resilience to survive in this brutal and lawless world.
Ferencik’s gripping prose will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Erica Ferencik’s first novel, The River at Night, has received high praise from Oprah, who chose it as her #1 Pick. Entertainment Weekly also named it a “Must Read,” and it’s been optioned for a film by Miramax.
The book has been described as a heart-pounding debut that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Erica’s new novel, Into the Jungle, tells the story of one woman’s harrowing journey of survival in the Bolivian Amazon.
The book has already received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which calls it a ferocious fever dream of a thriller. Erica’s writing has appeared in Salon, The Boston Globe, and on National Public Radio.
Editoral Review
The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester is a science fiction classic that was first published on January 1, 1956. Though many might not recognize Bester’s name, his impact on science fiction is undeniable, and his work helped to shape the genre into what it is today.
The novel is set in a distant future where humanity has spread out across the galaxy, and space travel is an everyday occurrence. However, the novel is not just a simple space opera; it is a complex and layered exploration of human nature, the desire for revenge, and the search for redemption.
The story follows the journey of Gulliver Foyle, a man who is left for dead on a derelict spacecraft in the void of space. Fueled by his desire for revenge against those who wronged him, Foyle embarks on a dangerous journey across the galaxy.
The novel is full of twists and turns, with each new encounter and revelation deepening the reader’s understanding of the world and its inhabitants.
One of the strengths of The Stars My Destination is its characters.
Bester imbues each with a unique voice and backstory, and as the novel progresses, their motivations become increasingly complex. Foyle, in particular, is a fascinating character study; his descent into madness and obsession is both terrifying and heartbreaking.
Bester’s writing style is also a standout feature of the novel. His use of language is imaginative and poetic, with descriptions that evoke vivid images in the reader’s mind.
His world-building is impressive, and the imagery he creates of futuristic societies and technologies is still awe-inspiring today.
That being said, the novel is not without its flaws.
At times, the pacing can be uneven, with some sections feeling rushed while others drag on. Additionally, while the exploration of human nature is fascinating, the novel’s treatment of gender and race can be problematic for modern readers, though it must be acknowledged that the book was written in a different era.
Overall, The Stars My Destination is a must-read for science fiction fans. Though it is now over sixty years old, it remains a fresh, inventive, and thought-provoking work that deserves a place on every SF lover’s bookshelf.
The prose is stunning, the world-building superb, and the characters unforgettable. While it may not be for everyone, those who take the time to read it will be rewarded with a rich and immersive experience.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
