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City of the Beasts

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2002

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Book Brief

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Isabel Allende

City of the Beasts

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

406

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Amazon Rainforest • Contemporary

Publication Year

2002

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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Super Short Summary

City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende follows fifteen-year-old Alex Cold, who journeys to the Amazon with his journalist grandmother, Kate, to document a mysterious creature called The Beast. Alongside new friend Nadia and tribal guides, they uncover deep secrets about the jungle, face peril, and connect with indigenous tribes all while Alex discovers his inner strength and animal totem, a jaguar.

Fantastical

Adventurous

Mysterious

Emotional

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.0

42,887 ratings

62%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Isabel Allende’s City of the Beasts captivates with its imaginative narrative and richly detailed Amazonian setting, showcasing her talent for magical realism. Readers commend the strong character development and the seamless blend of adventure with mystical elements. However, some critique the pacing as uneven. Overall, it’s a compelling read for fans of fantasy and adventure.

Who should read this

Who Should Read City of the Beasts?

A fan of City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende will likely enjoy adventurous tales with rich, magical realism. Similar to readers of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, they appreciate young protagonists, mythical elements, and explorations of culture and nature.

4.0

42,887 ratings

62%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

Alex Cold

A fifteen-year-old boy from the California coast, who is unexpectedly drawn into an adventure in the Amazon with his grandmother during a pivotal time in his life, prompting significant personal growth.

A wise and intuitive twelve-year-old girl traveling with her father, distinguished by her strong connection to nature and accompanied by her pet monkey, who plays a key role in guiding Alex through the Amazon.

A famous and adventurous journalist in her sixties, who takes her grandson Alex on a journey to the Amazon, displaying a tough-love approach that aids in his personal development.

A diminutive and self-important anthropologist on the expedition, who is initially cowardly and dismissive but finds new insights as the story progresses.

A Venezuelan doctor on the expedition aiming to vaccinate the Amazon natives, who is known for her beauty and professionalism while facing challenges in being taken seriously.

A skilled Brazilian guide and pilot for the expedition, who has a profound understanding of the Amazon and serves as a link between the world of the natives and the outsiders.

An ancient shaman with spiritual insight, who aids Alex and Nadia in their journey through the Amazon and helps them unlock their potential.

A wealthy and charismatic entrepreneur with significant influence in Santa Maria de la Lluvia, who plays a critical role in the expedition and its implications for the Amazon.

A commanding military officer responsible for the area's tribes, who becomes a threatening presence due to his concealed motives.

The elderly chief of the People of the Mist, who plays a central role upon Alex and Nadia's arrival in the tribe and has significant cultural importance.

An elderly tribe member who becomes the first female chief and demonstrates leadership during critical moments in the story.

An enigmatic figure on the expedition who serves as Leblanc's assistant, with deeper motivations than initially apparent.

An English photographer documenting the Amazon expedition, known for his quiet demeanor and significant contributions in capturing key moments.

An eccentric priest with deep respect for native culture, who provides guidance and support to the characters during their Amazon adventure.

Book Details
Pages

406

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Amazon Rainforest • Contemporary

Publication Year

2002

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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