Book Review: The Lost City of the Monkey God
If you’re looking for an adventure that will make your heart race, then The Lost City of the Monkey God by Doug Preston is the book for you. This non-fiction book is the true story of a group of scientists and adventurers who set out to find the lost city of the monkey god in the Honduran jungle. Part Indiana Jones, part medical mystery, and part history lesson, this book has it all.
The story begins with the legend of the lost city, which has been passed down for 500 years. The indigenous tribes in the area speak of a sacred city that was hidden to escape the Spanish invaders. They also warn that anyone who enters the city will fall ill and die. Despite this warning, many over the years have tried to find the lost city, but none have been successful. That is until 2012 when a team of scientists and adventurers, led by Doug Preston, set out to explore the unexplored valley identified by lidar, a highly advanced technology that could map the terrain under the densest rainforest canopy.
The journey into the jungle is not an easy one, with the team battling torrential rains, quickmud, disease-carrying insects, jaguars, and deadly snakes. However, they are finally able to confirm the existence of the lost city, which they name the City of the Monkey God.
However, the story takes a tragic turn when several members of the team contract a horrifying and sometimes lethal disease while exploring the ruins of the City of the Monkey God. The disease, known as leishmaniasis, is caused by a parasitic insect that lives in the sandflies found in the area. Although the disease is treatable, it is difficult to cure, and many of the people infected will suffer from symptoms for the rest of their lives.
The Lost City of the Monkey God is not just an adventure story; it’s also a history lesson. Preston takes the reader on a journey through the history of the Honduran jungle, from the days of the conquistadors to the present day. He provides insights into the indigenous people of the area and their belief systems, as well as the impact of colonialism on their way of life.
What I loved most about this book was the writing style. Preston writes in a fun and engaging way that makes it easy to get swept up in the adventure. He provides enough detail to make the story come alive, but not so much that it gets bogged down. The book is fast-paced and exciting, which will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
In conclusion, I highly recommend The Lost City of the Monkey God to anyone looking for an exciting adventure story. This book has everything you could want in a story: history, mystery, and adventure. It’s a fascinating look into an unexplored corner of the world that will leave you wanting more. So, buckle up and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
“Don’t miss out on the opportunity to dive into this captivating story. Purchase your copy now or take advantage of Audible’s 30-day trial and experience the magic of this book for yourself today.”
Price: $11.99
(as of Mar 24,2023 13:56:45 UTC – Details)