98 pages 3 hours read

Isabel Allende

City of the Beasts

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2002

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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.

RecommendedReading Age

12-18years

Book Details

Themes

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Natural World: Appearance & Reality

Genre

Realistic Fiction