Author: Katherine Rundell    Published: 2017

Genres: Adventure Fiction

By: Zoe

Young Fred has always loved the concept of becoming an Explorer. One day Fred boards a flight to Manaus, alongside three other unaccompanied minors, Con, Lila and her younger brother Max. As they soar over the vast Amazon Jungle, their pilot suffers a heart attack. The plane veers from side to side and then plummets towards the ground. They crash amongst the trees and fall unconscious. Fred wakes up surrounded by a dense forest, covered in soot and blood. The other children emerge from the wreckage, but sadly there is no sign of their pilot.  

These four children of varying ages must navigate their way across the Amazon Jungle in order to return home. Along the way they discover and encounter nature and multiple animals. They must adapt to this unfamiliar environment and use the natural resources around them to survive. Fred, Con, Lila and Max face numerous challenges and come across another human, with a secret… 

I like how we get to watch the children grow in confidence and skill. Each character builds and develops their strengths throughout the journey. This book teaches you the importance of teamwork when in a dire situation. We discover contrasting elements of the Amazon Jungle, including aspects of beauty and danger. Each chapter is accompanied by multiple beautiful, finely detailed illustrations, enhancing the story and journey.  

I was constantly eager to read more about Fred, Con, Lila and Max’s journey. Their experience and adventure was truly fascinating and educational. This book was an incredible page-turner, leaving you intrigued throughout the whole novel.  

The Explorer would appeal to those who enjoy adventure and survival stories. However, I would recommend this book to anyone keen to read something new. This is a great novel for anybody wanting an exhilarating read.  

The Explorer – Goodreads details here.