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.

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.

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.

Fantastical / Adventurous / Mysterious / Emotional / Inspirational

- City of the Beasts, published in 2002, marks Isabel Allende's first foray into young adult literature, blending elements of magical realism with adventure.
- The story is set against the backdrop of the Amazon rainforest, where Allende explores themes of environmentalism and cultural diversity through the eyes of a young protagonist.
- Inspired by her own travels in the Amazon, Allende incorporates intricate details of the region's biodiversity and indigenous cultures into the narrative, enriching the novel's vivid setting.

**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.

**Nadia Santos**  
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.

**Kate Cold**  
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.

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

**Dr. Omayra Torres**  
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.

**César Santos**  
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.

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

**Mauro Carías**  
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.

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

**Mokarita**  
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.

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

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

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

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

Isabel Allende

Novel

Memories of the Eagle and the Jaguar

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore City of the Beasts and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

City of the Beasts Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3	

City of the Beasts Chapters 1-3	 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6	

City of the Beasts Chapters 4-6	 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9	

City of the Beasts Chapters 7-9	 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12	

City of the Beasts Chapters 10-12	 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16	

City of the Beasts Chapters 13-16	 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-20	

City of the Beasts Chapters 17-20	 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

City of the Beasts Character Analysis

theme

Themes

City of the Beasts Themes

Symbols & Motifs

City of the Beasts Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

City of the Beasts Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

City of the Beasts Essay Topics

City of the Beasts Teaching Unit

Introduction

City of the Beasts Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

City of the Beasts Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

City of the Beasts Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

City of the Beasts Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

City of the Beasts Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activity

City of the Beasts Activity

Essay Questions

City of the Beasts Essay Questions

Exam Questions

City of the Beasts Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

City of the Beasts Exam Answer Key

City of the Beasts

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read City of the Beasts?

Reading Age

Book Details