Wizard of the Upper Amazon by F. Bruce Lamb

Wizard of the Upper Amazon by F. Bruce Lamb is an exciting story of adventure and mystery set deep in the Amazon in Peru. The book follows the journey of an American adventurer, David Provost, as he travels to the Upper Amazon in search of the mysterious effects of a powerful tree bark he had encountered in Africa. He seeks out the legendary Wizard, who locals believe has magical powers.

The Upper Amazon of the 1930s is a wild, primitive and dangerous place. Along the way, Provost encounters a variety of strange experiences and captivating wildlife, including capybaras, tarantulas, caimans, anacondas, and howler monkeys. The reader experiences Provost's awe, fear, and curiosity at the sensual realization that the jungle is an alien ecosystem teeming with life that could be potent and dangerous.

During his travels, Provost meets a number of fascinating characters, including an eccentric German doctor, an old shaman and a peculiar Indian mystic who possess an intimate knowledge of the secrets of the jungle. With their help, Provost embarks on a rescue mission when he discovers that a neighboring village has been attacked by bandits. He soon discovers that the villains have made off with a precious and powerful relic – a golden idol of the local god, Maniti.

As the story progresses, the mystery of the Wizard deepens. Armed with the knowledge he has gained, Provost decides to investigate further. He comes to understand that the Wizard is not a man, but an ancient tree hundreds of years old. Through a series of events, Provost uncovers the Wizard's mysterious identity and the power it holds.

Ultimately, Provost continues his journey to find the source of the magical tree bark that he had first come across in Africa. Combining deductive reasoning and luck, he is able to locate its unique source in the jungle. Accompanied by his companions, Provost is successfully able to recover the precious relic and bring peace to the Upper Amazon region.

Provost's quest for knowledge and adventure serves as a captivating backdrop for this exciting story. Wizard of the Upper Amazon is a thrilling tale that taps into the mysterious power of the Amazon and its denizens, and seeks to capture a unique snapshot of a distant and fascinating world. Lamb has crafted a classic jungle yarn, certain to satisfy readers of all ages.