The Jungle Within (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780578360881)

Nineteen-year-old Pace Howell knows there's more to life than bussing tables at Luigi's Restaurante. Though brilliant at animal biology, he flunked out his freshman year because of too much partying. Now he's back living with his parents and working the late shift slopping half-eaten meatballs.

Then one afternoon he meets Sage, the girl of his wildest dreams. Through her, Pace learns of a humanitarian group helping villagers on the Amazon River. It certainly doesn't hurt that Sage is a team member. So, an adventure with his crush? Yes, please. Reigniting his humdrum life? Sign him up.

It's an inspiring trip until he discovers the rainforest hides a dark side. And there are whispers of a mythical creature lurking in the river; a violent beast with a legendary history. Could it be real? Soon Pace is pulled into events bigger than he imagined, forcing him to confront not only the dangers around him but something even scarier... the jungle of fears within himself.