Fevers by Joel Homer
Publisher-ebook: Zac Homer, (April 20, 2014)
Publisher-Print: Bantam
Category: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller, Some Romance
Tour Date: May/June, 2015
Available in: Print & ebook, 261 Pages
FEVERS is a novel unlike any you have ever read. Exotic adventure, white knuckled suspense, torrid romance, and a haunting portrait of three damaged individuals – one man who has turned beast, one who must confront the beast within himself, and the woman torn between them.
Rio de Janeiro. 1984.
There are rumors that somewhere deep in the steamy rainforest of the Amazon a man, once civilized, is hiding in green shadows. To the primitive Brazilian Indios, he is considered their long-awaited “pale-skinned messiah.” Others believe he is an evil god with powers to stir the native masses to a frenzied, killing pitch. And others suspect he might be Michael Fevers.
Into the lush tropics comes a troubled American, rebellious journalist, embittered Vietnam vet, desperate soldier of fortune. William Straw, who soon forms an uneasy alliance with a beautiful anthropologist, continues his tortured upriver journey-from jungle shantytown to opulent plantation, from explosive passion to brutal murder. Whether he is pursuing a story, an adventure, or a chance to finally exorcise his own inner demons, nothing will prepare William Straw for the sudden violence and bizarre cruelty of the one who is waiting ahead — Michael Fevers.
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My Review
Have you seen the movie Apocalypse Now? That’s how this story felt. A madman enters the jungle with a twisted crusade to save the Indios of Brazil.They are being enslaved and their culture is being erased. Michael Fevers has a plan to unite the tribes and wage war.
Another man enters the jungle on a mission to find Michael Fevers. William Straw, a journalist haunted by his time in the Vietnam War. He’s damaged, bitter, angry, and determined to get his story. At all costs.
Though the title suggests this story is about Michael Fevers, I felt it was more about William. At least for the first half of the book. Michael may be crazy, but William Straw is no angel himself.
Then things start ramping up. Blood flows. A lot of it. I just want to warn you some scenes are visceral, raw, the author doesn’t spare you. I felt the descriptions were important to get me engaged, outraged, to get the full experience.
I’m not sure if the plight of the Brazilian Indios is real. Their situation made me think of the Aborigines. Very similar situations. Slavery, forced to leave their way of life, their culture, behind.
As the story escalates in the second half, I couldn’t stop reading until I reached the end. The slow start to this story was worth it for the finale.
There’s something about the jungle, the primal feel of it, that fascinates me. I’m always looking for books like this. Movies too. If they ever made this into a movie, I’d be in line for a ticket. I’d settle into my seat with a big bucket of popcorn with extra butter and enjoy the show.
4 Stars
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Praise for Fevers by Joel Homer:
“Very engrossing novel. It felt a bit like reading a modern version of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. The plot moves quickly and smoothly. The excitement never ends.”- Gerald Loev, Amazon Reviewer
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About Joel Homer
Joel Homer was raised in Greenwich Village, attended New York University and was a medal-winning veteran from the Vietnam war. Upon returning to the states, he began his writing career as a senior editor at Saturday Review.
His books include “Marathons” and “Jargon.” His produced plays include “Scenes Dedicated to My Brother,” “What People Do When They’re All Alone,” and “The Lieutenant Snuffs the Light.” In 1984 he was the first recipient of the prestigious Glickman Award for playwriting. His last play ‘Private Scenes” was a huge hit in San Francisco. While working in Los Angeles, he co-wrote the original script for “Beauty and the Beast” for EuroDisney….to date the most popular stage play in Disney’s history.
Joel Homer passed away in 2003 at the age of 58.
Buy Fevers by Joel Homer
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I have one copy of Fevers to giveaway.
Ebook or Print copy (Winner’s Choice)
Print copy is US Only
To enter, please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win and leave a comment
Tell me something you like about the book, comment on the review. Anything you want!
Giveaway ends June 17th.
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!
Fantastic review, Laura. Sounds very intense.
You’ll love it. Next time I see you, I’ll pass it along!
Thanks for your excellent review, great feature and wonderful giveaway. What an intriguing novel and setting.
Thanks, Anne. There was so much more I wanted to share but couldn’t without spoiling it. One heck of a wild read!
Thanks for taking part in the tour. I’m so glad you enjoyed ‘Fevers’.
It sure got intense! Thank you for a wonderful tour and an opportunity to read Joel’s book.
This sounds like a heart-racing kickass ride… Would love to read. Your review Ms. Laura had me chomping at the bit.. Great job!
You can say that again. It starts a bit slow but once you get in that jungle. look out!
Looking so forward to reading it!