The Canopy: A thrilling adventure where science and faith collide

by Angela Elwell Hunt

Deep in the lush and dangerous rain forests of Peru, Alexandra Pace and her team search determinedly for a cure for deadly diseases. One strain of the disease has already begun the process of ravaging Alexandra's own mind and body. Finding a cure is the only hope for her and for her daughter, who has almost certainly inherited the same disease. Alex believes she is searching for a needle in a haystack until she meets Michael Kenway, a British doctor who lost his wife when "mad cow disease" ravaged Britain in the 1990's. He presents her with an incredible story--a patient suffering from the disease was cured by a mythical "healing tribe" living deep in the Amazon jungle. Reluctantly placing her faith in Michael, who is entirely too religious for her comfort, Alexandra and her team seek out an unreached indigenous group who may hold the cure not only for Alex, but also for the world. Award-winning, best-selling author Angela Hunt combines the unique rainforest setting, modern science, and a thrilling race for a cure into a powerful message of faith and redemption.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Adventure, Romance, Suspense

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.

Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.

Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.

Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.

Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.

In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.

Reviews

[Cori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eck.

I almost DNFed many times. The only thing that kept me going was the scientific research they were conducting to find a cure for FFI and the descriptions of the flora/fauna.

But come to think of it, when my selling points for a book are its descriptions of flora, I realize I might have some Stockholm Syndrome going on.

The main character is unbearable: flat, two-dimensional, childish, and if she would have sang "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" one more time... And what stupid mother takes their ten year-old into the jungle to look for a possibly cannibalistic tribe that just killed someone with a spear? I was basically rooting for her death by the end.

I'd rate this a PG-13 for peril, violence, and adult themes.

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a preachy Christian book masquerading as science-based fiction. The really unfortunate part is that you don't realize it until the last 50 pages of the book, when you suddenly understand you're not going to get an interesting answer to the medical mystery you've been reading about - instead you get a very long sermon and a terribly unrealistic deus ex machina (quite literally) ending. There was nothing in the book description to indicate this is Christian fiction. Very disappointed.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a unique book! Unique in setting, in story line, and in the way that the book did not take a predictable course into anything expected. But there was a steady journey into deep, rich and thick faith based content. I definitely would have enjoyed the book much more if I had not been expecting a thrilling and action packed adventure into the rain forest, so if you read this one, know it's a great adventure, but progresses at a steady pace. There was quite a bit of scientific jargon that I didn't particularly enjoy, but understood why it was there, and it was easy enough to understand.

The book follows a group of scientists into the rain forest in search of a cure for a disease. They end up getting a lead and making an unexpected and dangerous trip further into the rain forest than they ever expected to make, and in the process, encounter indigenous people. It was interesting reading about the ways of life and challenges they faced in the dangerous terrain, but even more interesting was how the author used this story line to weave such deep faith based threads. At first, I wasn't sure I was okay with the spiritual rituals and spiritual world being outlined in the book and was wondering if the book was Christian fiction or had other unexpected spiritual undertones, but found it to be a solid Christian fiction book with a deep message. It was such a unique was to lay out the message of the gospel.

I wasn’t crazy about how much harm came to the indigenous people during the "nabas" stay, and almost wished that had not been so in the book. It left me a bit unsettled the point could not have come across without it seeming like they had to do so much damage to get the result they got. And I had a very hard time with one of the main characters, Alexandra. Her rudeness, arrogance and animosity made the book hard to get into at first. But overall, a great book. This was my first book by this author and I'm wondering if all of her books are this unique. Looking forward to reading more by her soon.

[Michael E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did like this book, but I struggled to determine if I liked it enough to give it a full four-stars or not. There are aspects of the book that I really-really liked, and there are other aspects that took me out of the story a bit. Ok, I'll go with 4-stars, since I think the positives far out-weigh the negatives.

Overall, the book is very well written, and the plot is interesting and rich. I loved the details given concerning the scientific expedition, and I thoroughly enjoyed all the science and medical details that the author put into the book. I love it when a writer does their homework, and presents things with thorough details that bring reality and relevance to the story. I immediately connected with the main characters, and they became interesting to me so that I was eager to follow them through the story.

I liked how the backdrop of Christian faith moved through the book, but wasn't preachy at all. The story was interesting and engaging, and I recommend it regardless of your religious views.

One of the aspects of the story I really liked was the presentation of the main character Alexandra, and her view on Christians and Christianity. As someone who followed a scientific person who did not become a Christian until later in life, I found her attitude and reasoning to be very consistent with how I felt as a non-believer. I also liked how Michael (the other main character) who was a Christian, sometimes struggled with expressing his faith, or presenting his point of view. I found myself relating to both of these characters greatly.

What I didn't like so much is that there were a few (very) significant times in the book where some very unrealistic situations happened. This was disappointing to me, in light of the work the author did to put so many details in to bring realism to the book.

~SPOILER ALERT --- SPOILER ALERT --- SPOILER ALERT~

The few unrealistic scenes in the book did seem so "off hand" that I just went, "wait a second...". When the expedition is attacked by natives, and several of their group is killed, it all happens so casually, and the characters barely react. Wouldn't you be terrified if you just witnessed several people you knew just murdered?

While I was happy to see Alexandra's salvation moment, I felt it was a bit too soft. I would have liked to have heard more of her thoughts and reflections.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, this one was as good as Uncharted, the other book I read by Angela Hunt earlier this year. Her style is just so interesting. Let me tell you, I have heard missionaries say that God is very active in performing miracles in other places in the world, and this book demostrated that (I know, I know, it is fiction, but it illustrates the reality of what I have heard missionaries saying). Want a whole new take on God's activity in the world? Read this one!

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this would be an action-packed medical mystery in a jungle setting. What I got was preaching, preaching, and more preaching. Clearly, according to the author, you cannot be a happy or healthy person if you are not a god-fearing Christian who believes in creationism. Absolutely painful to get through. I don't think I have ever given a one star review in my life. This only got one star because I couldn't give it a zero and still submit the review. Skip it.

[Alyssa Richman · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was secretly a religion book - not what I signed up for! The blurb makes this seem like a science-based story about indigenous people and diseases, but the end of the book completely disregards all of this and is very preach-y. This book should have been a warning about pressuring religion on vulnerable populations, instead the book itself was for Christian conversion. At the end I was aligned with the anthropologist and the “bad” native who wanted to kill the main characters.

Was going to add one star because I enjoyed the setting descriptions, but then removed it because I hate when authors have a large cast and refer to people by both first and last names interchangeably. And also I just can’t get over how bad the last part of the book was. Guess I should have read some reviews on this one before starting.

Edit to add: the main character Alexandra was demeaning towards almost every other female character in the book

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! I was interested in this book for 2 reasons. My son was born in the Amazon, and I knew someone who died of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
This was superbly written with enough factual science on the subject of Prion diseases.
And, as a believer in the spirits, I very much enjoyed reading about the primitives beliefs!

[Erin M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of this book is riveting as it chronicles the agonizing last steps of an as-yet-unnamed, mortally wounded, and fearsomely tattooed Native as he heads toward civilization from deep in the jungle to deliver a message.

Here the writing was at its best as it delved into the sights and sounds and smells of the Peruvian rainforest in the early morning.

The first chapters move back and forth between the stories of the American medical researcher Alexandra Pace and the British doctor Michael Kenway. I found myself at the end of each chapter wanting to skip to the next to get on with the first thread, only to feel the same at the end of the next. Little do the two characters realize the common thread that binds them together: their personal interest in encephalopathy, or prion diseases, in humans.

Alexandra is part of a team of researchers who have come to the rainforest to study its flora and fauna, and to collect samples for their various projects. The quirky characters have all joined the expedition for different reasons, but Alexandra remains distant from them in order to hide a secret: she is suffering from the very disease she is studying, and is in a race against time to find a cure. Along with the expedition is Alexandra's 10-year-old daughter Caitlyn, and even though she is a very smart and perceptive young girl, she too is unaware of the extent of her mother's suffering.

Michael Kenway had initially come to Peru to escape a personal tragedy and ended up staying longer than he expected, practicing medicine on the many people from remote villages that needed his help. Being a Christian, he liked that the people of Peru didn't look at him sideways or question when he told them God had led him there. He is at once a likeable character, and we eventually discover that his wife had died from a prion disease, leaving him alone.

When the Native is dropped at the door of Michael's hospital, his curiosity about this mysterious patient is enflamed. Despite his help, it is clear that the patient will die, and he sets out to learn more so that he can inform the patient's family of his death. Through a translator, the patient tells a fantastic story, and claims to have been cured of a prion disease; a story which is confirmed when Michael conducts an autopsy.

Through a newspaper article, Michael is informed of the team of researchers, and travels to meet them with a propostition: that they embark on an expedition to discover the remote tribe the Native claimed to be from, and hopefully the cure he and Alexandra have been searching for.

The journey is filled with perils, and not everyone on it returns unscathed. After days of tracking through the dark jungle, they reach tribes that are so remote they have become something of a legend, and finally the healing tribe from the Native's story.

The only complaint I really have about this story is what comes near the end. There is a somewhat fantastical resolution to it that left me feeling unfulfilled. But overall it was a very enjoyable read, especially for a Christian book; the characters were well-developed, and the story well-paced.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was almost really good--that being said, I did enjoy reading it. I loved the setting and the author had obviously done her homework on that aspect. It had potential. I enjoyed the scientific info on prion diseases and appreciated the research and knowledge that went into this aspect of the book. The end was way too predictable and not well developed. I was also bothered by the main character's hostility toward Michael--it was so unwarranted that it was hard to take seriously. I would have liked more development of the main character, too. We had some but I still don't feel like I knew her well enough for her to make complete sense to me.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela Hunt always comes up with a plausible story in the most remarkable settings. This is no exception as she takes the reader along on a jungle expedition in a well-researched medical mystery. After having read what I believed was all of Hunt's books, this was a fortuitous find.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it up to the disappointing ending, still well worth reading!

[Sandy Snavely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book right after coming home from Bolivia. It was amazing. Great read.

[Loraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you read this book make sure you are aware that it is a work of FICTION.
The only truths are 1) there is a jingle in Peru, 2) FFI is a real disease and most of what she wrote about it is true (which is alarming) and 3) there are indigenous tribes living in the jungle.
NO ONE could get into and out of the jungle like these people did. NO MOTHER worth her salt would take her 10 year old into the jungle. For anything other than a guided tour.
After you have read “The Lost City of the Monkey Gods” then you will understand what I do about the jungle and how inhospitable it is.
I couldn’t relate to how quickly the two characters came together … there was nothing there.
The entire story was weak. The author obviously knows nothing of the jungle or it’s inhabitants.
Tease the monkey book. Now THAT is alarming. A true story about scientists and others who attempt to find a lost city in the jungle.
Fiction too because of all the religious and spirit references. Was she healed? How was she healed? What really happened?

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. As I have made my way a second time though Hunt's books I found a mixed bag. Some approached the high level I once considered them on par with while many others fell far short, others that I had once ranked with four and five stars. Thus, I now keep my expectations low when I pick up the remaining books in my stack to re-read.
Although some aspects of the narrative approached the limits of reasonable suspension of disbelief, the narrative as a whole probed the depths of things many only reluctantly approach. Yes, this is a "religious" book. For those who are unfamiliar with God's amazing grace, the solution will appear as "deus ex machina." I often abhor the aforementioned technique. In this case, the abilities of my God are on full display.
This book survives round two of the purge from my personal collection.

[CindyHunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't give up...

It's worth it to keep on reading. The Amazon rainforest setting got me interested and you really get to know the characters, but the story moved too slow for the first half...But THEN...it grabbed hold and didn't let go!!! The book was amazing with the way Alexandra comes to know and accept God and the power of healing her mind, body and Spirit. You really felt like you were hiking with them deep in the jungle with all the fascinating but very dangerous carnivore ants, anaconda and a whole host of slithering creatures as they searched for the elusive Tree People tribe. You really will come to love the way the story unfolds so be patient, be prepared to increase your vocabulary as you listen to the team talk about their discoveries in the jungle canopy.
Cindy

[Kathleen Larson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Found the book in a free little library by my house and was attracted to the cover - wow what a bad book! For starters I didn’t Angela hunt was a Christian author and the last 50 pages are just a story of a Christian converting an indigenous tribe to Christianity - but even more disturbing is how racist the book is and how poorly she describes the ‘primitive’ indigenous tribes - I mean, I get it that the book is 20 years old - but come on, it’s every stereotype in the book. And there is a prevailing assumption the ‘advanced’ white people are better/no more. In the acknowledgements it sounds like Angela spent at least a week in Peru - well she didn’t learn all that much because the book doesn’t contain an appreciation for indigenous people or culture at all.

Throw away, do not read

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael and Alexandra are part of a scientific team of researchers into the Amazon jungle of Peru. Each scientist has a field of expertise that they are keenly interested in. For Michael and Alexandra it is to discover a cure for a rare neurological disease caused by prions. The team meet up with a tribe of Indians that help show them that healing is more than the physical. It includes the mental, emotional, and spiritual as well.

[ੈ✩‧₊˚ faithreads *ೃ༄ (inactive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I….did not like this book. Basically, it was written in a totally spiritual point of view. It was a medical thriller, but in the end in says that the main character was healed by ‘a faith on the spirit.’ Whaaaaaat?? It made no sense whatsoever lol! Definitely do not recommend.


Read this book if you enjoy: Medical thrillers

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Length of book: 394 pages
Language: 4/10
Format I read: Paperback
Would I recommend to others: NOOO

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really should be marketed as Christian fiction. Almost two thirds of the book are an action novel about scientific studies and a group of scientists who travel deep into the jungle in South America searching for a cure to a disease. It then morphs into an evangelistic novel where the people are miraculously healed through faith in Jesus Christ. As a Christian, I found it interesting but if a nonbeliever were to read it, I’m thinking they might not be a fan.

[Rebecca Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was filled with typical Angela Hunt suspense and tension. As scientists enter the Peruvian jungle in search of a lost tribe, one of them hunts with a greater purpose. If she is unsuccessful, it will cost her life. Twists and turns as well as a fascinating look at the presence of God in native cultures, this story will keep you awake and alert well into the dark of night.

[Sandpiper · Rating 2 out of 5]

Because I only gave it 2 stars I feel like I should explain why. I liked the medical, science and tribal elements of the canopy. However I felt like I was back in Sunday School for the second half. Parable after parable followed by prayers I couldn't wait for the book to finish so that I could stop cringing.

[Lisa Aboudan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading about the Amazon jungle after recent travels to Brazil. I worried that the ending would be religious and it soured the story from there. One other note, the snake groups do not say poisonous snakes they refer to them as venomous snakes. Not sure why the author was not called out on it.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light easy predictable read yet enjoyable. Interesting research and medical is discussed in the book. I decided not to Google any of it because I was sure I would fixate and become paranoid about such diseases. 😉 Also enjoyed the idea of unknown people groups innately knowing God!

[Lee Parra]

A team of doctors and scientists go to the top of the canopy in the Amazon jungle in search of a cure for Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s and other diseases. Exciting story line with Unexpected twists and turns

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

The medical science was fascinating, as was the story's setting in the Amazon, with insight into native cultures there. I did wish that two important characters might have had some thoughtful and well-expressed conversations on the topic of faith versus science. Instead of that, they engaged in bickering, which made them seem immature despite their both being respected professionals.

[Linda Dickinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting fictional story set in the Amazon and centered around the search for a medicinal cure. I enjoyed fact-checking along the way and gained quite an education about the rainforest and indigenous peoples. The religious twist was a bit off-putting, but it was overall a worthwhile read.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than I expected - the characters were relatable and the parts about scientific research were really interesting. While a romance, it definitely was more a story of discovering faith in God. Not the best Christian fiction I've ever read, but definitely not the worst.

[Bobbie Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Angela Hunt. but not a big fan of this book. The main character got on my nerves (although I’m happy she met Jesus eventually). If you are on the fence about reading this book, my suggestion would be to skip it.

[Kathleen Wells · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that held my interest and kept me reading. However, in general, I did not like it. Many parts of it were simply unbelievable, and other parts were too preachy - even for me, a good church lady.