Douglas Preston's The Lost City of the Monkey God offers an enthralling account of a real-life expedition into the Honduran rainforest, blending science, history, and adventure. Critics praise its vivid storytelling and meticulous research. However, some found the detailed accounts of the expedition's hardships overwhelming. Overall, a riveting yet occasionally dense read.

Readers who enjoy thrilling true adventures will be captivated by Douglas Preston's The Lost City of the Monkey God. Fans of gripping narratives like The Lost City of Z by David Grann and Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer will appreciate the blend of history, archaeology, and danger in a real-life quest.

The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston recounts numerous expeditions in Honduras' La Mosquitia region, focusing on an aerial lidar survey and ground exploration led by Steve Elkins. The book covers historical context, discovers two ancient cities instead of one, and details the challenging jungle expedition. Sensitive topics include violence, disease, and life-threatening hazards.

Mysterious / Adventurous / Informative / Suspenseful / Challenging

- Douglas Preston was accompanied by a team that included scientists, archaeologists, and filmmakers during the expedition to find the ancient city, described in The Lost City of the Monkey God.
- The book explores the use of ground-penetrating LiDAR technology to reveal archaeological sites beneath dense jungle canopy, a pioneering method detailed in The Lost City of the Monkey God.
- During the expedition depicted in the book, many members, including author Douglas Preston, contracted a rare and potentially deadly tropical disease, which highlighted the perils of such unexplored regions.

**Douglas Preston**  
A journalist who provides a first-person narrative of events, covering the 2012 lidar survey and 2015 expedition for National Geographic. His active participation and personal anecdotes enhance the narrative's depth and suspense.

**Dr. Chris Fisher**  
A Mesoamerican archaeologist and lidar expert, who plays a key role in interpreting and documenting the discoveries at T1. His expert analysis and methodical approach contribute to the project’s credibility and findings.

**Steve Elkins**  
A TV producer and enthusiastic amateur archaeologist, who organizes and leads efforts to discover the Lost City. His passion and leadership are crucial to launching the lidar survey and subsequent expedition.

**Bruce Heinicke**  
Steve Elkins's fixer in Honduras, known for his colorful and dangerous past. His role in coordinating early expeditions adds an adventurous tone to the narrative.

Douglas Preston

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Chapters 1-5

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Chapters 9-11

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Chapters 12-15

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Chapters 16-19

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Chapters 23-27

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