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The Call of the Jungle
"Some secrets are better left untold…"
Jabuti has spent his whole life haunted by one question: Who was his father?
When the village shaman reveals a truth far darker than he imagined, Jabuti is forced to leave the only world he has ever known.
His journey takes him deep into the Amazon rainforest — a realm of danger, myth, and brutal beauty — where ruthless men see his innocence as something to exploit, and the forest itself tests his resolve at every turn.
Joined by two loyal friends, Jabuti must cross not only hostile lands, but the boundaries of his own fear, faith, and identity. Beyond the jungle lies the Atlantic Ocean — vast, merciless, and waiting.
But some journeys are not just across the world…
They are inward.
The Awakening is a spiritual adventure about loss, belonging, and the quiet strength it takes to face the truth. A story of resilience, belief, and the courage to search for meaning in a world that offers no easy answers.
Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven journeys with heart, depth, and a touch of the mystical.
Jabuti has spent his whole life haunted by one question: Who was his father?
When the village shaman reveals a truth far darker than he imagined, Jabuti is forced to leave the only world he has ever known.
His journey takes him deep into the Amazon rainforest — a realm of danger, myth, and brutal beauty — where ruthless men see his innocence as something to exploit, and the forest itself tests his resolve at every turn.
Joined by two loyal friends, Jabuti must cross not only hostile lands, but the boundaries of his own fear, faith, and identity. Beyond the jungle lies the Atlantic Ocean — vast, merciless, and waiting.
But some journeys are not just across the world…
They are inward.
The Awakening is a spiritual adventure about loss, belonging, and the quiet strength it takes to face the truth. A story of resilience, belief, and the courage to search for meaning in a world that offers no easy answers.
Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven journeys with heart, depth, and a touch of the mystical.
- GenresHistorical
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2013
26 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Grant Langley
4 books6 followersGrant Langley writes spiritual adventure fiction set in the Amazon and the Venezuelan rainforest. He spends much of his time in local cafés, shaping stories while quietly observing the subtleties of human behaviour — the small details that bring his characters to life. With an empathic nature and a lifelong connection to the sea, Grant often draws inspiration from the freedom of kitesurfing and paddle-boarding along the south coast of the UK. He is currently revising the Jabuti series and working on its fourth instalment
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 3, 2020
Imagined this book to be an enlightening read, and as I read more of this book, I felt otherwise. It wasn't an experience that would stay with me.
Nothing to say that this isn't an interesting read. It had its moments and I was not drawn away from this at any time, also may be because this is not a very long story. It never felt stretched for this reason and has to be one of its big advantages.
Coming to the writing part, the main characters of the three friends were confused which is understandable, but also not very deep that I couldn't get connected to any of them. The emotions felt superficial, though a lot is happening in the story.
Finally the characters are so human and hypocritical that they consider killing a human is a sin, while they never think twice before killing an animal for food. They are primitive but not different from modern humans in hypocrisy or standards. Any modern human can try to create a character so wise and enlightened, but can never remove the reeking qualities we as humans have developed for years, for they'll creep into the creation through his/her ink.
Don't know if I might read the second book.
Nothing to say that this isn't an interesting read. It had its moments and I was not drawn away from this at any time, also may be because this is not a very long story. It never felt stretched for this reason and has to be one of its big advantages.
Coming to the writing part, the main characters of the three friends were confused which is understandable, but also not very deep that I couldn't get connected to any of them. The emotions felt superficial, though a lot is happening in the story.
Finally the characters are so human and hypocritical that they consider killing a human is a sin, while they never think twice before killing an animal for food. They are primitive but not different from modern humans in hypocrisy or standards. Any modern human can try to create a character so wise and enlightened, but can never remove the reeking qualities we as humans have developed for years, for they'll creep into the creation through his/her ink.
Don't know if I might read the second book.
November 21, 2019
Jabuti is disturbed and in persistent turmoil as he is too sentimental a person and can't take on the fact that his parents left him when he was born. He condemns himself for a life without parents. His existence seems to be meaningless to him. His friends Wanadi and Mapi suggest him to talk to the wise aged Shaman of the tribe as he may help him in attaining harmony with himself. To their revelation, Jabuti ends up learning some of the things of past about his father and this helps him realizing his purpose further. He wants to go on an expedition. A journey to find his father who was from the land where the sea has no end. He was the man of one God, who came to preach amongst the tribe about God and his kindness but he fell in love with a girl from the tribe. Their love leads to Jabuti's birth but then what happens that he has to leave his wife and son behind? Why did he abandon his newborn child? Jabuti chooses to go on a quest for his father. Wanadi and Mapi want to accompany their friend Jabuti. Jabuti is in love with Maru. They become man and wife before he leaves for his mission. Will she allow him to carry forward his quest? The book is full of all the tribal experiences one has ever heard about in sagas. The journey will come with more surprises for Jabuti and it may shatter him further than before. How will he survive the revelations and come out tough? It was an amazing experience reading this beautiful and adventurous story. .
The author has knitted the story really well and in an extremely simplistic manner. I wish it never finished up because I love the stories which explain things elegantly without any knottiness of words. The storyline was connecting and the characters outshine satisfactorily. The story goes on smoothly. I just loved the chapter where Jabuti, Wanadi and Mapi encounter the tribe with only Women. The author has drafted it so well. A must-read.
The author has knitted the story really well and in an extremely simplistic manner. I wish it never finished up because I love the stories which explain things elegantly without any knottiness of words. The storyline was connecting and the characters outshine satisfactorily. The story goes on smoothly. I just loved the chapter where Jabuti, Wanadi and Mapi encounter the tribe with only Women. The author has drafted it so well. A must-read.
November 6, 2013
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I quite enjoyed reading this book. I found it really well written with interesting, engaging characters that interacted well with each other and the world around them.
I particularly liked Jabuti and his friends. Their banter made me smile a bit. I have to say, though, that I thought some of the language was a bit too modern for the time the book was set in.
I liked the references to the culture of the village that Jabuti and the others were from. It was interesting to see them interact with the people from Spain - both the missionaries and Diego and his compatriots.
I thought that the writing in the book was really good and descriptive. There was one thing that kept happening that I didn't really like, though - the fact that question marks were tacked on in the wrong place when characters were thinking. (For instance, instead of, 'What is he doing? he thought', it was written, 'What is he doing, he thought?')
I did like the friendship between the characters and it was good to see them struggle with things like language barriers. I have to say, though, I did cringe at the thought of them eating tarantulas. Although it made sense, the very thought of it made me shudder.
I found this book to be a really quick, interesting read. I'd probably be interested in reading a sequel to it. When bad things happened to the characters, I cared about it and there were a lot of really tense moments in the book.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I quite enjoyed reading this book. I found it really well written with interesting, engaging characters that interacted well with each other and the world around them.
I particularly liked Jabuti and his friends. Their banter made me smile a bit. I have to say, though, that I thought some of the language was a bit too modern for the time the book was set in.
I liked the references to the culture of the village that Jabuti and the others were from. It was interesting to see them interact with the people from Spain - both the missionaries and Diego and his compatriots.
I thought that the writing in the book was really good and descriptive. There was one thing that kept happening that I didn't really like, though - the fact that question marks were tacked on in the wrong place when characters were thinking. (For instance, instead of, 'What is he doing? he thought', it was written, 'What is he doing, he thought?')
I did like the friendship between the characters and it was good to see them struggle with things like language barriers. I have to say, though, I did cringe at the thought of them eating tarantulas. Although it made sense, the very thought of it made me shudder.
I found this book to be a really quick, interesting read. I'd probably be interested in reading a sequel to it. When bad things happened to the characters, I cared about it and there were a lot of really tense moments in the book.
August 3, 2019
Was I not good enough?
🦄🦄🦄
The Awakening by Grant Langley is set in Venezuela in the year 1697 AD. Jabuti, an orphaned tribesman, has an emptiness inside him. He is described as someone who is completely different from other tribesmen.
When he learns about the story of his tragic childhood, he and his two best friends (Mapi & Wanadi) set out on a journey to find answers.
He leaves behind his new wife, Maru, and the comforts of his home to find someone that could no longer be alive.
They go on an adventure of a lifetime where they encounter canabils, Jaguars and a weird tribe of women on their journey.
But this could be an adventure from which they never return.
🦄🦄🦄
This book is the first book in the series and it covers Jabuti's journey till the ends on the sea.
One of the main plus points of this book us the relationship that Jabuti has with his friends and how they look out for each through the whole journey. He wants to find his father, but the well being of his friends come first.
Is it historically accurate? I have no idea. But if you like tales of adventure this is the book for you.
The concept and storyline of the book is great, but the writing seems erratic and could have been better. There are plot twists galore in this book. Some predictable, others will blow your mind.
I'm looking forward to read the second book in this series if I get the chance.
🦄🦄🦄
The Awakening by Grant Langley is set in Venezuela in the year 1697 AD. Jabuti, an orphaned tribesman, has an emptiness inside him. He is described as someone who is completely different from other tribesmen.
When he learns about the story of his tragic childhood, he and his two best friends (Mapi & Wanadi) set out on a journey to find answers.
He leaves behind his new wife, Maru, and the comforts of his home to find someone that could no longer be alive.
They go on an adventure of a lifetime where they encounter canabils, Jaguars and a weird tribe of women on their journey.
But this could be an adventure from which they never return.
🦄🦄🦄
This book is the first book in the series and it covers Jabuti's journey till the ends on the sea.
One of the main plus points of this book us the relationship that Jabuti has with his friends and how they look out for each through the whole journey. He wants to find his father, but the well being of his friends come first.
Is it historically accurate? I have no idea. But if you like tales of adventure this is the book for you.
The concept and storyline of the book is great, but the writing seems erratic and could have been better. There are plot twists galore in this book. Some predictable, others will blow your mind.
I'm looking forward to read the second book in this series if I get the chance.
April 26, 2020
Jabuti had a very disturbing life. His father left him, and his mother died while giving birth to him. He blames himself for all of that. But later he realizes that whatever he had known had all been a lie. He decides to go on a quest to find out the truth himself.
Jabuti is an extremely emotional person. He is very unstable. He is easily depressed whenever he talks about his parents. The constant breakdowns on the mere mention of his parents, honestly, was kind of irritating.
His friends Wanadi and Mapi, who joined him on his quest, didn't play a major role. They were just add-ons in the journey. Although they did save each other in times of danger, they were not very much emotionally supportive of each other. They didn't seem like friends since childhood. I didn't see the kind of comfort level amongst them as you see in best friends. Newer friends were more emotionally attached than these three.
The plot of the story was interesting, and the twists kept me hooked. But lack of emotions was a turn-off. I would have loved if there were some real emotions, not just Jabuti crying over something he had no control over. A little more background about Wanadi and Mapi, and a part of the story from their point of view would have been great.
Being a part of Jabuti's Quest Trilogy, cliffhangers were expected, keeping you looking forward to what is next to come.
Jabuti is an extremely emotional person. He is very unstable. He is easily depressed whenever he talks about his parents. The constant breakdowns on the mere mention of his parents, honestly, was kind of irritating.
His friends Wanadi and Mapi, who joined him on his quest, didn't play a major role. They were just add-ons in the journey. Although they did save each other in times of danger, they were not very much emotionally supportive of each other. They didn't seem like friends since childhood. I didn't see the kind of comfort level amongst them as you see in best friends. Newer friends were more emotionally attached than these three.
The plot of the story was interesting, and the twists kept me hooked. But lack of emotions was a turn-off. I would have loved if there were some real emotions, not just Jabuti crying over something he had no control over. A little more background about Wanadi and Mapi, and a part of the story from their point of view would have been great.
Being a part of Jabuti's Quest Trilogy, cliffhangers were expected, keeping you looking forward to what is next to come.
January 1, 2014
If your interests lie in indigenous tribes, rain forests, religion, adventure or just good story - this book IS FOR YOU!
Join Jubati and his two best friends as they embark on a quest to find answers to a nagging ache in Jubati's heart, all the while meeting challenges head on, learning wisdom and exploring very far from their home in the heart of the jungle.
*** Note: Due to an issue about my address, I received a second copy of this book; and after several emails with Mr. Shadlake - we have decided to send the extra copy of 'The Shamanic Prophecy' on a journey all it's own. In the next couple days, I will be delivering a brown paper-wrapped, vaguely described package (the book) to my local RTC (Regional Transportation Center / bus & train station). Inside will be a note about the book, it's origins, and a link to Goodreads - as well as a request to read the book, review it here on Goodreads and then keep it randomly traveling.
The hope is that the book will touch more readers souls, and enjoy a far flung journey of it's own!
Join Jubati and his two best friends as they embark on a quest to find answers to a nagging ache in Jubati's heart, all the while meeting challenges head on, learning wisdom and exploring very far from their home in the heart of the jungle.
*** Note: Due to an issue about my address, I received a second copy of this book; and after several emails with Mr. Shadlake - we have decided to send the extra copy of 'The Shamanic Prophecy' on a journey all it's own. In the next couple days, I will be delivering a brown paper-wrapped, vaguely described package (the book) to my local RTC (Regional Transportation Center / bus & train station). Inside will be a note about the book, it's origins, and a link to Goodreads - as well as a request to read the book, review it here on Goodreads and then keep it randomly traveling.
The hope is that the book will touch more readers souls, and enjoy a far flung journey of it's own!
November 10, 2017
Truly remarkable storytelling. As I finished the story I knew that my life will not be the same again. I have fallen for this author's writing and cannot wait to devour the next book. The characters were truly inspirational and the storyline was compelling.
It is amazingly intense and the author prepares you for the journey for you to take alongside the characters really well. The characters and story development were perfectly done. This book was extremely well written and has fast become one of my favourites of all time. This book was full of many twists and turns that will keep you guessing what is going to happen until the very end. I devoured it in one sitting. Incredible work!! I absolutely adored reading this book and will be one clicking the rest of this authors work.
The way the author makes you feel everything that the character is experiencing is unlike any other.
I will definitely be recommending this author to everyone I know. Definitely one awesome book to pick up and I can see this author going from strength to strength.
It is amazingly intense and the author prepares you for the journey for you to take alongside the characters really well. The characters and story development were perfectly done. This book was extremely well written and has fast become one of my favourites of all time. This book was full of many twists and turns that will keep you guessing what is going to happen until the very end. I devoured it in one sitting. Incredible work!! I absolutely adored reading this book and will be one clicking the rest of this authors work.
The way the author makes you feel everything that the character is experiencing is unlike any other.
I will definitely be recommending this author to everyone I know. Definitely one awesome book to pick up and I can see this author going from strength to strength.
October 30, 2019
This book was a very pleasant surprise! I wouldn’t normally pick up a religious adventure book on a normal day, but I’m so glad I did. The novel reminded me of a couple of other indie books I’ve read over the last few months, including The Water Crown and This Shall Be A House Of Peace, which are quite similar in a few ways. Langley is a very talented author with a natural knack for storytelling, and this story has stuck with me more than I thought it would.
Jabuti is a very lovable character, who goes through so much to find out information he desperately needs, and his two friends, even though they can be a pain at times, really help to create a heartwarming story. This story is a true accomplishment and I’m looking forward to reading book two of this series!
I wrote a more in depth review of The Awakening over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2019/10...
Jabuti is a very lovable character, who goes through so much to find out information he desperately needs, and his two friends, even though they can be a pain at times, really help to create a heartwarming story. This story is a true accomplishment and I’m looking forward to reading book two of this series!
I wrote a more in depth review of The Awakening over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2019/10...
March 7, 2016
My rating: 3. 5 stars.
I started reading this book many months ago but there was a big gap in between and only finished it recently (and no, it didn't have anything to do with the book's quality). It's a pretty short novel and overall it was an enjoyable read.
The author sets the jungle atmosphere just right with roasted tarantulas and what not. The main character, Jabuti, ultimately felt a bit shelfish to me, although the author tried to show at several places that he wasn't. His friends occassionally felt over supportive too at many points in the book but I think the author did a good job at nailing the relationship between the three friends, all three being well rounded characters each with his own strengths and weaknesses. I also found the Woman-Only tribe concept quite fascinating. I recommend that you read this book if you are into jungle adventures and fantasy.
August 14, 2022
I was very ambivalent about this read. I liked the message and I could see what the author was trying to do stylistically, but it never quite did it for me.
If you are anthropologically minded or know anything about indigenous tribes, this is not the book for you because more focus is placed on the human experience than engaging with the mindset of a person from a collectivist society. Often, I got the feeling the characters were modern, Western individualists pasted onto an ideal of a Rousseau-esque ideal of the "noble savage".
If you are looking for a light, entertaining read in the Up Lit genre, this may he the book for you. Grant Langley uses a simple style which is refreshing, although at times I found it a little repetitive.
If you are anthropologically minded or know anything about indigenous tribes, this is not the book for you because more focus is placed on the human experience than engaging with the mindset of a person from a collectivist society. Often, I got the feeling the characters were modern, Western individualists pasted onto an ideal of a Rousseau-esque ideal of the "noble savage".
If you are looking for a light, entertaining read in the Up Lit genre, this may he the book for you. Grant Langley uses a simple style which is refreshing, although at times I found it a little repetitive.
June 7, 2013
Jabutis Quest is the emotional tale of a boy who struggles to fit in with the tribe he belongs to, as he is led to believe he was an orphan from birth. Set in the 1600's and in the middle of the jungle, Jabuti and his friends find out that Jabutis father could possibly still be alive. With his friends in tow they embark on a dangerous journey that will bring them laughs, sadness and most of all it will make them closer as friends.
I really enjoyed this story and i found myself nearly in tears at certain points too. A definite roller coaster of emotions and some mild sexual action. A definate 4 **** read.
I really enjoyed this story and i found myself nearly in tears at certain points too. A definite roller coaster of emotions and some mild sexual action. A definate 4 **** read.
November 19, 2013
I received this book in a contest.
I really liked this book, the storyline was fast paced and exciting, and the characters were endearing, I really grew to care about them. The reason I'm only giving it 4 stars is because the writing came off as being grade school material, and the way phrases were put together were a little awkward. But all together it was a good book and I can't wait to read the sequel!
I really liked this book, the storyline was fast paced and exciting, and the characters were endearing, I really grew to care about them. The reason I'm only giving it 4 stars is because the writing came off as being grade school material, and the way phrases were put together were a little awkward. But all together it was a good book and I can't wait to read the sequel!
June 9, 2025
A Soulful Journey of Courage and Discovery
The Awakening is a powerful, heart-expanding tale of one man’s quest for truth and meaning deep in the rainforest. With echoes of The Alchemist, Grant Langley weaves a story of spiritual awakening, friendship, and resilience that is both thrilling and profoundly uplifting. Rich in wisdom and adventure, this novel is perfect for readers seeking soulful escapism and a reminder that even the darkest paths can lead to light.
The Awakening is a powerful, heart-expanding tale of one man’s quest for truth and meaning deep in the rainforest. With echoes of The Alchemist, Grant Langley weaves a story of spiritual awakening, friendship, and resilience that is both thrilling and profoundly uplifting. Rich in wisdom and adventure, this novel is perfect for readers seeking soulful escapism and a reminder that even the darkest paths can lead to light.
January 7, 2020
This is quite good and may be a hidden gem since it's been out for years and not read much. With simple language, it is engaging and intense at times. Interesting characters and situations. It may not give readers an authentic tribal/rain forest experience, but it's well written. Recommended.
I really appreciate the review copy!!
I really appreciate the review copy!!
October 9, 2019
I truly enjoyed this book. I have never read about this culture before and I found myself really invested in the journey. Characters all felt very real and I was excited to hear there would be a sequel
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December 13, 2022DNF - I really struggled to get into this book and I ended up putting it down. Unfortunately not for me.
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2025
A truly inspirational read
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews