YA, young man goes into jungle on expedition, is in charge of group of blacks, british? gets eyebrow tatoo from natives

[Stephanie]

so enter our young protaginist who is frsh of the boat in Africa. Its not present day, because I remember where he's at is a British colony. I do npt remember why he has to, but he must take an expedition of men(African slaves) into a jungle. The majority of the plot happens there. Specific events include: Running into a native jungle tribe and him getting eyebrow tatoos(I think he got tatoos on his chest too?), a few men deserting so he decides to draw lots for which ones he has to execute, his men respect him, and possilrking under another british dude with higher status.. but nobody likes him. The ending: on a boat to go back to where ever he came from... hope this helps!

[Stephanie]

Spelling error... Possilrking is "possibly working". Sorry!

[``Laurie]

This reminded me of an old movie I recently saw called "White Cargo". Other movies I've seen involving expeditions into Africa are "She", "Mountains of the Moon" which starred Patrick Bergen. I'm not able to come up with any book names just now but if I do I will let you know.

[Ann aka Iftcan]

She was actually based on a book by H. Rider Haggard, titled, of course She. But there is nothing like what the OP lists in the book. Possibly something that was based on the true life happenings that were show in http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116409/ ? Altho I have no real idea if that's even close to what the OP was talking about.

[Stephanie]

Nope but thank you for the suggestions. I also the cover might have had only eyes, like a human pair and then underneath it a jaguar or leopard's eyes. Also I'm quite positive the book is ya. Again I really appreciate the ideas!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Stephanie, what year was this published or what year did you read it?

[Lauren]

maybe? Its been a while since I read it and I can't remember a tattoo but that doesn't mean there wasn't one, lol!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

I just read Heart of Darkness and there were no tattoos.

[Kris]

A long shot - Mimi and Toutou's Big Adventure: The Bizarre Battle of Lake Tanganyika by Giles Foden?

Stephanie, when did you read this book?

[Stephanie]

Sadly, I don't think its either of those... I read the book four or five years ago, and I don't remember it as a new release but I can't imagine it was that old... thank you for the support!

[Lauren]

Lobstergirl wrote: "I just read Heart of Darkness and there were no tattoos."

Yeah, I'm sure I would have remembered a tattoo. Oh well. Hope someone finds it...

[Tab]

The last book in the Eagle and Jaguar series fits a bit.
It's a YA.
Forest of the Pygmies

Another descript:
Alex and his friend, Nadia, travel to Africa on a new International Geographic expedition with Alex’s tough grandma, Kate. In the jungle, they help to save primitive Pygmies from slavery and annihilation by a savage, ridiculous tyrant, who wears a necklace of human fingers. (view spoiler)[Eventually, in a David versus Goliath chapter, a Pygmy warrior defeats the powerful ruler. (hide spoiler)]

[Stephanie]

Thank you for the suggestion! However, I know this was a stand alone book and it didn't have any pygmies in it. The young man was in charge of the slaves on his expedition into the jungle and he does encounter natives, but he doesn't free his slaves. In fact, several try to run and when they come back starving, he draws lots on the group to see which one will be executed. I wish I could remember more of the plot and I will definitely update if something new comes up. Again, thank you!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Stephanie wrote: " Also I'm quite positive the book is ya. "

I added YA to your header - sometimes that will catch a different set of readers.

[Stephanie]

Great! Thank you for the help!

[Stephanie]

I'm bumping this, hoping someone will see it and help me out! All the help so far has been very appreciated!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Stephanie, are you still looking for this or did you find it?

[Stephanie]

Still looking, unfortunately hard to find a ya novel from over 10 years ago...

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

How about now?

[Rainbowheart]

The Gorilla Hunters?