I really enjoyed the book. But I did feel sometimes there could have been more done with the plot. I do like that it is open for a sequel in that regard

The book felt like it could have gone on a lot longer, and that the conflict was resolved (to an extent) far easier than it should have been. I enjoyed the relationship between Max and Gillian and wish there had been more of the back and forth as that developed. ( )

I am in disbelief that this manuscript was accepted for publication or made it past an editor. Was there an editor? And I'm not talking about proof-reading errors, there are structural problems the whole way through. I typically finish most books that I start, and consider myself a fairly forgiving reader. But in this case, I muscled through only out of courtesy to the author since I received the book as an Early Reviewer. Unfortunately, the prose here is atrocious. People speak to each other with dialogue that no human would produce organically, and truly, a third of the way into the book, it struck me that part of the reason I found the writing so grating is that it feels like something an AI would generate. For example, early on two characters who are ostensibly courting each other speak of the tragic, heroic death of one of their fathers. "Yes, he's a great hero to us all, though I can't blame you for wishing he could have remained alive longer." I'm sorry, REMAINED ALIVE? No one talks like this. Later on in the book, referring to a military fort, we get sentences like "That's why the White Tiger would want to reverse its presence." Yes, you can sort of get the gist of what that sentence is supposed to mean (ie, getting rid of the fort), but word choices and turns of phrase feel like aliens putting together sentences when they understand just enough English but nothing of actual usage of the language. In other places, the writing and sentence construction feels almost casual like someone in 2024 is speaking in a rushed shorthand that is totally out of place in a written novel that is supposed to be pleasant to read. So that's my problem just with the experience of reading the actual writing. The substance of the novel is also as deep as a sheet of paper. There is no characterization of our two main characters. Gillian, the protagonist, loves the jungle. BOY does she love the jungle. Why? Because it's the jungle. It drives her entire arc and all her actions throughout the book but you are NEVER ever shown anything deeper than just having been told up front that she wants to be near the jungle because it's the jungle and she loves it. This entire novel is an example of telling instead of showing. Events all feel like they're being playacted by children with paper dolls who are announcing their intentions and dropping loads of exposition as dialogue in ways that don't actually build a believable narrative. Instead they just tell you what's happening and how you're supposed to feel about it, which regrettably makes a frustrating, shallow, and unpleasant read. ( )

A thrilling friends-to-enemies-to-lovers historical fiction with a touch of fantasy. The writing styles of Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy and Elizabeth Gaskell meets the stories of The Blue Sword, The Adventures of Tarzan and The Jungle Book with very important aspects of discrimination, colonisation and liberation.

When I heard this book is “Jane Austen meets The Jungle Book”, I was most intrigued because the combination is rather rare. Just as Gillian is drawn to the jungle so too was I drawn to this story. And what a tale it is! A beautiful combination of charm and compassion. Every page was eloquently described, and I can see why people would compare it to the likes of Jane Austen, especially during the first half of the book. The title of the book being Jundi is the most fitting choice as this whole story is more about Jundi than any other thing: from its culture to its stories and its desire for peace. Jundi is all our protagonist Gillian has ever known and is drawn to, and it touches the hearts of all who are there, especially Max.

I loved Gillian's character: she is a quiet, reserved, well-spoken woman like you would expect from such a time period – but she is not afraid to speak her mind, defy people and stand up for what she believes in. Max has the most interesting character development. Overall, I love his fierce loyalty to his wife and the way he wants to protect her. ( )

Jundi is a land of mystery and wonder. Deep in the jungle, legends of the White Tiger swirl. Some say he is a beast who rules the other animals. Others claim he symbolizes the rebels who refuse to come under colonial rule.

I wanted to love this book but it just flatlines for me.no excitement hardly but I’ll give it credit for staying steady though I was hoping for more ups and downs and a touch more excitement and romance. ( )

My utmost gratitude to the author and LibraryThing for this e-ARC!

Firstly, I was starting to have a reading slump and couldn't get on with a sci-fi in hand. Then this novel came, just in time, as time and again has proven that a historical romance is always able to boost my reading mojo!
The overall premise reminds me of a strong-willed female version of Tarzan with Alice in Wonderland vibe but with Miss Marvel and her mom in mind LOL! Don't get me wrong... it is the way they communicated sure reminds me of them LOL!

I've enjoyed the story from the start to the end and liked that this historical romance is a little different from the usual suspects. As such, it sure felt like a breath of fresh air! More context and less sex! The journey from the moment Gillian and Max meet to their rushed wedding and the eventual understanding of each other, falling in love and all... it was such a lovely happy ever after!

Now, back to that half read sci-fi!!! ( )