Itapi chronicles the efforts of Dr. John Lentz as he struggles to wrest a great medicinal secret from the jungles of the Amazon, while being stalked by a murderous phamaceutical company bent on killing its competition! As a first novel by Andrew Baltzegar this work is impressive for its style, evident research, fast pace and gripping plot. A great read on its own, it also says much for what may come from this promising writer in the future. “Itapi” introduces the process of medicinal “mining” in the Amazon against a background of vanishing tribes, anthroplogical research and just plain rotten villians. The background science is delivered in an easy to read style that hints at Baltzegar’s own depth of knowledge (rather than seeking to knock the reader over the head with it). The result is a fun, exciting read with a measure of education woven into its fabric. Great Stuff! Thoroughly recommended!