Pressed by love for his brother and a bad conscience, the hero undertakes a quest which leads to captivity, conflict, and triumph. In three years, Zan-Gah passes from an uncertain boyhood to a tried and proven manhood and a role of leadership among his people.
This is going to be a quick review, mainly because it was a quick book. Even though this book is only 148 pages it is chalk full of action and while I was reading this one with my son, neither one of us was ever bored. Now he obviously enjoyed it more than I did, but since his age group is who this is aimed at, that's to be expected.
The basic story is that Zan, who is named Zan-Gah after he takes down a man-eating lioness all by himself, is a young teenage boy living in a time when men still lived in caves and belonged to warring clans united by family relationships and knew peace for very long. It was a hard life that was ruled by the need to survive and little else.
When Zan's twin brother went missing a year before it had left a hole in his heart and he never knew what to do about it. After his heroics allow him to see himself in a new light, he decides to undertake a life changing journey to find out what happened to his brother. It's a journey of self discovery that will mature and change his life forever.
What I really loved about the book was the time period it was set in. I have never really read anything that humanized early man the way this book did and I'm thankful I got the opportunity to read it. I will be reading the second book in the series, Zan-Gah And The Beautiful Country, pretty soon and both Aidan and I are really looking forward to it.
6 comments:
Something that is really pleasing to this author is that you enjoyed a book with your son. I think it is great that fathers not only read to their kids, but read with them. The Zan-Gah books are intended to hold the interest of both generations, and I am glad they did for you two. I think of them as family books. Thanks for a fine review.
Allan R. Shickman
I got this book for review a while ago and have picked it up a few times, but haven't been able to get into it. I think it might be too action-centric for me (?). It disturbs me that that's possible.
You know, I turned these down for review and I didn't even think about reading them with the boys...duh! I'm just so behind on review books that I'm having to be very selective. They probably would have enjoyed them if Aidan did. Of course, getting them to sit down and listen to me read is like pulling teeth...LOL! Great review! I'm glad you and Aidan had some good Daddy and son time. =O)
I'm fascinated by stories that are set during that time. I have a bunch on my wishlist that I still haven't got round to buying yet. I like the sound of this one. It sounds sweet and like a good story to start with when getting into this kind of time period.
I have a feeling my son would have enjoyed this one too!
Enjoyed your review! I think I've only read one book set in that timeframe and I really liked it, so not sure why I never picked up another.
I love that you and Aiden were able to read and enjoy this book together! You're making wonderful memories! Maybe we'll see Aiden as a guest reviewer down the road?
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