The hero, Zan-Gah seeks his lost twin in a savage prehistoric world, encountering suffering, captivity, conflict, love, and triumph. In three years, Zan-Gah passes from an uncertain boyhood to a tried and proven manhood and a position of leadership among his people. Themes: survival, cultures, gender roles, psychological trauma, nature's wonders and terrors. (Mid-Grade - YA)
Review:
Note: This review was written by Kevin (Karen's hubby)
This is not a book I would typically read because……well……it doesn't have zombies and such and it is aimed at the mid-grade reader but I did find it enjoyable anyway.
Zan-Gah tells the story of a young boy growing up in prehistoric times. It follows his journey from a frightened boy to manhood and then into a leader.
Zan becomes a hero after killing a lion that has killed another child. He gets the name Zan-Gah because he stood his ground like a rock (Gah). All is not well though, his brother Dael is missing and presumed dead but Zan is determined to find him. He must travel alone through harsh lands and hostile tribes. When he finally finds Dael he is not the same fun loving brother he knew - he has changed. Now they must return home while being relentlessly pursued. They will be overwhelmed unless they get help. Zan-Gah must unite the the various tribes to defeat this enemy.
I believe this book would appeal to young boys as it keeps up the action while at the same time teaching valuable life lessons about doing what is right. Zan is also a very resourceful & brave hero. Having the story take place in prehistoric times make for an interesting backdrop – everything seems wilder and cooler, yet somehow familiar.
If you’re looking for a mid-grade book for young boys, this is a good one. It is a quick and easy read. I think this book would appeal to boys more than girls but I also wanted to point out that the female characters were very well written, both strong and capable.
Rating: 3 of 4.
Source: Copy provided by the publisher (Earthshaker Books) for review.
Buy the book! Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure
Same here. A good MG boy-adventure, pretty much.
ReplyDeleteI just read this book the other day. And my review will be up over the weekend. But yeah, it's not the book I would normally read either, but good for middle school aged kids. :) Very nicely done.
ReplyDeleteHey Kevin,
ReplyDeleteThanks for reviewing. I'm glad you liked the first Zan-Gah, and hope you can manage to read the second. I'm proud of both of them. The third of the book series is finished and about to go to press. It is called Dael and the Painted People.
New website too: www.zan-gah.net
All the best,
Allan R. Shickman