Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country - Allan Richard Shickman

Well past the middle of the night Zan felt a shaking of his shoulder as he slept, and then an impatient foot kicking at him. Instinctively grabbing for his spear, he looked up and saw the orange glow of a torch, and as his eyes adjusted to the invading light he recognized his brother's ghastly face. Dael's dangerous brow was furrowed, and the vein of his forehead bulged under the old scar. His teeth were clenched, and his eyes darted nervously back and forth. His every motion expressed a profound agitation, and Zan knew that what he had been dreading had come.

"It is time, Zan. Let us go!"

"Where? It's dark!"

"I want to find where the river comes from."

The volcanic turbulence that shakes Dael's mind carries him to vicious extremes. It is Zan's task to calm his brother and lead him away from thoughts both destructive and self-destructive. But even the paradise of the Beautiful Country will not erase them.

Title: Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country

Author: Allan Richard Shickman

Genre: Young Adult, Prehistoric Fiction

Publisher: Earthshaker Books

Publication Date: September 26, 2009

My Rating: 4/5

Zan-Gah has returned with Dael in tow to the land of his people. Dael is not the same person he was prior to his abduction, and Zan-Gah is concerned for his well-being. Together, the clan decides to move to a more prosperous region, however Dael attempts to stir up conflict along the way.

I enjoyed this book more than the first one, more so because it captured my attention right from the start. The conflict between the brothers was portrayed beautifully, and I enjoyed how the characters evolved; though I felt heartbroken for Dael. He has definitely had a hard time adjusting to life outside of captivity, and still dwells on his past, making him an extremely troubled and volatile young man. Zan-Gah tries to understand, and gives him leeway, however Dael takes it to mean that his brother is passive, and that he is the more agressive of the two. He wants to become leader of the clan, and soon the clan is divided into two. I loved the evolution, and resolution given for several of the main characters. I felt that their progression was true to form. The imagery was also stunning and evocative. The description made the land, and vegetation stand out.

All in all, a successful follow up to the previous book in the series. Action abounds in this sequel, and we also get to see more inventions, and more of the inner workings of certain characters in this book.

Many thanks goes to Bonnie from Earthshaker Books for sending me this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure - Allan Richard Shickman

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.

(Synopsis taken from goodreads.)

Title: Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure

Author: Allan Richard Shickman

Genre: Young Adult, Prehistoric Fiction

Publisher: Earthshaker Books

Publication Date: July 15, 2007

My Rating: 3.5/5

Zan is in a highly exalted position after he has killed a man-eating lion. He earns the new name Zan-Gah; "Gah" being "of the rock". His tribe celebrates their victory over the demise of the lion. Zan-Gah, however, still feels responsible for his twin brother's disappearance well over a year prior, so he decides to embark on a journey to find Dael. Along the way he befriends several people, and makes enemies of others. Nevertheless, he will not give up until he has found Dael, and will do everything in his power to bring him home.

I found that this book was quite similar to Jean Auel's Earth Children series, in the sense that they are both set in prehistoric times. There is not a lot of literature set in this particular era, and I found the book quite captivating. The people, and dwellings, as well as the cultures of all of the different tribes proved fascinating. The imagery was painted vividly throughout the story, and it didn't detract from the storytelling. Zan-Gah is a unique individual himself, as he overcomes obstacles and he puts everything he has learned to good use. He is extremely bright, and manages to grow into a formidable young man.

One thing that younger teens, and tweens may not enjoy is Dael's emotional and emotionless killing. The scenes, though vivid, are written in such a way that the reader knows that they are set apart from the story. The storytelling itself was done remarkably well, and I found that the plot never really dragged. It meandered while Zan-Gah was searching for Dael, however several years would fly by before the end of the next sentence.

All in all, an insightful read set in prehistoric times. Some violence and graphic scenes, however they were few and far between. Captivating, interesting, and empowering. Many teens, and tweens will enjoy this book.

Many thanks goes to Bonnie from Earthshaker Books for sending me this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.