Review of Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure by Allan Richard Shickman

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 160 pages

Publisher: Earthshaker Books (July 15, 2007)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0979035708

ISBN-13: 978-0979035708

Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches

Shipping Weight: 8 ounces 

Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure by 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.

“She began to move warily in a circle as the men tightened the trap, and as they got closer the lioness began to stride and prowl in a circle so small that she almost seemed to be chasing her tail. But she was watching, watching while she turned and snarled, for a weakness in the ever-tightening ring of her pursuers. Then, at the moment the attack finally was sounded--when the men, putting down their drums and torches, charged on the run with their spears--the lioness saw what she was looking for. One of her enemies was smaller, weaker than the rest. There was a point in the strengthening line that could be broken! Thought merged with furious action and the beast, with a mighty bound of astonishing swiftness, darted toward Zan. Five hundred pounds of snarling fury sprang directly at him with claws bared and fanged mouth open!”

Allan Richard Shickman

ZAN-GAH author Allan Richard Shickman conceived Zan's adventure after thousands of miles of travel through mountains, deserts and forest land.  The idea for this exciting story was born in a cave deep beneath the earth— in the company of hundreds of bats. 

So what did I think about this book...


The review that I did last week of Trackers inspired me to read another book that is not exactly my particular preference. So, I read Zan-Gah.

Again, I was surprised that I enjoyed it just as much as I enjoy many fantasy books.

This book was well-written, but the plot was a bit cliche. It was basically "Brother runs away/is kidnapped and slightly misunderstood, very gifted fighter hero of the story goes out alone to rescue him."

We have all heard this before, of course, but I cannot deny the fact that is was a good book and I will probably be reading the sequel.

It was a easy read, not very long at all, but is enjoyable, and will keep you occupied for the four/five hours that it takes you to read it.I will say that this book was written for a bit of a younger crowd (the author recommends 11 and up), but is one of those books that can keep even an older reader occupied.This was all-together a good book. Not a great book, but enjoyable just the same.

- Austin

*To the parents: This was a fairly clean book with only a small amount of violence and no language.