A Prehistoric Adventure
By: Allan Richard Shickman
Publisher: Earthshaker Books
Publish Date: July 2007
Format: Paperback 149pgs, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
Genre: Fiction
Series: 1st book in Zan-Gah series
Recommendation: For Young Readers who like prehistoric times.
Book Synopsis:
Zan-Gah: A prehistoric adventure has only begun. Pressed by love for his brother and a bad conscience, the hero undertakes a quest which leads to captivity, conflict, love, 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 dramatic and impassioned story will thrill and deeply move young adults and older readers. They will dream on Zan-Gah at night, and remember it all of their lives!
First Sentence:
From a long distance a traveler, or some wild thing, might see within the deep and absolute blackness of night an intense orange light which looked from afar like a glowing coal.
My Thoughts and Summary:
Zan is a young boy in a prehistoric era when man used stones and sticks for their defense in a time where nature and man can be enemies to each other, but he's eager for to embrace manhood. In his first hunt, of a dangerous lion, Zan proves himself and receives his full name ~ Zan-Gah ~ along with scars to be proud of. Now being of the mans status instead of the boy status, Zan decides to embark on a search for his twin brother who wondered off a year before and never returned. Zan knows from his dreams and the shared soul that twins have, that he would know if his brother was dead. Zan leaves for his dangerous journey though unknown lands and unsafe camps, learning more of himself, the land, and even creating a weapon of his own.
This book is not my normal genre of read, but thinking of finding books I could share with my son really struck me with this book. So, I agreed to review the book. This book is a quick and easy read. I would suggest this book to young readers around 10-12 years of age who enjoy reading of prehistoric times.
There are a few secondary characters, but mostly you have your main character Zan. I didn't feel as connected to the character as I normally would in books, but this is a short read for young readers. I remember back to when I was younger and I didn't really want to read. I wanted books that where quick and to the point. This book fits that very well. But, toward the end of the book I started to feel more for Zan-Gah and the connections he was making in the world. But the book mostly focuses on his journey and some feelings he has around the times.
I received this book for an honest review from the publisher.
So hard to review YA and MG sometimes. But yes nice book
ReplyDeleteThanks for reviewing. I hope you get to the second Zan-Gah book too. The third will be coming out before long. It's called Dael and the Painted People. Dynamite, even if I say so myself. New website too:
ReplyDeletewww.zan-gah.net
Best wishes to you and your readers.
Allan R. Shickman
Blodeuedd - So true. I've read a few YA reads that I had a little difficulty reviewing. But it's not that it's not a good book. Just the age difference between me and the group its geared for can be hard to judge at times. But this was a nice quick read.
ReplyDeleteEarthshakerbooks - You are very welcome. I'm reading the second book now and enjoying it very much. :) Thank you!
Oh you are going to have to get your son involved with reviewing. It would be interesting to see what he thinks.
ReplyDeleteI've seen several reviews of this book and it does sound like the kind of book I would have enjoyed when I was younger. I've also been looking for good books to read with my son and maybe I'll try this one when he's a little older. Right now we are enjoying Charlie and the Chocolate Factory together, which I'd never read before.
ReplyDeleteThanks for honest review, I passed on reviewing it, but sounds like something I might eventually pick up.
ReplyDeleteBrandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
Very popular amongst the sons of my friends - its great to know that there are books out there that this age range of boys will enjoy.
ReplyDeleteMelissa (Books&Things) - Oh, I'm trying to get him to review some books. Especially since he has to read some for points in Reading class. I mentioned maybe reviewing Graceling as he just finished it. :) And maybe slowly over the summer as her reads. lol.
ReplyDeleteSimcha - Oh I never read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I hope you and you son are enjoying it. :) I've seen the movie though. lol. As if that counts right. ;D These are nice little reads, and I'm hoping my son will pick them up to read soon too.
Brandileigh - Hi! Thanks for stopping by. It is a fun read for and with the young ones. :)
Petty Witter - I really like the idea of books geared for this age group. It's so hard anymore. Either books are to young or overly done for older kids. :) And glad to hear your friends kids are getting into these books. :)