Dael and the Painted People by Allan Richard Shickman

Summary: When Dael, guilty and tormented, came to live with the painted people, he longed for peace and restoration; but without knowing it he made a powerful enemy.

A story of conflict, healing, hate, and love.

Review: I absolutely loved this book. Dael was a much better character to read and I was excited to see him deal with his past so he could get on with life. I could actually relate to him better in this book too. For example:

"Dael-Gah!" the victor thought to himself, remembering his twin brother's name of honor. But Zan-Gah had confronted a lion, Dael reflected. This was only a large pig.

I know what it's like to live in the shadow of a sibling. When I read that, all I wanted was to hug poor Dael. I adored Sparrow as well. I don't think I gave her a fair shot in the second book, but she was wonderful in this one. Koli was a nice, new character and I wonder if he will play a bigger part in future books.

I liked the story far more this time than in either of the other 2 books. I think it does a great job of showing that everyone can be healed of their past, and different environments can affect our growth as people. The part towards the end where Lissa-Na appeared to Dael in a dream was touching. The only thing that seemed out of place to me was this little piece in italics. It was like there was a different person talking and it never appears again. That didn't bother me too much though so I let it slide.

5 howls

Comments

Joe Kosednar said…
I read all three ZAN-GAH books. Allan's latest book DAEL AND THE PAINTED PEOPLE was a great read along with the rest of the series.

I don't know if Allan wants this cat out of the bag yet but he has started putting his books on Audio CD's.

The first book "ZAN-GAH A PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE” has a lion hunt which is where ZAN (the main character) gets his name of honor. When you read the book, the lion hunt builds and builds in intensity until you are on the edge of your seat. When I hear Allan read the book on Voice CD, the lion hunt increases in intensity even more. The difference is I end up with goose bumps, waiting for a big cat to pounce on me.

Allan is a master of dramatic reading!

For a little audio taste of ZAN-GAH; go to http://www.zan-gah.com and press AUDIO SAMPLE to listen.

J. F. Kosednar