Edgar Rice Burroughs doesn't waste any time getting Tarzan back where he belongs. After the events of the first novel, Tarzan is adrift in the modern world. He knows his true identity as Lord Greystoke, but he steps aside so Jane can marry his cousin. Trying to fit into Parisian society is a disaster—his instincts and strength just don't translate to drawing rooms. A mysterious offer from a secretive group called 'The Committee of Twenty-One' sends him on a ship to South Africa, which is promptly taken over by pirates. From there, it's a non-stop ride. Tarzan washes ashore, finds a hidden valley with a lost civilization (the city of Opar), tangles with its strange high priestess La, and gets caught in a fight over a massive treasure of gold. All the while, the people from his old life, including Jane and her new husband, are pulled into the same dangerous orbit.

Why You Should Read It

This is where Tarzan truly becomes the iconic figure we know. In the jungle, he's not an outsider; he's a king. Burroughs writes these action sequences with a fantastic energy—you can almost feel the sweat and hear the roar of the lions. But what I love is the character's internal conflict. He's a man caught between two worlds, and the book makes a strong, simple argument: maybe the 'civilized' world, with its greed and deception, is the real jungle. Tarzan's moral code, forged in the wild, is often more honorable than the laws of men. It's a powerful fantasy about rejecting what's expected of you and embracing who you really are.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a classic, fast-paced adventure story that never takes itself too seriously. If you enjoy Indiana Jones, the Mummy movies, or stories about explorers finding hidden worlds, this is your literary ancestor. It's not deep philosophy, but it's incredibly fun. You get a noble hero, a terrifying villain (Rokoff is a great slimy bad guy), ancient ruins, and a love story that spans continents. Pick this up when you want to completely check out from reality for a few hours and just go on an adventure.