Edgar Rice Burroughs’ fifth Tarzan novel throws our favorite ape-man into one of his most chaotic adventures yet. Financial troubles back in England force Lord Greystoke to return to the lost city of Opar, source of the gold that funds his estate, for one more risky haul.

The Story

Things go wrong immediately. An earthquake traps Tarzan in the ancient temple, and a blow to the head robs him of his memory and language. He reverts to his primal, beast-like state. While he wanders the jungle, a band of raiders led by the villainous Achmet Zek attacks his African home, Greystoke Boma. Their target? The legendary jewels of Opar, which Tarzan had just secured.

Jane, believing Tarzan dead, is captured. The plot thickens with the arrival of a cunning Frenchman, Werper, who steals the jewels for himself. What follows is a frantic chase. We follow a feral Tarzan rediscovering his instincts, Jane using her wits to survive captivity, and multiple greedy parties all scrambling for the same priceless treasure. It’s a story split between the savage jungle and the schemes of civilized men, and the two are about to collide violently.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a blast because it puts Tarzan in a unique spot: he’s the ultimate action hero who doesn’t even know he’s the hero. Watching him operate on pure instinct is thrilling. Burroughs also gives Jane more to do than usual—she’s resilient and clever under pressure. The real charm, though, is the breakneck pace. It feels like a serialized cliffhanger (because it was), with traps, betrayals, and wild animal encounters every few chapters. It’s not a deep philosophical read; it’s a rollercoaster built in 1916 that still works today.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves classic pulp adventure. If you enjoy stories where the good guys are tested, the villains are properly sneaky, and the action doesn’t stop for a second, you’ll have a great time. It’s also a fascinating look at a pivotal moment for the character, stuck between his two identities. Don’t overthink it—just grab a copy and get ready for a jungle chase that hasn’t lost its bite.