Most people know Alan Dean Foster as a prolific science fiction writer with a consistently high quality level. A smaller group of readers know that he is also capable of great imaginative fantasy, often rooted in exotic settings and myths. The smallest group of all knows that he is an almost compulsive world traveler with keen observational skills and an ability to turn what he sees into eminently readable fiction.

Primal Shadows, Foster's latest book is set in Papua New Guinea (hereafter referred to as PNG). Before reading this book all I knew about PNG was that Michael Rockefeller disappeared mysteriously there. Foster draws such a fine picture of this country that you almost lose sight of the story. From lackadaisical Port Moresby to the huge mountains of the West Highland and then back down again through extended marshland where sometimes rivers flow one way and sometimes they go the other, Foster brings the land and its people to life. And the most amazing collection of mammals, insects, and reptiles.

Really due to the rainforest climate of much of the country, the natural life of PNG always seems to be the biggest, or the meanest, or the deadliest in the world. From the 3 pound quoll which has the temperament of a rabid cuisinart (and eating habits to match) to the lawyer vine which, once it grabs you, never lets you go, the environment seems to conspire to shorten the life of the average traveler. To make matters worse the indigenous tribes are often in conflict with each other and there are rumors of cannibalism.

Into this welcoming land comes Steven Bohannon, an American who is fleeing from his past and has circled most of the globe. Upon arrival in Port Moresby, Bohannon is attracted to a beautiful woman and discovers the next morning that she (Tai Tennison), all his money, and his wallet have disappeared. Unlike most travelers, who would give up, Bohannon becomes fixated on tracking Tai down. He befriends Sorley McCracken, who knows Tai and they head into upcountry PNG. The quest takes them from one remarkable adventure to another even more hair raising. Bohannon becomes more and more determined with each narrow escape, and McCracken tries ever harder to talk Bohannon out of his quest.

Finally they discover that Tai has headed into the worst mountains in PNG after adventurer Ragnarok Stenhammer. Bohannon manages to hitch a ride from a crazy helicopter pilot and drags McCracken into a confrontation in the complete isolation of Mt. Yogonda. Stenhammer is seeking gold in the mountains and Bohannon is quickly absorbed into the quest. I leave you to imagine their adventures and a trip back to civilization which the equal of Clive Cussler's most imaginative tales

It says quite a bit about Foster's skill with writing that I like Primal Shadows, which is in a genre that normally doesn't interest me. Readers who do love a pure adventure story will adore this tale. All of the main characters are engaging, and the bit players have gemlike parts. This is a classic adventure story and a dynamic, exciting read. And it is a beautiful introduction to one of the most unusual countries in the world.

--Marc Ruby