If you thought Tarzan's story ended when he found his rightful place in English society, think again. Edgar Rice Burroughs had other plans, and they're way more exciting.

The Story

Picking up after the first book, Tarzan is trying to live as Lord Greystoke. He heads to Europe, but high society feels like a cage. After a duel over a woman's honor, he's sent away on a ship. That's where the real adventure kicks off. He gets mixed up with a shady group hunting for a lost city's treasure in the Sahara. Betrayed and left for dead, Tarzan does what he does best: survives. His journey leads him back to the jungle of his youth, but it's not a peaceful homecoming. He finds his ape tribe under threat, becomes their chief, and stumbles upon the fabled city of Opar—a place filled with gold, danger, and a strange, beautiful queen. All this happens while the woman he loves, Jane, is in peril on a separate, doomed voyage. The two storylines crash together in a finale that's pure, classic adventure.

Why You Should Read It

This book is where Tarzan truly becomes the icon we know. In the first book, he's discovering who he is. Here, he's choosing who he wants to be. Burroughs has a blast contrasting Tarzan's raw, honest nature with the greed and hypocrisy of 'civilized' men. The villains here aren't just jungle beasts; they're corrupt businessmen and treasure-mad archaeologists. Tarzan's struggle feels real. You root for him whether he's navigating a Parisian salon or battling a lion. It's not deep philosophy, but it's a sharp, fun look at what 'civilization' really means.

Final Verdict

This is for anyone who loves a fast-paced, globetrotting adventure with a heart. If you enjoy classic heroes who are genuinely good but never boring, you'll love this. It's perfect for fans of Indiana Jones, old Saturday matinee serials, or anyone who needs a break from grim, complicated stories. 'The Return of Tarzan' is a straightforward, pulpy good time that reminds you why some characters never go out of style.