Edgar Rice Burroughs's ninth Tarzan book throws the Lord of the Jungle into one of his most bizarre adventures yet. It starts with Tarzan adopting an orphaned lion cub with unique golden fur, naming him Jad-bal-ja, which means 'The Golden Lion.' Raised with intelligence and loyalty, the lion becomes Tarzan's formidable companion. The plot kicks into gear when Tarzan's son, Korak, is captured by a treacherous European named Esteban Miranda and a band of opportunistic explorers.

The Story

Tracking the kidnappers, Tarzan and Jad-bal-ja are themselves captured and taken to the hidden valley of Opar—the ancient, crumbling city from earlier books. But the story quickly moves beyond Opar to the Valley of the Palace of Diamonds, ruled by a strange, degenerate race. Here, Tarzan is forced to navigate a labyrinth of political intrigue, false gods, and savage rituals. With his son's life on the line and his own identity manipulated by his look-alike foe, Esteban, Tarzan must rely on his wits, his strength, and the unmatched power of his golden lion to survive and set things right.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a blast because it fully embraces the 'buddy adventure' dynamic between Tarzan and Jad-bal-ja. The lion isn't just a pet; he's a character with agency, and their partnership is genuinely cool. Burroughs also has fun playing with identity, as the villain Esteban uses his uncanny resemblance to Tarzan to cause chaos. While the plot is a whirlwind of captures, escapes, and lost cities, the core appeal is timeless: a heroic figure using every resource at his disposal—including a giant lion—to protect his family. It's straightforward, exciting, and doesn't take itself too seriously.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who loves classic pulp fiction or is looking for a gateway into the original Tarzan stories beyond the movies. It's for readers who want a quick, entertaining escape into a world where the jungle holds ancient secrets, animals can be noble allies, and the hero always finds a way to win. If your taste in adventure leans toward the imaginative, fast-paced, and slightly over-the-top, you'll have a great time with Tarzan and his golden lion.