Skeletons on the Zahara by Dean King is a true and captivating tale of a twelve-men American crew who became shipwrecked off the coast of Africa in the 1815s. Their ship was heading to Italy to sell a load of American goods when they got caught and enslaved by the wandering Tuareg tribe in the Sahara desert.

The crew survive the horrifying ordeal with a combination of endurance, ingenuity, and luck. They endured slave labor under brutal conditions, constant physical abuse, and starvation for several weeks. They were at the mercy of their captors, and several of the men died or were killed in their failed escape attempts. The journal written by one of the survivors during their captivity became the primary source of this book.

This book is not only a real-life portrayal of human resilience and willpower but also a brilliantly researched narrative that provides fascinating insights into the culture, tradition, and values of the Tuareg tribe in West Africa.

King successfully combines adventure, history, and ethnography in this book, creating an awe-inspiring story that is difficult to forget. The reader is exposed to the harrowing experience of the shipwrecked men, their enslavement, and how they had to adapt to cope with their new reality.

As the journey continues, readers will find themselves captivated by the multifaceted and complicated relationships between the Tuaregs, the shipwrecked Americans, and the different tribes inhabiting the area. The author paints a vivid picture of the various landscape and how they impact the lives of the people who live within them.

In conclusion, Skeletons on the Zahara presents readers with a gripping tale that combines history, adventure, and exploration. It is a mesmerizing read that you won't forget. If you're a fan of true-life stories of human endurance and survival, this book is a must-read. Get your copy now, and prepare yourself for a journey full of bravery, hardship, and undiscovered lands.