Book Review: LION TIME, by Barbara Moritsch

Today I’m writing about Lion Time, the Oracle of the Wild, Book 2, by Barbara Moritsch.

Lion Time is one of those rare, magical books that transport the reader to a world far different than our day-to-day. With Africa’s vivid landscape woven into the background like a Maasai blanket, the story teaches, entertains, mystifies, and calls us to action. A bit of mystery, a bit of romance, and lots of true to life animals that can speak, at least to our hero, Sage.

I found this story riveting. I was instantly pulled into the part of the characters, usually Sage, the human biologist who can talk to animals, but sometimes I’d find myself the big male lion Rohan or his mate Kamara. It is the closest I will ever get to Kenya (or to being a lion), but it has brought the lions’ fight for survival to me here in Portland Oregon.

Powerful yet flowing authoring and a heartfelt storyline made this book hard to put down.

Here’s the blurb:

Wildlife biologist Sage McAllister’s plans for a relaxing photo safari in Kenya are marred by a disturbing dream and a series of alarming encounters with an Australian man who appears to be stalking her. When she confronts him, Sage is shocked to learn he’s deeply enmeshed in the dark world of wildlife crime.

Traveling to Kenya’s Maasai Mara region with her guide, Henry, Sage discovers she can communicate telepathically with a pair of wild lions named Rohan and Kamara. Through shapeshifting, she merges with the lions and experiences life through their eyes. During a merge with Kamara, Sage learns a lioness from Rohan’s pride has been killed and her cubs stolen.

With assistance from the lions, a couple of vervet monkeys, and a few humans, Sage helps coordinate a plan to rescue the lions and sets out on a high-risk mission to return them to their home.

Endorsed by Dr. Jane Goodall!

Among others, Lion Time is endorsed by Dereck Joubert (National Geographic Explorer at Large), Ian Michler (author: Blood Lions), and Dr. Jane Goodall.

Dr. Goodall writes: “Lion Time is filled with heart, wisdom, and the spirit of Africa, but perhaps most important, it’s also a call to action to protect lions and their habitat.”

Scarface from Maasai Mara National Reserve, a key inspiration for Lion Time. Photo credit: Moritsch

“My passions are cultivating reverence for the Earth and all of Earth’s inhabitants…” — Barbara Moritsch

You can find out more about Lion Time and purchase a copy on Barbara’s website.