KIFRI

About the Book

Mikolu, a Bushman youth in prehistoric North Africa, dreams of taming a wild dog (ancestor of today's Basenji hound) as a hunting companion so his clan will never lose game again. It is a dream that is heavily criticized by many in the clan as a foolish and dangerous dream.  All know leopards like to eat dogs and fear a dog in camp will draw, Kur, a man-eating leopard that has plagued them for years that had carried off Mikolu's sister among the many victims.  Harshest among his critics is Shonga, a cruel and self absorbed older youth who fancies himself chief of the clan some day.  Mikolu's strongest ally is Nendaka, the clan's old shaman who foresees great things for him including bringing a great gift to the clan.  Mikolu gets his chance to fulfill his dream when he must meet the challenge of the Long Walk - a test of manhood where he must survive alone in the bush from full moon to full moon with only a few tools and the bush craft his uncle, Mika, has taught him..  Shadowed by the deadly and stealthy Kur, Mikolu rescues and tames a young female Basenji he names Kifri. They return to the clan with the gift of an antelope they caught together.  Still the elders are skeptical and demand more proof the relationship between dog and man will work.  Mikolu takes Kifri on a hunt with the clan hunters where she prevents a wounded wild ox from getting away.  The great success is short lived.  Mikolu's hopes are dashed when Kur carries off Shonga's child and many blame the presence of the dog.  After trying to kill Kifri with his spear that is blocked by Nendaka's thrown staff, Shonga demands they both be banished.  While their fate is being discussed by the elders, Mikolu and Kifri run away to hunt the leopard unknowingly followed by Shonga, who intends that neither of them survive, knowing he can easily blame Kur for their deaths.  Hunters quickly become the hunted. All ends well in a thrilling conclusion. Kifri is allowed to stay and Shonga ends up banished to the River Clan of his wife.

About the Author

Nick Korolev, best known for his award winning pet portraits and wildlife paintings, has been a published writer since age 14. He has had articles and short fiction on pets appear in national magazines, won several awards for short Gothic horror fiction and has written an award winning comedy stage play. Over the last few years he has turned to writing historical novels. KIFRI: THE DOG THAT CHOSE TO LIVE WITH MAN, his first novel for young adults, was inspired by prehistoric rock paintings and the Basenji hounds he has owned all his adult life. His Basenji, Nala, appears on the cover. The novel was first published on the e-book site of Thunder Mountain Press where out of 100 books it won the Thunder Mountain Press 1998 Editors Choice Award. He was born in Elizabeth, N.J. and presently resides in Sedona, AZ.