3.56 AVERAGE


I really should have stopped with the first in this series. I ended up reading spoilers of the last two books and am thankful that I'm not going to be reading them either. One star for repetition, text-book descriptions, 1-dimensional characters, and the lack of plot.
adventurous medium-paced
slow-paced

Not yet done with this book... not sure if I ever will get done with it. It's slow and boring...
lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous slow-paced
adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

 How different and yet the same people are.

It is funny how everyone considers them weird spirits and are reluctant to change their views even after meeting Ayla and Jondalar. I have to admit, though, I had a weird satisfaction when it came to the S'Armunai. Some men today might benefit from such treatment.

This book further emphasizes just how much Jondalar is connected to his Zelandoni identity. Ayla cannot remember who her people are so she is able to connect more deeply to anyone they meet. However, Jondalar needs to go home back to his people and his family. It is because Ayla understands him so well they are such a good pair.

Jean M. Auel tries to connect any relics found in our time to the corresponding territory and integrate it into their customs. But, at the same time, she is slowly showing us the progress humans were making in the Ice Age on their way to the technological discoveries.

Absolutely thrilling finale in their long Journey! 
adventurous emotional informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Back to this series!! I’ve missed it.

The familiarity of Ayla, Jondalar and Whinney (and racer and wolf) is always lovely to come back to. There is no getting acquainted with the book just 830 long pages to see how they’re all doing.

This book was so joyful. It has regained what i love about this book but can’t put into words that wasn’t so present in the last book.

The adventure is long and as per usual a lot of it is unnecessary yet I can’t help love it! You learn so much about the last ice age and the animals, people and surroundings. And what I’m only just realising (I know slow to the party) is that this is all based off of historical artefacts found and is making a reason for them as well as displaying how humans have developed both physically and mentally.

The plot line is Ayla and Jondalar are travelling back from the mamutoi to Jondalars home of the Zelandonii. Across the way they meet many people, animals and tricky situations. Including clan, men hunting humans and evil horses!! It’s just constantly interesting.

At points it’s slightly weird and more graphic than I want!! And when Jondalar talks about the appeal of young girls (?!?!?!) it puts a damper on his personality yet I think it’s Auel’s way of depicting the male gaze and desire. It is problematic with points that are certainly outdated however I think it’s a product of it’s time depicting a story of it’s time. Enjoyment levels are high and that’s the main thing.

Spoilers:

The ending!!!! Perfect ending it’s drawing me in even more. I want to see Their child and Whinney’s foal!! See how wild fares in this hotter climate. Ugh so excited and then finding out Ayla is also from the ninth cave!!!!!! Very excited for next book. Can’t wait.
slow-paced