The Mammoth Hunters (Earth's Children #3) by Jean M. Auel

• Title: The Mammoth Hunters  (Earths Children 3) by Jean M. Auel  
• Genre: Historical Fiction
  
• Classification:  Adult Fiction
• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (December 2010)
• Format:  Paperback, 736 pages
• ISBN-10: 9781444704358
• ISBN-13: 978-1444704358
• ASIN: 1444704354

Third book into the series and I am in awe of Ms. Auel. In her books she covers how various things could have come about - fire, pets, etc. She has an awesome imagination. In this book Jondalar and Ayla leave the Valley of the Horses and meet  the Mamutoi,  the Mammoth Hunters. It's Ayla's first dose of the "Others" and Ayla and Jondalar's relationship will be put to the test when Ranec starts pursuing her. Another bump in the road is Jondalar's fear of how people will react when Ayla tells them she lived with Flatheads and had a child of mixed spirits. Ayla not being ashamed of her upbringing tells them the truth. It will take a lot to gain acceptance, but you've got remember Ayla is not an ordinary woman. She will attempt to prove that Flatheads are not animals, but people with feelings and a language. She'll try to break down their preconceived notions. The key to her success will be a little boy named Rydag, a child of mixed spirits, who Ayla will teach the language of the Flatheads to, thereby providing him a means to communicate.


A truly wonderful and beautiful book. I HIGHLY recommend this series. I gave this one 5 out of 5 stars.

The Valley of Horses (Earth's Children, #2) by Jean M. Auel

This books starts off with Ayla trying to survive on her own while dealing with the grief of loosing her son and the only family she's ever known. While her previous punishment may have been deserved, her current one most definitely was not. Brun's jealousy and hatred of her was the reason she was cast out and nothing that she, herself had done. So Ayla starts the quest Ina requested she take - a quest to find the "Others".

We also are introduced to Jondalar and his brother. Two men on a journey of exploration. The addition of the two men to the story makes you know one of them will end up somehow entangled with Ayla, but you will have to wait for a good portion of the book for the two to meet, but don't worry. Auel adds a lot of other fun twists and turns to the story to make the book interesting although I was starting to get a little upset that the two didn't meet sooner.

I gave this one a 4 out 5 stars.

The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel

Who knew this one could be so good? I wasn't sure what to expect from this book and was pleasantly surprised. Set in the time when Neanderthals were about to die out Ayla, a five year old, is taken in by a clan of Neanderthals. The difference in the two races is very apparent and acceptance is not automatic. While Iza and Creb love her almost immediately and act as substitute parents, Broud, the chief's son is jealous and hates her. As she grows from child to women her spirit, strength, and courage are put to the test. Very sad ending, but I loved it just the same. Will definitely be reading the series.