And in this book it's even worse, because each time Ayla and Jondalar meet new people they go through the same 'getting to know you' scenarios, with the same 'getting to know you' reactions that have already been done a few times earlier in the SAME book, let alone series. It feels a little bit like cheating to me, using that much of her earlier books as filler. It's not unusual for an author to make references to her earlier books to refresh people's minds, but this is beyond that.

But her unique spiritual gifts cannot be ignored, and even as she gives birth to her eagerly-awaited child, she is coming to accept that she has a greater role to play in the destiny of the Zelandonii.Įxactly what the first reviewer said. The Zelandonii are surprised to learn she was found and raised by the Clan, the ones that they call flatheads and think of as animals, and are skeptical when she tells them they are people.Īfter the rigors and dangers that have characterized her extraordinary life so far, Ayla yearns for peace and tranquility, to be Jondalar's mate, and to have children. She is delighted when she meets Zelandoni, the spiritual leader of the people, a fellow healer with whom she can share medicinal skills and knowledge. She is intrigued by their clothes, their crafts, and their home, and wants to learn their customs and the ways that they live, so that she will fit in.

Jondalar's family greet him warmly, but they are initially wary of the beautiful young woman he has brought back, with her strange accent and her tame wolf and horses.Īyla has much to learn from the Zelandonii and much to teach them. After their epic journey across Europe, Ayla and Jondalar have reached his home, the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, the old stone-age settlement in the region known today as southwest France.

The shelters of stone jean m auel