The Mammoth Hunters by Jean M. Auel

I Mooched this copy of the book, several years ago. It's the third in the Earth's Children series. And it was another winner.

In this installment, Ayla and Jondalar travel the land searching for the Others, specifcally the Mamutoi, or Mammoth Hunters. They eventually come upon an encampment, the Lion Camp. The Others live in an earthlodge, which helps them weather the harsh winters, close to the glacier. Eventually, the Mamutoi decide to adopt Ayla. Jondalar refuses to be adopted, but remains in the earthlodge to be close to Ayla. There, Ayla meets a dark man, Ranec, and is forced to choose between him and Jondalar. Whom will she choose? Will Jondalar stay with the Mamutoi, or return to his family? Will Ayla charm her way into the hearts of all the Mamutoi, or will the Others force her out?

This was another stellar episode of Ayla's saga. I couldn't put the book down, reading it at every opportunity. I spent much of the July 4th holiday with my nose buried in the book, and I finally got a chance to finish it last night. Four and a half out of five Whatevers. The historic details are so interesting, and it seems like Auel has really done a lot of research. Recommended for those who like historic fiction, as well as for those who are already in the midst of the series (like myself).

2012-11