The Valley of Horses (Earth's Children, Book Two) by Jean M. Auel
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Book Reviews of The Valley of Horses (Earth's Children, Book Two)
Book Review: Mystically fantastic
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this book about the same as the first. Some say that it was unrealistic, too sappy, and Ayla wasn't more like today's progressive woman. I say, that that is kind of the idea. Auel's books are not meant to be taken as factual. Much of her research is only to enrich the story - a made up story. The religions and social order of the people in her books can only be assumed. Why not make it mystical. I totally enjoyed reading this book. Though, I admit, the first half is slower than the rest, I was still captivated by the loneliness of Ayla, her inevitable ability to invent, her constant discovery of who she was. I couldn't wait for Jondalar to meet her and show her the deep kind of bond she could not have ever known with the clan. He showed her and taught her so much and she to him, that they became like a supercouple. More advanced than any human on earth. They conflicted due to differences in culture and ways of communicating that the tension between them was so unbearable I had to read read read nonstop until it was finally satisfyingly released. Anyone who has ever been through the bliss of new love will surely appreciate the bond and expressions of that love between Ayla and Jondalar. I cried out of happiness for both characters, particularly Ayla as she was lifted out of the recurring darkness her life had always been. Don't go in reading this book thinking you're going to learn all about how people were back then, go in for the story, and happen to learn a little along the way. Enjoy!Book Review: Great escape from modern life
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the Sequel from the Clan of the Cave Bear. It takes place in the Paleolithic age. Neanderthals and Cro Magnons share the earth, although not always willingly. Ayla, a young Cro Magnon woman, Has been cast out by the Neanderthal clan who had raised her. She is on a journey to find her own kind. Her travels are scary and lonely. The Author put so much reference material in the story, you can imagine Ayla searching for edible plants and hunting small game animals.
On another part of the continent, 2 young Cro Magnon Men are on a journey of their own. They meet many people along the way and learn many languages while having great adventures.
A chance meeting brings Ayla to encounter the 2 men in a tragic event that changes all of their lives.
I loved reading this book. I could relate to Ayla's feelings of loneliness. I appreciated her struggle to survive. I understood her love of animals and her insecurities about herself. This book was a great escape from the problems of modern life. I enjoyed reading about the daily struggles of a people who can appreciate a planet that has so many resources to offer. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Book Review: Does not disappoint
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the second book in the Earth's Children series and follows Ayla after her banishment from the Clan on her search for the Others and struggle for survival. The novel also follows Jondalar, a man of the others on his Journey.
I found this book as entertaining as the first and the plot didn't slow despite the lack of human characters in Ayla's years alone. There are some parts that are unrealistic such as Ayla's learning to speak so quickly so that the story can move forward, but I still felt it to be a 5 star book. Now on to the Mammoth Hunters!
Book Review: Captivating.
Summary: 5 Stars
Definitely a guilty pleasure, but pleasurable none the less. The first half (Ayla until Baby; Jondular until Thonolan's marriage) is close to the best section of the entire series. The last quarter after the two stories converge is quite fun. The third quarter isn't very good and I actually skipped it the first time I read the book (without any real loss). Worth it for the fantasy, not really for the writing or for the story itself.Book Review: The Valley of Horses
Summary: 5 Stars
The second book of The Earth Childrens Series by Jean Auel is Excellent!! Just like her other books in this series. Make sure you have a lot of time for reading because this, and the other books in this series, are impossible to put down.