The Plains of Passage

Rating:
Summary: slow moving but essential to the development of the overall
Review: This book was overstuffed with information about plants, herbs, and hunting, as if the author were cataloging her research. However, to understand the development of the overall plot in the Earth's Children series, one must slog through this. Interspersed with the minutia of Ayla's survival is the romance with Jondalar- well worth the ponderous parts of the book, and the reason for my 4 star rating!

Rating:
Summary: long awaited
Review: I have read all the earth series and have bought both hard and paperback copies. I was very disappointed after waiting so long for the 4th book to come out. I found myself skipping through long drugged out parts that were overly detailed. Then finally we got back on track of Ayla & Jondalar's journey home. The ending left me again anxiously waiting for the next book. I have to say after waiting so long and reading and rereading the series I have grown to like Plains of Passage more than in the beginning. I recommend this series to everyone I know who loves to read. I even loan out my copies, but be assured I know who has them. Can't wait till April 2002 to finally read what happens with our travelers.

Rating:
Summary: MUST READ!
Review: Everyone should try this series. All of the books in it are excellent and informative. I came across the first in the series, "Clan of the Cave bear" by pure accident. I loved it and bought the rest of the series. EXCELLENT SERIES!!! However, I have noticed children of 10 and eleven have read it. This is not something for young children due to some sexual content. Although it is done in great taste, I, a mother of two, don't think that is appropriate. For young adults and over, this series is truely fantastic. Even if you don't think you would like it, TRY IT!! I usually don't go for these types of stories, but I truely loved it. Excellently written to captivate the reader. An early man love story, but so much more. Adventure, danger, excitement, romance, survival, IT'S ALL IN THIS BOOK.

Rating:
Summary: going home
Review: After reading the three previous books, Clan of the Cave Bear, Valley of Horses, and the Mammoth Hunters, I was really looking forward to Ayla and Jondalar heading to his home territory. But the book seemed to drag and I was tired of the repeat saving of people. Finally after three fourth of the way through the book they are back on track, then it fades again until the last few chapters finally come through and it is over. I am tired of waiting for Ms. Auel to come to terms with the publisher. She should have honored the contract she had signed with the first book, or should have a better attorney to advise her in case the book was the hit that it became. However, she signed and should at least honored her promise to the publisher, and to the many fans that came to love her Ayla. Now I am not so sure I will purchase another book by this author.

Rating:
Summary: Publication date for next book
Review: I found the following note about Auel's next book. I thought it would nice to put it here:

****************

Daily News (New York) June 15, 2001, Friday LONG WAIT FOR AUTHOR'S LATEST BOOK BY PAUL D. COLFORD

It has taken Jean Auel 11 years to write "The Shelters of Stone" and readers will have to wait another year for publication of the fifth book in her enormously popular Earth's Children series, which began with "The Clan of the Cave Bear" in 1980.

Crown Publishers announced yesterday that it will release the new book around the world in May, continuing the story of Ayla, who was raised by the Clan of the Cave Bear after her family perished in an earthquake.

Auel brushed off speculation accounting for the 11-year gap between books, saying in a statement, "I do research the background extensively, and it does take some time to develop the material and work it into the story."

Rating:
Summary: It makes you want more.
Review: This book,although not at the level of her Cave book,certainly leaves you longing for more.But the power of the book comes more from the earlier books in the seires than from the book itself.Since Auel has built such a wonderfull,rich world,it is very easy to get "into" that book.It is like coming home.However,I am dissatisfied with a lack of plot in the first part of the book and with many open threads left at the end. I was thrilled to find out nomber 5 is in it's way,but I would love to hear some solid news on that book. ...

Rating:
Summary: Waiting for Book # 5
Review: The Plains of Passage was an excellent book, but 10 years is to long to wait for the next book.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyed the series, but want an end to the saga
Review: Terrific series, with obviously painstaking research. The characters are so realistically described. The problem is waiting all these years to find out if she finds her son. Is there EVER going to be a book that resolves all the questions? It's been way too long.

Rating:
Summary: BOOK 5 ON THE WAY!!!!!
Review: Yes, I loved the book, and yes I have read the entire series at least 5 times but that's not the most important news!! Book 5 comes out May 2002!!!! The Shelters of Stone manuscript is complete, 800+ pages long and will be released May 2002. ...

Rating:
Summary: Earth's Children Series
Review: Jean M. Auel's Earth's Children Series is one of the most enlightening and informational series that I have ever read. Her fully developed charactors and intimate insights coupled with vivid descriptions and seemingly unlimited information of an ancient world make for reading that can't be put down. I had started with The Valley of Horses, not knowing it was a series, and before I found the rest of the books I had read The Valley of Horses 4 times. Every time I read one of the books I learn something that I didn't before; it is like reading a new book each time!

At the end of Plains of Passage, it made reference to Auel writing a fifth book in the series. I was wondering if this was true, and if it is, has it materialized yet? If someone could give me the information on this I would be greatly appreciative! Please email me at: [e-mail]