A review by henry_wallison
The Mammoth Hunters by Jean M. Auel

5.0

This book felt close to recapturing the magic of the first book. I honestly enjoyed being introduced to the new cast of characters and felt that their chemistry worked well. There were aspects of the story that I did not enjoy, such as

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the love triangle between Jondalar and Ranec

, and I felt I needed to exercise a suspension of disbelief when

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Ayla discovers seemingly countless species-changing ways to do things, such as taking in wolves and the invention of the sewing needle, but much of this was compounded by her innovations in the first book, especially her horses and travois, and her "firestones"

. However, none of these complaints detract from the constant feelings of elation this book created with each triumphant moment it built to. I cannot bring myself to give this book four stars, it was simply too much fun to read.