Jerelyn H. (I-F-Letty) - reviewed on 1/3/2011 + 73 more book reviews

This is the second book in the saga of The Children of the Earth, I was warned that I would end up reading them all when I started Clan of the Cave Bear one of my 2011 reading challenge books.

The Valley of Horses, it the continuing story of Ayla, the Cro Magnon child raise then cast out by the Neanderthals after her protectors have died. Leaving behind her child she takes all the skills she has learned and sets out on a trek to find "the others" who her Neanderthal foster Mother told her where to the north. She has the skills to survive and to thrive, but how do you survive loneliness?

In Valley Of Horses the character of Jondalar is introduced, he and his younger brother have set out on a journey to see what lies at the end of the Mother river. Jondalar is the Cro Magnon equivalent of Brad Pitt, and on his trek east leaves many a satisfied woman in his wake.

The book moves back and forth between the two until they are finally brought together by tragedy. Jondalar is near death when Alya finds and saves him. Has he finally found the woman that he can love? Is Jondalar Ayla's mate? She certainly hopes so though she has had her mare Whinney and her cave lion Baby for company she is so lonely! Ya think? After 3 years living alone she fears he will leave her. Ayla's insecurities plague her, almost to much, but it is a testament to Auel's writing that you can get over some of the silliness. Auel's research and commitment to learning all that she could about our early ancestors is truly astounding. I really cared about these characters, and have the third book the Mammoth Hunters ready to read. 4 out of 5 stars.

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