Agon, a powerful ancient warrior, his beloved Eena, and their children become the targets of Ka, an evil shaman, and his vengeful offspring, in a historical saga set against the backdrop of the end of the last Ice Age in prehistoric Eurasia. 75,000 first printing.
I didn't like this book, but I hate giving up on things, so I read it the entire way through. The characters seemed very one-dimensional. It bothered me that Mr Dann tried to write in a stereotypically caveman sort of way - very short sentences, not always grammatically correct, etc. It struck me as somewhat insulting and unimaginative. I understand trying to infuse the dialog and characters with mystery and magic, since prehistoric peoples wouldn't necessarily have understood scientific things, but in the third part of the book I felt that was taken too far.
At first Song of the Axe started off in a promising note, but it devolved into nonstop violence. Normally, I can handle violence in books, but not this time.
I've been jonesing for another Clan of the Cave Bear type-book. And that is just what this is, almost to the point of being a total knock-off.
This being said, the original point of inspiration, is a solid one. The action and the writing in the book was quick (if somewhat redundant). It was a fast, enjoyable read, which is what I was looking for.
This looks like fantasy fiction,but it is not. It is actually pre-historic fiction, highly researched to portray historical, geological and cultural accuracy. If you like anthropology, mythology, folklore, religious history and art history you'll like this even if you don't typically read prehistoric fiction.
Covers more than one generation. The love between the main characters Eana and Agon is so sweet and epic. The things he does for her are so romantic. I like how they claim they are not just mates but husband and wife. Really really great read!
I wavered between 3 and 4. 3 because it had quite a bit of 'magic' in it which I don't normally like. 4 because it was so well written and I did enjoy the book.