Laws of Nature

Dawn of Humanity #2

by Jacqui Murray

A boy blinded by fire. A woman raised by wolves. An avowed enemy offers help. In this second in the Dawn of Humanity trilogy, the first trilogy in the Man vs. Nature saga, Lucy and her eclectic group escape the treacherous tribe that has been hunting them and find a safe haven in the famous Wonderwerk caves in South Africa, the oldest known occupation of caves by humans. They don’t have clothing, fire, or weapons, but the caves keep them warm and food is plentiful. Circumstances make it clear that they can't stay, not with the rest of her tribe enslaved by the treacherous enemy. To free them requires not only the prodigious skills of Lucy's unique group--which includes a proto-wolf and a female raised by the pack--but others who have no reason to assist her and instinct tells Lucy she shouldn't trust. Set 1.8 million years ago in Africa, Lucy and her band of early humans struggle against the harsh reality of a world ruled by nature, where predators stalk them and a violent new species of man threatens to destroy their world. Only by changing can they prevail. If you ever wondered how earliest man survived but couldn’t get through the academic discussions, this book is for you. Prepare to see this violent and beautiful world in a way you never imagined.

Genres: Prehistoric, Historical Fiction

307 pages, Paperback

Published July 3, 2021

About the author

I'm a teacher, writer, mom and dog-lover. I'm the author of a self-help book for teens called Building a Midshipman, the story of my daughter's journey from high school to the United States Naval Academy as well as the Rowe-Delamagente series, thrillers about terrorists, geeks, and world-ending dangers. As a break from non-stop thrills, I write the Man vs. Nature series which follows early humans as they struggle to survive a world where Nature is King and they are nothing more than prey.

I'm also an adjunct professor in tech ed, editor of a K-18 technology curriculum and over one hundred technology training books for K-12, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for TeachHUB, monthly contributor to Today’s Author and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find my books at my publisher’s website, Structured Learning.

Currently, I'm working on the trilogy Crossroads, next in the Man vs. Nature collection, which should be out next Spring.

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

For several years I’ve been a follower of Jacqui Murray’s successful blog. Not only is she a brilliant writer, but she’s an excellent teacher which makes her the perfect person to write prehistoric fiction. Murray is the most meticulous researcher I’ve ever known. She utilizes this skill to bring her characters to life in her latest adventure Laws of Nature which tells the story of Lucy as she searches for a safe home. Lucy's strength is admirable. If you're like me, you’ll find yourself cheering her on. This book picks up where Born in a Treacherous Time left off, so I suggest you read that book first. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy action-packed man versus nature stories.

[Sandra Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

LAWS OF NATURE by Jacqui Murray
Once again Jacqui Murray creates an epic prehistoric adventure.
Murray’s novels are always filled with a plethora of facts about prehistoric man. What they ate. How they hunted. How they communicated. And how they survived. I can’t begin to fathom the amount of time that goes into researching the worlds she creates. What strikes me the most about her stories is how people—and animals—from different cultures learn to live together. Come together. And form a pack. It’s a wonderful lesson in today’s tempestuous times.
This particular series is about Lucy. A Homo habilis female who takes her place among the men to step up and lead her pack. She does so with both strength and gentleness and earns the respect and loyalty from everyone that follows her.
If you happen to be looking for a book that reaches into the past, has a strong, fearless female, this series is for you. So grab your coffee, put your feet up and prepare to enjoy.

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series a while ago, and it was great to travel back in time again (1.8 million years to be exact). I couldn’t wait to catch up with Lucy and her group of primitive humans. This book starts where the last left off, so I’d recommend beginning the series with book one, Born in a Treacherous Time, which blew me away, btw.

What I’ve enjoy most about Murray’s prehistoric fiction has been consistent across her trilogies—the way she brings the time period to life with some meticulous research and well-educated guessing. The characters and their lives are fictional, but the primordial setting, the prehistoric human and animal species, migration patterns, and anthropological details about life had me fascinated.

The plot of this installment isn’t complicated. Lucy and her small group of “Man-who-makes-tools” are searching for a home-base after their larger group was attacked by “Man-who-preys.” They face natures challenges in a number of forms: freezing tempertures, seismic Earth changes, treacherous landscapes, animal predators, aggressive tribes, thirst and hunger. Survival is a daily struggle.

The story is primarily in Lucy’s point of view, but there are two parallel tracks told by other characters: Ahnda, a subadult from Lucy’s original group who has escaped captivity, and Xha, one of the “Man-who-preys” who is tracking Lucy as she searches for a safe home. A later addition to the pov characters is a female named Wild who was raised by the large canines (Canus) of the time.

One of the clever aspects of the storytelling is the way Murray’s characters view, think about, and describe their world without a scientific and conceptual understanding of what they’re seeing. Naming, as you might have noticed in this review, is descriptive based on what is observed and learned through experience. Details such as these are immersive.

Book Two comes to a partial conclusion, but the books aren’t standalone reads, and the hunt for a home-base continues. Highly recommended to readers of prehistoric fiction who enjoy man versus nature stories and descriptive details that transport a reader back in time. (I received an ARC from the author without expectation of a review.)

[Chris Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book even more than the first in Jacqui Murray's Dawn of Humanity trilogy. This new chapter in the story of Lucy and her eclectic little tribe picks up straight after the first left off and the reader is swept back to the prehistoric past where life is an ongoing set of challenges to be faced in the search for food and water, shelter and safety.

Lucy's little band are travelling south through Africa in search of a new home base, encountering new terrain, harsh and freezing weather and the continuing threat of attack from other tribes and animals. The meticulous research undertaken by the author makes for an utterly believable prehistorical world, from the descriptions of the long-extinct inhabitants, to the ways in which the characters communicate and interact, each bringing their own skills and strengths to Lucy's team. The characters are so well-drawn that the reader becomes truly invested in them, and there are many heart-in-the-mouth moments for each of them along the way.

The book ends, but the story continues into the final part of the trilogy. I really can't wait to read it!

Highly recommended. If you haven't read prehistorical fiction before, I urge you to try it. This author's skillful story-telling will have you hooked.

[Cathleen Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy is a homo hobilis—a young woman who doesn’t know how to make fire or warm clothing, and something as complicated as a wheel would be completely beyond her ken. Yet she is strong enough to face daily challenges that would bring most modern people to their knees, to cope in a world where a people can end up dying because they sprained their leg or fell from a tree. Where other humans are predators, especially homo sapiens, aka Man-Who-Preys.

Lucy may be primitive, but she’s not dumb. One wry realization of hers really stuck with me: My kind dislikes change, yet it fills my life. Reading that, it’s very easy to believe that nothing truly important has changed in all this time.

As Lucy struggles to keep her small band of humans (plus wolf) alive, she discovers she has another element to juggle in addition to the cold and the constant struggle to keep everyone’s belly filled. A Man-Who-Preys is tracking them. And all their kind has ever wanted is their captivity or destruction…

***

Laws of Nature is a book 2, and I strongly recommend picking up book 1, Born in a Treacherous Time, first. Both of them together form a fascinating character study, richly imagined and meticulously researched. If you enjoy prehistoric fiction, Ms. Murray’s work should definitely fit the bill.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laws of Nature, book 2 in the Dawn of Humanity series, is another gripping read by Murray. The author excels at bringing prehistoric tribes and animals to life, and the amount of research she does is impressive.

Lucy is an engaging protagonist, and each member of her tribe, no matter their species, has an equally dimensional personality, making the reader all the more vested in their outcomes as the characters’ make their way through hostile lands. It’s a riveting page-turner, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Robbie Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very interested in pre-history and have visited the Cradle of Mankind, Sterkfontein Caves, and Maropeng exhibition several times as well as the paleontology department at the University of the Witwatersrand. As a result, I have a good knowledge of the time period in which this series is set, and how humanity lived, hunted and created tools. I have also read the Earth Children series of books by Jean M. Auel. When I came across the Dawn of Humanity series by Ms. Murray, I knew I had to read it.

I have not been disappointed by this, or any of Ms. Murray's other pre-historical books. The attention to detail and research is impeccable and I not found any errors relating to the theories and research findings of the period. I particularly appreciate the authenticity of these books which I have not experienced to the same degree in the other pre-historical novels I have read.

Laws of Nature picks up where book 1 left off with Lucy and her small tribe of diverse members and personalities trying to find a new and safer home after their larger tribe was attacked and many members taken prisoner.

Lucy is of the Man Who Makes Tools tribe, a peace loving race of 'uprights' who prefer to live in harmony with the land and the animals which populate it. The advent of Man Who Preys, a more aggressive race of 'uprights' who attack and kill other tribes and also animals, has forced Lucy and many of her fellow tribesmen to flee to save their lives and reestablish their peaceable lifestyles somewhere else.

I enjoyed Lucy's travel companions: Ump the Canis, Boah the Tree-Man, Garv, Lucy's soul-mate, and Voi, Lucy's son. My favourite, other than Lucy who represents a strong and innovative woman and leader, was Boah. He is a good natured and peaceable man with certain limitations that he tries hard to overcome in order to be useful to his small tribe.

The captured half of Lucy's tribe are also determined to escape and find Lucy. There is also another man, an enemy of Man Who Makes Tools, who is seeking Lucy for his own purposes. The story is told from each of the three perspectives, Lucy's tribe, the escapees, and the tracker, as it follows each of these primary story threads.

A superbly researched and exciting book with a fascinating pre-historical setting that will not disappoint.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book of “Dawn of Humanity” and had been eager to read this story. This engaging read followed two groups, split apart in the last book, trying to find each other. The most interesting was the character following these two groups and the one who joined up with him. When reading, I was completely drawn into the story down to saying “ick” when they ate their raw meat or sucked the marrow out of a bone. The attention to detail and amount of research is amazing, including how they communicated, groomed, interacted, and traveled. Lucy’s group shows an inclusion that is inspiring and relevant, especially in modern times. I appreciated a strong female character who applied logic to dangerous situations. I can’t wait for the next book and highly recommend “Laws of Nature!”

[Terri Schrandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy and her scrappy band of primeval humans and Ump the Canis are back in this second tale, told from three perspectives. Murray brings our shadowy ancestors to life in Lucy as she and her outcast band tackle life in Africa 1.8 million years ago. Definitely read Born in a Treacherous Time, first in the series. The cliffhanger in this second tale will have you begging Ms. Murray to write the third installment. Once again, Lucy has my heart!

[Balroop Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laws of Nature (Dawn of Humanity Book 2) continues the story of Lucy and it is better to start with Book 1 - ‘Born in a Treacherous Time’ to understand the challenges in the journey of primeval humans. Most of their time was spent in finding food and safety from other tribes and animals. Prehistoric fiction is intriguing and in the hands of Jacqui, it becomes convincing as well as enlightening. Her meticulous search shines through all her books. She shows the life of people of those times through fictional characters who handled all their problems with immense hope.

Lucy’s mission is the search for a home base. She has to deal with predators; earth changes, freezing temperatures, harsh weather and difficult terrain. Her tribe has been decimated and she could sense that she is being followed but her determination is admirable. Xhosa from the ‘Crossroads Trilogy’ makes an appearance in her dreams to guide and boost her confidence. She promises change would come soon and makes Lucy promise she wouldn’t quit. Packed with action and a new challenge at each step, this book is uniquely different from usual thrillers.

[Anneli Purchase · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book of the Dawn of Humanity series, it’s hard for us to imagine how early man was able to exist on this earth 1.8 million years ago. They barely had more than the crude tools they were able to fashion from stone or sticks. And yet, they lived in constant danger from the elements and predators. These predators might have been giant sabretooths and other large cats, tiny poisonous insects, or even other groups of humans. The earth was still in its formative stages, with volcanic eruptions and wildfires and earthquakes. Faced with all these challenges, Lucy and her tribe had to keep moving to find shelter from harsh weather systems, and at the same time find food for themselves without becoming food for their predators. Even the safety of a cave can become a trap.
Lucy’s story is filled with anxious moments as she tries to lead her group on a quest for a safe haven, with the ultimate goal of freeing the rest of their group who had been taken prisoner by a tribe that kills indiscriminately.
The story is beautifully written, taking us from one challenge to another, all the while showing us the strengths and weaknesses of various tribe members. The interaction among the group members adds to the tension as the group faces many dangers.
Laws of Nature is not just a history of “what it was like back then.” It is a story that brings the reader into the group as if they are a part of the greater family and in this way they care what happens next, all the way through the book. I can’t wait to read the third book in this series. I highly recommend this book. It’s better than watching a great movie.

[Colleen Chesebro · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the “Laws of Nature” we continue to follow Lucy, the Homo Habilis female, her pre-historic canine, named Ump, and her tribe as they migrate across Africa. Survival is a major concern. The tribe battles sabertooth tigers, various creatures, and other tribes, including Man Who Preys. The clever Lucy always helps the tribe survive.

One of Lucy’s companions was Ump, a large pre-historic dog. Their relationship intrigued me. I especially liked how Murray emphasized the teamwork between the two creatures when hunting for food. Lucy and Ump communicated with body language. I’ve done this with my own dogs, including my cats.

By now, I’m emotionally connected to these characters. Lucy has started her own pack, including Boah—a young Tree Man, Ump the canine, Garv, who is a humanoid, Voi—who is Lucy and Garv’s son, and Wild—a humanoid female raised by canines. There is also a humanoid from the Man Who Preys tribe, called Xha, who wants to be part of this caring group of creatures. He’s rejected his own kind because of their cruelty toward others.

This second novel is action packed and full of obstacles for this unusual cast of characters. I think I loved the second novel as much as or more than the first book. Murray’s characters are full of surprises!

[Sally Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book in this trilogy in 2018 and eagerly awaited book two. The author does set the scene for this second book, but I do recommend that you read Born in Treacherous Time first.

Difficult to extol the virtues of this book without giving away spoilers, but I can tell you it is an extraordinary story of survival under the most extreme conditions the earth was experiencing 1.8 million years ago. Unpredictable is putting it mildly, with earth shifts, bitter cold, droughts, floods with violent storms with lightening splintering the ground and causing rampant fires. Shelter is a rarity from the elements and when it is discovered it holds even more dangers within.

This is not a fantasy story, as it is about the real and dangerous evolutionary journey of not just man, but many of the world’s beast that we are more familiar with today. It is a time where there are a number of versions of humans, some who are more advanced than others, but even they marvel when they come into contact with those they consider more primitive. Despite this early stage in man’s evolution, natural and instinctive skills have already been lost, and it is the respect for these abilities that spark the fascination of ‘Man who Preys’ a long term enemy.

Lucy and her group have members gathered along the harsh journey who have found themselves outcast or abandoned during shifts in the earth or extreme climate conditions. They are a mismatched mix of species who learn from each other and adapt to form an unbreakable bond.There are whispers of how the individuals will evolve into modern day counterparts such big cats and primates but also sadly those that have become extinct.

The author writes flawlessly and takes you on a journey into our past with detailed accounts of this harsh environment and its inhabitants. It is an adventure with heartbreak and also moments when you can only applaud the ingenuity and the will to survive of these primitive ancestors of ours. It certainly leaves you will a greater appreciation of all we have in this modern world.

I hope you will read both book one and two of this trilogy and I am looking forward to following Lucy and her group as they continue their journey in book 3.

[Alex Craigie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a child, I loved Enid Blyton’s books and couldn’t wait to borrow the next in the series. I outgrew them and moved on. To my surprise, this series by Jacqui Murray about our prehistoric ancestors has instilled that same engagement and I’m already nearly halfway through the third in this trilogy and have broken off to write this review of the second book.
Lucy (Homo Habilis) isn’t wanted by her tribe and leaves to make her own way in a violent and changing world. Her acceptance of disparate stragglers into her new group, including Tree-Man and Canis, point to her wisdom. Homo Erectus is dominating the landscape, but one of them, Xha, is fascinated by Lucy and secretly studies her. What he learns is that the combined, perceived weaknesses of this group are also their strengths. Each different member brings something of value and is valued. Decisions are not made by one person, but considered by them all.
Lucy is curious, brave, resourceful and intelligent. She knows how to heal through natural remedies, and is resolved to adapt and learn new skills to increase the chances of survival.
The first book introduced me to others that Lucy lived with. In the second book, a group of these is struggling to meet up with her again, but the journey is beset by danger and treachery. Whenever one of those I’d come to admire died, the feeling of loss was very real.
I’m going back to the third book now. I have to know what happens next.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second installment of the Dawn of Humanity trilogy, Lucy and her small pack are trying to find a new home while staying far away from enemies. They must also constantly look for food, water, and safe places to sleep. Torrential rains and flash flooding, not to mention the freezing temperatures at night, make their lives even more perilous. Lucy’s also being stalked, although she’s not sure by whom, which ramps up the tension and the potential for catastrophe.

Lucy is an intelligent, resourceful, and compassionate heroine. The author’s detailed descriptions of landscapes and animals in East and South Africa are so vivid I felt like I was there. The story is told from different POVs, Lucy’s, her stalker’s, and from a former tribe member who’s trying desperately to catch up with her. It’s a compelling read in this intriguing series.

[Pat Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laws of Nature, Book 2 of the Dawn of Humanity series, is a fascinating read.

I enjoy fictional writings in which, not only am I entertained, but I learn new things. Jacqui Murray delivers on both accounts.

Murray is skilled in creating visuals and personalities that are so strong, I feel as if I am a member of Lucy’s tribe. I feel the tension when Lucy is at risk and sigh with relief when she overcomes the dangers of survival in her primitive world.

I highly recommend Laws of Nature. Pat Spencer, author of Story of a Stolen Girl

[Nancy Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often read historical fiction and so enjoyed this story. It is set earlier than most in this genre and the main character is based on the real fossil of Lucy, found in 1974 in Africa. It inspired me to learn more about the evolution of man and where hominins fit. I just wish there was more than two books in the series, I feel Lucy had so much more to teach me!

[Jane Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hoping for a book 3

I am enjoying this series and hope to read more of Lucy and her tribe. I'm also hoping to read more of Costa as well. The characters are well described and seem credible as a glimpse of our origins. And I find that enticing.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plodding at times, overall good story.

Less time spent walking about, more time befriending animals and other species. More time gaining their trust and communication skills. Acting on premonitions/visions would be a nice addition.

[Catherine Zawacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t write with hand signals

Very interesting read. Gave me some insight into what is was like being an early human. Life was very short at that time. The things they had to eat were disgusting to the modern palate.

[CHRISTINE HARDING · Rating 5 out of 5]

I GAVE THIS BOOK 5 STARS BECAUSE I LOVED IT. LUCY AND HER BAND ARE INGENIOUS. They always find a way to fix it or kill it etc.Loved the writing style .

[Norm S · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Lucy and her group search for a new home base taking them many miles. Another group escape their captors and search for Lucy's group lots of problems face both.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

On one hand. every day is the same for these very early humans. On the other hand, this tale totally captured my attention.