The Valley of Horses, Part 1 of 2

Earth's Children #2 part 1/2

by Jean M. Auel, Donada Peters (Narrator)

Part One Of Two Parts

In this second novel of the Earth's Children saga, Ayla, the unforgettable heroine of THE CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR, sets out solo into a world far from friendly.

She is in search of others like herself...and in search of love.

Driven by energies she scarcely understands, she explores where the clan never dared to travel.

In a hidden valley, she finds not only a herd of steppe horses, but also a unique kinship with animals as vulnerable as herself.

Still, nothing prepares her for the emotional turmoil she feels when she rescues a young man, Jondalar -- the first of the Others she has seen -- from almost certain death.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy

Audio Cassette

Published June 10, 1986

About the author

Jean Marie Auel is an American writer who wrote the Earth's Children books, a series of novels set in prehistoric Europe that explores human activities during this time, and touches on the interactions of Cro-Magnon people with Neanderthals. Her books have sold more than 45 million copies worldwide.

Reviews

[Suzanne Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great example of historical fiction that draws you in and keeps you engaged. The characters are so alive with great personalities complete with strengths and foibles. The narrative provides information on the time period, scenery, insights into the two main character’s emotions, insecurities, and motivations. The storyline flows smoothly and quickly filled with twists and turns, action, romance and emotional drama. This is a wonderful series.

[Annabel Yablonsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Kitty Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have found that Jean Auel has been instrumental in helping me to appreciate the pre-history that pre dated our Native American tribes. In fact this book takes place, I believe, on the European continent. His fiction based on archaeological findings is presented in such a way that you never know you are learning something very important. All of Jean's books are that way and I value every one. I have tried to read every one of Jean's books and have come away with a better knowledge of history and pre history than I ever learned in school with little or no pain of boredom whatsoever. I only wish to emulate Jean's excellent style in my own books. Kitty Sutton

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little too much flint knapping—my eyes glazed over at those parts, but I can tell the author researched and enjoyed describing it—and a little too romance-novelish toward the end, but a captivating read. Auel holds out so long before letting Ayla and Jondalar meet. But a valley with horses: yes! Rearing a colt AND a lion cub: yes yes! The foreshadowing, started in Clan of the Cave Bear and repeated here, of how Ayla will be the bridge between two very different types of humans, is appreciated and will keep me reading through this series. The Mammoth Hunters is waiting at the library for me! (And I had planned on reading only the first book in the series!)

[Ann Panah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the imagination the author used to come up with this story. To imagine how a caveman (or cave woman) would act and why is very wonderful and enjoyable to read. I can tell she did a lot of research into the tools that used and then projected that to how they would act.
I loved the 'love story' in this book of the series.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book was like a fairy tale, I was captivated! Like the first in the series, there is no real ending; it is like a tv season end cliff hanger and I am hooked again, will go on to book three.

[Rubab Mirza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful wonderful book. I can sing its praises till Kingdom come. I fell in love with Ayla and Jondalar. The book ,it's description of the life in Stone Age is beyond comparison . How Ayla strives to survive and manages to stay human is amazing.

[Nathaly Henriquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little long but really good. Love Ayla and the way she understands nature. The only thing that make suffer are the parts where they hun animals to eat since I'm a vegetarian. Silly, I know... But excellent book!

[Olga Ryparová · Rating 5 out of 5]

Má nejoblíbenější sága z dětství, četla jsem ji celkově 2x.

[Irene Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect to or even want to like this book. But I did. Good story and interesting characters. I will read the rest of the series.

[Jesse Eschweiler · Rating 4 out of 5]

was a rather good book but only for the second half did it truly captivate me

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! I love Ayla independence and her meeting Jondalar. re-reading the series so it is fresh in my mind when book 6 comes outs

[Wanda Schultz]

A little long, but there were no lulls in it. It kept you wanting to read more.

[Astrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was younger, so it is really nostalgic to reread this series. Ayla is my heroine! :-)

[Theresa Salyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

3rd time re reading this great series

[Laurie Stoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book.