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Summary
In this triumphant volume, the courageous Ayla and her beloved Jondalar, along with their animal friends Wolf, Whinney, and Racer, have completed their epic journey across Europe and are greeted by Jondalar's people, the Zelandonii. These people of the Ninth Cave fascinate Ayla, and in their spiritual leader - the woman who initiated Jondalar into the Gift of Pleasure - she finds a fellow healer with whom to share her knowledge. But as Ayla and Jondalar prepare for their formal mating at the Summer Meeting, there are difficulties. Not all the Zelandonii are welcoming. Some fear Ayla's unfamiliar ways and her relationship with the Clan, openly opposing her union with Jondalar. Now Ayla must call on all her wisdom and instincts to find her place in this complicated society, to prepare for the birth of her child, and to decide on the role she is to play in shaping the destiny of the Zelandonii. Fifth in the acclaimed Earth's Children® series
Listening to 'The Shelters of Stone' after the first three books was such a drag. I'm a huge fan of this story, but it felt like the book kept going in circles, saying the same things again and again. After reading the reviews, I've decided to skip the last book - I think they're onto something.
I got hooked on the first book in this series when it first came out. The story and the setting were captivating, and Auel did a fantastic job of bringing it to life. As soon as the next four books were released, I eagerly grabbed them and devoured them. When I found out that the series was available as audio books on cassette, I didn't hesitate to buy them and listen to them repeatedly over the years. Now, thanks to the service, I have the entire series again. It was definitely a worthwhile investment of both money and time. Personally, I think Sandra Burr does a great job narrating the series. My only gripe is that it's been 31 years since the release of the first book, and Auel initially promised it would be a six-book series. Finally, book six, 'Land of Painted Caves', will be hitting bookstores on March 29, 2011. I'm hoping the service will also make it available then, as I've been eagerly anticipating it for over three decades. The five books that have already been published feel more like one incredibly long book in terms of their interconnectedness. I know some people aren't fans of Auel's attention to detail, but personally, I love it. Now I'm just left wondering where Auel will take the series in the final book.
I started out enjoying the series. About halfway thru Plains of Passage I started fast forwarding to skip repeated information, and in Shelters of Stone... oh my, the book would probably be half as long if the repeats were omitted. Tedious.
The first 3 in the series had great story lines and character development. The last 3, including this one, were not up to the standard the first 3 set.
I really enjoyed her books. Even though the last 2 books , Ayla's voice is different I found it didn't change the story or her character.
I read some of the reviews on the last 2 books. A lot of them were negative mostly about Ayla's voice. I don't feel that way. I love all the books.
I got this book not knowing it was the last in a series and enjoyed it very much. I think the reason I liked it was because all the "catching up" that was done in this book was new to me.
Since I ALWAYS love Jean Auel (and have read this book in print) I am probably biased but I find her novels to be thought provoking and extremely addictive. Once I start, I don't want to stop until the last chapter is done! I slight problem since most of her books are marathoners...
I did read this book when it first came out and I too thought it was on the boring side compared with the previous three. Listening to it instead of reading it made it way, way better. I'm really enjoying it.
I have read the other reviews and while I appreciate their comments, I want the person who is just picking up this audiobook to understand that the entire earth children's series is wonderful. While this book does reiterate much of the previous 4 books, it has a bit of magic all its own. So, if you are just starting to read the series with this book, please feel confident that you will have the gist of the story adequately.
Jean is a master storyteller to be sure. Her work has been extensively researched and given careful literary license, has woven an incredible story. Her insights into human nature are artfully discussed and there is no doubt that our very early breathern on this planet felt feelings much the way we feel them today.
Again, this is a carefully crafted work and we meet up with our heroine, Ayla, as she is introduced to the people of her paramour, Jondalar. Her acceptance into the 9th cave of the Zelandonii cave is frought with challenges.
I enjoy all of Ms Auel's books. I have always been fascinated by the pains she takes in her research. She tends to go overboard with her graphic and meticulous descriptions of sexual encounters and every day surroundings. In my opinion it gets in the way of the story.
This wasn't as good as the previous books. Over kill on the sex scenes. The Narrator is fantastic but I didn't like that Ayla suddenly had a different accent than the previous books. I found it annoying. One really needs to listen or read to the books in sequence.
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