Hi all. I just finished The Mammoth Hunters, otherwise known as the sequel to the sequel of Clan of the Cave Bear and feel so overwhelmingly torn. Clan of the Cave Bear was absolutely the best of the books, and such a unique reading experience. It pulled me right in, and had such a wonderful standalone story. Valley of the Horses was not as good, but I still felt had a touching story about Ayla's survival. Now I have finished Mammoth Hunters and am disappointed. Is there any worse addition to a series than Jondalar aka Dickular?
So much of the plot was ruined by a love triangle, and honestly Jondalar's entire story arc (O Doni!). To me, the series was truly about Ayla exploring her independence, and maybe becoming a better medicine woman. To pair her with such a vapid and self absorbed character as Jondalar is a bizarre choice to me. I have also never read a book so hindered by its own sex scenes. At least 1/4 of The Mammoth Hunters could have been edited down.(I didnt need to hear about mounds being pulled apart, or how Ayla was so cavernous she could fit Jondalar's intimidating member.)
Still, I came out of this book with a bit of a sentimental feeling. I still cant help but love the Ayla (Mary Sue she may be), and characters like Whinney and Racer, Rydag, Mamut, etc. I love reading about how life might have been back then, even if Auel gets a little long winded. These books still have a place in my heart. I am wondering if there is a point to continue to Plains of Passage for these reasons? This book could have been better, but I cant say I did not enjoy it.
by whimsical_potatoes
1 Comment
the sex scenes in mammoth hunters were absolutely brutal – like we get it jean, they’re really into each other but did we need a full anatomy lesson every time? jondalar really does derail what could’ve been an amazing character study of ayla figuring out her place in teh world.
plains of passage is… rough. it’s mostly just them traveling and more of jondalar being insufferable, but if you’re invested in seeing where ayla ends up it might be worth pushing through. just maybe skim the “pleasures” parts unless you want your eyes to bleed.