Jean Auel is at her very best in this superbly rendered creation of a prehistoric society. A triumphant continuation of the Earth’s  Children Saga that began with The Clan of the Cave Bear, it tells a sweeping story of love and danger, complete with all the wonderful detail-based on meticulous research-that makes Auel’s novels unique.
 
Ayla and 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 female spiritual leader- who initiated Jondalar into the Gift of Pleasure- she meets a fellow healer with whom to share her knowledge and skills.
 
But asAyla 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, opening opposing her mating with jondalar.  Now this complicated society, to prepare for the birth of her child, and to decide whether she will accept new challenges and play a significant role in the destiny of the Zelandonii.