The fifth novel in the Earth's Children series, Jean M. Auel's internationally bestselling reconstruction of pre-historic life, when two kinds of human beings, Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon, shared the earth.

Ayla and Jondalar have reached home: the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, the old stone age settlement in the region known today as south-west France.

Ayla has much to learn from the Zelandonii as well as much to teach them. Jondalar's family are initially wary of the beautiful young woman he has brought back, with her strange accent and her tame wolf and horses. She is delighted when she meets Zelandoni, the spiritual leader of her people, a fellow healer with whom she can share her medicinal skills.

After the rigours and dangers that have characterised her extraordinary life, Ayla yearns for peace and tranquility; to be Jondalar's mate and to have children. But her unique spiritual gifts cannot be ignored, and even as she gives birth to their eagerly-awaited child, she is coming to accept that she has a greater role to play in the destiny of the Zelandonii.

Set 25,000 years in the past, yet utterly relatable today, The Shelters of Stone is an epic tale of love, identity and the struggle to survive, rich in detail of language, culture, myth and ritual.

Praise for Jean M. Auel

'Beautiful, exciting, imaginative' New York Times

'A major bestseller . . . A remarkable work of imagination' Daily Express

The prequel to what will be the publishing event of the year: the final volume of Jean M. Auel's six-book series, The Land of Painted Caves

About the Author
Jean M. Auel is one of the world's most esteemed and beloved authors. Her extensive factual research has earned her the respect of renowned scientists, archaeologists and anthropologists around the globe, culminating in her being made an Officer of the Order of Arts & Letters by the French Minister of Culture and Communication in 2008.

Reviews
Jean Auel's greatest achievement is to have created a plausible primeval community where men and women love and sometimes hate, and learn to survive in a harsh environment that demands rules and co-operation. * Daily Express *
Meticulously researched . . . fascinating . . . course-by-course menus for Upper Paleolithic blow-outs . . . that Joanne Harris might envy. Jean Auel is as remarkable a figure as J R R Tolkien. * Independent Magazine *
Jean M. Auel has meticulously researched her subject and this latest book should continue the huge success of the series. * Hello *
As always, Auel has meticulously researched her prehistoric subject and this latest offering is a triumphant continuation of the saga. * Irish News (Belfast) *
Massive in scope * Daily Mirror *
Impeccable research makes this much more than a fantasy reconstruction of prehistoric life. * Daily Express *
Bursting with hard information about ancient days and awash in steamy sex . . . Auel's latest will not only please her legions of fans but will hit the top of the list, pronto. * Publishers Weekly *
Enthralling, exciting and impossible to put down. * York Evening Press *
A rewarding read. A brilliant work of imagination * Good Book Guide *



Book Information
ISBN 9781444713145
Author Jean M. Auel
Format Paperback
Page Count 800
Imprint Hodder & Stoughton
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
Weight(grams) 544g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 132mm * 37mm