CUSTOMER REVIEWS - An Open Forum Number of Reviews: 47 Average Rating: 5 stars A reviewer, April 29, 2002, what a wonderful writer although I have not read the new book,as an avid reader,The earth children books are the greatest ever written. I am so glad that we finally get to see what happens to ayla and jondular. welcome back Jean auel Also recommended: the clan of the cave bear, mammouth hunter,plains of passage Ruby (ruby@danebytes.com), April 29, 2002, Finally. 12 years is a very long time to wait. But wait i do because of the storyline. I will always buy her books. Also recommended: .....Less fauna, more action and much more realistic. Don't miss this author! First Americans Saga Series by William Sarabande (12 Books !) Beyond The Sea Of Ice-Corridor of Storms-Walkers Of The Wind-Sacred Stones-The Edge of the World-Spirit Moon Sharon Moore, April 29, 2002, I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES WHEN I SAW THE TITLE AND AUTHOR I have read all the previous books. I seemed to develop a personal close relationship with Ayla and her friends and family. I am excited to see another book coming out and hopefully another to follow (but not 12 years later)!! Also recommended: All of the previous books!! A reviewer, lucky enough to get his book early!, April 29, 2002, Even Better than Mammoth Hunters and Plains I received an uncorrected proof of The Shelters of Stone, and I can tell you that Jean Auel has delivered with this latest novel in the Earth's Children series. I enjoyed it more than any of her books since The Valley of Horses (although they are all excellent). Ayla and Jondalar have arrived at the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, and it has a culture that is far more advanced than any other culture introduced in the previous books. Among other things, these people have developed the art of cave painting, and a fictional account of Font de Gaume and Lascaux cave are developed. Even without any foreknowledge of these amazing places, you will be fascinated by the descriptions and the characters that are presented. Of course, not everything goes smoothly for Ayla in her new home, beginning from the first page where the Zelandonii are not quite sure what to think of two horses and a wolf under human control. I was surprised how things turned out; it didn't go how I expected at all, and maybe I would have liked things to be a bit different, but all in all I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Does anybody know when the next book is coming out? Also recommended: The Clan of the Cave Bear; Robert Heinlein's 'A Stranger in a Strange Land'; Isaac Asimov's 'Foundation' series. Samantha (LittlGen@aol.com), a book worm to the extreme!!, April 26, 2002, Shelters of Stone Review I have been reading the Earth's Children books since my friend got me hooked on them 5 years ago. I have read, re-read, and re-read them again over and over. I absolutaly love them and from what I have read of this new book it is going to be just a wonderful as the first four book. I am so happy it is finaly coming out! Also recommended: Clan of the Cave Bear, Valley of the Horses, Mamoth Hunters, Plains of Passage. I also have enjoyed the Anne McCaffery books Laura (ljoyc@aol.com), April 26, 2002, Welcome Home Ayla and Jondolar I started reading the Earth Children series when I was in my last year of high school. All through college I re-read the series in between my studies. Ayla touched my soul so deeply I often dreamed I was her, living in the caves in her valley. When Plains of Passage came out in 1990 I was a newlywed just beginning my journey into adulthood and my new home--just like Ayla. I was so excited to read she was pregnant at the end of the last book. Now, leap ahead 12 years, I'm still married, have 2 young kids and just as eager to read about Ayla's journey to her new home and family. April 30th cannot come soon enough! Also recommended: The Earth Children Series Louise (louiseaw_99@yahoo.com), , April 25, 2002, One of the best authors of all time!! I can't believe that it's almost here. Of course I've already pre-ordered a copy. I read book one over 12 years ago and am still fascinated by all of her books. I don't think that there has been another series, by any author, that has fascinated me this much. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful work. Also recommended: I recommend all of her books A reviewer, April 25, 2002, I love this! I love this collection and am always surprised that is so well liked. Also recommended: The Second Coming Of Age - by: Vedrine A reviewer (user@jhughes3.fsnet.co.uk), lover of good books, April 25, 2002, At Long Last I have been a fan since a friend recommend the books to me in 1986 at that time i had just bought the third. I had to wait 7 years for no 4 and this one 11 years but it will be worth the wait. i have reread the other 4 countless times I have even replaced the first the paperbacks with hardbacks. thank Jean M Auel. please do not make us wait so long for no6 as it is like putting a book down in the middle and not being able to finnish it. Also recommended: the books of the patricia keenally-morrison Judy King, an avid reader., April 25, 2002, Ayla is home. I am already hooked on this book just from reading the first chapter! Ms. Auel's descriptions of the life as it could have been has been fascinating throughout all her books. The adventures of Ayla are informative and exciting. Thank you for the opportunity to read the series! Also recommended: All of the Jean Auel series. A reviewer, a stay at home mom, April 25, 2002, Finally Here!! I am so excited for the 5th book to come out. I've read the first chapter and just love how I fell right back into the story. Mrs. Auel writes so well that I never feel like I'm reading, I'm just enjoying the scenes play out in front of me. I'm waiting patiently for April 30th!! Also recommended: All of The Earth's Children Series A reviewer (corigonz@yahoo.com), a voracious reader from San Juan, April 24, 2002, Just can't believe it !!! As I browsed in the Coming Soon section the first title was Shelters of Stone. After a wonderful experience this year with Lord of the Rings at the movies (I've seen it 4 times) I now look forward to the next adventures of Ayla and Jondalar. I have returned to her story so many times and it's always new. I'll be the first to read it in Puerto Rico as soon as it gets in! Also recommended: Morgan's Run By Colleen McCollough about the colonization of Australia and it will also have sequels. Tammy (azscooby72@hotmail.com), one of Earth's Children, April 24, 2002, I'll be up all night reading it so I can read it again I have read the whole series AT LEAST 5 times-I guess I have worn out my copies(hard back they are so old).I started reading these in junior high-I am 29 with 2 kids now and am tingling with anticipation-planning to be outside of the local book store when it opens!!!!The first chapter provided here just wet my appetite-I can't wait to be able to read the whole book!!!!! Also recommended: The WHOLE 'Earth's Children' series 'Along Came a Spider','Kiss the Girls','1st to Die'Tom Patterson Jennifer, April 24, 2002, THE BEST SERIES OUT THERE Like so many others, the Earth's Children Series means more than just good reading, we are profoundly moved by the characters, especially Ayla. I am currently rereading the series and while reading a sadness was felt knowing that the journey ended with 'Plains of Passage'. I almost cries out with joy to hear that 'The Shelters of Stone' is finally here and hopefully it won't be the end. BUT Jean please don't make us wait so long for the next one, it hurts. Also recommended: The whole series, starting with 'The Clan of the Cave Bear' Diana Espino, a mom and a writer from California, April 24, 2002, Oh happy day. What a wonderful time for all of us Jean Auel and Earth Children fans who have waited so very long. Will the wait have been worth it? The first chapter promises a great big 'YES'. Now we can set aside our other four books (let them rest just a bit);while we read and reread number 5 for the next few months. Thank you Mrs.Auel your talent has brought us much joy. Lisa (gdtwin1@yahoo.com), a devoted daughter and avid reader., April 24, 2002, As Tribute to My Father... I have to admit that I never read a Jean Auel novel until my father raved about the series. We have always enjoyed the same authors before and felt that this should be no different. My father has kept me on the alert for her new book in the series and found out that it was to be released by the end of April. We were both anxiously awaiting 'The Shelters of Stone' when my father became ill and has since passed away unexpectedley. I will read the book for the both of us and pray that he will somehow know the outcome of the long-awaited saga... Janice, a reader for life., April 23, 2002, Just when all hope was lost.... Ok, I admit it. I stood in the store and read the start of the new book out of the back of the re-released 'Clan of the Cave Bear'. Being an out of order reader, I read Valley of the Horses as a high school student. Then went back and read Clan of the Cave Bear. The earth's children series has always been at the top of my list and favorite reads. Mammonth Hunters and Plains of Passage were read as soon as they came out. All have been re read several times in the past 11 years as I have waited for more. No other series of books has had such an impact on me as these. Jean, if your listening, thank you for creating Alya for me. Janice A reviewer, April 23, 2002, Thank you Jean Auel I have enjoyed this series of books a total of three times and have learned more and more with each reading. It has been a long time Ms. Auel! I can't wait to receive my copy of #5. I hope that #6 will not be far behind! Most Sincerely, An Ayla Fan and Horse Enthusiast; Allentown PA Denise (poisonlady7563@aol.com), April 23, 2002, Only 1 week and I can't wait My aunt started me on the series when I was I think in 7th grade back in the late 80's. Having read all the books by the time I was 16 I was eagerly waiting for the next book. Every time I went to the mall or the bookstore I asked when the next book was coming out. Nobody knew. I heard mixed things like Jean was dead, had a heart attack and gave up writing or she was doing research. Back in September I went to the bookstore with my now husband and asked again and finally I had my answer. Coming this spring. I cried out to my husband and jumped at the oppurtunity to reserve a copy. I was so happy and almost in tears. My husband looked at me like I was crazy. Now with 1 week to go, I am making him crazy with my countdown of days. I truly can't wait to read the entire book. Chelsie (Zucker_Hosen@hotmail.com), April 22, 2002, impatiently waiting!!!! I discovered the Earth Children series when i was in 7th grade (6 years ago) i've been waiting ever since for the 5th. in 8th grade, a librarian told me she thought Jean Auel might be dead!! i swear i almost cried. when i heard Shelters of Stone was finally coming out, i made a huge scene at the mall of america and i've resolved to reread the entire series (again!) before the release date as well as be present for the signing! Also recommended: Clan of the Cave Bear, Valley of Horses, The Mammoth Hunters, and Plains of Passage. Phyllis Booth, a devoted Jean Auel fan, April 19, 2002, Welcome back, old friends. The title of Jean Auel's newest book, The Shelters of Stone, fittingly cause us to realize that Ayla has not only traveled a great distance but has traveled to a different place culturally. She has found herself in a vastly more advanced world than where she started. Reading the first chapter was like reuniting with old friends. Although it's been years since we last met, it immediatly felt like just yesterday. Welcome back Ayla, Jondalar, Wolf, Whinney and Racer. Don't stay away so long next time. A reviewer, April 19, 2002, Finally!!!!!! I can't wait to get this book! I started reading these when I was a freshman in high school. These books guided my career choice. What a fitting time for the next book to come out since I get my PharmD (doctor of pharmacy) just a few days later. Thanks Jean! You changed my life! Also recommended: You would be missing out if you did not read all of the books in this series! mary (mmouseyy@msn.com), a person who would rather read., April 18, 2002, is it here yet???? i have been waiting for what seems like a lifetime for this next book to be released. i have read the other books so many times that my husband teases me:) i agree with the rest of you, i hope book number 6 and maybe 7,8 and so on don't take so long to come out. keep up the great work!!! Also recommended: i say read all her books, they are great! JUNE, AN AVID READER., April 17, 2002, YES! AT LAST!!!! I CAN HARDLY WAIT UNTIL I RECEIVE MY PREORDERED BOOK, 'THE SHELTERS OF STONE'! IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE JEAN AUEL'S LAST BOOK AND I AM ECSTATIC THAT SHE HAS A NEW BOOK COMING OUT. HOPEFULLY, IF THERE IS ANOTHER EARTH'S CHILDREN #6, WE WON'T HAVE TO WAIT SO LONG. Also recommended: CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR, VALLEY OF THE HORSES, MOMMOTH HUNTERS, AND PLAINS OF PASSAGE Lura, April 17, 2002, Worth the Wait! After reading an excerpt from a chapter, I feel the title fits the book to a T! I have long anticipated the 5th installment, and it is finally here. I can't wait to read the whole book. I just hope the 6th book doesn't take as long to write. Thank you Mrs. Auel! Ida Aldaco, April 16, 2002, FINALLY !!!!!! I am 19 years old and started reading the Earth Series when I was 15. I have been waiting for this book for years! I have reread the other 4 about 6 times. I recommend these books to everyone!! J R (Bedhopper069@aol.com), a lover of books and people, April 16, 2002, 12 YEARS / A LONG TIME A friend loaned me the series of books and encouraged me to read them. I didn't think I would like them. Was I wrong!!! After reading the last book I was disappointed that there were no more, UNTIL NOW. Hurry up April 30!!! Janice (ladyjluvsrekk@msn.com), a serious book reader, April 16, 2002, too impatient I just read the excerpt. I was impatient for this release before, but now, I don't think I can wait until April 30th!! Jean M. Auel kicks some serious butt with her books. I hope the story doesn't end here. Rebecca K., April 16, 2002, I was told she was dead!! I was thinking that I would never find out what happened to Ayla. As a teenager she became a heroine to me and still is I have the books and audio tapes and have almost worn them outwaiting for #5 thank you Jean for the wonderful strong roll model you gave me to look up too. A reviewer (margford30@hotmail.com), a lover of books, April 15, 2002, At last my favorite series has arrived Over the last 10 years I read the entire series twice a year to keep myself in Ayla's story I above all I am in great anticipation of this book To Mrs Auel kudos.... cant wait A reviewer, April 5, 2002, Just as good as the last. The book has the same attention to detail and refreshing perspective that charaterized the previous books. I greatly anticipate the continuation of the storyline. TearyBeary, April 3, 2002, Can't Wait! I can't believe it's finally coming! I have enjoyed the other Earth's Children books and have waited and waited for this one. I'm really excited to finally get it! Yea!!!!!! Rita Kilmnick (Razat@aol.com), an avid reader, April 1, 2002, EARTH SERIES RETURNS AT LAST Loyal fans of Jean Auel will agree that thru the years we waited patiently for The Shelters of Stone. Appropriately named as Aylas dream of the 'overhang' led her to a place of comfort. Anxiously awaiting the book! Fans will agree that rereading these books 3 or more times thru the years has kept us major fans of the main characters which include two horses and a wolf. Shelters of Stone will provide the answers we have been waiting for. We (fans) are hoping Ms. Auel is working on Book #6. Also recommended: Clan of the Cave Bear, Valley of Horses, The Mammoth Hunters, Plains of Passage PFC Brown (alaskanassassin19@hotmail.com), Soldier in the U.S.Army, March 29, 2002, Out Standing! I can't wait till it comes out. Earth's Children has always been my favorit. I'm 18 and I love the series. Beth Marshall (whyterose69@aol.com), a complete bookworm, March 27, 2002, Finally I read The Clan Of The Cave Bear when I was a teenager after my mother had finished it. I became truly fascinated with Ayla and, later on, Jondalar as I read the rest of the series. I have read the series so many times I've had to replace my books. This one is a definite must read for Jean Auel fans. I can't wait for April 30! A reviewer, March 27, 2002, Can't Wait!!!! It just teases your interest in what will happen in the Shelter of Stone!!! Charlotte (blubtle99@hotmail.com), March 19, 2002, I am very excited about this 5th book..... I just love Ayla and Jondalar. I have waited a long time for the continuation of their story. The first chapter is very good and can't wait to read the rest. I have re-read Ayla's story so many times that the books are falling apart and need to get new ones. Also recommended: Clan of the Cave Bear, Valley of Horses, The Mammoth Hunters and Plains of Passage. A reviewer, March 13, 2002, Definite must read! The excerpt seems to be as good as the previous books in the series. I can't wait to read this book when it comes out. It will have been worth the wait. A reviewer, March 12, 2002, Yes!! I can't wait Jean Auel is the only other author I truly love next to Stephen King! I've read and reread all the other books in the Earth Children's series wondering each time when Ayla's journey would resume. Pat Wilson (SATURDAYPAT@NETSCAPE.NET), a romantic of past ages....', March 6, 2002, It's about time.... I've been waiting what seems like years (and I guess it has been..) This book looks great... first page interest... and now I can't wait to read more... Also recommended: I've read every one of the Earth Children series.... All are wonderful and entertaining.... A reviewer (Jacolaur@hotmail.com), February 28, 2002, Finally !! I have been so waiting for this book! After reading the excerpt April 30th can not get here fast enough. Once again Jean Auel will entertain us with her incredible story telling talent. I have read the entire series starting with the Clan and the Cave Bear. She is up there as one of the top 3 authors of all time. I have never been disappointed with any book of the Earth's Children Series Also recommended: Queenmaker, One Thousand White Women - The Journals Of May Dodd,The Red Tent, D.M.H (dogwood@sherbtel.net), February 26, 2002, Totally absorbed! I have been axiously waiting for the 5th book in the Earth's Children series. After reading the excerpt all the books from the series came flooding back. I found myself totally absorbed in the story. Jean M. Auel has a knack for writing in such descriptive detail that it brings you right into the pages. I know I'm going to enjoy the rest of The Shelters of Stone. Also recommended: I have enjoyed all the books from the Earth's Children series. Marge (cruisesandco@earthlink.net), a traveler in body and spirit, February 21, 2002, Worth Waiting For Within the space of a paragraph I was transported back to where Ayla & Jondalar began the long journey back to his home. The characters are like family, and I have missed them! Knowing Ms. Auel's wonderful story-telling ability, I look forward to reading the entire book. kgriffiths, February 20, 2002, A long wait I have been waiting for this book for 12 years. If the rest of the book is as good as the first four(and the first chapter of this) it will be worth 5 stars, not just 4. I hope that the next book, if there is one, will be published sooner. A reviewer (draygnzfyre@hotmail.com), an avid reader,, February 15, 2002, ive read only the begining i have only read the beginning and alreayd i was in the book. i felt liek i was ayla and jondalar and everyone. im glad the 5th book as already coem out and lookign forward to the 6th one. Also recommended: i enjoyed all her books from the earth children series. A reviewer (hollymags@yahoo.com), a person who appreciates honesty., February 15, 2002, Jondalar's Finally Home after his Maiden Journey Five long interesting years have climaxed in to this soul pleasing arrival. Both Jondalar and Ayla have grown-up together over these years. This the fifth book promises to bring reminders of things past and maybe some new knowledge of Ayla's long lost child along with more new talents from centuries past. Nadine Hill (Hillkid9@webtv.net), Mother of 3., February 13, 2002, Shelters Of Stone will not dissapoint I have only read the currently available first Chapter of Mrs. Auel's 5th book, and I can tell you I was thrilled to find that I was as transported into the scene in this new book as I have been in the last 4. Again the story is clear and Interesting, with descriptions to round out the mental picture that one forms as they read. The beloved charitures of Jondalar, Ayla , Wolf and the horses ake this new, fresh book familliar and comfortable. This long awaited new book is something hat i will buy for myself and most likely as gifts for others I know who also read the Earths Children Series. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the whole book now! Also recommended: I have enjoyed all of Mrs. Auels books, The Clan of The Cave Bear, The Vally of Horses, The Mammoth Hunters, and The Plains of Passage. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4-29-02 http://shop.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/ISBNinquiry.asp? userid=1MRHX34XW5&mscssid=&isbn=0609610597&displayOnly=creviews#Customer%20Reviews