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Where the Deer Dwell
Lonely and out of place in the 21st century, Olivia Keller finds her escape in books, especially romances set in the distant past. When a series of unexpected happenings places her in the very time she's always dreamed of, she is struck with the old wisdom to be careful what you wish for. Cast into a world she could not have understood if she'd read a thousand books, fantasies are abandoned and survival remains the only goal.
It soon becomes apparent, however, that survival is just one of the many challenges she'll face as she experiences the ancient world through the members of the Deer Clan. She is reviled by the sardonic clansman, Trabor, who has convinced members of the clan that the solution to their misfortune is the conquer and pillaging of neighboring clans.
Befriended by Jalen, hunter of the Deer Clan and its eldest member, Yani, her arrival is seen as the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy to unite the Clan with its deer brothers. To others, she is an outsider, cursing the clan and dividing its members between those who choose Trabor's path of war and those who cling to reunification and a return of prosperity.
As the hailed Caller of the Deer, Olivia bears witness to Earth's mystical past, as the realization of her true mission is revealed and she is granted the extraordinary power to change the course of Earth's history.
It soon becomes apparent, however, that survival is just one of the many challenges she'll face as she experiences the ancient world through the members of the Deer Clan. She is reviled by the sardonic clansman, Trabor, who has convinced members of the clan that the solution to their misfortune is the conquer and pillaging of neighboring clans.
Befriended by Jalen, hunter of the Deer Clan and its eldest member, Yani, her arrival is seen as the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy to unite the Clan with its deer brothers. To others, she is an outsider, cursing the clan and dividing its members between those who choose Trabor's path of war and those who cling to reunification and a return of prosperity.
As the hailed Caller of the Deer, Olivia bears witness to Earth's mystical past, as the realization of her true mission is revealed and she is granted the extraordinary power to change the course of Earth's history.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2012
7 people are currently reading
938 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Gravelle
3 books34 followersI am a lover of books -- these treasures that stack up endlessly before us, each one asking to be read. I've been dreaming up stories and putting pen to paper since I learned to write the alphabet. It is an affliction, to say the least. Like any obsession, it is exceedingly difficult to quit. I gave up giving up a long time ago.
I began my first novel twenty-five years ago, after my first grown-up adventure: a trip to San Francisco. I fell in love with the city. The night I returned, I dreamed the entire plot to, "Where the Deer Dwell." It was a work in process for those many years until it was published in 2012. I vowed that I would not continue my writing career without finishing what I set out to do all those years ago.
"Paradox Love," came next, first in the "Paradox Love," series. I have serious affliction -- my inability to write a typical novel. I never wanted to waste years of my life and the passion it takes to create merely to write a marketable novel. Don't get me wrong. To entertain the reader is my greatest joy. But I just can't help myself when it comes to writing a message into the stories I write.
I will return to completing the Paradox Love series in due time. I was drawn to take a hiatus to work on, "The Last Dragon of Loech," Book 1 in the Land of Extraordinary Children Series. Sometimes artists and writers feel the intuition to change gears for reasons not easily explained. I am well into the second book in the series, which will be completed in the coming months. I can think of no better place to complete the series than from the beautiful city I call home, San Diego, California.
I began my first novel twenty-five years ago, after my first grown-up adventure: a trip to San Francisco. I fell in love with the city. The night I returned, I dreamed the entire plot to, "Where the Deer Dwell." It was a work in process for those many years until it was published in 2012. I vowed that I would not continue my writing career without finishing what I set out to do all those years ago.
"Paradox Love," came next, first in the "Paradox Love," series. I have serious affliction -- my inability to write a typical novel. I never wanted to waste years of my life and the passion it takes to create merely to write a marketable novel. Don't get me wrong. To entertain the reader is my greatest joy. But I just can't help myself when it comes to writing a message into the stories I write.
I will return to completing the Paradox Love series in due time. I was drawn to take a hiatus to work on, "The Last Dragon of Loech," Book 1 in the Land of Extraordinary Children Series. Sometimes artists and writers feel the intuition to change gears for reasons not easily explained. I am well into the second book in the series, which will be completed in the coming months. I can think of no better place to complete the series than from the beautiful city I call home, San Diego, California.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 4, 2013
I grew up reading the Clan of the Cave Bear series by Jean Auel, the incomparable first in what would be the very popular genre of prehistoric fiction. And like Olivia Keller in, "Where the Deer Dwell," I scoured bookshelves for any prehistoric fiction I could get my hands on. There was something about the imagination it took to write this great fiction and something about man's formidable yet mystical distant past that had me hooked.
"Where the Deer Dwell," is written from this perspective, this longing for great prehistoric fiction. However, my goal was to write from the view of the modern day reader, to allow them to indulge in this amazing fantasy of experiencing this world from the point of view of such appreciation. The vehicle to achieve this goal was to incorporate an element of time travel, where the modern day reader could get their prehistoric fiction fix by experiencing it from a modern perspective.
The book includes a mix of contemporary themes with messages from humanity's past and the undeniable collective longing of mankind to make the world a better place for our children. Writing, "Where the Deer Dwell," was a fun ride, a journey which is my greatest wish to share.
"Where the Deer Dwell," is written from this perspective, this longing for great prehistoric fiction. However, my goal was to write from the view of the modern day reader, to allow them to indulge in this amazing fantasy of experiencing this world from the point of view of such appreciation. The vehicle to achieve this goal was to incorporate an element of time travel, where the modern day reader could get their prehistoric fiction fix by experiencing it from a modern perspective.
The book includes a mix of contemporary themes with messages from humanity's past and the undeniable collective longing of mankind to make the world a better place for our children. Writing, "Where the Deer Dwell," was a fun ride, a journey which is my greatest wish to share.
May 24, 2013
This is one of the most unique stories I've ever read! It blends time travel, mysticism, ecology, and romance in the most beautiful way!
Lonely and at a loss in the 21st century, Olivia finds her escape in books, especially romances set in the distant past. Then a series of unexpected happenings places her in the very time she's always dreamed of, and she finds that surviving in a prehistoric land takes a lot more than just turning a page. What happens next is the stuff of which future classics are made!
Lonely and at a loss in the 21st century, Olivia finds her escape in books, especially romances set in the distant past. Then a series of unexpected happenings places her in the very time she's always dreamed of, and she finds that surviving in a prehistoric land takes a lot more than just turning a page. What happens next is the stuff of which future classics are made!
February 11, 2013
I truly loved this book! It was definitely a surprise, as the first few chapters lull you into thinking that you know what this book is going to be about, then with neck-cracking speed it changes gears and throws you into a beautiful, dangerous, and thrilling world. The only reason I put my iPad down while reading this book was simply because children need to be fed and changed... if I had had the option to just sit down and read it through the night in one heart-pounding session I would have.
I really liked the MC Olivia, and for anyone familiar with my reviews, you know that this is a real treat for me. A big gripe of mine is annoying main characters, but I felt that this book was refreshing since it featured a woman who was smart and strong, who comes into herself and learns her lessons along the way, and who does what she believes to be right even at great personal sacrifice. Jalen was absolutely perfect, I loved him. He was a great mixture of manliness without being too hot-headed, and sensitive enough to be in tune with Olivia's needs.
The point-of-view jumping was masterfully done and added richness to the novel. The plot was intricate and strings were tied together so that I felt satisfied at the end. It also felt like a huge relief at the end of the book... I love happy endings. I love when everyone gets what they deserve, and I felt GOOD when I finished this book. I like feeling happy. Lately I've been reading books that have nasty cliffhangers or throw you into a tailspin with a weird twist of events that leave you upset and scratching your head at the end. This book left me feeling fulfilled and satisfied, and even though there could be more of this story to be told, the main problem of this book was wrapped up by the end and I felt great about that.
Yani was one of my favorite characters, and I love how she stays with Olivia I enjoyed the spiritual nature of this book, the vibrational energies and healing of timelines. I appreciated how deftly human nature was portrayed in the book: Olivia's refusal to let Rhonen die "for the good of all,": Maryna being able to sublimate her past trauma and turn it into a wonderful skill of healing.
I would definitely recommend this book to any fans of fiction, thrillers, romance, and historical fiction. My heart pounded throughout the book and I know it will stay with me for a long time. I would love to read a sequel to see how the Deer People heal and come back to their ancient roots; to see if Maryna and Sharak end up together, and to watch the progression of Jalen and Olivia's lives together. Very well done, and I eagerly await another book from Ms. Gravelle to read!
I really liked the MC Olivia, and for anyone familiar with my reviews, you know that this is a real treat for me. A big gripe of mine is annoying main characters, but I felt that this book was refreshing since it featured a woman who was smart and strong, who comes into herself and learns her lessons along the way, and who does what she believes to be right even at great personal sacrifice. Jalen was absolutely perfect, I loved him. He was a great mixture of manliness without being too hot-headed, and sensitive enough to be in tune with Olivia's needs.
The point-of-view jumping was masterfully done and added richness to the novel. The plot was intricate and strings were tied together so that I felt satisfied at the end. It also felt like a huge relief at the end of the book... I love happy endings. I love when everyone gets what they deserve, and I felt GOOD when I finished this book. I like feeling happy. Lately I've been reading books that have nasty cliffhangers or throw you into a tailspin with a weird twist of events that leave you upset and scratching your head at the end. This book left me feeling fulfilled and satisfied, and even though there could be more of this story to be told, the main problem of this book was wrapped up by the end and I felt great about that.
Yani was one of my favorite characters, and I love how she stays with Olivia I enjoyed the spiritual nature of this book, the vibrational energies and healing of timelines. I appreciated how deftly human nature was portrayed in the book: Olivia's refusal to let Rhonen die "for the good of all,": Maryna being able to sublimate her past trauma and turn it into a wonderful skill of healing.
I would definitely recommend this book to any fans of fiction, thrillers, romance, and historical fiction. My heart pounded throughout the book and I know it will stay with me for a long time. I would love to read a sequel to see how the Deer People heal and come back to their ancient roots; to see if Maryna and Sharak end up together, and to watch the progression of Jalen and Olivia's lives together. Very well done, and I eagerly await another book from Ms. Gravelle to read!
July 5, 2012
I enjoy Fantasy, time travel, supernatural, and boy meets girl, hopefully boy gets girl kind of novels. The thing I love most about a story and probably also the the thing I am most disappointed, when you connect with the characters in the novel and the novel ends you are left wanting more. This for me is what I felt with 'Where the Deer Dwell'. I hope the author writes more about these characters; I want to know what happens next to these characters; I want to know more about the history of the deer caller. The end really left me wanting more.
October 31, 2013
This is an awesome book!!! Seriously recommend.
December 4, 2013
Time travel
A time travel story. A love story. An adventure story among ancient Indians. A story for readers of all ages and interests.
A time travel story. A love story. An adventure story among ancient Indians. A story for readers of all ages and interests.
May 27, 2013
2..maybe 2.75 stars?
Ok the premise of this book piqued my interest. The first third of the book in a very matter of fact manner gives us insight to Olivia's modern circumstances as a paralegal with an unrequited infatuation with her boss, Anthony. Then- stuff happens. She gets kidnapped and and they force her to travel back in time to prehistoric cave man times. I'm not going to look up the proper names for the epoch she traveled back to because the author didn't bother either. This book is likeable once Olivia arrives in prehistoric times- she struggles with her fear as I'd expect and THEN things take on a Clan of the Cave Bear turn and things go kind of FUBAR plot wise. I cannot even start explaining why without spoiling the last half of the book. Suffice it to say you might like this. You might not. (if I you like reading tons of weirdo time travel books like I do this might be your thing). I liked this book- I did not love it. One of my biggest pet peeves is that there were so many potential plot items introduced and left hanging. Like- Anthony? WTF happened to that? Huh? Yeah- I do not know.
Ok the premise of this book piqued my interest. The first third of the book in a very matter of fact manner gives us insight to Olivia's modern circumstances as a paralegal with an unrequited infatuation with her boss, Anthony. Then- stuff happens. She gets kidnapped and and they force her to travel back in time to prehistoric cave man times. I'm not going to look up the proper names for the epoch she traveled back to because the author didn't bother either. This book is likeable once Olivia arrives in prehistoric times- she struggles with her fear as I'd expect and THEN things take on a Clan of the Cave Bear turn and things go kind of FUBAR plot wise. I cannot even start explaining why without spoiling the last half of the book. Suffice it to say you might like this. You might not. (if I you like reading tons of weirdo time travel books like I do this might be your thing). I liked this book- I did not love it. One of my biggest pet peeves is that there were so many potential plot items introduced and left hanging. Like- Anthony? WTF happened to that? Huh? Yeah- I do not know.
September 10, 2014
Where is book two? I want more!
This has been the most satisfying read I've had in a long time. Unrequited office romance, abduction, then Clan of the Cavebears. Let go of disbelief. Enjoy the ride. There is action and adventure but also Walden contemplation and zen yoga.
I must admit that I am too ADD to sit still for the meditation bits, but I put on the fast text-to-speech and felt more in touch with the main character.
Dorothy Gravelle, I can hardly wait to read more of your work!
This has been the most satisfying read I've had in a long time. Unrequited office romance, abduction, then Clan of the Cavebears. Let go of disbelief. Enjoy the ride. There is action and adventure but also Walden contemplation and zen yoga.
I must admit that I am too ADD to sit still for the meditation bits, but I put on the fast text-to-speech and felt more in touch with the main character.
Dorothy Gravelle, I can hardly wait to read more of your work!
July 14, 2017
I usually don't read supernatural or fantasy or science fiction. But I was drawn to the giveaway and I made a commitment to reading if I won. I did!
I absolutely enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and the world around was something I could "see." It's a wonderful idea to have the main character forced into this world that she would only be able to dream about otherwise. I also appreciate the amount of research that must have gone in to the writing of the book.
I want to thank the author, Dorothy Gravelle, and I believe she cares very much about sharing this book. The note enclosed with the book giveaway from Dorothy is very special. I usually pass on books right away after reading, but this one I'll hold on to for a little longer and revisit the pages I've made a list of as "go-backs."
Thank you!!!
I absolutely enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and the world around was something I could "see." It's a wonderful idea to have the main character forced into this world that she would only be able to dream about otherwise. I also appreciate the amount of research that must have gone in to the writing of the book.
I want to thank the author, Dorothy Gravelle, and I believe she cares very much about sharing this book. The note enclosed with the book giveaway from Dorothy is very special. I usually pass on books right away after reading, but this one I'll hold on to for a little longer and revisit the pages I've made a list of as "go-backs."
Thank you!!!
August 10, 2015
I won this book free as a part of a give-away from Goodreads. And as much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I had a hard time with it. It got bogged down in the descriptions of prehistoric life and land without character development. The later part of the book with Olivia and the deer people was much better, but the end left me feeling cheated, feeling like a lot was left undone. Like it ended suddenly and forcefully.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews