Survival, community, home, and humanity’s age-old struggle for power-
In The Exiles, we travel back to the Paleolithic era for a tale of survival, ambition, and constantly shifting power dynamics. The book’s multiple POV structure (similar to Game of Thrones) follows several MCs whose journeys are intertwined—even if they don’t yet know it.
Sira (my favorite character from the first book, Paleolithic) travels over the mountains with Harq and their small band of survivors, seeking a new home free from the volcanic ash cloud at the end of Paleolithic. They are welcomed by the Krebe tribe, though all is not as it seems with the peaceful group.
Always scheming, Samaki ruler Laksha provokes the Gondo-Var, now led by "Mother" Nara, who faces her own challenges at home from the more violent (and heretofore unchecked) male warriors. Will Nara follow the advice of a shaman and senior war party leader, or will Laksha's provocation and her own bloodthirsty guard Harak lead her to repeat the violent mistakes of Gondo-Var leaders before her? Will villainous Laksha lead her people to certain death? And will Sira and Harq find peace in a new home?
Once again, SA Adams weaves an intriguing blend of history and fiction that has the reader constantly wondering “what’s going to happen next?” As with Paleolithic, I wasn’t ready for The Exiles to end. Highly recommend this one!