Endangered Species

Savage Land #1

by Jacqui Murray

Endangered Species is Book One of the trilogy, Savage Land, the third trilogy about primeval man in the series, Dawn of Humanity. A prehistoric thriller in the spirit of Jean Auel, Endangered Species follows several bands of humans. Each considered themselves apex predators. Neither was. That crown belonged to Nature and she planned to wipe them both from her planet.

Join me in this three-book fictional exploration of Neanderthals and their lives. Be ready for a world nothing like what you thought it would be, filled with clever minds, brilliant acts, and innovative solutions to life-ending problems, all based on real events. At the end of this trilogy, you’ll be proud to call Neanderthals family.

Genres: Historical

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2025

About the author

I'm a teacher, writer, mom and dog-lover. I'm the author of a self-help book for teens called Building a Midshipman, the story of my daughter's journey from high school to the United States Naval Academy as well as the Rowe-Delamagente series, thrillers about terrorists, geeks, and world-ending dangers. As a break from non-stop thrills, I write the Man vs. Nature series which follows early humans as they struggle to survive a world where Nature is King and they are nothing more than prey.

I'm also an adjunct professor in tech ed, editor of a K-18 technology curriculum and over one hundred technology training books for K-12, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for TeachHUB, monthly contributor to Today’s Author and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find my books at my publisher’s website, Structured Learning.

Currently, I'm working on the trilogy Crossroads, next in the Man vs. Nature collection, which should be out next Spring.

Reviews

[Chris Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Jacqui Murray, and now it’s only 75,000 years ago! This new trilogy is set in parts of Europe, and some are rather colder and higher in the mountains.

I thought it was particularly interesting that The People’s Tribe (the Neanderthals) were stronger, but smaller, and who respected the living creatures, only killing them to eat them and using almost everything so not to waste things. By contrast, The Tall Ones (the Homo Sapiens) were weaker and cleverer, although they would waste so much – just like now.

The book begins with Shanadar who is tasked to find Yu’ung with the help of the wonderful spirit known as Xhosa. So many dangers, difficult locations and just trying to survive, but the worst thing was that this huge volcano was about to erupt. Fascinating… all of it.

Highly recommended, and I shall read the next book… and soon.

[Sally Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the detailed notes on the history of Neanderthals at the front of the book and as the story unfolds in this first in the Endangered Species series, any pre-conceptions we may have harboured about this earlier version of man as being less clever or relevant to our evolution is corrected. This introduction is a must read before entering the story, to familiarise the reader with the terminology and the cultural aspects of these extraordinary people, and the others they are interacting with. It will also give you an appreciation of the depth of research which has gone into creating this epic adventure.

75,000 years ago Mother Nature is raging through the lands inhabited by both humans and other creatures and she is unforgiving in her anger. Massive rock falls are frequent and deadly with many members of those clans living in caves dying, or being crippled by their devastation. With volcanos on distant mountains threatening to erupt soon, it becomes clear to Yu’ung’s Neanderthal clan that they need to seek a safer land.

Far away a young sub-adult Shanadar is struggling to take his place within his clan until dreams bring him clarity and motivation. Xhosa comes to him in a vision and for those who have read The Crossroads Trilogy by this author set 850,000 years ago, they will appreciate how much of a force of nature she was. That strength and determination to save her people then and in the future, comes through in the dreams now experienced by Shanadar. They prepare and motivate him to hone all his skills and undertake an almost impossible mission to save Yu’ung and her people from annihilation. To aid him on his quest other spirits guide him on this treacherous path in the form of familiar entities from previous books. Canis are fearless and he will need all their strength and companionship to succeed.

The author has created the synergy between the real and the spirit world seamlessly and the story flows between the two paths Shanadar and Yu’ung and her clan are following. There are other versions of our ancestors who live or arrive in the lands of this clan, and it is clear that there is some interaction with those who are considered friendly, to the extent that there is pair mating between them, which would lead eventually to the humans we are today. Very interesting to note in the introduction that 30% of our DNA spread through the population of the world today is Neanderthal.

As we follow the lives of these clans and observe their everyday activities it is clear that whilst we might consider our modern version to be superior, we have lost many of the skills and knowledge about nature and survival, which in some respects makes us less accomplished. It is doubtful that we could endure or survive the harsh and unforgiving environment which these people faced on a daily basis, or manage the nomadic treks across the unpredictable landscape to find safe shelter and food. They certainly deserve our respect and appreciation for the strengths they have passed on to us.

First and foremost this is a wonderful and thrilling adventure filled with incredible feats of bravery and vivid characters that engage you from the first page and leave you wanting to read the next book in the trilogy as soon as possible to discover what lies ahead for Shanadar and Yu'ung and their people. I can highly recommend this book and also the previous books celebrating our shared ancestry. 

[Priscilla Bettis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endangered Species is the first book in Murray’s Savage Land series. It takes place 75,000 years ago in the European region. Shanadar is tasked by Xhosa to find Yu’ung and guide her and her people out of danger. Shanadar and Yu’ung are Neanderthals.

There are so many interesting elements to this book! I was learning about Neanderthals but through a fun, fictional novel instead of through a textbook or a lecture. How did early people handle emotion, tell time, and keep track of their clan members? What was the purpose of their rock or cave drawings? What pigments did they use? How did they hunt? I could go on. I learned so much.

But the most interesting thing to me is their spiritual life. Xhosa is a part of that.

We also get to know the Tall Ones. They are the weak, tall, slow, clever Homo sapiens. Murray presents a possible reason for the Neanderthals and the homo sapiens to mate.

As for the story itself, there is danger everywhere from snakes to volcanoes. It makes for some pretty exciting scenes.

Overall, great read, five stars!

[Marsha Ingrao · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fast-paced, full of the technology of the time, 75,000 years ago. We think we are the only ones with technology, but the Neanderthals' skills and learning abilities were far more advanced than we might give them credit for. They practiced frugality that would have put my Great Depression Era grandmother to shame. Some of the "uprights" were wasteful and careless about the planet, while others were more in tune with nature. One group of people was more war-like and individualistic, while another claimed, "It took a village to raise a child." It was fun to watch young people come of age. This book felt like you had really gone back in time, yet the characters were timeless and unforgettable, as were some of the issues they faced. They just had different ways of surviving and spending their days. I could not put the book down for very long!

Having lived through earthquakes and the eruption of Mt. St. Helens, this story of three groups of early humans as they grappled with "the angry mountain" resonated deeply. I remember the people who refused to take Mt. St. Helens seriously, and as a result, "the eruption killed 57 people."

I recommend this book to anyone who likes non-stop adventure.

[Colleen Chesebro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, I read Jean M. Auel’s “Clan of the Cave Bear” series and enjoyed every book. I kept thinking to myself, what if she’s right?

Along came Jacqui Murray’s prehistoric human series and I loved the stories and the characters. Prehistoric man is a fascinating subject and this author creates realistic characters and situations. I’m asking myself again; what if she’s right? Murray’s research explains her great attention to the details. She weaves amazing tales!

The Savage Land series is a bit different, as the books introduce us to Neanderthals from about 75,000 years ago, along with other human species all evolving at the same time.

Endangered Species introduces us to a tribe of Neanderthals called “the people.” The more advanced human species are called the “tall ones.” There were other humanoid species alive at the same time. Homo Erectus and Denisovans are referred to as “uprights” in this book. Anyone from the homo species are considered “uprights” in the book.

We meet Yu’ung, a female Neanderthal healer who belongs to the People. Trained as a hunter, Yu’ung can read the landscape better than the men in her tribe. She knows where the animals are and is able to keep their food supplies intact. The environment is in crisis and Yu’ung has the ability to see visions. As their location starts to deteriorate she starts paying attention to the guidance provided.

Shandar is a young man from another tribe, and he also gets visions. He struggles to find his place in his tribe. As the visions grow stronger, Shandar decides he will set off and follow this new path.

Xhosa is a character from a prior series by this author. She appears in visions to Yu’ung and Shandar, guiding them toward each other. Readers will also connect to Xhosa’s canis pack, who help Shandar survive in this wild world. It is through the visions that Shandar learns he is to find Yu’ung and her tribe. It’s a matter of life and death!

I was intrigued by the introduction of Xhosa as a spiritual soul returning to help save mankind by bringing Yu’ung and Shandar together. History is filled with the stories of seers helping humans. This makes total sense to me that Neanderthals and the other homo species had developed a sense of spirituality by this point.

Jacqui Murray makes the ancient world come alive with imagery and her diverse choice of characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series: Badlands!

[Shawnerly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of a trilogy, following fictional prehistoric beings! I’d imagined the lives of neanderthals as being a dangerous quest to simply survive. And to some extent that plays out here, but Murray has dramatized and elevated the story our evolution adding elements that I want to be true.

Yu’ung, a young female healer in her tribe, is trying to keep the men in her tribe alive but, has nearly exceeded her knowledge to do so. Kriina, her mother, also a strong healer, happens to save a warrior from a tribe they call ‘the tall ones’ and the two have mated. The tall ones are upright walkers with different weapons, medicine, and knowledge of places Yu’ung and her people have never been. Kriina is leaving with her new mate but thinks it will be good for the tribe to learn from the tall ones. The elders will need to elect an alpha to lead the tribe on this journey but the alpha they elect, may not be ready for the task. 

Shanadar, a young male from another tribe, is struggling with what his tribe calls a ‘power’. When not suffering from debilitating headaches to the point of passing out, he gets visions, and can communicate with beasts and a spiritual deity. I wanted to tell him to take two Excedrin and cut back on the red meat. Hard for him to hear me through the screen. We come to understand that Shanadar’s visions are of a mountain spewing smoke and fire, and decimated lands, with no meat or fruit to eat. He’s pushed to find the people in that land to warn them of whats coming. 

Pros: The tribe respected the knowledge and experience of young and old, men and women. There were customs that allowed leaders to be identified by who was best prepared to achieve the task at hand. They understood mating outside of their tribe made them stronger. I enjoyed watching Yu’ung blossom from denying her leadership role to embracing it.

This book definitely falls into my re-read and annotate category. Murray wrote some great one liners that deserve to be dissected! “Own? How does one own what was created by materials they don’t own?” A TedTalk, you hear me? The relationship between Kriina and Yu'ung was interesting because I'm not sure they related as mother- daughter. It's like that relationship didn't exist in their time. The characters are full of a desire to thrive, and somehow understand the way to do so is to move around and learn. I also appreciated the respect they had for the land, their elders, and ancestors. THAT is the ‘ancestral diet’ I’d like to see some folks follow today. But you ain’t heard it from me.

No cons, but a couple surprises. This will shatter your fallacy of the alpha male as the apex predator. Maybe it was an alpha woman? This was also a heavier read than I thought it would be and I loved that for me. There are a lot of characters and the tribe is facing some complex obstacles. Plan to spend time siting with this! I enjoyed this book and will happily be looking for the second book Badlands!

Full review: ShesReadingNow.wordpress.com

[Roberta Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endangered Species is an interesting and unique story set 75,000 years ago in Europe and Asia. The plot follows two people, Jun who must leave his clan and travel from what is now called Germany to what is now known as the Altai Mountains, to help save the clan of Yu'ung who are under threat from an active volcanic mountain.

The author's extensive research is clearly evident in this book, but the historical facts and information are integrated into the storyline in a completely natural way and are not cumbersome or 'textbook' like in any way. There is a mild paranormal element which is also smoothly incorporated into the story and does not detract from the historical elements or undermine their integrity.

The characters are interesting and both Jun and Yu'ung have attributes and characteristics that artfully share a large spectrum of the skills and thinking of our ancient predecessors. Jun is a dreamer who wants more from life than the everyday tasks of survival. As a result, he is viewed as a shirker by his clan who cannot see any benefit to Jun's restless and adventurous spirit. Yu'ung is a young female, the product of her clan's healer and a 'stranger'. Yu'ung has been brought up by her mother and the clan's oldest most experienced Elder resulting in her having unusual skills including those of a healer and those of a hunter. She is highly intelligent and had extraordinarily good eyesight, both of which set her apart from her fellows. Despite her differences, she is held in high regard by her clan, especially when several of their men die in a cave in and the clan is left short of competent hunters.

This is a character driven book and the two main characters, and their main supporters make for fascinating reading that reveals a lot of information about life at the time as well as the attitudes, customs, and challenges.

The introduction of the 'Tall Ones', a more aggressive clan of people with a more adventurous attitude and a desire to dominate is intriguing and creates interesting interactions and tensions throughout the story.

In summary, this is a fascinating story with well-developed characters that will appeal to readers who enjoy a character driven storyline suffused with well researched historical information about life during a time period that is still shrouded in mystery.

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve traveled back through time with Murray’s prehistoric fiction, starting 1.8 million years ago with her Dawn of Humanity trilogy, and then advancing to 850,000 years ago with her Crossroads trilogy. This book is the first in The Savage Land trilogy, bumping readers up to modern times, well almost modern—only 75,000 years ago!

Fans will find this book quite different as it explores the lives of the Neanderthals (The People), who shared the planet with and interacted with Homo Sapiens (The Tall Ones). Mankind has developed a spoken language. The characters talk to each other and can think critically. They make clothes, use fire, and have learned some sophisticated methods for hunting and healing. Those are only a few of the discoveries and skills they’ve developed since the previous series.

Murray’s extensive research into the lives of the Neanderthals is evident in this book, which lays the groundwork for the rest of the trilogy. The research is fascinating, and something that I highly appreciate. The attention given to the daily lives of the People, including their challenges and ever-present dangers, does make this story a slow burn until near the end when the main plot literally “explodes” in the form of a volcano, forcing the People and Tall Ones to begin a perilous migration that, I expect, is the focus of the next two books.

In this novel, one interesting deviation from historical research is the spirit presence of Xhosa and Ump from the Crossroads trilogy. They provide a significant amount of support to at least one of the book’s main characters. Both main and secondary characters are well-rounded with distinct personalities and emotional lives. Though ancient versions of ourselves, their struggles feel similar to ours, and they’re easy to root for. Main characters Yu’ung and Shanadar (both Neanderthal People) share the POV, with a few exceptions. They also share a sense of destiny, though they don’t meet until the very end of the book.

It isn’t necessary to have read the earlier trilogies to start this one. I highly recommend this book to fans of prehistoric fiction, and I’m looking forward to the next in the series. I was privileged to receive an ARC of the book prior to its release.

[Dawn Pisturino · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I studied prehistoric humans in physical anthropology in college, the lessons I learned about adaptability and survival stuck with me. As modern humans adapt to changing environmental conditions, the perennial question remains: Can the human species survive?
Murray’s book is a story about adaptability and survival. Set in the Altai Mountains of Siberia 75,000 years ago, she populates her novel with dynamic characters and a wealth of information about prehistoric people, in particular, the Neanderthals, from whom so many Homo sapiens are descended. Her characters know their place in nature. Survival of the strongest and most intelligent is key to the survival of the whole group.
Two bands of prehistoric humans predominate, the People (Neanderthals) and the Tall Ones (described as “advanced humans.”) The main protagonist is a young female Neanderthal named Yu’ung, known for her hunting skills, keen eyesight, and intelligence. Early in the book, she is preoccupied with discovering ways to prevent many male tribe members from dying. She learns how to use spears designed by the Tall Ones, develops improved hunting methods, and expands on her healing knowledge. She understands the importance of the People getting along with the Tall Ones, including sharing food, comparing social organization, and mating with them. As the plot progresses, Yu’ung is forced to handle misfortunes that threaten the survival of her entire band. She earns the respect of her elders and is eventually chosen to be the Alpha leader.
Although each band believes its ways are superior and has the best chance of survival, Mother Nature intervenes to challenge that assumption. Active volcanic eruptions threaten the survival of both bands. Fierce, the leader of the Tall Ones, wants to migrate back to his original homeland in a warmer climate. Yu’ung must decide whether or not the People should leave their cold ancestral home and join him and his band. One wrong decision could spell doom for everyone.
This fascinating book was not only entertaining and thought-provoking but informational as well. I give it a solid 5-star rating.

[Pete Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read some of the books in Jacqui Murray's prior two trilogies, I was excited to learn that she had a new trilogy out. Endangered Species is the first of those three books. Much like Murray's earlier reads, she returns with a more modern version, a mere 75,000 years ago. As with her earlier books, she shreds the myths of prehistoric man being ignorant and uneducated. Another similarity to her previous work is she has a strong female protagonist.

In this novel, Yu'ung becomes the alpha of the Neanderthals, also known as "The People's Tribe." Other prominent people in her group are Kriina (aka Aynoh—mother of Yu'ung), Old One (the most respected tribe's elder), B'o (Yu'ung's primary hunting partner), and Laak (a brave but impulse subadult who is destined to become a Lead warrior if he can learn to harness his sometimes reckless behavior).

Simultaneously, another advanced Homo sapiens group known as The Tall Ones," led by Fierce, is spying on and studying Yu'ung's clan. Yu'ung often senses their presence but doesn't know whether to fear or trust them.

Xhosa, is a strong female from one of Murray's earlier books, reappears in Endangered Species as an spiritual advisor guiding Yu'ung and Jun (renamed Shanadar), another Neanderthal from a different group, toward one another. This guidance comes in the form of visions that Yu'ung and Shanadar receive in their dreams through Xhosa. Neither Yu'ung nor Shanadar completely understand their mission, but seem to accept their calling. Shanadar receives the assistance of a Canis pack in navigating several challenges.

While the plot and relationships can be complex, at no time did I not follow Murray's interesting tale. Book 1 ends in a place where the reader will want to pick up the next book to see what happens next.

Though I picked up knowledge about Neanderthals simply by reading the novel, there is an excellent section at the back of the book addressing questions readers might wonder about as they're reading. I felt further enlightened with these explanations of Neanderthal life.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping prehistoric fiction.

I was excited to hear that Jacqui Murray had started a new series of prehistoric fiction – a genre I can’t resist. The story is set 75,000 years ago, and follows a small group of Neanderthals who call themselves The People. Yu’ung is the healer’s daughter, and she has learnt to hunt, heal and lead. She also has a special ability to see visions, and is helped at times by visions of Xhosa, a character from the past. Shander is a young male, who can also see visions. We meet many other fascinating characters, including Old One, who is nearing the end of his life. The group will soon need a new leader.

The author has used meticulous research to bring to life every aspect of their lives and environment. A volcano is rumbling in the background and will soon have a big impact. A major part of the story is the group’s interaction with a group of humans that I presume are Homo sapiens. They are called the Tall Ones, who are led by a hunter called Fierce. I loved how the two groups interacted, communicated, learned about each other and even mated. (Apparently non-African humans all now have a small percentage of Neanderthal DNA).

Yu’ung is a wonderful healer, always keen to expand her knowledge. She helps a few of the men to survive and even agrees to help the Tall Ones. As the story continues, their situation becomes ever more desperate, and builds to a thrilling conclusion. Nature is about to overpower both groups and the scene is set at the end for the continuing saga.

With her first book about Neanderthals, this author has demonstrated that she is the master of prehistoric fiction. I didn’t realise how intelligent they were, and this book is the best way I can imagine to learn about them. They were very different to the dumb brutes I learnt about in my childhood.

I’m so looking forward to the next book in the series, and give this story a resounding five stars.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Savage Land trilogy and not like anything I've read before. Set 75,000 years ago, we meet three different tribes of humans. With a volcano threatening the land, they are on the move to find a safe place to go. Yu'ung is a member of the Neanderthal clan and is working a tribal leader, hunter and assistant to her mother who is the tribe healer. Shanadar is a sub-adult, who is visited by Xhosa, a spirit, sending him on a trip to save Yu'ung and her tribe. He gets help from a group of spirits that appear as canis, or wolves. The third tribe are the Tall Ones, or homo-sapiens led by Fierce. Will they all survive the erruption? Can they work together?

I found this book extremely interesting. Jacqui Murray did a lot of research on prehistoric tribes to write this book with accuracy. Neanderthals are usually portrayed as surviving by instinct and not being very bright, but it seems that is probably not the case. They had healers that used herbs and plants to save others and cure many ailments. They knew how to hunt and use weapons. They were smaller in stature, but stronger, and they respected the living creatures, only killing them to eat them and using almost everything, with very little waste. In contrast, The Tall Ones (the Homo Sapiens) were weaker and cleverer. They would kill for sport, often wasting much of the animal. They even fought and killed each other, a precursor of what is going on in the world today. There are other characters we meet in the story, all who play an important part. There is a lot of adventure, some danger, and relationships that all play out in the story. It ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, as far as the volcanic eruption is concerned, so I will have to get to the next book. Badlands, soon to find out what is next for Yu'ung, Shanadar and the others.

[Balroop Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murray introduced me to the ‘Dawn of Humanity’ with her trilogy and kept relating the amazing stories of prehistoric tribes through her second trilogy - ‘Crossroads.’ ‘Endangered Species’ continues her quest to reveal more about the evolution of man. Set in the European region of 75,000 years ago, her characters have learned to speak and cook their meat, they seem to have developed better weapons and medical skills. However, even in this era, the main focus of the people is hunting for food and safety.

It is interesting to note that dreams and visions play an important role in guiding Shanadar who considers himself a “dreamer” but is chosen by Xhosa to rescue Yu’ung and guide her to her tribe’s new home. Yu’ung is a trained hunter, exudes confidence, understands the environment better than men but realizes how different were the fragile spears, which were thrown from a distance by the Tall Ones to assault their prey. She learns healing techniques from Kriina and has the reputation of being “unafraid to be unique.” She has been brilliantly crafted.

This well-researched and fascinating book reveals the struggles of Neanderthals and the Tall Ones. It also highlights the determination, courage and the prowess of early humans, eager to learn more. If you like prehistoric fiction, you’ll find it interesting.

[Jan Sikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of beta-reading an early copy of this book and I can tell you, dear readers, you are in for an adventure!
The stakes are high, danger is ever present and struggle for survival is real.
Yu'ung is a character that is easy to love. Her intentions and desires are honorable with the safety of her tribe first and foremost in her thoughts. She's strong and capable.
Shanadar has been ostracized by his tribe and has little to no self-esteem. Yet it is him who Xhosa chooses to help Yu'ung and her people survive. His growth both mentally and physically throughout the journey is huge. The Canis who join him are a big part of his experience, as is the magical flute.
Other characters drew me in as well. Old One with his patience, wisdom and insight made me think of Native American's Shaman. Tall One, like Yu'ung is on a quest to save his tribe and to find the red-haired healer the seer prophesied.
Kriina, Yu'ung's mother, the red-haired healer, is another wonderfully developed character.
But most of all, the powerful, compelling story itself drew me in and didn't let go. If you are up for an adventure that will have you holding your breath at times, this book is for you! It releases in January 2025.

[Patricia Furstenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to *Endangered Species* by Jacqui Murray was like stepping through a portal into a world where survival is a heartbeat. Where silence might mean either predator or prey. The audiobook, well narrated and paced, was immersive, transporting me into prehistory. There, Nature, not man, had the crown.

The story follows Yu'ung, a visionary healer's daughter whose spiritual connection to Xhosa (still living in South Africa today) guides her through challenges of leadership and survival. Alongside her are Shander, another who sees visions, and Old One, a wise elder whose presence anchors the tribe. As their world edges toward collapse, threatened not by war but by elemental forces, ingenuity and unity become the only hope.

I found Murray's research meticulous yet not heavy-handed. Her Neanderthals are not brutes but thinkers, inventors, and survivors.

Listening to this story as an audiobook invited me to reflection: Who are we really? What do we inherit? What does it mean to survive?

Whether you're familiar with Jacqui Murray's previous novels or diving in fresh, Endangered Species is a captivating listen—thrilling, thoughtful, and deeply human. It doesn’t just tell a story. It leaves one echoing in your bones.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, author and master of prehistoric fiction Jacqui Murray took me on a thrilling journey back in time with her recent book, Endangered Species. Murray transports readers to 75,000 years ago, where Neanderthals (the People) and Homo Sapiens (the Tall Ones) face constant threats and survival challenges. This first book in The Savage Land trilogy centers on Yu’ung, a determined Neanderthal leader, and Shanadar, a reluctant yet courageous outcast, who must unite to protect their people. I was fascinated by how Murray’s meticulous research shines through in vivid world-building and intricate cultural details, depicting early humans' use of tools, language, and social structure. With well-rounded characters and a thrilling climax marked by a volcanic eruption, the story underscores timeless human emotions and struggles. Endangered Species is a story of resilience, courage, and unity, making it a must-read for fans of prehistoric fiction and adventure. I was honored to be gifted an ARC of this amazing novel!

[Sandra Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prehistorical fiction filled with intrigue. Based on facts.
Once again Ms. Murray does a masterful job of sharing our ancestors’ history in a fictional setting filled with danger, mysticism and humanity.
The story toggles back and forth between Yu’ung, who is tasked with leading and saving her people from extinction and Jun/Shandar who is called upon to save Yu’ung and help her save her people.
There is also a fascinating canis pack whose job it is to protect Jun/Shandar.
The book is all we’ve come to expect from the author: unparalleled world building, wonderful character development—that is not limited to the main characters—and plenty of twists and turns to keep us on our toes. Also helpful is a glossary of terms and a character index.
Jacqui Murray is a master of prehistoric fiction. Her readers and fans will not be disappointed.
Kudos on another winner, Ms. Murray.

[Gwendolyn Plano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest book by Jacqui Murray kept me focused from the first page. Her well-researched story takes place 75,000 years ago and includes the Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens. Readers are brought into conflicts and dilemmas, where we meet healers, visionaries, and the less savory. It is an intense, complex story that is utterly captivating. As for the writing itself, Murray is flawless, and her characters are unforgettable. As a footnote, I live near the Grand Canyon, an area of archeological research. The findings thus far only go back 14,000 years. Seeing the artifacts and then reading Murray’s books is eye-opening and humbling.

[Grace Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller in Savage Lands

Living in the time of our ancient ancestors was treacherous.
In a fast paced thrilling adventure Jacqui Murray shows how the changing world of different species had to adapt in prehistoric times.
Learn how spiritual guides inspired several ancient individuals who found their way through difficult times and led them to find each other and save their tribes from danger.
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and dangers everywhere move the People and Tall Ones to find new lands.

[Stanley Ruffner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Hit.

So good. I love the other 2 prehistoric series and they ate my go to for reading. I love how descriptive Murray is about everything. Very well researched I'm just sad I have to wait til April for the next book

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been eager to read “Endangered Species.” The story continues focusing on the Neanderthals who are called the People and the Tall Ones who are the homo sapiens. Their lives are about daily survival and hunting, but nature plays a powerful role in this story as they face another challenge. Yu’ung, the healer’s daughter, is a young female in the People. She has been trained to be a hunter, heal, and lead. She has unique abilities to see and read the landscape better than anyone else, but she also gets visions guiding her. Shandar is a young male who doesn’t fit in, but he also gets visions and learns of his life’s path. I love that we are revisited by a favorite character from the past, Xhosa in these visions, along with some favorite canis. Shander and his canis pack's quest is to find and save Yu’ung and her group while Yu’ung’s is to become the alpha or leader as nature changes their world. The setting is rich and detailed and I can imagine this world from 75000 years ago. It was good to see them cooking now over how their ancestors, like Xhosa, ate their food raw. Told through mainly Yu’ung and Shander’s POV, we do see the world through Yu’ung’s mother the healer's eyes, and nature’s too. Yu’ung is a character I quickly fell in love with and was rooting for her and her group. I kept urging them to move on as their situation became more dire. A mesmerizing story based on well-researched history that I had a hard time putting down. I read it in two sittings. It is a gift when you can learn as well as be entertained. I highly recommend this and can’t wait for the next story in the series!