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Savage Land #2
Badlands
Savage Land is the third trilogy about prehistoric man in the series, Man. Vs. Nature. Written in the spirit of Jean Auel, Savage Land explores how two bands of humans survived one of the worst natural disasters in Earth's history, when volcanic eruptions darkened the sky, massive tsunamis crossed the ocean in crushing waves, and raging fires burned the land. Each of the tribes considered themselves apex predators. Neither was. That crown belonged to Nature and she was intent on washing the blight of man from her face. Join me in this three-book fictional exploration of Neanderthals. 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.
In Badlands, Book Two of the trilogy, the tribes split up, each pursuing dangerous but necessary goals, all at the mercy of the Nature. How they collaborate despite their inborn distrust could end this journey before it starts or forge new relationships that will serve both groups well in the future.
In Badlands, Book Two of the trilogy, the tribes split up, each pursuing dangerous but necessary goals, all at the mercy of the Nature. How they collaborate despite their inborn distrust could end this journey before it starts or forge new relationships that will serve both groups well in the future.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
98 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Jacqui Murray
65 books228 followersI'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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 10, 2025
Having read the first book in this trilogy, I was so pleased when the author released book two so quickly. Firstly because I am in awe of the quality of the writing, the extraordinary characters both in the real and the spirit world, and the amount of research that has gone into bringing this prehistoric world to life.
I do recommend that you read the first book Endangered Species, as it sets the scene for this episode in the trilogy, and introduces you to the main characters, their particular human strain and the various alliances that have been forged. However, the author does offer a comprehensive guide to whom and what you can expect at the front of the book.
It is wonderful to see the Canis taking such a pivotal role in the story, as protectors, hunters and spirit guides, and all the attributes we afford our modern day domestic dogs are amplified in their behaviour…loyalty and protective devotion to those they bond with is their primary objective.
In this part of the story, there is a growing recognition that to survive there needs to be co-operation and understanding between different species of all kinds. Trust is required, especially when being led by someone not of your own tribe who suffers from his own self-doubts, or you are headed into unknown territory where your every move is being observed by hostile forces.
After the devastating volcanic eruptions, food is even scarcer for humans and wildlife. The travellers have always had a liberal approach to what they eat, and when big game is not available they will consume anything that crawls, slithers or in fact crosses their path. During these desperate times, this encourages a particular ingenuity in not just acquiring the food, but in its preparation and preserving. It strikes me as I wander the aisles of the supermarket, picking up fresh produce and all the staples we deem necessary in our modern lives, how we would fare if that was to suddenly disappear. We would certainly be blessed to have a Yu’ung, Shanadar, Fierce, Canis in our lives!
The three groups that have set out on this journey all have the same destination to reach, hopefully joining up at some point to reunite relatives and those who have been absorbed into the larger group along the way. Individually each group will face hardship, danger, loss and find strengths they did not know they possessed, as they battle not just Mother Nature but the Tall Ones, less enlightened than their former tribe member Fierce, who are intent on enslavement and revenge. It becomes vital that the three groups rejoin forces as soon as they can.
This is a thrilling, wonderfully crafted adventure, leading these amazing ancestors of ours to a climax which is both shocking and life affirming. I can’t wait to find out in the third book where this will lead Yu’ung, Shanadar, Fierce, Canis and their people next. Highly recommended as are all the books by Jacqui Murray.
I do recommend that you read the first book Endangered Species, as it sets the scene for this episode in the trilogy, and introduces you to the main characters, their particular human strain and the various alliances that have been forged. However, the author does offer a comprehensive guide to whom and what you can expect at the front of the book.
It is wonderful to see the Canis taking such a pivotal role in the story, as protectors, hunters and spirit guides, and all the attributes we afford our modern day domestic dogs are amplified in their behaviour…loyalty and protective devotion to those they bond with is their primary objective.
In this part of the story, there is a growing recognition that to survive there needs to be co-operation and understanding between different species of all kinds. Trust is required, especially when being led by someone not of your own tribe who suffers from his own self-doubts, or you are headed into unknown territory where your every move is being observed by hostile forces.
After the devastating volcanic eruptions, food is even scarcer for humans and wildlife. The travellers have always had a liberal approach to what they eat, and when big game is not available they will consume anything that crawls, slithers or in fact crosses their path. During these desperate times, this encourages a particular ingenuity in not just acquiring the food, but in its preparation and preserving. It strikes me as I wander the aisles of the supermarket, picking up fresh produce and all the staples we deem necessary in our modern lives, how we would fare if that was to suddenly disappear. We would certainly be blessed to have a Yu’ung, Shanadar, Fierce, Canis in our lives!
The three groups that have set out on this journey all have the same destination to reach, hopefully joining up at some point to reunite relatives and those who have been absorbed into the larger group along the way. Individually each group will face hardship, danger, loss and find strengths they did not know they possessed, as they battle not just Mother Nature but the Tall Ones, less enlightened than their former tribe member Fierce, who are intent on enslavement and revenge. It becomes vital that the three groups rejoin forces as soon as they can.
This is a thrilling, wonderfully crafted adventure, leading these amazing ancestors of ours to a climax which is both shocking and life affirming. I can’t wait to find out in the third book where this will lead Yu’ung, Shanadar, Fierce, Canis and their people next. Highly recommended as are all the books by Jacqui Murray.
May 1, 2025
Book Two of the Savage Land series continues where Book One, Survival of the Fittest, left off. A devastating volcanic eruption has forced a mass migration and a search for a new homeland. The characters from the first book break into three groups, planning to reunite at the Shoreless Sea. Yu’ung and the Old One head for the mountains, where the Old One will remain. Shanadar leads the People (the Neanderthals), and Fierce leads the Tall Ones.
This book focuses mostly on Yu’ung’s journey, touching to a lesser degree on the other groups. She faces not only the environmental challenges of earthquakes, fire, ash, and a dearth of food, but her worst enemy—the roving groups of aggressive Tall Ones who lack the reasonableness of Fierce and kill or enslave anyone they encounter. Yu’ung is brave, intelligent, and competent, and uses her wits to protect herself and the stray survivors she’s collected on her journey.
Once again, Murray’s research shines in this novel, demonstrating the many skills developed by the Neanderthal people, as well as their ability to observe and learn from others and their environment. The story’s pace eases during these “teaching moments” but there is plenty of action the spur the reader on. Intellectually, the Neanderthals seem on par with modern humans, though much tougher and more capable of living successfully off the land. Changes in weaponry, medicine, clothing, and language, as well as an evolving spiritual element, demonstrate their advancement over their more primitive ancestors.
The author provides ancillary information in both the front and back matter of the book, including a fascinating glimpse into her research and a bibliography for further study. It was interesting to see how her discovers about the Neanderthals were threaded through the book. There is a paranormal component to the story that adds interest, though it seems more speculative than other aspects of the research.
This second leg of the journey concludes at the Shoreless Sea. It’s not without casualties. And it’s certainly not over. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy an action-filled adventure and learning about prehistoric peoples as they faced and overcame challenges to their survival.
This book focuses mostly on Yu’ung’s journey, touching to a lesser degree on the other groups. She faces not only the environmental challenges of earthquakes, fire, ash, and a dearth of food, but her worst enemy—the roving groups of aggressive Tall Ones who lack the reasonableness of Fierce and kill or enslave anyone they encounter. Yu’ung is brave, intelligent, and competent, and uses her wits to protect herself and the stray survivors she’s collected on her journey.
Once again, Murray’s research shines in this novel, demonstrating the many skills developed by the Neanderthal people, as well as their ability to observe and learn from others and their environment. The story’s pace eases during these “teaching moments” but there is plenty of action the spur the reader on. Intellectually, the Neanderthals seem on par with modern humans, though much tougher and more capable of living successfully off the land. Changes in weaponry, medicine, clothing, and language, as well as an evolving spiritual element, demonstrate their advancement over their more primitive ancestors.
The author provides ancillary information in both the front and back matter of the book, including a fascinating glimpse into her research and a bibliography for further study. It was interesting to see how her discovers about the Neanderthals were threaded through the book. There is a paranormal component to the story that adds interest, though it seems more speculative than other aspects of the research.
This second leg of the journey concludes at the Shoreless Sea. It’s not without casualties. And it’s certainly not over. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy an action-filled adventure and learning about prehistoric peoples as they faced and overcame challenges to their survival.
September 22, 2025
Jacqui spins tales so well that once I got started with this series, I couldn't wait to read the next book. It was thoroughly researched, featuring a wonderful section of thoughtful questions that would be great for a book club, a university, or a high school class reading project. She also included a detailed section that answered questions readers had asked.
For example, "Neanderthals cooked glue, made fire, sewed clothes, talked, played music on various 'instruments', created art, and possessed other skills shared by modern man. ..."
A reader did not need to peruse the facts before reading the book. She wove them seamlessly into the narrative. I loved Jacqui's descriptions of both the people and the locations. Her choice of words used by the Neanderthal people when they met a new tribe of people seemed so real and based on what they saw. It made it seem like you were part of the tribe, traveling with them. At times, it was humorous when they were doing something like routines we all still have
Without giving away any of the plot, which was spell-binding, I highly recommend this book.
For example, "Neanderthals cooked glue, made fire, sewed clothes, talked, played music on various 'instruments', created art, and possessed other skills shared by modern man. ..."
A reader did not need to peruse the facts before reading the book. She wove them seamlessly into the narrative. I loved Jacqui's descriptions of both the people and the locations. Her choice of words used by the Neanderthal people when they met a new tribe of people seemed so real and based on what they saw. It made it seem like you were part of the tribe, traveling with them. At times, it was humorous when they were doing something like routines we all still have
Without giving away any of the plot, which was spell-binding, I highly recommend this book.
April 21, 2025
Jacqui Murray’s Badlands is Book 2 of The Savage Land Trilogy, in which a Neanderthal tribe, aided by a group of proto-wolves, and a Homo sapiens tribe struggle to survive cataclysmic natural disasters, the primary one being a major volcanic eruption. The two tribes also fight each other for dominance as they seek a new dwelling place.
This novel is the second in a trilogy tracing early man’s development, Savage Land. Badlands can be read as a stand alone, although first reading the prior book in the series, Endangered Species, would probably be helpful. (Two other trilogies precede Savage Land.)
I jumped into Badlands in medias res, having never read any prehistoric fiction before. My goal in reading the book was to broaden my reading horizons. Badlands met that goal admirably. The descriptions of the inhospitable landscape the Neanderthals (and all other species) found themselves in were vivid and relatable, as was their day-to-day way of life. My favorite sections of the book were the action sequences, in part because the leader of the Neanderthals, a young woman called Yu’ung, is such a brilliant strategist.
The research is well-incorporated into each scene, which I also enjoyed. Badlands piqued my interest in learning more about early language acquisition and development. The novel also left me very curious about the research methodology used by scientists to come to their conclusions. For any reader who wants to dig deeper into the research, the author provides an extensive bibliography with dates ranging from 1885 through 2024.
In addition, the author provides reading aids, which I found very helpful. These aids include a list of the names of the characters, the species they belong to, and who they are in relation to one or more other characters. (I’ll admit I had some difficulty keeping all the names straight.) Also included is a glossary of terms. The back matter includes a number of substantive discussion questions for book clubs or teachers.
As the Introduction makes clear, Nature is a character who wants to see those-who-walk upright destroyed for the damage they have done to her:
“They didn’t understand the balance of life, that plants, trees, rocks, animal, caves were all interconnected, part of a collective whole.To these who walked upright, nothing mattered except themselves and their needs.”
75,000 years later, nothing has changed between Nature and those-who-walk-upright. The message for me is that nature will reclaim what is hers by whatever violent means necessary. The question facing us is whether we have the same wherewithal as our Neanderthal forebears to ensure our survival.
This novel is the second in a trilogy tracing early man’s development, Savage Land. Badlands can be read as a stand alone, although first reading the prior book in the series, Endangered Species, would probably be helpful. (Two other trilogies precede Savage Land.)
I jumped into Badlands in medias res, having never read any prehistoric fiction before. My goal in reading the book was to broaden my reading horizons. Badlands met that goal admirably. The descriptions of the inhospitable landscape the Neanderthals (and all other species) found themselves in were vivid and relatable, as was their day-to-day way of life. My favorite sections of the book were the action sequences, in part because the leader of the Neanderthals, a young woman called Yu’ung, is such a brilliant strategist.
The research is well-incorporated into each scene, which I also enjoyed. Badlands piqued my interest in learning more about early language acquisition and development. The novel also left me very curious about the research methodology used by scientists to come to their conclusions. For any reader who wants to dig deeper into the research, the author provides an extensive bibliography with dates ranging from 1885 through 2024.
In addition, the author provides reading aids, which I found very helpful. These aids include a list of the names of the characters, the species they belong to, and who they are in relation to one or more other characters. (I’ll admit I had some difficulty keeping all the names straight.) Also included is a glossary of terms. The back matter includes a number of substantive discussion questions for book clubs or teachers.
As the Introduction makes clear, Nature is a character who wants to see those-who-walk upright destroyed for the damage they have done to her:
“They didn’t understand the balance of life, that plants, trees, rocks, animal, caves were all interconnected, part of a collective whole.To these who walked upright, nothing mattered except themselves and their needs.”
75,000 years later, nothing has changed between Nature and those-who-walk-upright. The message for me is that nature will reclaim what is hers by whatever violent means necessary. The question facing us is whether we have the same wherewithal as our Neanderthal forebears to ensure our survival.
April 21, 2025
Badlands is book 2 in Murray’s Savage Land pre-historical fiction trilogy. It’s 75,000 years ago, and Yu’ung must lead her People (a Neanderthal clan) away from the giant volcanic eruption (the historic Mt. Toba eruption in Indonesia). The Chosen (a clan of Homo sapiens) also migrate to escape the volcano. They work together to avoid rogue clans and vengeful individuals. Nature also does its best to thwart their plans in the form of an ashy sky, earthquakes, storms, and the cold. (The Mt. Toba eruption triggered a volcanic winter.)
I grew to admire Yu’ung in this book. She was a little timid in the first book, but now she is a superb leader of her clan. She hasn’t lost her hunting skills. She’s level-headed and smart and compassionate. She knows the healing arts and how to communicate with the proto-wolves. I loved how she put all these skills to use when she was captured by a violent tribe. There’s a really tense scene when she is trying to outsmart the leader of her captors.
The proto-wolves play a big part in this story. I enjoyed it when they were major players in a scene. Usually it was a high-action scene with lots of danger … so exciting.
We lose one of the characters from the first book, and the death of this character (won’t say who it is, no spoilers) twisted my heart.
The end of the book completes one storyline but leaves open another. I’ll just have to read book 3 when it comes out!
There are discussion questions at the end in case you are in a book club (or for your own book journal).
Amazing book, five stars!
I grew to admire Yu’ung in this book. She was a little timid in the first book, but now she is a superb leader of her clan. She hasn’t lost her hunting skills. She’s level-headed and smart and compassionate. She knows the healing arts and how to communicate with the proto-wolves. I loved how she put all these skills to use when she was captured by a violent tribe. There’s a really tense scene when she is trying to outsmart the leader of her captors.
The proto-wolves play a big part in this story. I enjoyed it when they were major players in a scene. Usually it was a high-action scene with lots of danger … so exciting.
We lose one of the characters from the first book, and the death of this character (won’t say who it is, no spoilers) twisted my heart.
The end of the book completes one storyline but leaves open another. I’ll just have to read book 3 when it comes out!
There are discussion questions at the end in case you are in a book club (or for your own book journal).
Amazing book, five stars!
May 28, 2025
Book Two begins where the first book left off. The volcano has devastated the land. It’s apparent that the People must set off on a great migration in search of a new home.
Yu’ung and the Old One head for the mountains, where the Old One wants to remain. The rest break into two groups. Shanadar leads the Neanderthal People, while Fierce leads the Tall Ones with the hope they will all reunite at the Shoreless Sea.
The book is aptly named Badlands, and Yu’ung’s journey is difficult. The land is full of challenges as numerous earthquakes continue to rock the survivors. Food becomes difficult to find. Even worse, are the groups of Tall Ones who are ready to make slaves of anyone they come in contact with.
Yu’ung meets each challenge head on. She fights for survival by using her instincts and trusting help from her spirit guides.
The story doesn’t disappoint. There are several heart-stopping events that made me wonder if the Yu’ung would reach her goals. Through all the twists and turns, the young woman continues to grow into the leader she was meant to become.
I love the detail this author adds to these stories. I was especially taken with the spirituality of the Neanderthals, which lends a paranormal aspect to the story. Also, look for the author’s research, including a bibliography for additional study.
This is another great read that illustrates how important the Neanderthal people were to the people we’ve become today. I like to think our empathy comes from those kind, ancient Neanderthal genes.
Yu’ung and the Old One head for the mountains, where the Old One wants to remain. The rest break into two groups. Shanadar leads the Neanderthal People, while Fierce leads the Tall Ones with the hope they will all reunite at the Shoreless Sea.
The book is aptly named Badlands, and Yu’ung’s journey is difficult. The land is full of challenges as numerous earthquakes continue to rock the survivors. Food becomes difficult to find. Even worse, are the groups of Tall Ones who are ready to make slaves of anyone they come in contact with.
Yu’ung meets each challenge head on. She fights for survival by using her instincts and trusting help from her spirit guides.
The story doesn’t disappoint. There are several heart-stopping events that made me wonder if the Yu’ung would reach her goals. Through all the twists and turns, the young woman continues to grow into the leader she was meant to become.
I love the detail this author adds to these stories. I was especially taken with the spirituality of the Neanderthals, which lends a paranormal aspect to the story. Also, look for the author’s research, including a bibliography for additional study.
This is another great read that illustrates how important the Neanderthal people were to the people we’ve become today. I like to think our empathy comes from those kind, ancient Neanderthal genes.
July 2, 2025
In Badlands, we find the tribes of prehistoric humans splitting up and coming together again as they migrate away from the Altai Mountains to escape an erupting volcano. Their destination? The “shoreless sea” and the region known today as Gibraltar. The groups of hominids are in different stages of evolution and knowledge. Thirsty, hungry, facing death from savage animals and the harsh elements, they must learn to work together to survive the forces of nature or face extinction. But then a new threat emerges: a competing tribe of ruthless Tall Ones who enslave and brutalize their captives. Yu’ung, the female Alpha leader of the Neanderthal tribe, finds her leadership skills tested as she tries to figure out how to outwit this dangerous band.
The events and pacing of the plot allow for plenty of interaction between characters, leading to a deeper understanding of their thought processes and motivations. The ugly reality of death and survival is balanced by moments of tenderness, respect for the dead, self-sacrificing healing, and concern for the overall well-being of the group. Prehistoric humans had to be intelligent, observant, adaptable, resilient, and self-sufficient in order to survive. There was no room for laziness and self-indulgence. Each individual added value to the whole group. In Badlands, the human qualities shine through loud and clear.
I highly recommend this book and give it five stars.
The events and pacing of the plot allow for plenty of interaction between characters, leading to a deeper understanding of their thought processes and motivations. The ugly reality of death and survival is balanced by moments of tenderness, respect for the dead, self-sacrificing healing, and concern for the overall well-being of the group. Prehistoric humans had to be intelligent, observant, adaptable, resilient, and self-sufficient in order to survive. There was no room for laziness and self-indulgence. Each individual added value to the whole group. In Badlands, the human qualities shine through loud and clear.
I highly recommend this book and give it five stars.
April 25, 2025
The gripping saga continues as Yu'ung struggles to save the clan. The mountain is angry, spewing fire and ash all over their home. They must go or die, but there are so many dilemmas.
I enjoyed this part of the series as much as I did the first one. The new characters that came into the picture offered new dimensions, challenges and unlikely friendships and alliances.
My favorite side character in this segment of the saga was Shanadar and his canis companions. They add so much to the story and especially knowing his backstory. It's a situation of rising to meet a challenge flung upon him out of desperate circumstances, and rising to the challenge.
It was great to see Yu'ung's mother again. I love her and her innate wisdom.
There are some sad parts in this segment, but so realistic.
The author gives us insightful views into the understanding and wisdom the Neanderthals posses. Another very interesting aspect to this part of the story is getting a closer look at their healing modalities and methods of communicating. This is a saga. I am hoping these characters find the safety and shelter they desperately need and am already looking forward to the next part of the journey. If you enjoy learning about our ancestors, their trials and triumphs, you will no doubt enjoy this well-written book. I highly recommend it!
I enjoyed this part of the series as much as I did the first one. The new characters that came into the picture offered new dimensions, challenges and unlikely friendships and alliances.
My favorite side character in this segment of the saga was Shanadar and his canis companions. They add so much to the story and especially knowing his backstory. It's a situation of rising to meet a challenge flung upon him out of desperate circumstances, and rising to the challenge.
It was great to see Yu'ung's mother again. I love her and her innate wisdom.
There are some sad parts in this segment, but so realistic.
The author gives us insightful views into the understanding and wisdom the Neanderthals posses. Another very interesting aspect to this part of the story is getting a closer look at their healing modalities and methods of communicating. This is a saga. I am hoping these characters find the safety and shelter they desperately need and am already looking forward to the next part of the journey. If you enjoy learning about our ancestors, their trials and triumphs, you will no doubt enjoy this well-written book. I highly recommend it!
October 20, 2025
Thrilling prehistoric fiction about Neanderthals
This is the second book in Jacqui Murray’s Savage Lands series, set 75,000 years ago. I read the first book, and couldn’t wait to read this one. The saga continues, with the author drawing on her meticulous research into Neanderthals. She uses her great insight to bring these prehistoric people to life, and it has been a real education for me, as I never realised how intelligent and advanced they were. Getting to know these wonderful characters has been a real treat.
A volcano is erupting in the Altai Mountains, and Badlands follows two very different groups of prehistoric humans as they escape from this danger. Their ultimate destination will be the area now known as Gibraltar. The tension rises as other groups, also needing to relocate, pose a new threat.
Yu’ung is the brilliant female leader of the Neanderthal tribe, a healer and leader, who journeys ahead, temporarily splitting the tribe. The action never stops as the different groups cope with their dangerous environment and try to outwit each other. I’ve always been fascinated by early humans and how they lived their lives, so this series is perfect for me. Murray has woven a story of unique characters, each one with their own talents and personalities.
I’m looking forward to the third book in the series, and I give this story a resounding five stars.
This is the second book in Jacqui Murray’s Savage Lands series, set 75,000 years ago. I read the first book, and couldn’t wait to read this one. The saga continues, with the author drawing on her meticulous research into Neanderthals. She uses her great insight to bring these prehistoric people to life, and it has been a real education for me, as I never realised how intelligent and advanced they were. Getting to know these wonderful characters has been a real treat.
A volcano is erupting in the Altai Mountains, and Badlands follows two very different groups of prehistoric humans as they escape from this danger. Their ultimate destination will be the area now known as Gibraltar. The tension rises as other groups, also needing to relocate, pose a new threat.
Yu’ung is the brilliant female leader of the Neanderthal tribe, a healer and leader, who journeys ahead, temporarily splitting the tribe. The action never stops as the different groups cope with their dangerous environment and try to outwit each other. I’ve always been fascinated by early humans and how they lived their lives, so this series is perfect for me. Murray has woven a story of unique characters, each one with their own talents and personalities.
I’m looking forward to the third book in the series, and I give this story a resounding five stars.
April 22, 2025
The story continues as the different groups escape the volcano's devastation. Yu'ung leaves her tribe in the hands of B'o as she accompanies the Old One to the mountain clan along with their proto-wolf. This allows the story to be told through more than one point of view and tribes as Yu'ung runs into issues that set them back. Despite the destruction of their environment, there persists a lack of trust among different tribes and species, but it also creates an opportunity for individuals who typically wouldn't cooperate to do so. Having read the other series and the first book, I was eager to see what happened next. This story didn't disappoint and had some twists and heart-stopping moments. The growth of Yu'ung into a strong leader is great to watch, and I have a soft spot for the wolves. Character integration feels seamless, yet identifying trustworthy individuals remains difficult. The details though are what draw me in and I feel like I understand as best I can the life our ancestors led. I can't wait for the third book to see how the journey goes. I can highly recommend this, and it can be read as a standalone, but I've enjoyed reading it from the beginning and getting to know the characters better.
August 6, 2025
In Badlands, Book Two of Jacqui Murray's Savage Land trilogy, prehistoric Earth is more than just a location; it is a powerful shaping force. As volcanic explosions drive early human bands from the Altai Mountains to the far-off "shoreless sea"—modern-day Gibraltar—their biggest struggle is not the inhospitable environment, but learning to trust and cooperate.
Murray portrays her Neanderthal characters with complexity, emphasizing their intelligence, adaptability, and strong social relationships. This is a story of emotional evolution as well as physical survival, in which alliances must be formed despite differences. The emergence of the savage "Tall Ones" raises the stakes, prompting the question: what sort of humanity will prevail?
Badlands, written in sharp English and based on sound anthropological research, is both an absorbing survival story and a heartbreaking monument to our ancient ancestry. Recommended for readers who enjoy clever, emotionally rich prehistoric fiction.
The audiobook format offers an engaging listening experience. I found the narration is clear, steady expressive, drawing the listener into the rhythm of survival and the pulse of early humanity.
Murray portrays her Neanderthal characters with complexity, emphasizing their intelligence, adaptability, and strong social relationships. This is a story of emotional evolution as well as physical survival, in which alliances must be formed despite differences. The emergence of the savage "Tall Ones" raises the stakes, prompting the question: what sort of humanity will prevail?
Badlands, written in sharp English and based on sound anthropological research, is both an absorbing survival story and a heartbreaking monument to our ancient ancestry. Recommended for readers who enjoy clever, emotionally rich prehistoric fiction.
The audiobook format offers an engaging listening experience. I found the narration is clear, steady expressive, drawing the listener into the rhythm of survival and the pulse of early humanity.
April 26, 2025
It’s hard for me to imagine 5,000 years ago, let alone 75,000 years ago. Jacqui Murray bridges that divide with her latest book: Badlands. She helped me understand mankind’s emergence through this carefully researched fictional story. There’s tribal violence, horrific natural disasters, strange animals – frankly, a world only glimpsed through books such as this and maybe movies like Jurassic Park.
Survival is a central theme, and the threat of extinction is real. Murray expertly weaves a story around this fundamental driving force by giving voice to the characters through their actions, culture, and language. Nature was integral to their lives – where they lived, how they lived, and if they lived was determined by their respect and care for the natural world. Very thought-provoking.
Survival is a central theme, and the threat of extinction is real. Murray expertly weaves a story around this fundamental driving force by giving voice to the characters through their actions, culture, and language. Nature was integral to their lives – where they lived, how they lived, and if they lived was determined by their respect and care for the natural world. Very thought-provoking.
March 25, 2025
BADLANDS is the second in Ms. Murray’s Savage Lands Trilogy. In it, prehistoric man takes on nature in all her fury and survives.
While Yu’ung’s tribe led by B’o, Yu’ung’s hunting partner, and Shanadar, a rather unique young man😊, journey to a safer land, Yu’ung and Ocha, the proto-wolf, accompany Old One, the tribal elder, on his final journey.
Danger is faced on all fronts by the split tribe. Stalked by predators both two-legged and four-legged, they race to stay ahead of nature, whose rumblings are loud, long, and life-threatening.
Once again, the author delivers a fascinating fictionalized version of man’s history, wrapped in fact. A must read for Jacqui Murray fans—of which I am one—and those who just enjoy a good tale.
While Yu’ung’s tribe led by B’o, Yu’ung’s hunting partner, and Shanadar, a rather unique young man😊, journey to a safer land, Yu’ung and Ocha, the proto-wolf, accompany Old One, the tribal elder, on his final journey.
Danger is faced on all fronts by the split tribe. Stalked by predators both two-legged and four-legged, they race to stay ahead of nature, whose rumblings are loud, long, and life-threatening.
Once again, the author delivers a fascinating fictionalized version of man’s history, wrapped in fact. A must read for Jacqui Murray fans—of which I am one—and those who just enjoy a good tale.
May 3, 2025
PreHistoric Ancestral Thriller
Danger swept the brave indigenous people of prehistoric times. Earthquakes from treacherous volcanoes drove masses of different human species to band together to create larger tribes. Who do you trust when faced with losing your land and your life?
Jacqui Murray does a masterful job of blending prehistoric history with real life events. The emerging human civilization with its daily challenges of finding food and shelter against a wild and unpredictable environment is amazing.
I wonder how she came up with all the unique characters and their names.
A fantastic thriller.
Danger swept the brave indigenous people of prehistoric times. Earthquakes from treacherous volcanoes drove masses of different human species to band together to create larger tribes. Who do you trust when faced with losing your land and your life?
Jacqui Murray does a masterful job of blending prehistoric history with real life events. The emerging human civilization with its daily challenges of finding food and shelter against a wild and unpredictable environment is amazing.
I wonder how she came up with all the unique characters and their names.
A fantastic thriller.
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