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Balance of Nature
A tribe haunted by the past. Lies that threaten the future. A reason to find the truth.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 Balance of Nature, Book Three of the trilogy, the tribes face one final roadblock to reach what they hope will become their new home. They prevail but not without deaths and setbacks by collaboration and respect for the strengths of those they originally disdained. Now, in their homeland, where life should be about finding their place in a new landscape, instead, they find threats from old enemies and potentially lethal challenges.
Follow the courageous Yu’ung, the determined Kazeb, the mystical Shanadar, the pawed-and-clawed Canis and their tribes as they navigate a perilous world of tribal conflict, unexplained visions, and shifting loyalties. Their journey is a testament to resilience and the strength found in true leadership. Their personal struggles and heroic triumphs define this sweeping saga that ultimately leads to who we are today.
In Balance of Nature, Book Three of the trilogy, the tribes face one final roadblock to reach what they hope will become their new home. They prevail but not without deaths and setbacks by collaboration and respect for the strengths of those they originally disdained. Now, in their homeland, where life should be about finding their place in a new landscape, instead, they find threats from old enemies and potentially lethal challenges.
Follow the courageous Yu’ung, the determined Kazeb, the mystical Shanadar, the pawed-and-clawed Canis and their tribes as they navigate a perilous world of tribal conflict, unexplained visions, and shifting loyalties. Their journey is a testament to resilience and the strength found in true leadership. Their personal struggles and heroic triumphs define this sweeping saga that ultimately leads to who we are today.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2026
16 people are currently reading
6 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 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 21, 2026
In this third book of the Savage Land series we are reunited with those who have become so familiar to the reader including Yu’ung alpha of the Neanderthals, Fierce leader of the Tall Ones, Shanadar their spiritual guide, Canis and the other characters the author has created for us to marvel at and enjoy.
This is fiction, but the research behind the story as always is meticulous, and when combined with the thrilling and dangerous times our ancestors lived in, it is a riveting adventure from first page to last.
Apart from being an exceedingly perilous time, it is also one of exploration and co-operation with other species as Mother Nature continues to bombard them all with fire and moving earth. They must rely on instinct, ancient wisdom and each other as they venture further from their original homes uncertain of what lies ahead of them. As they travel they discover new foods and develop skills which provide the nourishment they require when their usual sources disappear from the land. This collaboration between species is also an opportunity to bring new blood from outside the individual groups, an important step not just in evolution, but also in the health of future generations.
There is an inherent distrust of the motives of others outside of their own communities, and whilst their way of life may be primitive, human nature in the form of greed, ambition and treachery are already far advanced. If the dangers of nature were not enough to contend with, evil lurking close to hand threatens the lives of all of them. Trust and loyalty are tested and alliances are formed essential to their survival.
This is human nature in the raw with violence most often used to resolve conflict as a safe home base and resources become scarce. However, humanity for others is also becoming recognised as offering a different kind of strength. One that demonstrates that working together in harmony can lead to survival of them all.
The setting for much of the book is a rock where various forms of our ancestors in that time period come together, and the outcome of their interactions set in motion the changes to humans over the next thousands of years.
However, as the author points out in her afterword with regard to the Neanderthal who became extinct eventually, their genetics live on, 2-4% in each of us born outside Africa, and a full 30% throughout modern man. What they gave to man—the strength, the wisdom, the creative attitude to solve problems—can’t be overstated.
I certainly have a great deal of respect for the contribution they have made in our evolution. I highly recommend the series and beginning with books one and two before enjoying this spectacular finale.
This is fiction, but the research behind the story as always is meticulous, and when combined with the thrilling and dangerous times our ancestors lived in, it is a riveting adventure from first page to last.
Apart from being an exceedingly perilous time, it is also one of exploration and co-operation with other species as Mother Nature continues to bombard them all with fire and moving earth. They must rely on instinct, ancient wisdom and each other as they venture further from their original homes uncertain of what lies ahead of them. As they travel they discover new foods and develop skills which provide the nourishment they require when their usual sources disappear from the land. This collaboration between species is also an opportunity to bring new blood from outside the individual groups, an important step not just in evolution, but also in the health of future generations.
There is an inherent distrust of the motives of others outside of their own communities, and whilst their way of life may be primitive, human nature in the form of greed, ambition and treachery are already far advanced. If the dangers of nature were not enough to contend with, evil lurking close to hand threatens the lives of all of them. Trust and loyalty are tested and alliances are formed essential to their survival.
This is human nature in the raw with violence most often used to resolve conflict as a safe home base and resources become scarce. However, humanity for others is also becoming recognised as offering a different kind of strength. One that demonstrates that working together in harmony can lead to survival of them all.
The setting for much of the book is a rock where various forms of our ancestors in that time period come together, and the outcome of their interactions set in motion the changes to humans over the next thousands of years.
However, as the author points out in her afterword with regard to the Neanderthal who became extinct eventually, their genetics live on, 2-4% in each of us born outside Africa, and a full 30% throughout modern man. What they gave to man—the strength, the wisdom, the creative attitude to solve problems—can’t be overstated.
I certainly have a great deal of respect for the contribution they have made in our evolution. I highly recommend the series and beginning with books one and two before enjoying this spectacular finale.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“They tore deep into Nature’s flesh with their digging sticks.” And so, begins the story.
After Mother Nature has pummeled the tribe for their disrespect, the Neanderthals are once again looking for a place to call home. They must endure much and overcome many obstacles: the weather, the conditions, the travel itself, and hardest of all—betrayal.
If you’ve been following this series you’ll encounter many familiar characters. Yu’ung and her mother. Fierce. Shanadar. And, of course, the Canis pack😊.
Once again, the author digs deep into prehistory to help us become better acquainted with our distant ancestors and, in the process, weaves a story of resilience and courage.
A must read for Murray fans, of which I am one.
After Mother Nature has pummeled the tribe for their disrespect, the Neanderthals are once again looking for a place to call home. They must endure much and overcome many obstacles: the weather, the conditions, the travel itself, and hardest of all—betrayal.
If you’ve been following this series you’ll encounter many familiar characters. Yu’ung and her mother. Fierce. Shanadar. And, of course, the Canis pack😊.
Once again, the author digs deep into prehistory to help us become better acquainted with our distant ancestors and, in the process, weaves a story of resilience and courage.
A must read for Murray fans, of which I am one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Balance of Nature wraps up Murray’s third trilogy exploring the trials and adventures of prehistoric man. History has advanced to the time of the Neanderthals, and they’re the focus of the trilogy, though other versions of man (The Tall Ones) have developed alongside them.
The story begins where Book Two left off – on the edge of the Shoreless Sea, and concludes their migration away from their inhospitable homeland to a new land of plentiful game and a milder climate. Reaching a new homeland requires navigating unfamiliar terrains (including the salty sea) and learning new skills, often from others they meet along the way.
As humankind is increasingly able to master the environment, the greatest danger they face shifts—to other humans. Modern traits, such as aggressiveness, suspicion, and competitiveness, shape relationships, as does the ability to think strategically and engage in long-term planning. Primitive man’s growing ability to understand concepts gives rise to early art, spiritual beliefs about unexplained forces in the world, and what comes after death.
Shanadar, a character introduced in the previous books, becomes the group’s shaman, and readers who enjoyed the group’s canine members will be delighted to see them back. Yu’ung, who leads the People (Neanderthals), and Fierce, who leads the Tall Ones, are the main characters, and they lead the action. Though the story is told from multiple POVs, theirs are the primary ones.
I was struck by how similar these primitive humans are to modern mankind—except that they’re more resourceful, brave, and well-equipped to survive in a world where I wouldn’t last more than a couple of days, at best. The story is based on a true historical migration, which is impressive.
The author’s research into primitive man threads seamlessly through the pages and feels completely natural. There’s a Q&A at the end of the book that shares some interesting facts about Neanderthals, as well as questions for discussion. For anyone interested in learning more, the author included her bibliography.
Highly recommended to readers of prehistoric fiction and to those who want to understand more about mankind’s evolution, specifically that of the Neanderthals.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book without conditions.
The story begins where Book Two left off – on the edge of the Shoreless Sea, and concludes their migration away from their inhospitable homeland to a new land of plentiful game and a milder climate. Reaching a new homeland requires navigating unfamiliar terrains (including the salty sea) and learning new skills, often from others they meet along the way.
As humankind is increasingly able to master the environment, the greatest danger they face shifts—to other humans. Modern traits, such as aggressiveness, suspicion, and competitiveness, shape relationships, as does the ability to think strategically and engage in long-term planning. Primitive man’s growing ability to understand concepts gives rise to early art, spiritual beliefs about unexplained forces in the world, and what comes after death.
Shanadar, a character introduced in the previous books, becomes the group’s shaman, and readers who enjoyed the group’s canine members will be delighted to see them back. Yu’ung, who leads the People (Neanderthals), and Fierce, who leads the Tall Ones, are the main characters, and they lead the action. Though the story is told from multiple POVs, theirs are the primary ones.
I was struck by how similar these primitive humans are to modern mankind—except that they’re more resourceful, brave, and well-equipped to survive in a world where I wouldn’t last more than a couple of days, at best. The story is based on a true historical migration, which is impressive.
The author’s research into primitive man threads seamlessly through the pages and feels completely natural. There’s a Q&A at the end of the book that shares some interesting facts about Neanderthals, as well as questions for discussion. For anyone interested in learning more, the author included her bibliography.
Highly recommended to readers of prehistoric fiction and to those who want to understand more about mankind’s evolution, specifically that of the Neanderthals.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book without conditions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Balance of Nature is the third book in Murray’s Savage Land prehistorical fiction trilogy. It works well as a standalone, but I think it’s more satisfying if you read the trilogy in order.
In this book, Yu’ung and the People (the Neanderthals) as well as Fierce and the Tall Ones (Homo sapiens) are trying to find a place to settle after a series of natural disasters. Where we saw individuals struggle against the elements and each other in earlier books, this book focuses more on clans and uprisings and loyalties and betrayals and suspicions … basically, anything you’d find in modern Western society. But the ancient setting grounds the story and the reader in early humans’ world.
As far as characters go, I really liked Kazeb. He has to straddle his efforts between what’s best for the People and his loyalty to family. I liked Fierce, too. He’s a Tall One and seems awfully calm and smart, but he definitely has his vulnerabilities. I felt sorry for a certain character who was hurt in the past and is now angry, but I felt a little scared of him, too. Murray gets the reader attached to different characters and takes the reader through all sorts of emotions!
The canines are back, too. It’s easy to see modern day dogs’ personalities and modes in the predecessorial canine characters.
Murray obviously did her research. The reader learns the “why” behind cave drawings, a possible why behind the real-life Circles of Stalactites so carefully positioned, how early humans navigated, counted, found water, buried their dead, set up an encampment, planned a hunt, and more.
Overall, Balance of Nature is a fascinating read and a satisfying conclusion to an ambitious and successful trilogy. Five stars!
In this book, Yu’ung and the People (the Neanderthals) as well as Fierce and the Tall Ones (Homo sapiens) are trying to find a place to settle after a series of natural disasters. Where we saw individuals struggle against the elements and each other in earlier books, this book focuses more on clans and uprisings and loyalties and betrayals and suspicions … basically, anything you’d find in modern Western society. But the ancient setting grounds the story and the reader in early humans’ world.
As far as characters go, I really liked Kazeb. He has to straddle his efforts between what’s best for the People and his loyalty to family. I liked Fierce, too. He’s a Tall One and seems awfully calm and smart, but he definitely has his vulnerabilities. I felt sorry for a certain character who was hurt in the past and is now angry, but I felt a little scared of him, too. Murray gets the reader attached to different characters and takes the reader through all sorts of emotions!
The canines are back, too. It’s easy to see modern day dogs’ personalities and modes in the predecessorial canine characters.
Murray obviously did her research. The reader learns the “why” behind cave drawings, a possible why behind the real-life Circles of Stalactites so carefully positioned, how early humans navigated, counted, found water, buried their dead, set up an encampment, planned a hunt, and more.
Overall, Balance of Nature is a fascinating read and a satisfying conclusion to an ambitious and successful trilogy. Five stars!
February 16, 2026
Having read the first two books in this series, I was anxious to revisit Yu'ung, Fierce and the mixed clan again. This segment chronicles the preparation for a sea journey and the journey to the destination, where they find they are not immediately welcomed. Not only did I get reacquainted with familiar, but met new characters as well. The way these stories are written is a bird's-eye view look back in time 75,000 years ago to what our Neanderthal ancestors may have been like and the struggles they faced to survive in harsh elements.
I loved seeing Shanadar and the Canis again. They are all such an integral part of the story and his growth from the first time he appeared until this book is a true spiritual journey.
We also got to see through this book that, just as in today's times, there were those with evil intentions. And the way the tribe leader dealt with them was worthy of a psychology book.
Yu'ung remains my favorite character, along with her mother. And of course, Fierce exhibits such widsom in his leadership, I have to admire him. But the new character, Kazeb, won me over with his courage and compassion. His and Yu'ung's relationship developed in a natural way, not forced and I loved that. I also loved that babies were born in this book. That was so essential for the species to continue. If you have a curiosity about our ancient ancestors, these books are a great way to explore them, how they thought, felt, how they survived. I highly recommend the entire series!
I loved seeing Shanadar and the Canis again. They are all such an integral part of the story and his growth from the first time he appeared until this book is a true spiritual journey.
We also got to see through this book that, just as in today's times, there were those with evil intentions. And the way the tribe leader dealt with them was worthy of a psychology book.
Yu'ung remains my favorite character, along with her mother. And of course, Fierce exhibits such widsom in his leadership, I have to admire him. But the new character, Kazeb, won me over with his courage and compassion. His and Yu'ung's relationship developed in a natural way, not forced and I loved that. I also loved that babies were born in this book. That was so essential for the species to continue. If you have a curiosity about our ancient ancestors, these books are a great way to explore them, how they thought, felt, how they survived. I highly recommend the entire series!
December 8, 2025
The prehistoric story continues with many characters I’ve grown to love in the other two books. After surviving everything nature had thrown at them, this story follows two resilient clans. Fierce and his mixed clan have traveled the seas and gotten rid of one problem, just to find another. Having already made contact with another surviving clan, he doesn’t get the welcome he expected. Both clans have to be careful who they trust. Yu’ung is a favorite character, a strong alpha woman who has no problem leading or supplying the clan’s needs. The friendship that developed between her and Kazeb was one of the many things that kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. The loyal Canis are close to my heart as they protect their clan. Shanadar is fascinating as he guides through wisdom and his vision, where characters from the past still guide the clan. The settings, research, and attention to detail not only educate me but make me feel like I can understand how life used to be. There is survival, family, love, and logic all mixed together perfectly. While I suggest you read the entire series to fully understand the character’s journey, it could be a standalone because they are so well-rounded, and the journey is carefully explained. I highly recommend this book and the series.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Balance of Nature is the third book in Jacqui Murray’s Savage Land prehistoric fiction trilogy. I have read and enjoyed previous instalments of the author’s Man vs. Nature series, so it was no surprise that this one also quickly drew me in.
Standout characters are the leader Fierce, a male Homo sapiens, Yu’ung, an alpha female Neanderthal, and the very human Kazeb, a man of divided loyalties. Fierce and his mixed clan are searching for a new homeland after surviving Nature’s wrath in the form of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis, only to face unexpected duplicity and betrayal from another clan.
Murray’s prose and research masterfully portrays the many struggles our earliest ancestors endured, while at the same time revealing the courage, tenacity, and shrewdness at the core of human existence since time immemorial.
Standout characters are the leader Fierce, a male Homo sapiens, Yu’ung, an alpha female Neanderthal, and the very human Kazeb, a man of divided loyalties. Fierce and his mixed clan are searching for a new homeland after surviving Nature’s wrath in the form of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis, only to face unexpected duplicity and betrayal from another clan.
Murray’s prose and research masterfully portrays the many struggles our earliest ancestors endured, while at the same time revealing the courage, tenacity, and shrewdness at the core of human existence since time immemorial.
February 24, 2026
not worth the time
The story plot of this book. It’s far below the quality of the first two books. I am very disappointed. I have enjoyed all the authors books from previous stories, but this one I am not going to continue.
The story plot of this book. It’s far below the quality of the first two books. I am very disappointed. I have enjoyed all the authors books from previous stories, but this one I am not going to continue.
February 16, 2026
not to my liking
I got confused easily. To many characters and to many changed narratives. I could not keep anything straight in my mind.
I got confused easily. To many characters and to many changed narratives. I could not keep anything straight in my mind.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews