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Reindeer People #1
The Reindeer People
The Reindeer People is the first in a series of reissues of Megan Lindholm's (Robin Hobb) classic backlist titles. It is set in the harsh wilderness of a prehistoric North America, and tells the story of a tribe of nomads and hunters as they try to survive, battling against enemy tribes, marauding packs of wolves and the very land itself. Living on the outskirts of the tribe Tillu was happy spending her time tending her strange, slow dreamy child Kerlew and communing with the spirits to heal the sick and bring blessing on new births. However Carp, the Shaman, an ugly wizened old man whose magic smelled foul to Tillu desired both mother and child. Tillu knew Carp's magic would steal her son and her soul. Death waited in the snows of the Tundra, but Tillu knew which she would prefer Gritty and realistic, it's reminiscent of Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear but written in the compelling style of the author who produced the bestselling Assassin's Apprentice.
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1988
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About the author
Megan Lindholm
77 books1,057 followersThe author also writes under the pseudonym Robin Hobb. Her real name is Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
May 21, 2024
This early work of Lindholm/Hobb has many of the hallmarks that make her best books what they are: most notably superb characterization, an immaculate prose style, and a tremendous establishment of the setting. This is a prehistoric story with a small cast that revolves around a woman with an odd son who flees her community to avoid a nefarious shaman. This is the first of a duology, and although the book has a good ending, there is very little resolution as it's really the first part of a two-part tale, of which I'll be reading immediately. 4.5/5
November 17, 2013
Whether she is penning epic fantasies under the name of Robin Hobb or telling contemporary fantasies set in the harsh wilderness of prehistoric North America under the pseudonym of Megan Lindholm, Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden is undoubtedly one of the best novelists that I have had the pleasure of reading. Not once have I felt let down by one of her novels (11 and counting now) as each is populated by such well sketched characters that you can’t but help being drawn into their everyday trial and tribulations. And to think I still have the second instalment of the Reindeer People still to come as well as the Rainwild Chronicles AND a new Fitz-Fool novel in the not so distant future. To quote that fat silly cat from the Ren and Stimpy show, “Happy, happy, joy, joy!!”
If my memory serves me correctly I have had this book on my shelf for close on five years, having picked it up from one of those clearance book stores for a very cheap price. I also have to admit that if not for the cardboard wraparound stating that Megan Lindholm is ‘otherwise known as Robin Hobb’ I no doubt would have overlooked it. It really also does possess a rather nice cover, the Wolf looking out from the Moon and casting its eyes over Reindeer shaped clouds. Obviously having read the Farseer Trilogy this conjures up the character of Nighteyes for me which then also makes me wonder if the Wolf in this book is a forerunner for our favourite witted beasty. :)
Set in what feels like prehistoric times (the blurb does mention North America) the story revolves around a tribe of nomadic hunters, herd folk known as the Reindeer People, and their struggles with day to day life, be it the harsh lessons Mother Nature provides, wild animals such as wolves or bears or even other tribes. Our main protagonists are Tillu, a wise and proficient healer and mother to her young son, Kerlew, who is a mentally disabled boy unfortunately shunned for being different to other children of the same age. It is because of this perceived difference that he comes to the attention of a local Shaman by the name of Carp, who decides to mentor him in the ways and rituals of shamanistic ‘magic’. Tillu sees Carp’s attention as unwholesome so decides to take Kerlew and flee into the wild which eventually leads up to her meeting members of the aforementioned Reindeer folk.
I really felt for Tillu throughout this book and can’t really imagine what it would be like to have a special needs child. Not only does she have to be strong for the sake of Kerlew, but she also has to be mentally tough to deal with the taunts and ostracism from other members of the tribe due to Kerlew’s ‘strangeness’. I think having to hear other people talk down about your child would not only be depressing but a drain on the soul as well.
Although not as epic as some of her more well known trilogies, the first book in the Reindeer People saga is interesting nonetheless and contains all the hallmarks of a Hobb creation – well drawn characters that emotionally draw the reader in. I’m looking forward to my copy of Wolf’s Brother hopefully arriving in the mail this week.
4 stars.
If my memory serves me correctly I have had this book on my shelf for close on five years, having picked it up from one of those clearance book stores for a very cheap price. I also have to admit that if not for the cardboard wraparound stating that Megan Lindholm is ‘otherwise known as Robin Hobb’ I no doubt would have overlooked it. It really also does possess a rather nice cover, the Wolf looking out from the Moon and casting its eyes over Reindeer shaped clouds. Obviously having read the Farseer Trilogy this conjures up the character of Nighteyes for me which then also makes me wonder if the Wolf in this book is a forerunner for our favourite witted beasty. :)
Set in what feels like prehistoric times (the blurb does mention North America) the story revolves around a tribe of nomadic hunters, herd folk known as the Reindeer People, and their struggles with day to day life, be it the harsh lessons Mother Nature provides, wild animals such as wolves or bears or even other tribes. Our main protagonists are Tillu, a wise and proficient healer and mother to her young son, Kerlew, who is a mentally disabled boy unfortunately shunned for being different to other children of the same age. It is because of this perceived difference that he comes to the attention of a local Shaman by the name of Carp, who decides to mentor him in the ways and rituals of shamanistic ‘magic’. Tillu sees Carp’s attention as unwholesome so decides to take Kerlew and flee into the wild which eventually leads up to her meeting members of the aforementioned Reindeer folk.
I really felt for Tillu throughout this book and can’t really imagine what it would be like to have a special needs child. Not only does she have to be strong for the sake of Kerlew, but she also has to be mentally tough to deal with the taunts and ostracism from other members of the tribe due to Kerlew’s ‘strangeness’. I think having to hear other people talk down about your child would not only be depressing but a drain on the soul as well.
Although not as epic as some of her more well known trilogies, the first book in the Reindeer People saga is interesting nonetheless and contains all the hallmarks of a Hobb creation – well drawn characters that emotionally draw the reader in. I’m looking forward to my copy of Wolf’s Brother hopefully arriving in the mail this week.
4 stars.
May 19, 2017
This book is about the cultural life of a remote aboriginal community in the Prehistoric land of the Siberian Arctic. Reindeer are a part of their daily living.
Megan Lindholm is actually Robin Hobb so anyone who has read and enjoyed Robin’s books would probably enjoy this book too. But be warned this book is very different from Robin Hobb's books.
The novel is centred in the harsh wilderness of a prehistoric North America. The tribe of aborigines survive by battling against enemy tribes and fierce packs of wolves. The land itself is a huge challenge too. The main characters are Carp who is a Shaman and a young Mother Tillu who is a healer and her rather strange child Kerlew. Tillu decides to leave the community to escape the probable dangers of the Shaman and his magic. There is a second book in the series (Wolf’s Brother) but this book can be read as a standalone.
Megan Lindholm is actually Robin Hobb so anyone who has read and enjoyed Robin’s books would probably enjoy this book too. But be warned this book is very different from Robin Hobb's books.
The novel is centred in the harsh wilderness of a prehistoric North America. The tribe of aborigines survive by battling against enemy tribes and fierce packs of wolves. The land itself is a huge challenge too. The main characters are Carp who is a Shaman and a young Mother Tillu who is a healer and her rather strange child Kerlew. Tillu decides to leave the community to escape the probable dangers of the Shaman and his magic. There is a second book in the series (Wolf’s Brother) but this book can be read as a standalone.
January 13, 2016
Good story but more chick lit than historical fiction, the characters are more modern than you would expect in a pre-historical setting. I prefer the author when she writes Fantasy genre novels under the pseudonym Robin Hobb.
May 8, 2025
This story is one I picked up because of the “Megan Lindholm” name, as “Robin Hobb” (her other pseudonym) is my favourite author and I decided it was time to dive into the earlier Lindholm work which shaped her writing.
This is the first part of a duology, and it’s a fascinating look at the beginnings of Lindholm/Hobb’s writing craft too. Effortlessly this story pulls you in and makes you care about the characters even when you can see their flaws.
We follow two main characters with others who feature alongside them in more minor roles. First is Tillu, and her son Kerlew, who live with a group not their own as the healer and the Shaman-in-training. Tillu’s character is one who caused me consternation at times, as she’s a mother to a boy who is different, and she doesn’t always know how to do the best thing for her and her son. She constantly has to deal with the way that her son is mocked or perceived as different or dumb, when she knows really he does have intelligence and interests, but he shows those things in very different ways. I think in today’s terms Kerlew would be thigh of maybe as someone who was Neurodivergent.
Tillu’s reactions and actions in this book make up a lot of the plot, as she shows that she’s determined to make the best of her situation, to help Kerlew to help himself, and to make her way in the world. She’s not afraid to stand up for herself or her son, but she also has times where she sees how different her life could be were she just to forget Kerlew existed. She is sometimes torn about what she thinks the expectations of the band or group she’s with is, versus what she knows to be best for her son in her core. She’s eternally battling for him and with him, and it’s a cause of much consternation for her. I had a lot of sympathy for her, and found her a troubling but decisive character who I admired even with the tough choices.
The other major character is Heckram who is part of the Herdfolk and who meets Tillu somewhat by chance. Heckram is a bit of a loner himself, and thus he is able to sympathise a bit with Kerlew. Heckram is also somewhat stuck in his life with not knowing how to prosper. He’s desperate to find a way back to his happy childhood when the Herdfolk knew more plentiful riches and didn’t have many dates.
As a character I do like Heckram but I do feel as though he is slightly less developed than Tillu for me. Possibly he will come into his own a bit more in the next book.
The magic of this story is Shaman magic which is a subtle sort and only accessible to a few. Kerlew is in training and has a link to the spirit world which grants him *seemingly* the ability to manipulate and change the world around him (and judging by the events which follow he does seem to have some kind of foresight too.
The setting of this book is a deep dark icy tundra and we follow nomadic groups who are wandering and training. It’s got some nice sections describing the setting. But really the characters are what drew me right in and made me want to read on and on late into the night.
I have to mention that this book finishes on a big cliffhanger. This is not my favourite end to a book, but I am thankful that I have the next one already to read soon. I definitely plan to finish this series up soon. A really great 4*x overall.
This is the first part of a duology, and it’s a fascinating look at the beginnings of Lindholm/Hobb’s writing craft too. Effortlessly this story pulls you in and makes you care about the characters even when you can see their flaws.
We follow two main characters with others who feature alongside them in more minor roles. First is Tillu, and her son Kerlew, who live with a group not their own as the healer and the Shaman-in-training. Tillu’s character is one who caused me consternation at times, as she’s a mother to a boy who is different, and she doesn’t always know how to do the best thing for her and her son. She constantly has to deal with the way that her son is mocked or perceived as different or dumb, when she knows really he does have intelligence and interests, but he shows those things in very different ways. I think in today’s terms Kerlew would be thigh of maybe as someone who was Neurodivergent.
Tillu’s reactions and actions in this book make up a lot of the plot, as she shows that she’s determined to make the best of her situation, to help Kerlew to help himself, and to make her way in the world. She’s not afraid to stand up for herself or her son, but she also has times where she sees how different her life could be were she just to forget Kerlew existed. She is sometimes torn about what she thinks the expectations of the band or group she’s with is, versus what she knows to be best for her son in her core. She’s eternally battling for him and with him, and it’s a cause of much consternation for her. I had a lot of sympathy for her, and found her a troubling but decisive character who I admired even with the tough choices.
The other major character is Heckram who is part of the Herdfolk and who meets Tillu somewhat by chance. Heckram is a bit of a loner himself, and thus he is able to sympathise a bit with Kerlew. Heckram is also somewhat stuck in his life with not knowing how to prosper. He’s desperate to find a way back to his happy childhood when the Herdfolk knew more plentiful riches and didn’t have many dates.
As a character I do like Heckram but I do feel as though he is slightly less developed than Tillu for me. Possibly he will come into his own a bit more in the next book.
The magic of this story is Shaman magic which is a subtle sort and only accessible to a few. Kerlew is in training and has a link to the spirit world which grants him *seemingly* the ability to manipulate and change the world around him (and judging by the events which follow he does seem to have some kind of foresight too.
The setting of this book is a deep dark icy tundra and we follow nomadic groups who are wandering and training. It’s got some nice sections describing the setting. But really the characters are what drew me right in and made me want to read on and on late into the night.
I have to mention that this book finishes on a big cliffhanger. This is not my favourite end to a book, but I am thankful that I have the next one already to read soon. I definitely plan to finish this series up soon. A really great 4*x overall.
August 20, 2021
This is a 4, but its a weird 4.
This book is early Robin Hobb, its written in an Inuit-esque fantasy setting with shamanic magic. It has the beautiful prose and rambling storytelling Hobb is known for, but lacks the structure of her later novels. To me, it didn't have a clear climax or buildup and it felt unfinished, even as book 1 of a duology.
The mother in this story has a child who is different, and as the parent of a disabled child this story hit home in uncomfortable ways. The frustrations and hopes she had made the story personal and endearing to me.
So nostalgia for Hobb and personal experience drive my rating for this up, but it is a lovely story overall.
This book is early Robin Hobb, its written in an Inuit-esque fantasy setting with shamanic magic. It has the beautiful prose and rambling storytelling Hobb is known for, but lacks the structure of her later novels. To me, it didn't have a clear climax or buildup and it felt unfinished, even as book 1 of a duology.
The mother in this story has a child who is different, and as the parent of a disabled child this story hit home in uncomfortable ways. The frustrations and hopes she had made the story personal and endearing to me.
So nostalgia for Hobb and personal experience drive my rating for this up, but it is a lovely story overall.
April 24, 2025
Le premier livre que je lis de Robin Hobb (alias Megan Lindholm), et c'est une réussite !
✅ Les points que j'ai aimés :
- L'univers❄️ : j'ai tout de suite été immergée dans l'univers très bien retranscrit par l'autrice. C'était la première fois, je crois, que je lisais un roman fantastique avec un aspect préhistorique et j'ai trouvé ce contexte super original et sympathique. J'ai trouvé très intéressant et très bien travaillé tout ce qui tournait autour de l'alimentation, de la chasse, de l'habitat, etc., de ce peuple, ainsi que les différents traitements utilisés par la guérisseuse, car cela apportait un côté très réaliste à cette lecture. Aussi, l'ambiance était prenante et glacial et m'emmenait facilement à ressentir tout ce que pouvait traverser les personnages.
- L'intrigue🍃 : le rythme n'était peut-être pas très rapide, avec de longues descriptions, mais j'ai beaucoup apprécié qu'on prenne le temps de nous installer dans cet univers où il faut lutter au quotidien pour survivre. En plus, le récit était très bien équilibré avec des évènements qui survenaient régulièrement avec des impacts forts sur la vie de nos personnages. J'ai ainsi été à plusieurs reprises totalement choquée, emportée ou prise de frisson de peur ou d'attente. Bref, j'étais totalement impliquée dans ce qui survenait !
- Les personnages🔥 : j'ai trouvé un peu près tous les personnages intéressants et humains. Je me suis beaucoup attaché à Heckram et à Tillu, qui ont certes des failles et des défauts réprimandables, mais tellement humains et compréhensibles dans leurs situations respectives que cela ne les rendait que plus crédibles et "relatable". Enfin, petite mention spéciale pour Kerleu dont l'attitude et les passages avec son point de vue ont parfaitement réussi à me mettre mal à l'aise.
❌ Les points qui m'ont gêné :
- L'écriture🌨️ : j'ignore si cela est dû à la traduction, mais j'ai trouvé plusieurs maladresses dans certaines formulations. De plus, j'ai aussi ressenti un certain nombre de répétitions dans les informations qui nous étaient données, ce qui alourdissait quelque peu la lecture.
- Les termes spécifiques🦌 : il y avait quand même beaucoup de termes spécifiques à l'univers du peuple des rennes, et j'aurais trouvé appréciable d'avoir un glossaire afin de m'aider à m'y retrouver... ou était-ce juste moi qui n'était pas assez concentrée ?
✅ Les points que j'ai aimés :
- L'univers❄️ : j'ai tout de suite été immergée dans l'univers très bien retranscrit par l'autrice. C'était la première fois, je crois, que je lisais un roman fantastique avec un aspect préhistorique et j'ai trouvé ce contexte super original et sympathique. J'ai trouvé très intéressant et très bien travaillé tout ce qui tournait autour de l'alimentation, de la chasse, de l'habitat, etc., de ce peuple, ainsi que les différents traitements utilisés par la guérisseuse, car cela apportait un côté très réaliste à cette lecture. Aussi, l'ambiance était prenante et glacial et m'emmenait facilement à ressentir tout ce que pouvait traverser les personnages.
- L'intrigue🍃 : le rythme n'était peut-être pas très rapide, avec de longues descriptions, mais j'ai beaucoup apprécié qu'on prenne le temps de nous installer dans cet univers où il faut lutter au quotidien pour survivre. En plus, le récit était très bien équilibré avec des évènements qui survenaient régulièrement avec des impacts forts sur la vie de nos personnages. J'ai ainsi été à plusieurs reprises totalement choquée, emportée ou prise de frisson de peur ou d'attente. Bref, j'étais totalement impliquée dans ce qui survenait !
- Les personnages🔥 : j'ai trouvé un peu près tous les personnages intéressants et humains. Je me suis beaucoup attaché à Heckram et à Tillu, qui ont certes des failles et des défauts réprimandables, mais tellement humains et compréhensibles dans leurs situations respectives que cela ne les rendait que plus crédibles et "relatable". Enfin, petite mention spéciale pour Kerleu dont l'attitude et les passages avec son point de vue ont parfaitement réussi à me mettre mal à l'aise.
❌ Les points qui m'ont gêné :
- L'écriture🌨️ : j'ignore si cela est dû à la traduction, mais j'ai trouvé plusieurs maladresses dans certaines formulations. De plus, j'ai aussi ressenti un certain nombre de répétitions dans les informations qui nous étaient données, ce qui alourdissait quelque peu la lecture.
- Les termes spécifiques🦌 : il y avait quand même beaucoup de termes spécifiques à l'univers du peuple des rennes, et j'aurais trouvé appréciable d'avoir un glossaire afin de m'aider à m'y retrouver... ou était-ce juste moi qui n'était pas assez concentrée ?
February 4, 2018
Op zoek naar een boek met dieren op de cover voor de februari-challenge op de ff-leesclub, kwam ik dit boek tegen op mijn NTL-stapel. Ik moet het al zeker 18 jaar daar hebben staan, dus het werd wel tijd. Dit boek viel me in het begin wat tegen, want ik verwachtte een Robin Hobb te lezen (Megan Lindholm aka Robin Hobb). Het is duidelijk anders, maar zeker niet slecht. En tegen het eind zelfs nog spannend genoeg om het snel uit te willen lezen. Ik ga zeker door in deel 2. Een 7, maar hier een 8 want een 6 is te weinig voor dit boek.
November 20, 2018
Quite slow paced, this is more of a preamble for the second volume. The setup is built up gradually, not very much action, more insights and thoughts from the characters. Although it lacks some of the fluency in her later books, I enjoyed it and it made me want to start the second volume right away.
June 20, 2025
I'm not sure I've ever said "oh no!" so many times while reading a book.
So many times, you learn something from one character's perspective, and you just know that when another character finds out that information that it is going to be trouble.
Robin Hobb / Megan Lindholm is so good at making you feel strongly for her characters. I cared so strongly for the perspective characters and felt like I was with them in their emotional journeys and struggles. And I HATED the shaman, Carp. Ick, but so well written.
The ending does leave things hanging though, so I really need to get to the sequel asap
So many times, you learn something from one character's perspective, and you just know that when another character finds out that information that it is going to be trouble.
Robin Hobb / Megan Lindholm is so good at making you feel strongly for her characters. I cared so strongly for the perspective characters and felt like I was with them in their emotional journeys and struggles. And I HATED the shaman, Carp. Ick, but so well written.
The ending does leave things hanging though, so I really need to get to the sequel asap
February 29, 2016
I read and liked Lindholm's Wizard of the Pigeons, but UF not being my thing, I didn't *love* it, not enough to buy something else written by her. It took me years to try again, and I'm glad I finally did. I enjoyed Reindeer People so much that the first thing I did after finishing it was to order Wolf's Brother.
I have been giving fantasy a go of late in favor of other genres, and this book was a nice way to ease back into my comfort zone, it not being full of typical fantasy tropes and settings. As a mother of a toddler, I was able to sympathize with Tillu and the feelings she has for her son, even if I don't face the same challenges she does, and that was a very nice feeling in a genre that doesn't tend to spend much time on motherhood.
I have been giving fantasy a go of late in favor of other genres, and this book was a nice way to ease back into my comfort zone, it not being full of typical fantasy tropes and settings. As a mother of a toddler, I was able to sympathize with Tillu and the feelings she has for her son, even if I don't face the same challenges she does, and that was a very nice feeling in a genre that doesn't tend to spend much time on motherhood.
March 16, 2022
The book is NOT set in North America, it is Scandanavian or Siberian in setting. Reindeer, despite Rudolf, are not native to the Americas. Oh, and the original paperback copy (which is what I have) also claimed it was about a female healer with magical abilities. She's there, but she doesn't have magical abilities - it is her son who is working towards shamanship. TWO fully different editions decades apart - with no one caring about truth in advertising!
BUT - It's a great read and I just ordered the sequel.
BUT - It's a great read and I just ordered the sequel.
July 23, 2017
I just couldn’t get on board with this one – not because the writing is bad, let me stress. In fact, early on in the book I was quite optimistic about continuing this series, because I loved the vivid imagery and the quality of descriptions. But because the story was one I just found so relentlessly grim. It's a personal taste thing.
May 8, 2024
I found this at a book sale for $1.00! Barely read the back when I brought it, was just collecting random books for my shelf - so glad I did! I enjoyed this so much. Similar (for obvious reasons) as Jean Aiel's Clan of the Care bear series, and at first I was a little hesitant thinking it would be too much the same.
But not at all. Yes, the main character is an outcast type, yes the child is different than the rest, but these similarities did not detract from how well this book is written.
I love how Lindholm *Cough, Hobb, gives enough detail to set the scene, to create an image in your head, but does not excessively so in that your eyes start to glaze over.
It's a short book, but is packed with adventure, feeling and emotion.
I am glad there is a second book to this as I'm not yet ready to say goodbye to the characters. Hard to find however, unsure if these are out of print now? Will keep my eye out at book sales from now on. A real treasure and I would highly recommend
But not at all. Yes, the main character is an outcast type, yes the child is different than the rest, but these similarities did not detract from how well this book is written.
I love how Lindholm *Cough, Hobb, gives enough detail to set the scene, to create an image in your head, but does not excessively so in that your eyes start to glaze over.
It's a short book, but is packed with adventure, feeling and emotion.
I am glad there is a second book to this as I'm not yet ready to say goodbye to the characters. Hard to find however, unsure if these are out of print now? Will keep my eye out at book sales from now on. A real treasure and I would highly recommend
January 6, 2025
My girl, Megan fell a little short on this one so far.
It definitely did not have a hard ending and just kind of left off, which leads me to believe it's like the Realm of the Elderling series in which the books aren't really meant to be read one at a time, but rather as continuations of the last so I can't really say much until I finish the next one.
All in all, it's cool seeing themes reemerge in different ways in her different series. Like there's hints of future characters in her characters in this series. Like Heckram is a version of Fitz, and Kerlew is a version of Thick.
It's also interesting to look at Tillu in comparison to Ki in Harpy's Flight and Molly in Realm of the Elderlings.
I still love the imagery in this one and all of the characters. Can't wait for the next one to see how I feel at the end of it all.
It definitely did not have a hard ending and just kind of left off, which leads me to believe it's like the Realm of the Elderling series in which the books aren't really meant to be read one at a time, but rather as continuations of the last so I can't really say much until I finish the next one.
All in all, it's cool seeing themes reemerge in different ways in her different series. Like there's hints of future characters in her characters in this series. Like Heckram is a version of Fitz, and Kerlew is a version of Thick.
It's also interesting to look at Tillu in comparison to Ki in Harpy's Flight and Molly in Realm of the Elderlings.
I still love the imagery in this one and all of the characters. Can't wait for the next one to see how I feel at the end of it all.
July 13, 2019
Megan Lindholm offers up an interesting tale of nomadic herds people and in specific, the view of a mother with a son she fears may not ever be able to survive on his own due to his mental and physical differences. The portrayal of a mother who deeply loves her child but is also afraid for him while simultaneously being frustrated by his lack of ability to learn even the most basic and vital of life skills is striking and speaks to the human spirit as her works often do.
The only reason why this is not a 5 star book for me is because I can see the building blocks for the author Lindholm will some day become and while this work is brilliant and moving it is not quite as perfectly wrought as her later works.
The only reason why this is not a 5 star book for me is because I can see the building blocks for the author Lindholm will some day become and while this work is brilliant and moving it is not quite as perfectly wrought as her later works.
April 15, 2019
It took me a while to get into this. The writing is lovely, but the story just didn't appeal until about 3 or 4 chapters into the book. Once I became a bit more invested in the characters things improved and I got carried along with these early North American tribal people. I really liked how the women in Heckram's group were very independent! I thought overall the book had a bit of a Game of Thrones feel to it, maybe because life is harsh, the winter is brutal and the spirit world plays a role. Anyway, a good read for fans of fantasy/early history.
February 22, 2025
Vraiment ses livres me bouleversent pas, j’ai mis aucun 4 étoiles je crois mais par contre son écriture est si agréable, fluide, ça se lit grave facilement et j’ai envie de lire le tome suivant 😭
La dimension fantasy ici est légèreeeeee
Par contre j’aime bcp comment elle amène des thématiques comme le rapport mère/enfant, la communauté, le patriarcat, les violences sexistes et sexuelles, le couple, l’amitié… c’est pas révolutionnaire ou hyper développé mais c’est appréciable, ça fait du bien !
La dimension fantasy ici est légèreeeeee
Par contre j’aime bcp comment elle amène des thématiques comme le rapport mère/enfant, la communauté, le patriarcat, les violences sexistes et sexuelles, le couple, l’amitié… c’est pas révolutionnaire ou hyper développé mais c’est appréciable, ça fait du bien !
December 28, 2021
A historical novel with fantasy elements mostly about a woman protecting herself and her mentally handicapped son. The style and tone is typical of older fantasy and fits this story perfectly. The book is calm and character-focused but there is always a sense of threat. I love how the main characters aren't the typical protagonists we get in modern fantasy books: a single mum varry of posessive men, unsure how to raise her son best, and a reindeer herder struggling with societies expectations and developing a fondness for said son. The atmosphere and setting is on point, the characters well done, though the overall writing isnt as strong as in later books by the author.
April 16, 2020
I know a book is amazing when my first thought after I finish it is "I need to re-read this now". I absolutely loved it.
December 1, 2024
I did enjoy this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series
March 17, 2022
*3.5*
Certainly the best Lindholm I've read so far and while it is not the most eventful story I'm getting some early Hobb vibes throughout the whole structure of the tale with a lot of build-up to what I'm suspecting will be a very intriguing second and final installment of the next volume. She paints a vivid picture of a prehistoric land with all the trials and tribulations of surviving in the wilderness and I feel quite attached to the characters and very much look forward to see how this adventure unfolds.
Certainly the best Lindholm I've read so far and while it is not the most eventful story I'm getting some early Hobb vibes throughout the whole structure of the tale with a lot of build-up to what I'm suspecting will be a very intriguing second and final installment of the next volume. She paints a vivid picture of a prehistoric land with all the trials and tribulations of surviving in the wilderness and I feel quite attached to the characters and very much look forward to see how this adventure unfolds.
January 1, 2023
A great story and a very satisfying read. Tons of the inner monologue that Hobb/Lindholm use to make their characters more real.
With so many fast paced and exciting books out there it was nice to sit down to read something full of reflection and thoughtfulness, which I found mirrored the world it was set in brilliantly.
With so many fast paced and exciting books out there it was nice to sit down to read something full of reflection and thoughtfulness, which I found mirrored the world it was set in brilliantly.
March 9, 2024
Reread.
September 29, 2013
I like Robin Hobb's books a lot, so when I found out she has also published a bunch under 'Megan Lindholm' of course I had to go get them! These were the first I read under this name. It's really one story, that was originally divided in two by the publisher, and later pout out as an omnibus called "The Saga of the Reindeer People."
I'm not sure why she uses two different names. The style of writing was recognizably the same, although this story is somewhat darker than many of her epic 'Robin Hobb' fantasies.
The author's note (you can read it here: http://www.trussel.com/prehist/lindho...) said that she originally conceived this story as a fantasy, but was encouraged to write it as historical fiction by the publisher. It's set in Bronze Age Lapland (Scandinavia), but it still has the feel of fantasy, and some essential-to-the-plot fantastic/spiritual elements.
With its scope and early setting, it reminded me at times of Clan of the Cave Bear.
It tells the story of a single mother struggling to raise her mentally disabled young son alone, in a society which is intensely dependent on social, tribal life.
She has survived and been taken in by different groups because of her skill with herbs, but when she encounters a shaman who tries to take emotional control of her son and claim her as his woman, she flees - but has the luck to fall in with another group - one that treats women more fairly, is somewhat wealthier - and includes a man she may actually like.
But not all is perfect - the shaman may be in pursuit, and a series of crimes may be poisoning this tribe from the inside.
I'm not sure why she uses two different names. The style of writing was recognizably the same, although this story is somewhat darker than many of her epic 'Robin Hobb' fantasies.
The author's note (you can read it here: http://www.trussel.com/prehist/lindho...) said that she originally conceived this story as a fantasy, but was encouraged to write it as historical fiction by the publisher. It's set in Bronze Age Lapland (Scandinavia), but it still has the feel of fantasy, and some essential-to-the-plot fantastic/spiritual elements.
With its scope and early setting, it reminded me at times of Clan of the Cave Bear.
It tells the story of a single mother struggling to raise her mentally disabled young son alone, in a society which is intensely dependent on social, tribal life.
She has survived and been taken in by different groups because of her skill with herbs, but when she encounters a shaman who tries to take emotional control of her son and claim her as his woman, she flees - but has the luck to fall in with another group - one that treats women more fairly, is somewhat wealthier - and includes a man she may actually like.
But not all is perfect - the shaman may be in pursuit, and a series of crimes may be poisoning this tribe from the inside.
March 12, 2014
...I remember liking these books a lot when I first read them in Dutch and reading the English original hasn't changed my opinion that much. What I don't remember noticing is the abrupt ending of this novel. I might very well have read them back to back the first time around. When Lindholm wrote these books she already had a few books under her belt and they are much more confident than the first Ki and Vandien stories. Apart from the slightly awkward split, these two novels are among the better ones she wrote as Megan Lindholm. It is of course not the Robin Hobb style, epic fantasy many readers are used to but if you care to step outside that genre, Lindholm has a few very interesting titles to offer. My personal favourite remains Wizard of the Pigeons but these two are not that far behind.
Full Random Comments review
Full Random Comments review
January 8, 2025
A very interesting take on a mother/son relationship, especially in a somewhat patriarchal society. I liked that the author played with the "village witch" trope in a way, which is one of my favourites. I also always enjoy discussions around faith which I thought was presented well. I personally would have liked to have had a little more of an emotional connection with the characters but overall a fascinating novel.
February 28, 2021
I’m a sucker for pre-historic fantasy. The writing, especially character-work, isn’t nearly as good as her work as Robin Hobb, but I still enjoyed this, the way that I enjoy popcorn some days instead of “real food”. Reindeer, survival, magic-of-sorts, and finding one’s place.
September 3, 2022
"A voyage of discovery in the Siberian Arctic... set in the harsh wilderness of a prehistoric North America."
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Reading updates.
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Reading updates.
November 20, 2018
Les personnages sont crédibles et le contexte est vraiment sympa. De ala fantasy préhistorique ça change des classiques du genre.
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