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Replacement Chronicles #1-3
The Replacement Chronicles
This omnibus edition of The Replacement Chronicles contains Raven’s Choice, Journeys of Choice, and Choices that Cut.
Two Lives… separated by millennia but nevertheless linked irrevocably.
What possible link could Mark Hayek, an introverted twenty-first century research scientist, have to Raven, a young healer who lived during the late Pleistocene? It has everything to do with an injured Neanderthal man taken captive by Raven’s band while he and his brothers were hunting bison.
After Raven heals the captive, he leaves for his tribe, and she tries to forget him as she struggles to remain within the band. But it’s not possible to stay when several band members make her life with the group untenable. Seeking the Neanderthal man she’d helped and facing her fear of being alone on the dangerous steppes, she begins crossing that grassy land—but a woman like Raven isn’t destined to be by herself for long.
In the future, Mark Hayek is forced into making his own journey when his uncle dies in the Levant. His travels place him firmly in the footsteps of his Neanderthal and Early Modern Human ancestors, crossing the same ancient lands as he struggles against the fate a wayward kinsman has imposed. He’s been made a pawn in a cruel game, but when he encounters a woman being held prisoner in a cave, he seeks a way to save her. Help arrives for the pair, flowing from an unexpected, ancient source, igniting a struggle deep within Mark to accept that the illogical as well as the logical make up existence.
Peoples come and go, one group replacing another over time, and echoes from ancient events have always affected the future, but Mark and Raven discover that in certain environments echoes are able to bounce back and forth, blurring their origins.
Two Lives… separated by millennia but nevertheless linked irrevocably.
What possible link could Mark Hayek, an introverted twenty-first century research scientist, have to Raven, a young healer who lived during the late Pleistocene? It has everything to do with an injured Neanderthal man taken captive by Raven’s band while he and his brothers were hunting bison.
After Raven heals the captive, he leaves for his tribe, and she tries to forget him as she struggles to remain within the band. But it’s not possible to stay when several band members make her life with the group untenable. Seeking the Neanderthal man she’d helped and facing her fear of being alone on the dangerous steppes, she begins crossing that grassy land—but a woman like Raven isn’t destined to be by herself for long.
In the future, Mark Hayek is forced into making his own journey when his uncle dies in the Levant. His travels place him firmly in the footsteps of his Neanderthal and Early Modern Human ancestors, crossing the same ancient lands as he struggles against the fate a wayward kinsman has imposed. He’s been made a pawn in a cruel game, but when he encounters a woman being held prisoner in a cave, he seeks a way to save her. Help arrives for the pair, flowing from an unexpected, ancient source, igniting a struggle deep within Mark to accept that the illogical as well as the logical make up existence.
Peoples come and go, one group replacing another over time, and echoes from ancient events have always affected the future, but Mark and Raven discover that in certain environments echoes are able to bounce back and forth, blurring their origins.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2016
341 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
About the author
Harper Swan
4 books24 followersHarper Swan lives in Tallahassee, Florida with her husband and three sweet but very spoiled cats. Her interests include history from all eras, archaeology and genetics. She especially enjoys researching ancient history and reading about archaeological finds from Paleolithic sites. As well as writing stories with plots based in more recent times, Harper is also following a longtime dream of writing books that include the distant past, her inspiration drawn from Jean Auel.
Harper is the author of The Replacement Chronicles, a four-part series. The series titles in order are Raven’s Choice, Journeys of Choice, Choices that Cut, and The Braided Stream.
The Replacement Chronicles books are available in both paperback and e-book. Raven’s Choice is also published as a standalone e-book and is free on iBooks and Amazon for as long as the latter allows it to be so.
If you enjoy her writing, Harper is presently giving away Gas Heat—a story of family angst that takes places in the Deep South—to anyone who would like to subscribe to her mailing list. Just use the link below.
http://eepurl.com/b3MpEv
Harper is the author of The Replacement Chronicles, a four-part series. The series titles in order are Raven’s Choice, Journeys of Choice, Choices that Cut, and The Braided Stream.
The Replacement Chronicles books are available in both paperback and e-book. Raven’s Choice is also published as a standalone e-book and is free on iBooks and Amazon for as long as the latter allows it to be so.
If you enjoy her writing, Harper is presently giving away Gas Heat—a story of family angst that takes places in the Deep South—to anyone who would like to subscribe to her mailing list. Just use the link below.
http://eepurl.com/b3MpEv
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 27, 2020
As a Jean Auel fan I thought I’d give this a chance since so many reviewers compared the two stories. Well it was quite the let down. Where Auel succeeds most, is making you fall in love with her characters and I really just didn’t care all that much for Raven. It also felt like the author couldn’t make up her mind about what to do with Leaf or Bear. She hints at an abusive side to Leaf, which we never see, and we are never really given a good reason why Bear acts the way he does. The Longheads aren’t even remotely likable. The whole part about Mark and his cousin was just stupid and the book would have been better with more depth to Raven’s story and Mark’s story just gone! I liked it enough to finish the book, but not enough to read the next one.
March 12, 2020
Ancient origins still affect modern lives
The author displays really engaging technique and perfect pacing as two worlds separated by 30,000 years but drawn together by their living legacies are revealed. An item passed from father to daughter connect them directly. Ms. Swan's characters are well drawn, living people, not cliches. I'm particularly pleased with her use of some of the most recent thinking about our ancient cousin's abilities, appearance and manner of speech. I was reminded that even now, as humans our deepest wishes are still basically to be safe with our family near, a protecting wall behind and a warm fire before us. If you have an interest in our most ancient family, you will love these books.
The author displays really engaging technique and perfect pacing as two worlds separated by 30,000 years but drawn together by their living legacies are revealed. An item passed from father to daughter connect them directly. Ms. Swan's characters are well drawn, living people, not cliches. I'm particularly pleased with her use of some of the most recent thinking about our ancient cousin's abilities, appearance and manner of speech. I was reminded that even now, as humans our deepest wishes are still basically to be safe with our family near, a protecting wall behind and a warm fire before us. If you have an interest in our most ancient family, you will love these books.
January 15, 2017
This was an amazing story, rich with history about how prehistoric man and Neanderthals lived. While these two people live in separate communities their lives often overlap and intertwine. Swan weaves a lovely tale about a Paleolithic woman named Raven who becomes pregnant by a Neanderthal. The story is very indicative of life for a woman during such ancient times. Raven becomes a second mate to the loathsome mate of her sister but manages to break free with the help of a fellow tribesman who she eventually mates with. Meanwhile a second story happening in present day follows alongside Raven's story. It is about Mark a scientist who discovers he is three percent Neanderthal. He's enthralled with his ancient heritage and when a long lost uncle from the Middle East dies, he goes to retrieve his ashes and finds the opportunity to learn more about his ancient ancestors. What I glean from this story is that Mark is the reincarnated Neanderthal who impregnated Raven because he often has dreams of her and ends up finding her flint knife in one of his cave explorations in the Middle East. I don't read this genre of work as a rule, so the fact I was drawn into this story so thoroughly, speaks to the amazing talent of the writer. Good job Harper! I would highly recommend this read and I will be reading more of this writers stories!
March 16, 2021
I wanted to like this book but the characters had few redeeming qualities so I didnt really care what happened to them and at times just thought they acted stupidly. While the story lacked any real depth it was an interesting enough concept but I felt it all ended rather abruptly without tying up a multitude of loose ends. I was expecting some explanations on how the events unfolded which never materialised so left you wondering how did that all happen? and all in a bit of a rush too. I was reading the story and it just...stopped. my thought as I tried to turn the last page was ...oh, is that it?
May 5, 2018
Really a 3+
Highly original and timely linking of two narratives. Thematically interesting as well. The use of present tense is very hard to pull off successfully and in this case it detracts from the overall experience.
The representation of our paleo-ancestors is lively, but not particularly original or “out there.” Spiritual life is particularly lacking
Bjorn Kurten is still the standard by which I measure imagining 30k years ago.
Highly original and timely linking of two narratives. Thematically interesting as well. The use of present tense is very hard to pull off successfully and in this case it detracts from the overall experience.
The representation of our paleo-ancestors is lively, but not particularly original or “out there.” Spiritual life is particularly lacking
Bjorn Kurten is still the standard by which I measure imagining 30k years ago.
February 7, 2017
If you have read journey of choice,it is the same book!
October 16, 2017
UNSPOKEN PROMISES
This is one of those flashback and forth books. Sometimes it works, sometimes it needs more attention than a usual book.
Overall, it is a good book.
However, I do wonder why people always assume hulking men are prone to being brutes.
Overall, the stories are both entertaining, although I prefer to not have my stories quite as much in the third person. Both stories are nicely developed, although without any special depth. The characters are rough, which is okay for some, but maybe lacking for others.
I am left with the idea that there is more. Tighter editing of this would have made the story more compelling, and the author could have completed it full circle, by having a second child learning to walk, in the present day.
This is one of those flashback and forth books. Sometimes it works, sometimes it needs more attention than a usual book.
Overall, it is a good book.
However, I do wonder why people always assume hulking men are prone to being brutes.
Overall, the stories are both entertaining, although I prefer to not have my stories quite as much in the third person. Both stories are nicely developed, although without any special depth. The characters are rough, which is okay for some, but maybe lacking for others.
I am left with the idea that there is more. Tighter editing of this would have made the story more compelling, and the author could have completed it full circle, by having a second child learning to walk, in the present day.
March 6, 2020
4 Stars
The book actually has two stories one modern times the other prehistoric. The stories rotate every other chapter which gets a little confusing. I finally begin reading every other chapter reading Raven and Leafs prehistoric adventure first then going back and reading Mark and Larisa's second. I actually would give both stories a five but the way I had to read it drops the two books to a four. I do like Harper Swans story telling and plan on reading her other books.
The book actually has two stories one modern times the other prehistoric. The stories rotate every other chapter which gets a little confusing. I finally begin reading every other chapter reading Raven and Leafs prehistoric adventure first then going back and reading Mark and Larisa's second. I actually would give both stories a five but the way I had to read it drops the two books to a four. I do like Harper Swans story telling and plan on reading her other books.
January 22, 2021
Four stars
Why only four? I'll tell you, it ended too soon! I liked the way Harper switched from one era to another, always with a subtle link and ultimately linking the two stories. I wanted it to continue, without revealing too much - I feel that there was more to tell.
This will appeal to readers of Jean Auel, as others have said, but with sufficient originality to stand apart.
A good tale.
Why only four? I'll tell you, it ended too soon! I liked the way Harper switched from one era to another, always with a subtle link and ultimately linking the two stories. I wanted it to continue, without revealing too much - I feel that there was more to tell.
This will appeal to readers of Jean Auel, as others have said, but with sufficient originality to stand apart.
A good tale.
January 30, 2020
Not so different after all
A beautifully written story that underlines the fact that people are the same across cultures, boarders, religions, and even eons. The story seemed a little sluggish at first then took off before abruptly ending. Perhaps I feel that way because I’m sad that it ended.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
A beautifully written story that underlines the fact that people are the same across cultures, boarders, religions, and even eons. The story seemed a little sluggish at first then took off before abruptly ending. Perhaps I feel that way because I’m sad that it ended.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
February 16, 2020
Well written story.
This book is well written and well researched. The connected stories flow together nicely and grabs the attention well. It’s jumps between the Pleistocene and modern times are pretty seamless and are nicely timed. I’d recommend this book to Auel and Cussler fans alike.
This book is well written and well researched. The connected stories flow together nicely and grabs the attention well. It’s jumps between the Pleistocene and modern times are pretty seamless and are nicely timed. I’d recommend this book to Auel and Cussler fans alike.
October 31, 2020
Interesting
However, the boy chapters are written in first person plural, which I find off putting. The girl chapters are written in first person singular. Which reads better. Um pretty sure this an author stylistic choice. I am certain that the plot will show how the Neanderthal were absorbed into the Hunan genome. Meh.
However, the boy chapters are written in first person plural, which I find off putting. The girl chapters are written in first person singular. Which reads better. Um pretty sure this an author stylistic choice. I am certain that the plot will show how the Neanderthal were absorbed into the Hunan genome. Meh.
December 18, 2020
I read this because it was compared to Jean Auel’s books. The subject matter is similar but it just didn’t pull me in to the story like the “Clan” books. The jumping back and forth between the past and present was confusing at first, though by the end I began to see the how the connection was being made. It was interesting enough that I will read more of the series.
February 3, 2017
an interesting and different read
the story is set in two different periods in earths history,the plot revolves around the main characters & the thread that weaves us all together through objects & places,
the story is set in two different periods in earths history,the plot revolves around the main characters & the thread that weaves us all together through objects & places,
October 14, 2019
Enjoyable from front to back
I chose this rating because I enjoyed both stories. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially fans of prehistoric stories
I chose this rating because I enjoyed both stories. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially fans of prehistoric stories
March 27, 2020
Fun read
Like this author, I liked Jean Auel's CLAN series of books. Although this was a fun read, by the end I thought the coming together of the pre historic and current time stories was a bit of a letdown.
Like this author, I liked Jean Auel's CLAN series of books. Although this was a fun read, by the end I thought the coming together of the pre historic and current time stories was a bit of a letdown.
March 10, 2021
Intriguing
Extremely well written chronicles of a bygone era. Intrigue, blackmail, kidnapping, entwined with the saga of long-ago cave people and their lives, blend beautifully into a very intriguing, satisfying story. Well done.
Extremely well written chronicles of a bygone era. Intrigue, blackmail, kidnapping, entwined with the saga of long-ago cave people and their lives, blend beautifully into a very intriguing, satisfying story. Well done.
March 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book about Neanderthal Raven and modern day Mark connected but separated by thousands of years.
A bit strange in places, I can’t quite put my finger on a bit rushed in parts and leaves you thinking huh??
But all in all the story was good and I would be happy to read more.
A bit strange in places, I can’t quite put my finger on a bit rushed in parts and leaves you thinking huh??
But all in all the story was good and I would be happy to read more.
July 16, 2021
The Replacement Chronicles - a Must Read
This is a very interesting book! How the present is matched with the past gives it a very real perspective. Not really similar to Jean Auel, but a good comparison.
This is a very interesting book! How the present is matched with the past gives it a very real perspective. Not really similar to Jean Auel, but a good comparison.
July 18, 2021
I am a fan of Jean M Auel and for this set of books to be compared to the Children of the Earth(Clan of the Cave Bear) series is a serious misjudgement. The two can not be compared without one realising that they can’t be compared as Auel is a far more accomplished author than Swan.
May 15, 2017
Amazing! !!
Buy this but it is amazing well written and is a smooth easy read characters are amazing story line and plot are great I am off to see if this other has any more books
Buy this but it is amazing well written and is a smooth easy read characters are amazing story line and plot are great I am off to see if this other has any more books
December 18, 2019
The Replacement Chronicles: Omnibus Edition Parts 1-3
I enjoyed reading the first book and was able to see the ancient part and how she tries the past into the present.
I enjoyed reading the first book and was able to see the ancient part and how she tries the past into the present.
December 29, 2019
Great books
The Replacement Chronicles: Loved the books, wish there was more. Will be searching for more books written by Harper Swan.
The Replacement Chronicles: Loved the books, wish there was more. Will be searching for more books written by Harper Swan.
February 16, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book. I like the way the author intertwines the two time frames. I would love to read more.
April 18, 2020
Very good read
Interesting juxtaposition of ancient and modern worlds with surprising interconnections. Good characters and very descriptive of the world of the Neanderthals.
Interesting juxtaposition of ancient and modern worlds with surprising interconnections. Good characters and very descriptive of the world of the Neanderthals.
May 23, 2020
Past and Present
Did not appreciate the intrusion of the present scenarios at first, but it grew on me. Very good book overall.
Did not appreciate the intrusion of the present scenarios at first, but it grew on me. Very good book overall.
June 3, 2020
1 -- 3
This was interesting the way the story slipped back and forth. I enjoyed reading the book and look forward to reading more.
This was interesting the way the story slipped back and forth. I enjoyed reading the book and look forward to reading more.
January 7, 2021
I like prehistoric novels
The four star rating is well-deserved. Harper Swan has done her homework and research. Blending present day events with prehistoric adventures works
The four star rating is well-deserved. Harper Swan has done her homework and research. Blending present day events with prehistoric adventures works
January 19, 2021
Loved these books, similar to Jean Auel and The Earth Children. Good story line, a mix of past and present worked well
Would recommend
Would recommend
March 18, 2021
Excellent read
I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline with linking distant past with present day. Kept me riveted throughout. Will look for more by Harper Swan.
I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline with linking distant past with present day. Kept me riveted throughout. Will look for more by Harper Swan.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews