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Dawn of Humanity #1
Born in a Treacherous time
Born in the harsh world of East Africa 1.8 million years ago, where hunger, death, and predation are a normal part of daily life, Lucy and her band of early humans struggle to survive. It is a time in history when they are relentlessly annihilated by predators, nature, their own people, and the next iteration of man. To make it worse, Lucy’s band hates her. She is their leader’s new mate and they don’t understand her odd actions, don’t like her strange looks, and don’t trust her past. To survive, she cobbles together an unusual alliance with an orphaned child, a beleaguered protodog who’s lost his pack, and a man who was supposed to be dead.
Born in a Treacherous Time is prehistoric fiction written in the spirit of Jean Auel. Lucy is tenacious and inventive no matter the danger, unrelenting in her stubbornness to provide a future for her child, with a foresight you wouldn’t think existed in earliest man. You’ll close this book understanding why man not only survived our wild beginnings but thrived, ultimately to become who we are today.
This is a spin-off of To Hunt a Sub’s Lucy (the ancient female who mentored the female protagonist)
Born in a Treacherous Time is prehistoric fiction written in the spirit of Jean Auel. Lucy is tenacious and inventive no matter the danger, unrelenting in her stubbornness to provide a future for her child, with a foresight you wouldn’t think existed in earliest man. You’ll close this book understanding why man not only survived our wild beginnings but thrived, ultimately to become who we are today.
This is a spin-off of To Hunt a Sub’s Lucy (the ancient female who mentored the female protagonist)
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2018
597 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Jacqui Murray
65 books225 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 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 13, 2018
Move over Jean Auel (Clan of the Cave Bear) for Jacqui Murray. I went to bed right after dinner last night because I had to finish this book and would have stayed up all night to do it. What a fabulous read.
Born in a Treacherous Time takes place at the very start of mankind’s development – we are inventive, communal, thoughtful, emotional beings, but still deeply rooted in our animal origins, fully integrated into the harsh volcanic landscape and with the creatures who share our world. Survival is an ongoing challenge and hunger a constant companion. Overlaying the struggles of daily life is the threat of man-who-preys, the next generation of mankind.
The story follows Lucy (Woo-See) through a period of years. She’s a strong character, a healer, and a hunter who’s eager to learn new skills that make her an asset to her group as well as an outsider. There are a number of compelling characters, fully developed and distinct, with a wide range of personalities.
No doubt, Murray did her research, but so little is truly known about this time, that I’m certain she had to employ her imagination as well. The world-building is meticulous. Murray deftly presents a world as seen through the eyes of those who inhabit it. She created words (and hand-signals) to describe the landscape based on the characters’ observations: “Night Sun” instead of moon, “Fire Mountain” instead of volcano. Her attention to creating a logical and detailed reality is stunning. I was honestly enthralled.
The world-building extends to characters as well, and I loved that none of them had “modern” sensibilities that would have tainted the believability of the story. No one is squeamish about raw food or bodily functions, and death is viewed as a natural occurrence. The characters have many of the natural abilities and acute senses of the animals living around them, yet unlike their animal cousins, their understanding of the world grows with each experience.
Best of all, as a reader I became quite attached to these primitive humans, empathizing with their struggles, losses, and choices. There is a depth of emotion, spirit of community, and generous nobility that stretches through the hundreds of thousands of years to our current lives. A captivating book that I recommend to any reader who enjoys adventures, exquisite world-building, or works of historical fiction and prehistory.
Born in a Treacherous Time takes place at the very start of mankind’s development – we are inventive, communal, thoughtful, emotional beings, but still deeply rooted in our animal origins, fully integrated into the harsh volcanic landscape and with the creatures who share our world. Survival is an ongoing challenge and hunger a constant companion. Overlaying the struggles of daily life is the threat of man-who-preys, the next generation of mankind.
The story follows Lucy (Woo-See) through a period of years. She’s a strong character, a healer, and a hunter who’s eager to learn new skills that make her an asset to her group as well as an outsider. There are a number of compelling characters, fully developed and distinct, with a wide range of personalities.
No doubt, Murray did her research, but so little is truly known about this time, that I’m certain she had to employ her imagination as well. The world-building is meticulous. Murray deftly presents a world as seen through the eyes of those who inhabit it. She created words (and hand-signals) to describe the landscape based on the characters’ observations: “Night Sun” instead of moon, “Fire Mountain” instead of volcano. Her attention to creating a logical and detailed reality is stunning. I was honestly enthralled.
The world-building extends to characters as well, and I loved that none of them had “modern” sensibilities that would have tainted the believability of the story. No one is squeamish about raw food or bodily functions, and death is viewed as a natural occurrence. The characters have many of the natural abilities and acute senses of the animals living around them, yet unlike their animal cousins, their understanding of the world grows with each experience.
Best of all, as a reader I became quite attached to these primitive humans, empathizing with their struggles, losses, and choices. There is a depth of emotion, spirit of community, and generous nobility that stretches through the hundreds of thousands of years to our current lives. A captivating book that I recommend to any reader who enjoys adventures, exquisite world-building, or works of historical fiction and prehistory.
November 17, 2018
Firstly, respect to the author for the amount of research needed to create this amazing story of early man born into a world still going through its growing pains. Combined with vividly created characters who you instantly relate to, this is a book you won't want to put down.
Secondly, I now have a much greater respect for our early ancestors for whom life is brutal, with the earth still spewing lava and ash and changing the landscape continuously. Food and water is scarce; game is eaten when opportunity presents itself, and there is a hierarchy which places man way behind some of the dominant predators of the day. Some of those predators are next generation humans such as man-who-preys and they hover on the horizon menacingly.
Lucy is a female, wise beyond her years and her species, who leaves her clan following a tragedy, to bring new blood to a devastated group. She is an early healer with a knowledge of plants that is invaluable to those she comes to care for, and an ability to track and hunt as well as a man. This does not endear her to other females in the group, but as the story evolves you understand that even in this brutal time, tenderness and friendship are still possible.
This is an amazing world that Jacquie Murray has carved out of an alien landscape.There is danger, adventure, tragedy and sacrifice. There is also humanity between species and the beginnings of an understanding of the symbiotic relationship with non-humans.
I came away with a sense of kinship with Lucy and the rest of the characters. So many of their traits were recognisable even two million years later. It is only recently that they have established that most of us who are Caucasian have a very small percentage of Neanderthal DNA. That makes this story all the more fascinating knowing that there is still a connection to those who lived through this treacherous time.
Secondly, I now have a much greater respect for our early ancestors for whom life is brutal, with the earth still spewing lava and ash and changing the landscape continuously. Food and water is scarce; game is eaten when opportunity presents itself, and there is a hierarchy which places man way behind some of the dominant predators of the day. Some of those predators are next generation humans such as man-who-preys and they hover on the horizon menacingly.
Lucy is a female, wise beyond her years and her species, who leaves her clan following a tragedy, to bring new blood to a devastated group. She is an early healer with a knowledge of plants that is invaluable to those she comes to care for, and an ability to track and hunt as well as a man. This does not endear her to other females in the group, but as the story evolves you understand that even in this brutal time, tenderness and friendship are still possible.
This is an amazing world that Jacquie Murray has carved out of an alien landscape.There is danger, adventure, tragedy and sacrifice. There is also humanity between species and the beginnings of an understanding of the symbiotic relationship with non-humans.
I came away with a sense of kinship with Lucy and the rest of the characters. So many of their traits were recognisable even two million years later. It is only recently that they have established that most of us who are Caucasian have a very small percentage of Neanderthal DNA. That makes this story all the more fascinating knowing that there is still a connection to those who lived through this treacherous time.
April 12, 2021
Prehistoric fiction has been an undiscovered country for me up until now, but what an interesting adventure this book has been. Only a few pages in and I was intrigued both by the setting and by the emerging characters, not just the early hominids, but the other occupants of the prehistoric landscape of East Africa at the time when the rift valleys were being formed.
To reach back so far in time and make the characters believable and relatable within the context of the our understanding of our human ancestors is no mean feat, yet the author pulls it off. We are drawn into a hostile world where danger lurks at every turn. The story of survival which overlays it is dynamic and highly engaging. Parts are not for the faint-hearted; guts are ripped out and tragedy is never far away, but ultimately the story is one of hope.
A book that has clearly been given a solid foundation of research; it also includes an excellent bibliography.
Highly recommended.
To reach back so far in time and make the characters believable and relatable within the context of the our understanding of our human ancestors is no mean feat, yet the author pulls it off. We are drawn into a hostile world where danger lurks at every turn. The story of survival which overlays it is dynamic and highly engaging. Parts are not for the faint-hearted; guts are ripped out and tragedy is never far away, but ultimately the story is one of hope.
A book that has clearly been given a solid foundation of research; it also includes an excellent bibliography.
Highly recommended.
September 2, 2021
Born In A Treacherous Time by Jacqui Murray takes us back to Plio-Pleistocene Africa where we meet a notable ancestor named Lucy. We enter this long-ago time following this character along with many others who form her groups. These are hunters who stalk other carnivores, wait for them to kill and eat, then move in to scavenge what remains. Theirs is a life of struggle to survive in an explosive world where volcanoes spew land-building lava, earthquakes rent the earth, and the next iteration of our species stalks them.
What a brilliant job this author has done. Her research into that pre-historic period is thorough, but it never intrudes into this fictionalized account. Instead, she gives us a tantalizing glimpse of Lucy and how she lived. In her story we experience how Homo Habilis communicated, conceptualized numbering and reared children. Lucy is particularly interesting because she’s the advanced one of the tool-makers, just on the cusp of the next leap into the future. She’s adaptable, curious. She’s a problem solver. A survivor. But the other characters are glimpses into human nature that we can all identify with: Gard and Raza, two leaders with good hearts and a code they adhere to. Falda, the sweet one. Kelda, the pot-stirrer always ready to create turmoil. I came away thinking about these roots of human nature and believing in all of these characters.
What a brilliant job this author has done. Her research into that pre-historic period is thorough, but it never intrudes into this fictionalized account. Instead, she gives us a tantalizing glimpse of Lucy and how she lived. In her story we experience how Homo Habilis communicated, conceptualized numbering and reared children. Lucy is particularly interesting because she’s the advanced one of the tool-makers, just on the cusp of the next leap into the future. She’s adaptable, curious. She’s a problem solver. A survivor. But the other characters are glimpses into human nature that we can all identify with: Gard and Raza, two leaders with good hearts and a code they adhere to. Falda, the sweet one. Kelda, the pot-stirrer always ready to create turmoil. I came away thinking about these roots of human nature and believing in all of these characters.
September 25, 2018
Born in a Treacherous Time is a brilliantly researched book with an interesting and realistic story-line. I have read all of Jean Auel’s books and enjoyed them but I found the first book, Clan of the Cave Bear, to be the best by far. Why you may ask? The answer to that question is because it was realistic. I appreciate that in a historical book of this nature. I loved this about Born in a Treacherous Time. The story line and interaction of the various group members with each other rang true to me. Jacqui Murray’s depiction of the group and their suspicion of anyone who has any progressive and different characteristics or qualities makes perfect sense. This type of attitude still prevails in many small towns and villages today. It also makes sense that in a time when the provision of food and an ability to heal are paramount to survival, the group would accept Lucy even if they didn’t like or understand her.
The depictions of the different personalities in the group and their interactions with each other and with Lucy are well described and the main characters, including Raza, the leader of the group Lucy joins, Sahn, the primary female, and even some of the children are well developed and I became quite involved in their struggle for survival in the harsh and unforgiving environment the group lives in. You might wonder why the group doesn’t move on from such a hostile living environment in the shadow of a volcanic mountain. I believe that is answered in the book as the difficulties in travelling while foraging for food and protecting the group members from attack by wild animals and other savage groups becomes apparent. The group also knows nothing different and is ignorant of anything beyond the areas they have traveled to. It is frightening to contemplate moving to foreign territory where you know nothing about the challenges.
This is a book about survival which gives a detailed and fascinating insight into life for early man. It is also a book about hope and provides understanding to the reader as to how man managed to survive and thrive against all the odds stacked against a creature with such a thin skin and few weapons other than a superior intellect.
The depictions of the different personalities in the group and their interactions with each other and with Lucy are well described and the main characters, including Raza, the leader of the group Lucy joins, Sahn, the primary female, and even some of the children are well developed and I became quite involved in their struggle for survival in the harsh and unforgiving environment the group lives in. You might wonder why the group doesn’t move on from such a hostile living environment in the shadow of a volcanic mountain. I believe that is answered in the book as the difficulties in travelling while foraging for food and protecting the group members from attack by wild animals and other savage groups becomes apparent. The group also knows nothing different and is ignorant of anything beyond the areas they have traveled to. It is frightening to contemplate moving to foreign territory where you know nothing about the challenges.
This is a book about survival which gives a detailed and fascinating insight into life for early man. It is also a book about hope and provides understanding to the reader as to how man managed to survive and thrive against all the odds stacked against a creature with such a thin skin and few weapons other than a superior intellect.
June 21, 2018
I've never read prehistoric fiction before and wasn't sure what to expect. What a cool novel. I was immediately pulled into Lucy's world, and though her goals and motivations are in sync with her time period of 1.8 million years ago, her desires are those of humankind today: shelter, food, protecting our children and loved ones, contentment.
It's because of these basic desires that we relate to Lucy so easily and want to see her survive the harsh conditions of the time--for each day is truly survival--and continue to surpass the limitations of her evolutionary timeline. That, combined with Murray's smooth prose and well-paced narrative, makes this book an enjoyable and original read.
It's because of these basic desires that we relate to Lucy so easily and want to see her survive the harsh conditions of the time--for each day is truly survival--and continue to surpass the limitations of her evolutionary timeline. That, combined with Murray's smooth prose and well-paced narrative, makes this book an enjoyable and original read.
June 28, 2018
Born in a Treacherous Time was my first venture into the world of prehistoric fiction and certainly a treat. The fact that Murray worked on this project for so many years is evident by the extensive world-building which transports the reader back in time. Lucy is a strong, well-developed character who is extremely likeable and pretty darn tough. After reading this book, it reinforced my belief that we have it pretty easy compared to those who came before us. I would recommend this captivating read to those who enjoys the adventure of being transported to another time period.
August 2, 2018
Astonishing! I was captivated from start to finish.
December 10, 2019
I picked up Born in a Treacherous Time after coming across book 1 in the Crossroads Trilogy, which recommended I read this book first. This is the first time I've read this sort of fiction, and the author did a great job with her research and portrayal as far as I can see.
A few spelling errors presented themselves in the text, which pulled me out of the read somewhat ... things such as site instead of sight, knap instead nap (for sleeping), fascial instead of facial, etc.
Other than the above mentioned errors, I found this to be a well formatted and entertaining read. So much so that I read this novel in one sitting, and I am all set up and ready to move onto book 1 of The Crossroads Trilogy now.
I give this a solid four stars and look forward to more from this author.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
A few spelling errors presented themselves in the text, which pulled me out of the read somewhat ... things such as site instead of sight, knap instead nap (for sleeping), fascial instead of facial, etc.
Other than the above mentioned errors, I found this to be a well formatted and entertaining read. So much so that I read this novel in one sitting, and I am all set up and ready to move onto book 1 of The Crossroads Trilogy now.
I give this a solid four stars and look forward to more from this author.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
December 1, 2018
Journey to the land before time in this thrilling prehistoric story of courage and tenacity against all odds!
When pregnant Lucy loses her lifemate and is cast out of her old tribe she joins a new group and mates to the leader of the tribe, Raza. She is a hunter and a healer, but has to work hard to gain the trust of her new tribe.
Every day is a challenge to survive. Food is sparse, the climate is dangerous, and the hunters often become the hunted. The author does a superb job of world-building; it was easy to visualize the world Lucy enhabits and the trials she had to endure.
If only we could all have her bravery!
I have never read anything like this before, but that didn’t stop me from becoming engrossed with these characters and invested in Lucy’s journey.
If I had one complaint, it’s that it had to end!
An Engrossing read-you’ll root for Lucy!
When pregnant Lucy loses her lifemate and is cast out of her old tribe she joins a new group and mates to the leader of the tribe, Raza. She is a hunter and a healer, but has to work hard to gain the trust of her new tribe.
Every day is a challenge to survive. Food is sparse, the climate is dangerous, and the hunters often become the hunted. The author does a superb job of world-building; it was easy to visualize the world Lucy enhabits and the trials she had to endure.
If only we could all have her bravery!
I have never read anything like this before, but that didn’t stop me from becoming engrossed with these characters and invested in Lucy’s journey.
If I had one complaint, it’s that it had to end!
An Engrossing read-you’ll root for Lucy!
April 10, 2019
4.5 Stars!
I enjoyed this, and it's arguably Jacqui Murray’s best work to date, at least in my humble opinion (though I haven’t read her latest novel yet, Survival of the Fittest, which I see is also starting to get great reviews).
Born in a Treacherous Time works as a slice of early hominin life. The details appear to be well researched, so I got a solid idea of what life might have been like 3.2 million years ago. It’s brutal and bloody in places, damn right heartbreaking in others. Recommended.
I enjoyed this, and it's arguably Jacqui Murray’s best work to date, at least in my humble opinion (though I haven’t read her latest novel yet, Survival of the Fittest, which I see is also starting to get great reviews).
Born in a Treacherous Time works as a slice of early hominin life. The details appear to be well researched, so I got a solid idea of what life might have been like 3.2 million years ago. It’s brutal and bloody in places, damn right heartbreaking in others. Recommended.
December 19, 2022
Meet Lucy (Woo-See), a Homo Habilis individual who lives in Africa 1.8 million years ago. In this book, we arrive at the dawn of human development. Many creatures share this world, but these primitive beings display emotions like love and empathy. In fact, many of the characters were problem solvers, a necessary skill if one is to survive in this world.
Life is a constant struggle, and to make matters worse, there is Man Who Preys, the next generation of humans who hunt Lucy’s people, the Man Who Makes Tools tribe. These quiet creatures prefer to live in harmony with the land and the animals which populate it. Lucy and her pack are still deeply part of the animal kingdom, relying on their senses to survive.
We follow Lucy through her early years onward. Lucy’s special skills of healing and hunting (not something the females of her kind usually did) make her a valuable asset to a tribe.
Murray’s research lends credibility to the story through the world building. Her choice of words makes these primitive creatures real without adding a modern edge. For the word “moon,” she uses the descriptive words, “night sun” as seen through the eyes of the creatures inhabiting the land.
I couldn’t put this book down. As soon as I finished this first book, I jumped into the next book in the series. If you love great world building and interesting characters, “Born in a Treacherous Time” will transport you into our prehistoric past. The book is so realistic, I had a hard time believing it was a fictional account of early man.
Life is a constant struggle, and to make matters worse, there is Man Who Preys, the next generation of humans who hunt Lucy’s people, the Man Who Makes Tools tribe. These quiet creatures prefer to live in harmony with the land and the animals which populate it. Lucy and her pack are still deeply part of the animal kingdom, relying on their senses to survive.
We follow Lucy through her early years onward. Lucy’s special skills of healing and hunting (not something the females of her kind usually did) make her a valuable asset to a tribe.
Murray’s research lends credibility to the story through the world building. Her choice of words makes these primitive creatures real without adding a modern edge. For the word “moon,” she uses the descriptive words, “night sun” as seen through the eyes of the creatures inhabiting the land.
I couldn’t put this book down. As soon as I finished this first book, I jumped into the next book in the series. If you love great world building and interesting characters, “Born in a Treacherous Time” will transport you into our prehistoric past. The book is so realistic, I had a hard time believing it was a fictional account of early man.
June 12, 2018
‘Born in a Treacherous Time’ by Jacqui Murray explores that period of time, (1.8 million years ago) which was most challenging for mankind, when survival and finding food were the major issues, the only weapons to kill were stones or sticks and predators could attack any moment. I haven’t read any other book in this genre and have never given a serious thought to how humans lived in pre-historic times. It is interesting to note that nature ruled human beings! A feeling of revulsion hit me when I was reading the details of eating raw meat, with blood dripping from their mouths.
Only a few books have such a magnetic power! This book pulled me more because the protagonist is a woman – Lucy who had a ‘capacious’ brain, could invent tools, understand the herbs and plants that heal and is strong enough to save Baad, one of her male companions from the attack of an eagle. An element of mystery makes this fictional account of early man quite fascinating.
Murray’s superb handling of characterization, with the basic instincts of bonding, care for each other, urge for learning and raising children stands out to lend authenticity to the plot. However it is the resilience of human spirit and hope that shimmers through out the book.
Only a few books have such a magnetic power! This book pulled me more because the protagonist is a woman – Lucy who had a ‘capacious’ brain, could invent tools, understand the herbs and plants that heal and is strong enough to save Baad, one of her male companions from the attack of an eagle. An element of mystery makes this fictional account of early man quite fascinating.
Murray’s superb handling of characterization, with the basic instincts of bonding, care for each other, urge for learning and raising children stands out to lend authenticity to the plot. However it is the resilience of human spirit and hope that shimmers through out the book.
July 3, 2024
Overall, the book is entertaining, so I'll give it that. The characters' motivations are well thought out, and the main character is someone interesting who you can root for.
Writing style:
The style of writing leaves something to be desired. Lucy, despite her being an early hominid named Lucy, is NOT an Australopithecus afarensis, but in fact a member of Homo habilis. The author uses an odd mix of scientific sounding words and common words to name animals, rather than just sticking on one. It's a little jarring to have some animals be called something that would make sense for the characters, like "horse-that-walks-upright" (Chalicothere), while others have a modern science-based name like Megatereon. I also found it odd that Lucy, for some reason, has long straight hair, while it seems like no one else does.
Historical and Scientific content:
I am aware that many people read historical fiction in order to gain a better understanding of what it was like to live in this world. This is not one of those books. It has an inaccurate overlap of animal lives. It takes place 1.8 million years ago, according to the second book. One example is the inclusion of members of the genus Hipparion, which went extinct by 5 million years ago.
Murray attempts to legitimise her work through reference to archaeologists. This falls flat, however, due to who she chooses to cite: Dr. Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) and Dr. Levi Leonard Conant (Murray cites a book of his from 1931). It was… certainly an interesting choice to go for those two, rather than more recent sources, and don’t even get me started on Murray’s use of the phrase “primitive man.” While Vygotsky’s work is an important foundational text, his theories have certainly been improved upon, and Murray’s use of Conant’s work is, frankly, a little bizarre. Why choose him? Why not someone from the contemporary field of archaeology and evolutionary science who DOESN’T characterise people as “primitive” and assume that pre-contact Indigenous Americans are analogous to early humans?
Overall, as someone with an interest in archaeology (though I admit my expertise is mostly to do with neanderthals and early homo sapiens), Murray’s research falls short, especially when you consider that the book was published in 2019.
She also includes some fantasy elements in this series, which can be interesting, but which I find a little odd at times (“Canis” seems to be able to have almost-human level intelligence.) It makes Ump a lovable character, however.
VERY Minor spoilers for the next two books, so that I can review this as a series. This spoiler contains no concrete identifiable plot elements:
However, the fact that I am currently on book 3 is testament enough that despite its flaws, the series is still interesting enough to give it a read.
Writing style:
The style of writing leaves something to be desired. Lucy, despite her being an early hominid named Lucy, is NOT an Australopithecus afarensis, but in fact a member of Homo habilis. The author uses an odd mix of scientific sounding words and common words to name animals, rather than just sticking on one. It's a little jarring to have some animals be called something that would make sense for the characters, like "horse-that-walks-upright" (Chalicothere), while others have a modern science-based name like Megatereon. I also found it odd that Lucy, for some reason, has long straight hair, while it seems like no one else does.
Historical and Scientific content:
I am aware that many people read historical fiction in order to gain a better understanding of what it was like to live in this world. This is not one of those books. It has an inaccurate overlap of animal lives. It takes place 1.8 million years ago, according to the second book. One example is the inclusion of members of the genus Hipparion, which went extinct by 5 million years ago.
Murray attempts to legitimise her work through reference to archaeologists. This falls flat, however, due to who she chooses to cite: Dr. Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) and Dr. Levi Leonard Conant (Murray cites a book of his from 1931). It was… certainly an interesting choice to go for those two, rather than more recent sources, and don’t even get me started on Murray’s use of the phrase “primitive man.” While Vygotsky’s work is an important foundational text, his theories have certainly been improved upon, and Murray’s use of Conant’s work is, frankly, a little bizarre. Why choose him? Why not someone from the contemporary field of archaeology and evolutionary science who DOESN’T characterise people as “primitive” and assume that pre-contact Indigenous Americans are analogous to early humans?
Overall, as someone with an interest in archaeology (though I admit my expertise is mostly to do with neanderthals and early homo sapiens), Murray’s research falls short, especially when you consider that the book was published in 2019.
She also includes some fantasy elements in this series, which can be interesting, but which I find a little odd at times (“Canis” seems to be able to have almost-human level intelligence.) It makes Ump a lovable character, however.
VERY Minor spoilers for the next two books, so that I can review this as a series. This spoiler contains no concrete identifiable plot elements:
However, the fact that I am currently on book 3 is testament enough that despite its flaws, the series is still interesting enough to give it a read.
June 7, 2018
Born in a Treacherous time explores the world of Lucy, one of a group of Homo Habilis, tool-maker scavengers who follow the fierce carnivores of the day in their bid to keep themselves fed.
Of course, this is a brutal world. Not only must the group protect themselves from the very carnivores they rely on, they have to deal with the prospect of injury and sickness and the violent actions of the earth through the turmoil of volcanoes and earthquakes. Then there are the terrifying glimpses of other groups whose specialisms are different. Clashes can be a fatal. Almost everything can be fatal.
The character of Lucy was cleverly introduced through an earlier novel, a thriller, by the same author. In To Hunt a Sub, which really couldn't be more different, with the hi-jacking of a nuclear submarine as the storyline, Kali Delemagente, a brilliant student, has developed a programme to track early man, namely Lucy and her group, as they progress beyond their African origins. This programme is recognised as a potentially powerful tool for reasons both good and bad and it's very existence puts Kali in danger. ( a very good read).
However, in Born in a Treacherous Time we are taken away from technology and intrigue and back to the primitive world where our ancestors began to make their mark.
What I liked about Born in a Treacherous Time was the way the author portrayed the many aspects of that early life. Sure, there was the fight to the death with sabre toothed cat, the danger of the mammoth herds, not to mention the geological mayhem, however, the story was finely balanced with the other concerns of an intelligent species. Lucy is a healer, she collects plants along the way and has learned which will help with various ailments. She has foresight and understanding of the pain of others. She feels kinship and responsibility and has fears and flaws just like all the members of the group.
When a member of another group is observed using a spear to attack rather than waiting to scavenge, Lucy is fascinated by this newly observed skill and eager to learn.
By exploring human failings and qualities the author very ably told a tale of characters that were recognisable and relatable and so my first foray into early-man fiction (should I call it early-person?) was an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience.
Many thanks to the author for an advanced copy of this book. I was not obliged to review or comment.
Of course, this is a brutal world. Not only must the group protect themselves from the very carnivores they rely on, they have to deal with the prospect of injury and sickness and the violent actions of the earth through the turmoil of volcanoes and earthquakes. Then there are the terrifying glimpses of other groups whose specialisms are different. Clashes can be a fatal. Almost everything can be fatal.
The character of Lucy was cleverly introduced through an earlier novel, a thriller, by the same author. In To Hunt a Sub, which really couldn't be more different, with the hi-jacking of a nuclear submarine as the storyline, Kali Delemagente, a brilliant student, has developed a programme to track early man, namely Lucy and her group, as they progress beyond their African origins. This programme is recognised as a potentially powerful tool for reasons both good and bad and it's very existence puts Kali in danger. ( a very good read).
However, in Born in a Treacherous Time we are taken away from technology and intrigue and back to the primitive world where our ancestors began to make their mark.
What I liked about Born in a Treacherous Time was the way the author portrayed the many aspects of that early life. Sure, there was the fight to the death with sabre toothed cat, the danger of the mammoth herds, not to mention the geological mayhem, however, the story was finely balanced with the other concerns of an intelligent species. Lucy is a healer, she collects plants along the way and has learned which will help with various ailments. She has foresight and understanding of the pain of others. She feels kinship and responsibility and has fears and flaws just like all the members of the group.
When a member of another group is observed using a spear to attack rather than waiting to scavenge, Lucy is fascinated by this newly observed skill and eager to learn.
By exploring human failings and qualities the author very ably told a tale of characters that were recognisable and relatable and so my first foray into early-man fiction (should I call it early-person?) was an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience.
Many thanks to the author for an advanced copy of this book. I was not obliged to review or comment.
December 15, 2020
In Jacqui Murray’s well-researched page-turner, Born in a Treacherous Time, we are transported into the lives of a group of primitive people who lived about two million years ago and made tools from stone, bone, and sticks. They had not evolved into using sticks for spears, but other groups of early man had. These posed an ongoing threat to Lucy’s less violent tool-making group. Whereas Lucy’s group scavenged animals killed by other predators and dug for roots, the other group had no qualms about killing prey, and that sometimes included other people.
I loved Lucy’s character. She is courageous and skilled in tracking, hunting, and healing. Her endurance is amazing. She is a survivor!
As the group migrates in search of food, shelter, and security, they must avoid Man-who-preys and at the same time they must deal with nature’s elements. The earth is still in a state of formative upheaval, and the group is often at risk from earthquakes and fire, volcanic eruptions, molten lava flows, flash floods, and falling rock and ash.
As strong as Lucy was, she was constantly being tested. I worried for her safety during natural catastrophes, as well as from predaceous animals and cannibals. Up until the last page I wondered if Lucy would be able to survive the challenges she faced daily. So far, so good, but she is still needing to rejoin the group she was separated from. I am hoping that the sequels (when they are published) will bring us more Lucy adventures and a happy conclusion.
One of the key elements in these “early man” books of Jacqui Murray’s is the need for the group to work together in order to survive. It is something that modern society seems to have forgotten about – keeping our social fabric together for the best results. Ms. Murray’s books are a good reminder of the need for a civilized society to work together.
I loved Lucy’s character. She is courageous and skilled in tracking, hunting, and healing. Her endurance is amazing. She is a survivor!
As the group migrates in search of food, shelter, and security, they must avoid Man-who-preys and at the same time they must deal with nature’s elements. The earth is still in a state of formative upheaval, and the group is often at risk from earthquakes and fire, volcanic eruptions, molten lava flows, flash floods, and falling rock and ash.
As strong as Lucy was, she was constantly being tested. I worried for her safety during natural catastrophes, as well as from predaceous animals and cannibals. Up until the last page I wondered if Lucy would be able to survive the challenges she faced daily. So far, so good, but she is still needing to rejoin the group she was separated from. I am hoping that the sequels (when they are published) will bring us more Lucy adventures and a happy conclusion.
One of the key elements in these “early man” books of Jacqui Murray’s is the need for the group to work together in order to survive. It is something that modern society seems to have forgotten about – keeping our social fabric together for the best results. Ms. Murray’s books are a good reminder of the need for a civilized society to work together.
June 19, 2024
Every time I read Jacqui Murray’s blog, which I have been following for years, I’ve been intrigued by the topics and her writing. When I finally had extra time, I dove into “Born in a Treacherous Time,” her first book in the series and trilogy.
This story follows Lucy during prehistoric times and takes us on her life-or-death episodes, with many trials and tribulations - and some joy. I felt like I was there, in nature, using all my senses on the many hunts or looking for danger. As a modern day nomad, I sure have it much easier!
Reading the story - while sometimes confusing - did bring me a better understanding of our “forefathers” and it also instilled an awareness about my current life, like the importance of memory, trial-and-error approach, friendship, care, and our current ease of survival. We don’t rely as much on allies in the western world anymore and we have become super comfortable - even entitled - in our ways, demeanor, and expectations.
While I’m all about “going back to the basics”, “being one with nature,” and living a simple life, I’m grateful for modern conveniences, feeling free, and not having predators. This is a fascinating era and book, and I look forward to reading the next ones in the series.
This story follows Lucy during prehistoric times and takes us on her life-or-death episodes, with many trials and tribulations - and some joy. I felt like I was there, in nature, using all my senses on the many hunts or looking for danger. As a modern day nomad, I sure have it much easier!
Reading the story - while sometimes confusing - did bring me a better understanding of our “forefathers” and it also instilled an awareness about my current life, like the importance of memory, trial-and-error approach, friendship, care, and our current ease of survival. We don’t rely as much on allies in the western world anymore and we have become super comfortable - even entitled - in our ways, demeanor, and expectations.
While I’m all about “going back to the basics”, “being one with nature,” and living a simple life, I’m grateful for modern conveniences, feeling free, and not having predators. This is a fascinating era and book, and I look forward to reading the next ones in the series.
September 5, 2019
What a treat to read a fiction work that goes so far back into prehistory. I enjoy reading prehistoric fiction in general, but this is a rare gem. The author successfully combines facts with imagination to create a believable story about our ancient ancestors. We are given a peek into a distant mirror of a people who reflect our own hopes, emotions and fears.
The books main character is Lucy, a woman who belongs to the very first species in the genus Homo. Lucy’s world is a harsh one full of perils including a nearby volcano, hungry predators and a new kind of homo species that hunts not only animals but Lucy’s people as well.
In spite of the dangerous times in which she lives, Lucy’s plucky Spirit helps her prevail against not only outside forces but the jealousies within the band. She is a survivor of the best kind and a heroine who keeps the reader riveted to the unfolding story. Another plus for me was all the interesting prehistoric beast from this era, many that I was unfamiliar with. Lucy interacts with them as well as they are part of her world, finding comfort at time in unusual places.
The books main character is Lucy, a woman who belongs to the very first species in the genus Homo. Lucy’s world is a harsh one full of perils including a nearby volcano, hungry predators and a new kind of homo species that hunts not only animals but Lucy’s people as well.
In spite of the dangerous times in which she lives, Lucy’s plucky Spirit helps her prevail against not only outside forces but the jealousies within the band. She is a survivor of the best kind and a heroine who keeps the reader riveted to the unfolding story. Another plus for me was all the interesting prehistoric beast from this era, many that I was unfamiliar with. Lucy interacts with them as well as they are part of her world, finding comfort at time in unusual places.
February 8, 2023
I loved this story, the first book in a series set in prehistoric times: 1.8 million years ago. The lead characters is Lucy, a Homo Habilis woman in Africa who endures daily trials in her quest for survival. The author has done extensive research and skilfully conveys everything, including language and communication, just as it might have been back then. The writing is superb, and there is a strong plot line that develops as Lucy and her small group battle dangerous animals, other groups of humans and the environment. There is even a volcanic eruption to contend with, which had me on the edge of my seat.
I was in awe of how our ancestors managed to survive such a dangerous environment. After reading this, I don’t think I can ever complain about having a bad day again. Every day in prehistoric times was a life and death struggle, even to get a sip of water. Looking for food and avoiding predators was a constant challenge. Lucy is an amazingly complex character, courageous and creative as she forges a successful life. This is the story of our past, and I will definitely be reading every book in this series.
I was in awe of how our ancestors managed to survive such a dangerous environment. After reading this, I don’t think I can ever complain about having a bad day again. Every day in prehistoric times was a life and death struggle, even to get a sip of water. Looking for food and avoiding predators was a constant challenge. Lucy is an amazingly complex character, courageous and creative as she forges a successful life. This is the story of our past, and I will definitely be reading every book in this series.
April 5, 2019
Writing pre-history takes a creative imagination and technical aptitude, both of which makes Lucy’s journey so intriguing. We oftentimes think of Homo Australopithecus as less than human because of their apelike physical features of both body and face. Science tells us what the world might have been like 1.8 million years ago, but the author illuminates this volatile world while providing wonderfully human faces to Lucy and her group. This book describes the gritty, realistic details of early man’s social culture and daily livelihood.
Jacqui Murray’s descriptive settings will transport you to prehistoric East Africa where you can almost feel the intense heat and rugged terrain. Her characters are interesting and believable, with hearts and souls bent on survival and curiosity. That Lucy has the capacity to learn and understand her environment, as well as to befriend an orphaned hominid child and injured proto-canine, speaks to the humanity in all of us and our innate need for love and acceptance.
Jacqui Murray’s descriptive settings will transport you to prehistoric East Africa where you can almost feel the intense heat and rugged terrain. Her characters are interesting and believable, with hearts and souls bent on survival and curiosity. That Lucy has the capacity to learn and understand her environment, as well as to befriend an orphaned hominid child and injured proto-canine, speaks to the humanity in all of us and our innate need for love and acceptance.
February 13, 2021
Jacqui does a great job of instilling a vivid picture of what most certainly was the red in tooth and claw existence, quite literally, of early humans.
The first in a trilogy, a solid foundation is built for the next two books in this series. There is plenty of action, yet I found there were parts that grew too repetitive, and perhaps could have been left out.
I must be honest about the fact some of my personal beliefs about the ‘coming into existence’ of humanity are in conflict with certain views expressed. I’ll not argue them here, nor anywhere, as they are mine. No amount of debate will sway me, nor will I convince those who disagree. I think it’s best to agree to disagree and leave it at that.
Overall, the information presented in this book has been well-researched and conforms to the mainstream view. The main characters are well constructed and there is growth based on experience.
I believe this novel achieves what it sets out to do. As part of a trilogy, the entire series will need to be taken into account. As of this moment, I’ll give it Four Stars.
The first in a trilogy, a solid foundation is built for the next two books in this series. There is plenty of action, yet I found there were parts that grew too repetitive, and perhaps could have been left out.
I must be honest about the fact some of my personal beliefs about the ‘coming into existence’ of humanity are in conflict with certain views expressed. I’ll not argue them here, nor anywhere, as they are mine. No amount of debate will sway me, nor will I convince those who disagree. I think it’s best to agree to disagree and leave it at that.
Overall, the information presented in this book has been well-researched and conforms to the mainstream view. The main characters are well constructed and there is growth based on experience.
I believe this novel achieves what it sets out to do. As part of a trilogy, the entire series will need to be taken into account. As of this moment, I’ll give it Four Stars.
February 11, 2023
1.8 million years ago, Lucy leaves her homeland to join a new group of people. She grieves for her lost pairmate Garv and feels uncertain about Raza who’s come to take her to his group. Nature, hungry animals, and violent strangers make the trek exceedingly dangerous. Lucy’s arrival isn’t welcome by some, which forces her to consider leaving again. Since she’s pregnant with Garv’s child, the idea unnerves her.
The details of life in Africa during that time period are stunning. While the author has clearly done a fair bit of research, there are things that can be only imagined, yet she threads fact and fiction into a seamless compelling story. I found the scenes involving volcanic eruptions and an earthquake especially compelling. Characters are nicely developed and even some of the animals have distinct personalities. It was fascinating to see how instinct and the five senses were so important for survival, especially those involving smells and sound. I found myself quickly cheering for Lucy, and I’m sure that fans of prehistoric fiction will as well. Highly recommended.
The details of life in Africa during that time period are stunning. While the author has clearly done a fair bit of research, there are things that can be only imagined, yet she threads fact and fiction into a seamless compelling story. I found the scenes involving volcanic eruptions and an earthquake especially compelling. Characters are nicely developed and even some of the animals have distinct personalities. It was fascinating to see how instinct and the five senses were so important for survival, especially those involving smells and sound. I found myself quickly cheering for Lucy, and I’m sure that fans of prehistoric fiction will as well. Highly recommended.
March 9, 2023
Like Jacqui Murray’s other books, this one is also set in the times of ancient man.
The setting for this novel is Plio-Pleistocene Africa—and the author brings it vividly alive through her thorough research and the judicious way it is used.
We’re landed into the world of the Homo-Habilis, a pre-historic race of men, and the protagonist is a woman called Lucy. I found myself rooting for her, a woman in a man’s world even in those times at the dawn of civilization, who is equally loved and feared for her abilities, for her qualities of healing, innovation and leadership.
I loved the other characters as well, for their own individual natures—Gard, Raza, Falda, and the troublemaker Kelda.
There’s friendship and tenderness, there’s danger and sacrifice, there’s violence and love, all mixed up. This early version of humanity is as human as all of us today, and the treacherous times seem like the backdrop of a grand and important adventure.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
The setting for this novel is Plio-Pleistocene Africa—and the author brings it vividly alive through her thorough research and the judicious way it is used.
We’re landed into the world of the Homo-Habilis, a pre-historic race of men, and the protagonist is a woman called Lucy. I found myself rooting for her, a woman in a man’s world even in those times at the dawn of civilization, who is equally loved and feared for her abilities, for her qualities of healing, innovation and leadership.
I loved the other characters as well, for their own individual natures—Gard, Raza, Falda, and the troublemaker Kelda.
There’s friendship and tenderness, there’s danger and sacrifice, there’s violence and love, all mixed up. This early version of humanity is as human as all of us today, and the treacherous times seem like the backdrop of a grand and important adventure.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
December 2, 2023
Before reading Born in a Treacherous Time, I hadn’t read any prehistoric literature. I had assumed that I would not enjoy it. But I judged wrongly. Within a few pages of this book, I was awestruck. Jacqui Murray masterfully brings this unexplored era alive through characters that we can relate to.
Lucy, one of the early hominids, lives in a hostile environment of wild animals and savages, as well as an active volcano. The threats drive the evolution of skillsets, group formations, and leadership. Readers are drawn into Lucy’s world through Murray’s descriptive talent and engaging inner dialogue. From this primitive setting, I found myself reflecting upon our life today – what has changed, what remains. Survival was a key challenge and a strong theme throughout this book, and isn’t this what we are concerned about now?
I commend Murray for her extensive research and her profound intuitive abilities to bring this prehistoric era alive. I’ll be thinking about Born in a Treacherous Time for years to come. This is a book that deserves 10 stars.
Lucy, one of the early hominids, lives in a hostile environment of wild animals and savages, as well as an active volcano. The threats drive the evolution of skillsets, group formations, and leadership. Readers are drawn into Lucy’s world through Murray’s descriptive talent and engaging inner dialogue. From this primitive setting, I found myself reflecting upon our life today – what has changed, what remains. Survival was a key challenge and a strong theme throughout this book, and isn’t this what we are concerned about now?
I commend Murray for her extensive research and her profound intuitive abilities to bring this prehistoric era alive. I’ll be thinking about Born in a Treacherous Time for years to come. This is a book that deserves 10 stars.
July 26, 2021
I have read and loved the Crossroad Series by Ms. Murray and have been eager to read this series. When the second book came out, I rushed to get started. Lucy and her journey immediately pulled me in. After leaving her first group, she finds a home and a new pair mate. Within this group, there is jealousy and distrust, but the most important thing is their survival. The amount of research and thought that went into this story amazed me. I could easily imagine how it was to live in their prehistorical times. I’m very glad that we found a way to control fire and cook our food. Their eating habits and being scavengers were so detailed and well-written that they made me shudder as they tore into their meal. Although everyone didn’t appreciate Lucy, her strength kept her and those around her going. As the group shifts and changes, so does the world around them. I dove right into the second book when I finished this one. I highly recommend this!
February 23, 2019
Jacqui Murray’s Born in a Treacherous Time will, no doubt, be compared with Jean Auel’s Clan of the Cave Bear. But Murray has her own distinct, confident voice, and she uses it here to great effect. Read this book and you will never forget Lucy, and it is likely you will feel a sincere debt to her, our ancient ancestor.
I was privileged to read many chapters of this work while it was in progress, and I know the extensive research and hard work that went into it. To see the finished product now is very gratifying. Murray is the consummate pro—just look at the long list of her accomplishments—and an outstanding mentor to working writers in her community. I feel lucky to know her, and even luckier to read her work.
I was privileged to read many chapters of this work while it was in progress, and I know the extensive research and hard work that went into it. To see the finished product now is very gratifying. Murray is the consummate pro—just look at the long list of her accomplishments—and an outstanding mentor to working writers in her community. I feel lucky to know her, and even luckier to read her work.
August 26, 2018
Born in a Treacherous Time is well-named. Prehistoric man had to fend off the saber-tooths, mammoths, and wolves that they shared a habitat with. And yet, they also faced struggles that modern-day humans can relate to--who to take as a mate, how to get along with same-sex cohorts, and how to ease the pain of medical problems.
Ms. Murray does an excellent job of bringing the prehistoric world to life. The author has obviously done her research, but a vivid imagination was also required to supply believable conflicts, conversations, and solutions.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys prehistoric fiction.
Ms. Murray does an excellent job of bringing the prehistoric world to life. The author has obviously done her research, but a vivid imagination was also required to supply believable conflicts, conversations, and solutions.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys prehistoric fiction.
October 17, 2018
Thanks to Murray's book Born in a Treacherous Time, I view the world and the creatures within it (including humans) with new eyes. The main character, Lucy, is one of our foremothers, long long ago. Murray uses intense research and just as intense imagination to envision what it was like during prehistoric times, when beings on two feet needed to survive a harsh yet hauntingly beautiful world. Murray's prose is fully detailed and imaginative as she shows the language development between beings, and the empathy and compassion that is there, even long long ago. I highly recommend this fascinating fictional look into prehistoric times.
January 25, 2021
Story 4 star
This is one of those sad times when you have a good storyteller, but who lacks finesse in writing. I'm not too critical of small things, but this book's transitions were often awkward- erratic point of view changes, lack of distinctions between changing pov- to the point you had to step out of the story to figure out what was going on. On the positive side, this is a truly intriguing story which has obviously been well researched. It provides insights into the lifestyle of early peoples. It also has memorable characters. So even though the book needs a good edit, I still recommend it and will be reading the next in the series.
This is one of those sad times when you have a good storyteller, but who lacks finesse in writing. I'm not too critical of small things, but this book's transitions were often awkward- erratic point of view changes, lack of distinctions between changing pov- to the point you had to step out of the story to figure out what was going on. On the positive side, this is a truly intriguing story which has obviously been well researched. It provides insights into the lifestyle of early peoples. It also has memorable characters. So even though the book needs a good edit, I still recommend it and will be reading the next in the series.
August 18, 2019
Fabulous believable story of Lucy
Riveting account of Lucy's life during a time when the world's unstable crust, predation of animals and other humanoids, and injury decreased chances for survival. I especially loved the use of sign and verbal language between Lucy's people and the imagery of and connections to Nature. A fan of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Jean Auel, I'm happy to say, I've found a new author to follow.
Riveting account of Lucy's life during a time when the world's unstable crust, predation of animals and other humanoids, and injury decreased chances for survival. I especially loved the use of sign and verbal language between Lucy's people and the imagery of and connections to Nature. A fan of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Jean Auel, I'm happy to say, I've found a new author to follow.
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