Against All Odds

Crossroads #3

by Jacqui Murray

A million years of evolution made Xhosa tough but was it enough? She and her People finally reach their destination—a glorious land of tall grasses, few predators, and an abundance that seems limitless, but an enemy greater than any they have met so far threatens to end their dreams. If Xhosa can’t stop this one, she and her People must again flee.The Crossroads trilogy is set 850,000 years ago, a time in prehistory when man populated most of Eurasia. He was a violent species, fully capable of addressing the many hardships that threatened his survival except for future man, a smarter version of himself, one destined to obliterate all those who came before. From prehistoric fiction author Jacqui Murray comes the unforgettable saga of a courageous woman who questions assumptions, searches for truth, and does what she must despite daunting opposition. Read the final chapter of the People’s long search for freedom, safety, and a new home.A perfect book for fans of Jean Auel and the Gears!

Genres: Prehistoric

313 pages, Paperback

Published July 3, 2020

About the author

I'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.

Reviews

[Sally Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another epic chapter in mankind’s history.

I have been looking forward to book 3 in this trilogy since I read the last page of The Quest for Home in September 2019. I was fascinated to discover how Xhosa, Wind, Pan-do, Seeker, Zvi, wolves and all the other characters I had become so invested in had fared as they sought a new permanent home.

We are dropped immediately into the action as the group comprising various peoples from East and South Africa, China, Indonesia and Spain find themselves in the perilous territory on the other side of the Pyrenees. Not only do they face new dangers from those who live in the lands they are crossing, but from their past enemies, intent on vengeance. Old friends thought long lost and new peoples cross their paths to join the migration, adding protection and their own specific skills that provide food, treasured salt, and safe shelters in the inhospitable region.

The pace is relentless, as is the onslaught of other human species and nature. You will find yourself breathless as you turn the pages. My respect for our ancestors has only increased further as I have followed this part of their journey. Billions of us today have genetic links to many of the peoples we meet in this story. Without their driving need to find a safe place to live, their ability to adapt and to assimilate with others, their courage and instinctive skills, we as modern mankind would have been diminished. We have a great deal to thank them for.

As with all the author’s books the research is immaculate and where fiction meets the research it is seamless. You forget that most of the language used between the characters is mostly non-verbal and you engage with each of their very distinct personalities, including the wolves that protect them.

I highly recommend that you read the first two books Survival of the Fittest and The Quest for Home first so that you get the most from this incredible trilogy, and I was delighted to see that there is a sequel planned for 2023. I can also recommend the Dawn of Humanity series by Jacqui Murray with book two released in 2021.

[Unity Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing trilogy! The characters are interesting and the things they know and face are things you would never think of. It's clear the author did a lot of careful research. Even though it takes place so long ago, I felt like I was really there. All these people want is a place where they can live peacefully. And every day is treacherous. The characters make decisions that mean they'll survive... or not.

I loved this trilogy, and can't speak highly enough of it.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read the first two books in the Crossroads Trilogy and loved them. So, I was eager to read the conclusion in “Against All Odds.” It kept me reading late into the night or until I couldn’t hold my eyes open anymore. I’ve gotten very attached to this group trying to find their home in 850,000 BC. Xhosa, the leader, had her flaws, but also her strength and bravery. Pan-do’s compassion and insight made him an excellent advisor for Xhosa. But it was the wolves who always had my full attention. The research that went into the story shines through as I read it. I could easily see the world through their eyes and imagine how it was to live in those times. Their food sources, shelters, and relationships felt very real to me, thanks to Ms. Murray. The enemies are chilling for many reasons that I won’t give away. Although this could be read as a standalone, I recommend going back and reading the previous two books first. This is a great read for those who enjoy prehistoric fiction and those that like a good story. I highly recommend it.

[Pat Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of Jacqui Murray, the author of Against All Odds and many other wonderful books. The characters are always revealing and complex, always facing survival in ways that are fraught with danger. Suspense and tension are high. I can’t imagine myself surviving in such an environment.

Ms. Murray does a wonderful job of world-building. Her use of the five senses puts the reader right in the scenes she creates. She realistically portrays the tactics her characters take to survive against all odds.

I enjoy learning about this period in history and all that early man experienced. Ms. Murray’s knowledge is vast, and she continues her research to make each book interesting and educational at the same time. –-Pat Spencer, author of Story of a Stolen Girl

[Nancy Sciple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling book the brings the Peoples journey to an end.

I started this series because it is similar to books by Jean Auel but quickly became a follower of Ms Murray Each book draws you further into the world of Xhosa and her people. This book brings their journey and struggles to an appropriate conclusion. I do look forward to other books by Ms Murray.

[Ronel Janse van Vuuren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last in the trilogy, and I can’t believe it took me so long to get around to reading it! I finally got to see how Xhosa, her People and wolves fared in their quest to find a new home. Such a stunning conclusion.

I really like the covers of this series. And did I mention how much I liked the wolves?

A must-read if you like adventure, survival and strong female characters.

[Cathleen Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driven from their ancestral home, Xhosa’s people have been wanderers for far too long. But now, coming down from the Pyrenees mountains into what will become the Spanish plains, her people are filled with hope. Finally, they have found a homeland. But Xhosa and her people are in sorry shape. Always learning how to cope in a new land—and surviving outright attacks by vicious brigands—have left them gaunt and haggard, with wounds that have yet to heal. To top it all off, Xhosa is plagued by migraine headaches and is having difficulty finding medication.

This is a tale that would be poignant no matter when it occurred. But these people lived 850,000 years ago. At the risk of paraphrasing the intro to “Gilligan’s Island,” that means no stores where you can nip in to pick up a carton of milk. No Home Depots, with roof shingles that are guaranteed not to leak and 2 x 4s that are quite often straight. And if you wanted to get anywhere, you had feet. Nobody had cars or even horses.

It was a completely different, savage world, one that you and I would have difficulty surviving in. But our ancestors did. They dug deep and found the will to survive, sometimes against all odds.

Like with Ms. Murray’s other books, this one is meticulously researched, lending a verisimilitude that is detailed and believable. Sights, sounds, smells—they’re all here. Pain, both from straightforward physical causes and from fear of being pursued by enemies, fills their thoughts. Characters react and grow, sometimes with wise choices, other times not, but always believably. Even the wolves are convincing. All in all, Ms. Murray has achieved the enviable result of creating a timeless story set in an environment that is both familiar and strange.

All lovers of prehistoric fiction should consider picking up copies of Ms. Murray’s books. And even if you haven’t been enthralled with the genre before, if you ever enjoyed Ishi or The Island of the Blue Dolphins, Ms. Murray’s Crossroads trilogy might tickle your story bone. Go on, give it a whirl, although I’d start with the first book in the series, Survival of the Fittest.

[Balroop Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Against All Odds concludes the Crossroads Trilogy – an enthralling story of Xhosa and her People, the prehistoric inhabitants who possessed astonishing abilities to create tools out of stones and twigs, developed a communicative bird language and could face unknown hazards fearlessly. They were smarter than other tribes, as they could share their ideas and thoughts through hand gestures, facial expressions and sounds. They learnt from other communities, were adaptable and their intuition was stronger than others.

It is interesting to note some innate emotions amongst early dwellers. Despite the challenges they had to face and develop confidence, strength and ferocity, Pan-do considered himself more than just a father, a protector and food provider. He knew what is love, which he described as “caring for another beyond logic and reason.” He could even see a similar emotion between his daughter Lyta and Seeker. Hope too finds a mention many times. Each time somebody went missing or was captured by an enemy, they hoped that they would be reunited. Mbasa knew she would surely meet Xhosa again. Ngili hoped that he would be reunited with Hecate.

Jacqui’s research shines through out this book too and foreword answers many questions about tribes and their ways of expression. Her characters have grown with the passage of time and remember their leader Xhosa’s advice to be “strong like Mammoth, patient as Eagle, leery like Gazelle, cunning as Wolf or lacking that, wise enough to mimic someone who is.” Murray has created awe-inspiring female characters who never give up in adversity, never look back and forge ahead with renewed vigor after each battle. If you like prehistoric fiction, you must read the Crossroads Trilogy. Though this is a stand-alone book, with references to earlier ones but they should be read in order.

[D.L. Lewellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrapping up this fascinating, entertaining trilogy in one spot...

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started Book One, Against All Odds. I loved Jean Auel's books back in the day and heard that this series compared though it takes place hundreds of thousands of years earlier and with a much more primal infrastructure... Which turned out to be amazing!

I didn't think I would be this fascinated with a glimpse into the day-to-day struggle of barely upright beings who had no culture, religion, or language as we know language today and whose lives seemed more like those of the apes or wolves than people. But the way the author brings these characters to life, these wayward souls who use their brains and instincts every second of every day to survive, and come together to face the harshest and most violent eat-or-be-eaten world, was a page-turning revelation. I could imagine myself squatting on my haunches next to my pair mate, picking out the little crawlies from his chest hair, and eating raw meat off the bone. Not that I'd want to do that, but I could picture it.

I could relate to their quest to look out for each other and find a safe place to call home, and I wanted to be there when the next discovery came along. When Xhosa had to make her next tough but necessary decision, which often resulted in losing a group mate. Life was so fragile, while the little pre-history beings were so tough. And every time they passed a hurdle, I got to experience the satisfaction.

I found it interesting that the author brought out not only the inventiveness, cleverness, and strategic thinking the people must have utilized as well as the physical results of hardships, but also the stress of survival causing mental illness, overt cruelty, and unnecessary violence in contrast with some who desired more peaceful solutions. It is easy to believe that upright beings at any stage of evolution aren't really so different than those of us living today.

I look forward to the next trilogy in the series.

[Keith Jahans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally review trilogies by reading the first book in the series but in this case I went against my norm by starting at the last first. This maybe because I have a passing interest in writings about early man and had read some of the works by Jean M Auel, starting with The Clan of Cave Bear, and having enjoyed them.

In this work I did not feel a pressing need to go back into the history of the central character but felt that I knew enough about primitive humans to skip that part. I may have missed out on some of the story but feel that any novel featuring the same central characters should be able to stand on its own. I found this book in that regard was largely able to do that. However, it contained a large assortment of characters with strangely spelt names which probably made who they were and how they interacted clearer if I had indeed started with the first book.

The author had done her research and obviously knew a great deal about the period of which she was writing. This was clear not only from the list of references at the end but also of the descriptions she used in the narrative. Giving such characters depth is a challenge in itself as primitive peoples were far more involved in surviving from day to day than interacting with each other in what we would describe as a social level today. The author manages this extremely well, giving the objects, animals and people that surround them names that were possibly used by humans of that time. The book is a fascinating read and I highly recommend it.

[Luciana Cavallaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A harsh environment, violent clashes between tribes and murderous behaviour. Prehistoric civilisation isn’t much different to what is happening today.
Against all odds is Book 3 in the Crossroads series by Jacqui Murray is the stunning conclusion to Xhosa’s and her tribe’s epic journey to find a place to call home.
I finished reading the book in a few days as I wanted to find out what happened to the plight of Xhosa and her growing tribe. Through treacherous terrain and deceitful tribal members, Xhosa epitomises what it means to be a leader with inner strength, loyalty and ensuring her people are cared for.
Life of prehistoric people are visually and viscerally captured in the narrative, so much so I felt as if I was part of the journey. Heart racing with the hunters as they stalked animals for food, feeling the freezing cold as Xhosa led her people through the mountains and the relief as they reached the other side of the great expanse of water.
There was always a hint of threat throughout the story, be it the environment, the search for food and water or being hunted by other human-like beings. Ms. Murray has written a story that encapsulates the experiences of what prehistoric people had to do to survive.
Fans of Jean Auel would certainly enjoy the Crossroads series and if you haven’t read prehistoric fiction before, I highly recommend you start with Survival of the Fittest, Book 1 in the series by Jacqui Murray. Once you are introduced to Xhosa and her people, you’ll be invested in their journey to find a new home. A must-read series.

[Anneli Purchase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even after I had read the first two books of the Crossroads trilogy, I could hardly wait to feast my eyes on Book Three, Against All Odds. I was not disappointed. Over the span of the three books, Ms. Murray develops characters I love or despise, while fearing or worrying about others. As the People, several small tribes traveling together, cover what must be hundreds of miles in their quest for a permanent home base, they encounter a variety of dangers along the way. Sometimes the challenges are geographical and sometimes weather- and climate-related. The tribes are conscientious hunters and gatherers, taking only what they need. They face danger from the animals they prey on, but the most dangerous situations are when the People themselves become the prey of Others, Big Heads, and the most feared - cannibals. Ms. Murray has combined her talent for storytelling with a huge amount of research into the many aspects of early man’s probable lifestyle, from communication, to weapons, survival skills, their use of early medicines, and social living habits. There has been much discussion about the level of language and signing skills early man used. Ms. Murray uses some poetic license to suggest to the reader what the characters are probably communicating to each other. In a setting of 850,000 years ago, we must allow this in order to build the story that I guarantee you will love reading.

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book concludes the fascinating trilogy that began 850,000 years ago as Xhosa and her People begin their search for a new home, migrating across continents, meeting different peoples, and facing the harsh elements. They learn new skills, adapt, and develop strategies that help them survive. I recommend reading this series in order since it entails a single journey.

What I’ve enjoyed most about Murray’s prehistoric fiction is the meticulous research, which shines through and brings the time period to life. While the glimpses into prehistoric life were mesmerizing at the beginning of the series, this third installment focuses more on the characters and their personalities and how they adapt to situations. The natural landscape and elements continue to be a challenge but there are more encounters, both cooperative and aggressive, with other humans, including cannibals.

The cast of characters has grown over the trilogy and a glossary of names at the book’s beginning is worth browsing for a refresher. Murray also provides some research detail in a foreword that is interesting though not required to enjoy the story. The book moves along at a good pace, and the author does a great job envisioning the world through prehistoric eyes with terminology that creates an aura of the past. Highly recommended for readers of prehistoric fiction.

[Colleen Chesebro · Rating 5 out of 5]

At long last, Xhosa and the people, who comprised several small tribes traveling together, arrive at the base of the Pyrenees mountains. Throughout this journey, they encountered insurmountable dangers along the way, including the weather and the rough terrain. Through it all, they persevered.

These hunters and gatherers took only what they needed to survive. Not only did they face danger from the animals they preyed upon, but the people often became the prey of others, Big Heads, and cannibals! But there is great unease amongst the people. The clash between Nightshade and Thunder is inevitable. What will become of Xhosa and the people?

Jacqui Murray’s meticulous research enabled a fictional account of the many aspects of ancient man’s probable lifestyle. She portrays their communication as a type of sign language, which made total sense to me. The connection between ancient men and wolves showed that the two animals (man and wolf) benefited the most from their union. Throughout history, the use of herbs and plants as early medicines are well documented. In fact, there is a thread of a “manifest, destiny-like” belief system portrayed in the book, which hints at the possibility that man was destined to traverse and settle the lands far and wide.

Is this all there is to the story? I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

[Alex Craigie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Against All Odds is the third and final part of Jacqui Murray’s superb Crossroads Trilogy.
I have been captivated by the author’s invention of Xhosa, a strong and clever leader of her tribe 850,000 years ago. I’ve learned a great deal about the exodus of disparate groups searching for survival and have come to know the characters in this series so well I was thoroughly invested in all of them.
This third book ramps the tension up even higher and I read this with the same zeal as I would a modern-day thriller. Xhosa’s people have joined forces with several other groups and therein lies their strength from the different combined skillsets that each brings to the mix. These characters became real to me and I was invested in their individual outcomes.
The story of the amazing trek through unfamiliar and dangerous lands and climates is remarkable in that these things did happen and the author has ‘humanised’ it by describing the lives of this group and how they would have coped with adversity. The need to survive is paramount, yet the individuals have their own preferences, alliances, and opinions that influence their decisions.
I am moving on to the author’s Savage Land series next.

[Leroi Bruno · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not badly written but the death rate vs the time-line is ridiculous. There is so many dead and kill that absolutely nobody would reach this homebase. The various characters are depicted as savage because life is cheap but stupidly let their ennemy alive at each turn of the three boo leading each time to more death. Since when any society didnt apply death penalty for capital crime ?
I can think of at least two ennemy/traitor who would have been dealt immediately in any era.
The science fiction part is in the magic guidance in there migration with deus ex machina in every major encounter of the three book. i disliked this as it diminish anything they all do and it dont fit with the period theme.
If you want a more intersting series in paleo ficion, check the bonesetter serie by Laurence dahners, the first book is about a boy finding a ’trick’ to set bones right and banished from his tribe. He also find another (shamefull ?) way to hunt...

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First up, is a spellbinding tale set in the time of early man. Jacqui Murray is a marvel at creating a prehistoric world that readers can easily relate to.

This is the third book in her acclaimed Crossroads Trilogy and we get to learn what happens when favorite characters such as Xhosa and Pan-do reach the land of their dreams.

Xhosa is faced with new challenges as former bandmates arrive, testing her leadership, and enemies from the past threaten their peace.

The author’s meticulous attention to detail shines in these stories. The research alone must have taken months!

While Against the Odds can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order to gain a better understanding of these complex characters.

Survival, relationships, formidable foes, this series has it all!

[C. McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xhosa’s people have searched for a place of safety and finally arrived in what will in later history become the Spanish plains. They’ve survived severe hardships along the way, and those hardships have left the band in perilous condition. Even Xhosa, their undaunted leader, struggles to keep going.

The story might take place thousands of years ago, but the underlying human condition transcends the huge gulf of time and the reader will find himself pulling for this stalwart group to not only survive but thrive.

A great last book in this Crossroads series, and one I suggest you buy and read. It may be fiction, but it’s a very well-researched piece that will give you a greater appreciation for where we are today and how we came to exist.

[Dannan Tavona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odd choices at the end

Prehistoric fiction, quest

The main villains are finally dealt with, and odd choices happen. And the ending, for me, was a puzzler. What was the last scene with Zvi supposed to mean? Since the trilogy is concluded, it's a weird cliffhanger. Whatever.

Why did they spare the cannibals? Letting them live prolongs the danger.

Fewer continuity errors than book 2, but there were two I found as well as a few typos and places with missing words. Above average editing. Interesting, but ultimately it feels inconclusive rather than finished. This series was supposedly inspired by prehistoric caves in northern Spain. Except the main group moved on.

[Norah Colvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this prehistoric trilogy by Jacqui Murray, the thoroughness of whose research breathed life into the characters and times. The stories were full of adventure with twists and turns and drama to keep the pages turning. The characters were fully developed and believable and we warmed to those who were on our side and disliked those who threatened them. It is a fascinating insight into the lives of our ancestors before the dawn of history. Recommended for those who enjoy adventure and delving into the past and imagining how lives may have been lived.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Against All Odds is the third and final book in the Crossroads Trilogy, penned by author Jacqui Murray. This book concludes the story of Xhosa and her people. Murray dives deeper into the characters and their ability to adapt to the daily challenges faced by early humans. As with Book 1 and Book 2, Murray’s extensive research is apparent throughout this third installment. If you enjoy a well-paced and rich story of survival, Against All Odds is a must read.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clan of the Cave Bear Clone

The characters in this book are so much like the characters in Clan of the Cave Bear. Once again I was tired of people getting hit in the head with clubs and surviving with no problems. I was tired of the constant problem with cannibals. I read all three books, but this is the last one I'm going to read by this author.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I have enjoyed Jacque story telling so much. So far I have read 5 of her books this week. As you might guess I can’t put them down.
Please let me know when your next book out.

[Norm S · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Xhosa and her tribe continue migrating looking for a safe home base. They are pursued by both bigheads and cannibals, making the treacherous journey even harder. And finally her final show down with Nightshade and Thunder comes.

[Lornakeyes Keyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written and enjoyable.

The characters became my friends and I was sad to finish the trilogy. Well thought out, interesting a d thoroughly enjoyable.
Can't recommend it highly enough.

[CHRISTINE HARDING · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very exciting. Look forward to reading more of your books like whats the next series.

[Kathleen Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps happening LOL

I get interested in a series of books and it always ends up that the last ones aren't out yet. These are really good stories.

[Carl Felts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sketchy but interesting.

I found it an interesting read but a little hard to believe that so much could happen to one person and still survive.

[Karen Yost Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this trilogy. Better series than Clan of the Cave Bear

[Marguerite Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved!

I can't say enough. I love great books depicting the evolution of mankind. I cannot wait to begin Jacqui Murray's next saga.