Song of the Axe

by John R. Dann

In the tradition of Jean Auel's famous Clan of the Cave Bear , Song of the Axe is about the rich panorama of prehistoric life spread out on an epic canvas, and the origin of myth in historical events.

Song of the Axe is the story of two lovers, Agon and Eena, and their family, who lived 30,000 years ago. Agon is a great warrior, a master of the deadly axe song, the music of his weapon. Eena, beloved of Mother Earth, can fight like a man and cast a spear better than anyone. They and their tribe live by the banks of a huge, glacier-fed river at a time near the end of an Ice Age, when fearsome invaders threaten their lives.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Prehistoric, Prehistory, Fiction, Historical, Adult

613 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 27, 2001

Reviews

[Anastasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this book, but I hate giving up on things, so I read it the entire way through. The characters seemed very one-dimensional. It bothered me that Mr Dann tried to write in a stereotypically caveman sort of way - very short sentences, not always grammatically correct, etc. It struck me as somewhat insulting and unimaginative. I understand trying to infuse the dialog and characters with mystery and magic, since prehistoric peoples wouldn't necessarily have understood scientific things, but in the third part of the book I felt that was taken too far.

TL;DR - I wouldn't read it again.

[Mary Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first Song of the Axe started off in a promising note, but it devolved into nonstop violence. Normally, I can handle violence in books, but not this time.

[Amanda Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this

[Cory Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been jonesing for another Clan of the Cave Bear type-book. And that is just what this is, almost to the point of being a total knock-off.

This being said, the original point of inspiration, is a solid one. The action and the writing in the book was quick (if somewhat redundant). It was a fast, enjoyable read, which is what I was looking for.

[Mike Arms · Rating 5 out of 5]

This looks like fantasy fiction,but it is not. It is actually pre-historic fiction, highly researched to portray historical, geological and cultural accuracy. If you like anthropology, mythology, folklore, religious history and art history you'll like this even if you don't typically read prehistoric fiction.

[Sophia Musgrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covers more than one generation. The love between the main characters Eana and Agon is so sweet and epic. The things he does for her are so romantic. I like how they claim they are not just mates but husband and wife. Really really great read!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good, could have been better

[Estelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked the story line, but there were character lines which were repeated again and again ad naseum. We get don't; don't keep repeating it.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wavered between 3 and 4. 3 because it had quite a bit of 'magic' in it which I don't normally like. 4 because it was so well written and I did enjoy the book.