Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3)

The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3)
The Mammoth Hunters - Earths Children, Bk 3
Author: Jean M. Auel
ISBN-13: 9780553173024
ISBN-10: 0553173022
Publication Date: 11/1/1986
Pages: 784
Rating:
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 8

4.5 stars, based on 8 ratings
Publisher: Bantam
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

59 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

daedelys avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 1218 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite series ever, I've read this book 3 times now and still find it fascinating. I love that the author can spin a romance around the culture during this era. It's just informative and beautiful at the same time.
daedelys avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 1218 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite series ever, I've read this book 3 times now and still find it fascinating. I love that the author can spin a romance around the culture during this era. It's just informative and beautiful at the same time.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 57 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
These books are so wonderful, and this is such a well written, thought out series. You can tell how much research went into every one of these books. My all time favorites. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
daedelys avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 1218 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite series ever, I've read this book 3 times now and still find it fascinating. I love that the author can spin a romance around the culture during this era. It's just informative and beautiful at the same time.
Lenore avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 193 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent. Sweeping tale of love set at the dawn of man - when modern man was on the cusp of transition between pre-historic and a more modern identity. Brilliantly written and worth the long read. You'll learn a lot with these books as well, as they are scrupulously researched.

This has the same broad historical perspective-feel that say, reading Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series engenders for me...its so richly detailed, though of course the subject matter and setting couldn't be further removed.

This series began, of course, with Clan of the Cave Bear & The Valley of Horses...
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 249 more book reviews
"Jean M. Auel continues the breathtaking epic journey of the woman called Ayla. Now, with her devoted Jondalar, Ayla boldly sets forth into the land of the Mamutoi--the Mammoth Hunters, the Others she has been seeking. Though Ayla must learn their strange customs and language, it is because of her uncanny hunting and healing skills that she is adopted into the Mammoth Hearth. Here Ayla finds her first women friends, and painful memories of the Clan she left behind. Here, too, is Ranec, the dark-skinned, magnetic master carver of ivory tusks to whom Ayla is irresistably drawn--setting Jondalar on fire with jealousy. Throughout the icy winter, Ayla is torn between her two men. But soon will come the great spring mammoth hunt, when Ayla must choose her mate and her destiny--to remain in the Hearth with Ranec, or to follow Jondalar into a far-off place and an unknown future."
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 5 more book reviews
great series
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on
The 3rd in the series and still a wonderful journey. Jean Auel is a masterful storyteller with rich and full characters in a world that is totally believeable. A great book.
mischief12 avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 14 more book reviews
This is one of my favorite books, I reread the whole series about every three years or so. When I first read book #1 there was no series, I have read the series every time a new book was published. They are so vivid and real that they are like a wonderful movie in my mind.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 145 more book reviews
If you haven't read any of Auel's Earth's Children books, you are missing a great story. There are now five books in all in the sereies, starting with Clan of the Cave Bear, and each one is full of love, adventure, mystery, and intrigue. Pick up one and start having the time of your life!
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 60 more book reviews
The 4th book in this facinating series which is set in pre-historic times.
lynxxmarie avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 165 more book reviews
This is third of a 5 book "Earth Children" series. Great series!
Here is list of entire series:
The Clan of the Cave Bear
The Valley of Horses
The Mammoth Hunters
The Plains of Passage
The The Shelters of Stone

I have the first 3 listed and will soon list the last 2 also as soon as my brother finishes reading them. :)
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 25 more book reviews
Great story!
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 15 more book reviews
THird in a series about the early days of mankind
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 175 more book reviews
Sequel to The Clan of the Cave Bear & The Valley Of Horses.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 48 more book reviews
Loved all the series
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 683 more book reviews
Third in the acclaimed Earth Series.
This book deserves five stars!!
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 308 more book reviews
liked this series by jean auel
luvbooks avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 126 more book reviews
The third book in the breathtaking epic journey of Ayla..the "Earths Children" Series. My cover is different than the one shown.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 19 more book reviews
Love Jean Auel! I've read this book 3 times and bought the hardcover for future reading.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 12 more book reviews
Once again, Jean M. Auel opens the door of time to reveal an age of wonder and terror at the dawn of humanity. The breathtaking epic journey of the woman called ayla, now with her devoted Jondalar. Ayla boldly sets forth into the land of the Mamutoi- the Mammoth Hunters, the Others she has been seeking.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 81 more book reviews
One word... ADDICTING!!! This is the third book of the series and i would recommend before reading them to clear your calendar.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 12 more book reviews
3rd in Jean M. Auels tale of the earth Children.
this is about a young woman named Ayla and her lover Jondalar travling the world in the age of cave dwellings. Very good story.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 12 more book reviews
I've enjoyed the entire series. It does become a little far-fetched when it appears that Ayla discovers "all" the modern conveniences but it doesn't take anything away from the story or the wonderful writing style
alleigh avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 15 more book reviews
The Mammoth Hunters is the third book in Jean Auels Earths Children series, and with as good as the first two books in the series are, The Mammoth Hunters is a disappointment. Last the reader left Ayla, she and Jondalar were setting out on a journey, and not long into it, they encounter a camp of Mamutoimammoth hunters. Wintering with the Mamutoi gives Ayla the opportunity to live with the Others, as up until now she only remembers living with the Clan and on her own. As with everything in Aylas life, living with the Mamutoi presents its challenges, although there are also some rewards. However, the plot moves slowly as Auel unveils the inner struggle facing Ayla, Jondalar, and Ranecthe Mamutoi master carver who vies for Aylas love in hopes that she choices him over Jondalar.

While Auel continues her vivid description of the landscape, it is to the point of being repetitious. By this point, the reader has likely explored the region in both The Clan of the Cave Bear and in The Valley of Horses. Additionally, in those two books, the reader has also experienced Aylas discoveries, her training of wild animals, and her struggle with being different from those around her. Unfortunately, all of these things are repeated in painful detail in The Mammoth Hunter to the point of boring the reader. Eliminating such duplication could mean shortening the 700-page book by at least 200 pages, as well as help the pacing of the story.

If you enjoyed Clan of the Cave Bear and The Valley of Horses, you might be interested enough to read The Mammoth Hunters, but be warned that the repetitive qualities of The Valley of Horses is magnified in The Mammoth Hunters.
Yoda avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 8 more book reviews
Ayla travels with Jondalar to the land of the Mammoth Hunters. She has finally met the Others, her own kind. But she must learn their language and ways and in time decide between Jondalar and a new love Ranee. Will she stay with the Mamutoi or go with Jondalar to return to his own clan?
bookdeejay avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 132 more book reviews
A young woman learns to cope within a new society with people like herself. Her experience with living in a group is very different from the way they live. Expectations of behavior are different. A woman's interaction with a man or men is very different. Eventually, she finds her way.
knightslady avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 96 more book reviews
Very enjoyabloe read. I love this series
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 21 more book reviews
great series
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 17 more book reviews
The best book of the series! Great pre-historic series.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 153 more book reviews
Once again, Jean Auel opens the door of time to reveal an age of wonder and terror at the dawn of humanity. Third in the acclaimed Earth's Children series.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 496 more book reviews
Excellent. I really enjoyed this series.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 33 more book reviews
I have a version that is Large print and Says it is a book club version. I have read this series before and loved it. However, when I reordered, this version is messed up.it starts on chapter 21 (page 691). That's a lot of missing story! I'm a little disappointed and will be reordering what I hope is a correct copy, since I love this series!
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 2 more book reviews
a good series of the earth children
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 13 more book reviews
Excellent! One of my favorie books.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 10 more book reviews
so intense and spellbinding, I would definitely read more by this author
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on
This is one of the best books in the series besides Clan of the Cave Bear. The story actually moves, unlike the Plains of Passage where you skip endless pages of descriptions of their environment. The love triangle between Ayla, Jondolar, and Ranec is very interesting, especially with the different cultural experiences involved.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on
Loved the whole series. Big Fan
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 42 more book reviews
This book,along with the other 3 books in the series "The Clan of the Cave Bear", are 4 of the best books I have ever read.I rate them all a 10!
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 4 more book reviews
Very Imaginative
wss4 avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 389 more book reviews
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Once again, Jean M. Auel opens the door of time to reveal an age of wonder and terror at the dawn of humanity. With all the consummate storytelling artistry and vivid authenticity she brought to The Clan Of The Cave Bear and its sequel, The Valley Of Horses, Jean M. Auel continues the breathtaking epic journey of the woman called Ayla. Now, with her devoted Jondalar, Ayla boldly sets forth into the land of the Mamutoithe Mammoth Hunters, the Others she has been seeking. Though Ayla must learn their strange customs and language, it is because of her uncanny hunting and healing skills that she is adopted into the Mammoth Hearth. Here Ayla finds her first women friends, and painful memories of the Clan she left behind. Here, too, is Ranec, the dark-skinned, magnetic master carver of ivory tusks to whom Ayla is irresistibly drawnsetting Jondalar on fire with jealousy. Throughout the icy winter, Ayla is torn between her two men. But soon will come the great spring mammoth hunt, when Ayla must choose her mate and her destiny to remain in the Hearth with Ranec, or to follow Jondalar into a far-off place and an unknown future.
daedelys avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 1218 more book reviews
One of my favorite series ever, I've read this book 3 times now and still find it fascinating. I love that the author can spin a romance around the culture during this era. It's just informative and beautiful at the same time.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 285 more book reviews
The awesome saga contiues.
taaza avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 56 more book reviews
Ayla's adventures continue in book 3 of "The Clan of The Cave Bear" series (I think it's officially called "Earth's Children" series). Excellent read - I've read the entire series 4X and love it each time.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 7 more book reviews
entertaining
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 159 more book reviews
"Storytelling in the grand tradition . . . " -- Vogue
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 9 more book reviews
I don't think it was her best one, but it was certainly better than the Cave Bear book. My problem with this series is that it can get very annoying when major discovery after major discovery is made by the same two main characters; it reads at times like a fanfiction. However, aside from that, it's still alright to pick up and read. Just, uh, make sure you don't mind detailed descriptions of naughtiness smattered throughout. I was certainly surprised, although I had no problems with them, and don't want anyone to get in trouble for reading it.
Lazeeladee avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 87 more book reviews
Jean Auel has written another classic-to-be! The characters are well developed as usual, which I have come to expect out of this author. If you enjoy this genre, you'll love this book!
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 211 more book reviews
I was very impressed with this book when I read it many moons ago. Very creative. And well done, in my opinion!
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 517 more book reviews
Third in the Clan Bear series.
xmascarol avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 261 more book reviews
You must read all the books in the series.. I'm sorry I waited so long to do it.
cyndij avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 1032 more book reviews
It's been quite a long time since I read this, maybe even the 30 years since it came out. There's some good things in here. Auel again gives us a glimpse into what an ancient way of life might have been - the hunting strategies, cooking, shelter, and maybe even social dynamics. I do still like Ayla and Jondalar as a couple, even if they are just too perfect in most ways. I like that Auel is using Ayla as a way to show how momentous discoveries might have happaned, like the horse and the wolf, flint, needles and so on.
But, OMG, the plot driver in this book - the misunderstanding between Ayla and Jondalar over Ranec - is so monotonous, so unnecessary, and so long it really spoils most of the book for me. It's just angst, angst, angst over and over again, childish expectations and hurt feelings and not a one of them has the smarts to say something to the other - and neither does anyone else, although the author explicitly says everyone knows what's going on. You want to slap them. Oh yeah, and the sex scenes are all the same, and they're not subtle.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 4 more book reviews
this is a second copy. I've heard a lot about this advanterous sage and decided to share it with another reader.
It was never read, therefore, it is in excellent condition
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 10 more book reviews
This is the third book in the earth Children series about Ayla. In this book Jondalar and Ayla have traveled from the valley in Valley of the Horses to the land of the Mamutoi. Here Ayla encounters her first people of the Others besides Jondalar. She forms bonds with the leaders and forms her first woman friendships with people of the Others. Here she feels accepted and loved. She also meets Ranec, who she is very attracted to. A love triangle forms between Ayla, Jondalar and Ranec. Over the long winter, Ayla struggles with her feelings and must decide who she wants to be with and what she wants to do. There is also a half Neanderthal and half Cromagnon boy who reminds Ayla of her son Durc. She teaches the people of the Mamutoi how to communicate with him and ends up revealing a lot of her past to the Mamutoi who are appalled at first, but learn to accept her. She also enhances her medicine woman skills and her skill with taming and understanding animals. This was a very good book. Makes you keep reading to find out what Ayla's ultimate decision will be. To stay with Ranec and people who have accepted her or to go with Jondalar to meet his people. I love this series! Ayla is my favorite literary character of all time!
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 336 more book reviews
this is the 3rd in the earth children series
pibblegrl avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 64 more book reviews
This book has a different cover than the one shown.
reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 87 more book reviews
"Earth Vhildren Series"Pre historic people as humans. Odysse thur the ice age
CraftyTJ avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 381 more book reviews
Ayla, the prehistoric heroine of Auel's immensely popular series, meets a new clan, the mammoth hunters, in this eagerly awaited third installment to the saga. During her sojourn with this clan, Ayla and her lover, Jondalar, encounter a variety of crises triggered by Ayla's past and her involvement with another man. Auel has created an amazing and fascinating world. Every aspect of society and culture is accounted for; no detail is too small to be included. To enjoy this novel the reader must accept the author's concepts and cultural descriptions. Despite the sometimes too-modern dialogue and the often fatuous sex, this is a solid tale that will be particularly enjoyed by those who've been following Ayla's fortunes.
SCOUT-FINCH avatar reviewed The Mammoth Hunters (Earths Children, Bk 3) on + 86 more book reviews
This is the exact same book with a different cover.