Description
Irian, Ulana and their Clan have made the cave their home ever since they used fire to drive off the Beast – a sabre-toothed tiger that had been preying on them. Protected by an ongoing fire at the cave mouth, they continue to keep the Beast at bay… until one fateful night when the fire goes out! What happens next shatters the Clan and leaves Ulana badly injured and Irian too traumatised even to speak.
Alone and adrift in their dangerous prehistoric world, they have little hope of survival. What saves them is a chance meeting with a prickly old woman called Trug. Grudgingly, she takes them on a strange, unexpected journey of discovery, flinging them into the many wonders and hard realities of ancient times.
And that hazardous journey will eventually lead them full circle: back to the challenge of the cave, and the enduring reality of the Beast….
An exciting story set in a richly-recreated Paleolithic past, this novel for middle-grade readers is both an extraordinary adventure and a moving exploration of loss, survival and courage.
Review
Legendary Australian author, Victor Kelleher, brings us a unique adventure set in Palaeolithic times that will have readers intrigued and learning in equal parts.
The Cave has always provided their people protection from the Beast. But one freezing night, when the fire is allowed to die, the Beast attacks - leaving most of their tribe dead.
When Irian and Ulana find each other the next day, they must join together to try and survive in their harsh world. Irian lost his voice during the attack, but he is determined to find a way to destroy the Beast and avenge his tribe, and thereby regain his real voice.
When they come across a strange old woman called Trug, she teaches them how to make fire. We then go on a journey filled with adventure as our three unlikely friends face danger and seek knowledge. But in a time where just existing is hard enough, will they survive to face the Beast again?
Filled with bravery, friendship, and the value of trust, we have a terrific tale best suited to readers aged 11 to 15.
Reviewed by Rob
