Enjoyable storyline, but stock in many places. Also, the writing was a bit stilted in places, overly formal and it drew me out of the world I was reading about. But the concept of a love story that by definition could never be consummated physically, yet constantly reaffirmed mentally and emotionally, was touching. Yet I found myself believing the narrator less and less as the book went on, and at times had to force myself through to the end of a section.
May or may not read more from this author. ( )

Enjoyed reading this book, didn't really like Taita much - a bit too much ego = but in a way that made him more real. ( )

Taita is almost as bad as Ayla when it comes to inventing stuff way earlier than it was actually invented, and the reason is even more annoying -- instead of showing off all the research, like Auel did, Smith uses Taita's ridiculous talent to skimp on worldbuilding. Also this book wobbles on the line between absorbing and melodramatic and sometimes falls to one side. ( )

I liked the story though there were times when I felt like I was being bombarded with too much information, or too much detail, and not enough actual story. I find Ancient Egypt fascinating so any book set in it is going to be a win, but this one is also a pick ( )

I liked the story though there were times when I felt like I was being bombarded with too much information, or too much detail, and not enough actual story. I find Ancient Egypt fascinating so any book set in it is going to be a win, but this one is also a pick ( )