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The Shelters of Stone by Jean M. Auel

The Shelters of Stone

Earth's Children #5

by Jean M. Auel
  • Critics' Consensus (4):
  • Readers' Rating (23):
  • First Published:
  • Apr 1, 2002, 720 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Jul 2003, 720 pages
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Reviews

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There are currently 21 reader reviews for The Shelters of Stone
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B. Finley

If this book had come out within a few years after Plains of Passage, I would probably not be feeling as disappointed as I do. A lot happened in the 4th book, and if this one had come out a couple of years later, it would have probably felt like a necessary rest & regrouping. Only problem is, we've had 12 years to rest & regroup!!! So, sorry, I wanted a little more excitement and suspense than we got. I also thought there were too many things that were introduced that didn't get developed properly. But I have been attached to these characters for years, so I will probably see them through to the end. I did find one other poster's comment about the female/male issue interesting, as I wondered the exact same thing while I was reading this book. Back when I was reading the 4th book I knew some men who were into this series. But I would be very surprised if most of them stayed with it after this 5th book, or for that matter, it they even finished it.
Connie

I was very disappointed in Shelters of Stone. Too much reflection on things we have heard over and over again. If I had wanted a book on plants and herbs, I would have bought one <sigh>. Too much history, not enough story. Maybe the last set in the series will be more interesting. I hope so.
Oreyote

Loved the first 2, but they've gone downhill steeply ever since. Thought with 12 years to write this last one there could've been more to the story, but 75% of the book was regurgitating the first 4, at times the same recollections over and over. The vast majority of readers of this book would have read the series and don't need the constant rehash. I'm not sure anyone else would either. It comes across as filler to make up for the lack of substance in the rest of the story.

As for the rest of the story, it seemed like a constant stream of names & characters, most of whom never appear again, without building and certainly without completing a storyline with any of them.

As the books progress, this ancient society seems to be turning more & more into a feminist utopia, with the majority of the leadership positions held by women, she owns the house, men are eager to support a woman and children that aren't his, ... Where once these books appealed to both sexes, they are now the equivalent of your standard chick flick.

Think I'll pass on the next one.
Dorothy Dean

What a disappointment! It was actually boring. The 740 pages could easily have been reduced by half if there hadn't been so much endless repetition.
Mike

This book is boring !!!
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