From School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up—This follow-up to Ivory and Bone begins with Mya's visit to Kol's clan to establish her betrothal to him. Upon arriving at the clan's camp, Mya is disappointed that Kol is out hunting. After spending the day waiting, everyone realizes that something is wrong and that Kol and his family are in trouble. Mya and her family head out and find Kol and the others trapped by mammoths in a cavern. After a tense stand-off, almost everyone in Kol's hunting group survives. Sadly, Kol's father is killed, which now makes Kol head of his clan. The night before Kol's father is buried, Kol and Mya's betrothal is established, and Chiv, Mya's brother and the High Elder of her clan, announces that Mya's youngest sister, Lees, will be betrothed to his friend, Morsk, rather than to the boy she loves. Mya and Lees decide to send a strong message to Chiv by running away. This sets off a series of events that will change the lives of both clans. The previous volume was told from Kol's perspective, and this installment switches to Mya's point of view. While the plot often stretches the limits of possibility for prehistoric times, the characters are compellingly formed and the setting is beautifully detailed. Mya embodies all the best traits of a leader, and Kol is not threatened by her abilities. Readers will want to see how Mya and Kol forge a new beginning in the next novel. VERDICT A strong choice where Eshbaugh's debut is popular.—Nicole Detter-Smith, Homestead High School, IN

Review

“Stark poetry. Eshbaugh has clearly done her research.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Eshbaugh is good at building tension. Readers looking for a fresh setting will appreciate this survival story, which also incorporates romance and weaponry.” (Booklist Online)

“The characters are compellingly formed and the setting is beautifully detailed. A strong choice.” (School Library Journal)

“Julie Eshbaugh is a unique new voice with talent enough for a whole team of writers. Ivory and Bone transported me to a richly crafted world of life-and-death stakes, and I’m still under the spell of her storytelling.” (Amie Kaufman, New York Times bestselling co-author of Illuminae and These Broken Stars (on Ivory and Bone))

“Exquisitely written, ferocious, and haunting--what a breath of fresh air! Ivory and Bone is unlike anything I’ve ever read. Don’t miss this one!” (Sarah J. Maas, New York Times bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series (on Ivory and Bone))

“Debut author Eshbaugh portrays Neolithic culture with grace and authenticity. This is an involving story solidly told, doing credit to its inspiration and sources.” (Kirkus Reviews (on Ivory and Bone))

“Eshbaugh debuts with an exciting and unusual adventure with emphasis on the power of storytelling.” (Publishers Weekly (on Ivory and Bone))

“Eshbaugh creates a spare yet memorable account of the interpersonal and interclan politics. There is much to value here.” (ALA Booklist (on Ivory and Bone))

“Eshbaugh packs her debut with a classic love triangle, feuding clans, a well-drawn prehistoric setting, and a handful of fan fiction elements that will appeal to teens. Compellingly out of the ordinary.” (School Library Journal (on Ivory and Bone))

“The Ice Age setting is richly described, and the sometimes desperate struggle for food and survival is palpable. Highly recommended; readers will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.” (Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (on Ivory and Bone))

See all Editorial Reviews