I love the series, as ever. The pace was good, though some elements were repetitive at times.

Not enough Neanderthals even though more significant, groundbreaking interactions between the hominin groups were hinted at throughout. Not enough variability in the struggles Ayla & Jondalar faced, unlike in previous books in the series. Can't believe the end read like a patriarchy origin story.

CENSORED SPOILERS BELOW

I honestly don't know if I should rate this lower or leave it as-is. I enjoyed the book and series as a whole, (skimming over the insane amount of repetition in the last two books forgiven) but there is one, ONE part that I absolutely cannot get over.

I'm writing this three months (and 30 books) after I finished The Land of Painted Caves and, EVERY TIME I think about the scene where SpoilerAyla walks in on Jondalar being fellated by Marona and right after losing a pregnancy and everyone else around her totally aware of it and protecting him, I get irrationally angry. My pulse speeds up, it's hard to breathe. I just feel like that was such a betrayal, to both the reader and the characters, to make that come right at the end of the book and then give almost no resolution to it.

I would be happier if it had never happened. I don't know if it says more about me or about this book that this scene is what I remember most, and it fills me with such a visceral burning rage that I will never forget--or forgive--this book.