I enjoyed this story and was glad to read to the end. This book however could be cut in half and be a better story. How many frigging caves do we need to have described? And how many times do I need to read the Mother Song? I would have rather had to read a 100th page about megaloceros and their antlers, or in depth description of the ice age steppes. I’m glad I read it, and will again some day- but I won’t worry about skipping many parts!