*Shortlisted

Review by Amira, Ursuline Academy Ilford
This book shows Vivid storytelling of a young girl surrounded by strong women in a prehistoric environment. The imagery written sparks imagination and the characters show strength in the tides of living in that era of history and how women took on roles showing their courage and determination to thrive through the journey of life and the many challenges that arise with it. The description is very intricate and shows an era in time before stereotypes were heavily enforced on women; where they show courage and determination whilst hunting in the wilderness and the tribe taking care of each other as family. 

Interesting book, I would read it again. 

Review by Dylan, Thomas Telford School
I have really enjoyed reading this book because it has adventures, action, and a lot more to offer. My favourite characters in this novel will have to be Tuuli and Andaar , this is because Tuuli is a very determined, adventurous, independent, and a very noble girl. Andaar is also my favourite because he's like Tuuli but also very different to her too, this is because he's from a different background (tribe) and he does things differently to Tuuli like wears different clothes and uses different weapons. This diversity between Tuuli and Andaar makes him very cool. I also like him due to his kindness for others and is always up to a challenge. I knew some facts about the prehistoric era, but I have definitely learned more as I've read. I've learned how they survive, hunt, look out for each other, and how the acclimatise to the different extreme weathers. I found this book had serious parts to it like when Poz a beloved member of the tribe sadly died, when they lost their Uncle , but there are also very interesting and funny sections in their too like when Tuulis tamed Wolf pup Lupa licked her on the face ready to play , when the cousins and brothers play fight and when Lupa copies what Tuuli does. I found Lupa was another character I enjoyed due to her great personality and cheering spirit. 

I would definitely recommend this book to people who love adventures, with drama, and triumphant scenes throughout.

Review by Verity, St Mary’s RC High School Hereford
I found this book interesting because the customs, names and landscape were very different to modern day Britain. The character Andar, meaning “other” was most interesting for me as he has very little knowledge of the language that the main character understands, which creates an aura of mystery, as he can convey very little about himself or his past. However, his “otherness” eventually became his damning.

My least favourite character was Poz, meaning “reindeer,” as he was arrogant and pushed away those, he used to be close to, causing him to run away, fall into the river and drown. Fact and fiction blend seamlessly in this novel, and if I have learned anything, it has been lost to me in the story.

The vibe from this book was cosiness bracketed by death. It shows that, in prehistoric times, happily ever afters had not been invented yet.

The attention to detail in the myths of Hern and Ama is commendable, as it adds to the authenticity of the culture of this nomadic tribe. This book is highly recommendable.

I learned a few possibly adapted foreign words which are used as names (for people, mostly.)