A few months ago, I offered to beta read Jacqui Murray’s new prehistoric fiction book, A Quest for Home. And, to be honest, with all the craziness going on with my parents, my followthrough was rather tardy. Good thing I get to make up for that now with a little hoopla and a review!
The Quest for Home:
Chased by a ruthless and powerful enemy, Xhosa flees with her People, leaving behind her African homeland, leading her People on a grueling journey through unknown and perilous lands. As they struggle to overcome treachery, lies, danger, tragedy, hidden secrets, and Nature herself, Xhosa must face the reality that her most dangerous enemy isn’t the one she expected. It may be one she trusts with her life.
The story is set 850,000 years ago, a time in prehistory when man populated Eurasia. He was a violent species, fully capable of addressing the many hardships that threatened his survival except for one: future man, the one destined to obliterate any who came before.
Based on a true story, this is the unforgettable saga of hardship and determination, conflict and passion as early man makes his way across Eurasia, fleeing those who would kill him. He must be bigger-than-life, prepared time and again to do the impossible because nothing less than the future of mankind is at stake.
My Review
I’ve become a huge fan of Murray’s prehistoric fiction. “The Quest for Home” is the second book in the “Crossroads Trilogy,” following “Survival of the Fittest.” I recommend reading them in order, though other reviewers have commented otherwise.
In book two, Xhosa continues to lead her group of ancient People across a harsh and unfamiliar terrain, seeking a new home. They encounter other humans on alternate evolutionary paths, some kind, others violent and territorial. And though the journey is riddled with danger, the greatest threat to her group stands at her elbow.
The “quest” plot isn’t new, but Murray is a master at worldbuilding, leaving me with the sense that I’ve read something unusual. To varying degrees, most storytelling relies on a reader’s understanding of modern sensibilities, norms, and behaviors, all the trappings of civilization that simply didn’t exist 850,000 years ago. The well-researched details of prehistoric life bring a fresh and fascinating layer to the read.
The characters are decidedly human in their nature, riddled with the familiar emotions of love, hate, grief, anger, ambition, and jealousy. There are norms, primarily based on what’s necessary for the group to survive, but beyond that, there is little restraint. Xhosa is a powerful character, but not the only one. A number of compelling characters, both female and male, have strong three-dimensional personalities and play important roles in the story.
I flew through this read. The pace moves quickly, occasionally veering into the story of another group, one which split from Xhosa’s People. Xhosa commands the primary point of view, but it does switch to other group members on occasion. I highly recommend “The Quest for Home” to readers of prehistoric fiction, speculative fiction, and adventure.
Available at: Kindle US Kindle UK Kindle CA Kindle AU
Author bio:
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers, and the Man vs. Nature saga. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, blog webmaster, an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, In the Footsteps of Giants, Winter 2020, the final chapter in the Crossroads Trilogy.
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Myths of the Mirror 
I really enjoyed this review, Diana. I find prehistory very interesting. You did the book justice. 🙂 — Suzanne
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I find it fascinating, Suzanne. And Jacqui brings it all to life. I’m glad you enjoyed the review. 🙂
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Thanks, Patricia–and Diana! I do love seeing how past lives got us to where we are today.
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Awesome review, Diana! Jacqui’s books (and soooo many others!) are on my TBR. Now to find my book-reading clone so I can read them all 😀 😀
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I’m always smiling and preening after one of Diana’s reviews. Yeah, that’s me!
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😀 I know, it’s hard to keep up with reading when that means that something else doesn’t get done. Maybe when the garden is put to bed. Have a great weekend. 🙂
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Diana, your review of Jacqui Murray’s book is well written, the work of an admirer. I love Jacqui’s writing so if I didn’t already know how good her books are, I’d be rushing to order them after reading this article. You do her justice.
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Thanks for dropping in, Shari. And for the kind words! Diana has made me feel quite special here.
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Thanks for stopping by Sharon. I am a fan of Jacqui’s books in general, but especially her prehistoric fiction. 🙂 I’m glad you’ve already discovered her fabulous talent. Have a lovely week and Happy Writing!
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I think it’s a great writer who can write about a common topic and make it sound unusual. Great review, Diana!
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I agree, Jina. The details from Jacqui’s research are what took this book from “usual” to “fascinating” for me. I’m glad you enjoyed the review! 🙂
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These folks–in my books–had to survive in a world without even the wheel. No growing crops. No clothing. No art or religion. I try to show how these might have grown out of the void, because they surely did.
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Wonderful review, Diana – congrats to Jacqui!
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Thanks for taking the time to read, Teri. I’m just fascinated by prehistoric man. I’m blown away by the reality that for us to be here today, there had to be a billions-of-years-old string of successful life right back to the primordial soup. No breaks. That thought in always in the background as I read Jacqui’s books. 🙂
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Thank you, Teri. Diana does catch the essence. I think in her nanoseconds of spare time, she could do marketing.
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Marketing? What’s that? Lol
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Agree!
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I’ll bet this feels to Jacqui a lot like I feel when I get late birthday wishes–it just extends the enjoyment! Nice review!
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Thanks for stopping by, Betsy. Happy Belated Birthday! Lol.
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Hey, thanks! I was NOT fishing for that, honest! 🙂
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Ha! 😀
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Oh yeah. I start my day by checking in on the blog hops. No better way to rev my writing engines.
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Wonderful and well-deserved review!
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Thanks for taking a peek at the review. I’m so entranced by these stories – Jacqui’s research makes her books fascinating and our ancestors come to life. Evolution is totally cool. 🙂
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It truly is.
I love Jacqui’s books.
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Thanks, Inese! I love this ancient world.
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[…] You can also read a review of Jacqui’s book by Diana Wallace Peach at Myths of the Mirror. […]
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Thanks so much for sharing my review. Sue. That was kind of you. I thoroughly enjoyed the read. 🙂
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Thanks for this great review, Diana. I read and thoroughly enjoyed ‘Born in a Treacherous Time’ but didn’t realise there were more books from the same era. Off to Amazon. 🙂
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This trilogy takes place “only” 850,000 years ago, so more recent than BiaTT. Same wonderful worldbuilding and characterization. Enjoy the read! Thanks for the visit, my friend. ❤
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lmao – not even a million? Tsk tsk. Looking forward to it. 😀
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This newest one introduces the next iteration of man and the challenges this so-much-smarter group faced. I’m trying to decide which group should come next in the saga. Hmm…
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I can’t wait.
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I know the little Hobbit-like creatures found in Borneo[?] are probably much earlier than the period you’re looking at but, maybe one day? I’ve been fascinated by then since the news first broke. lol And not just because of Tolkien!
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I’ve heard so many good things about Jacqui’s books. I really must grab this series 😊
Great review lovely one, and congrats again Jacqui 🤗
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Thanks, Jess. Jacqui does a great job with all her books, but these are some of my favorites because the prehistoric world-building (setting and characters) is so unusual. Thanks so much for stopping by. I’m looking forward to sharing a review of your book too. 🙂
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🤗❤️
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Thanks so much, Jessica. They are definitely historical fiction but with lots of action. I hope you like them!
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Got the first one queued on my kindle!
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Reblogged this on Loleta Abi Author & Book Blogger and commented:
Reminds me a bit of the Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M Auel, by the sounds of it.
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Thanks so much for the reblog, Traci. It is a lot like Auel’s book (which I read 45 years ago!). I highly recommend it. 🙂
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You’re welcome, D.!
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Thanks for sharing this, Traci. I’ll come check it out!
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You’re welcome, Jacqui!
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*adds to a constantly growing TBR list* This looks fantastically interesting.
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It’s an adventure, but the details about the lives of our ancient ancestors are well-researched. That part added a whole layer to the book that was indeed fascinating. A quick read to add to your list, HRR. Happy Sunday!
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It’s in a small sub-genre so you won’t feel like you’re reading something you already read. That thing about five plots–there’s a sixth one for prehistoric fiction.
OK, I pushed it a little far on that one.
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Haha, I’m sure you’re fine! Prehistoric fiction isn’t something I’ve ever heard of before, and it sounds super interesting if nothing else!
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Tardy, I haven’t heard that word in a while it reminded me of my grandma…A brilliant review and sounds like a book I would enjoy…:)
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Ha ha ha. Well, I am a grandmother, so I use “grandmother words.” You made me laugh, Carol. It was a fascinating read that I highly recommend. Thanks for stopping by!
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Those kinds of words–I know I’m talking to a writer. We always strive for the perfect and shortest way to say something.
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What a fantastic review! Congrats Jacqui, high five! 🙂
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Thanks for the visit, Debby. It was a really fun read, tense and fascinating with all the research that served as a backdrop to the characters and story. It’s been a blast sharing with everyone. Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend. 🙂
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Thanks Diana. Cozy staying in today – perfect Sunday 🙂 x
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Diana always makes me feel like I hit a home run!
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A fantastic review, Diana! Thanks for the recommendation. I fell in love with this book cover the minute I saw it!
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Thanks for stopping by, Jan. It’s an exciting and interesting read. I enjoyed it on a lot of levels and am eagerly waiting for the final installment. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
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Thanks, Jan! I do like the mix of treachery, hope, and dogs on the cover!
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Thanks for heads up Diana, have a great weekend ❤️
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Thanks for visiting! We’re having a good time here.
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You too, Solitaire. Thanks for the visit and Happy Reading. 🙂 ❤
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Fantastic review! Sharing everywhere…
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Thank you so much, Bette. I’m excited!
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Me too, Jacqui! ❤ Go for the gold! xo
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Thanks for stopping by to read the blurb and review, Bette. And thanks for sharing as always. ❤ Have a beautiful weekend!
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Always my pleasure, Diana. ❤ You have a beautiful weekend too! xo
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I love how this is “based on a true story.” Totally!
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It is though no records exist. mtDNA goes back only 100,000 years so I’m even before that. Sigh.
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I know. Very cool. All of us who are alive today can trace our DNA back to the first life on the planet. I like thinking that these primitive humans are indeed our direct ancestors who somehow survived, generation after generation. 😀
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Yea, Jacqui!
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Thanks for the visit, Raimey, and the cheers. It’s a great trilogy and I highly recommend it. Have an awesome weekend and Happy Reading. 😀
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Sold. Diana, you are amazing whatever you do.
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Thanks, Diana! You are amazing.
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She is. but it seems so are you!
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❤
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Thank you, Basilike. Jacqui has gotten me addicted to her stories about primitive humans and the incredible challenges they faced simply to stay alive. Her research is fascinating. I hope that you enjoy the series if you give it a try. 😀
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I think I will!
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Thank you for this wonderful review, Diana. Having read the first book, I can imagine that the story continues to intrigue.
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I hope so, Khaya. I have a few surprises in there for you, and a few nuggets that won’t mature until Book 3.
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Hi Jacqui, I have no doubt the story continues to intrigue. I’m curious to hear how it all ends. But it’s probably going to take me long to return to your story. I’m reading slow as I’m so so busy with daily grind. 🙂
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No worries. That’s the wonderful thing about books. They’re patient until you have time!
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If you’ve read the first one, this takes off right from where it left off. Just as intriguing and well-written. Thanks for visit, my friend. I hope your weekend is wonderful. ❤
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Hope you’re having a wonderful and rested weekend you too, my friend. ❤
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Lovely and detailed review Diana, this sounds like a great book!
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Thank you for visiting! You may see your ancestors in this book (especially those that have an aggressive twist to their problem-solving skills!)
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I am up to my ears in books but will definitely do my best to read yours, it does sound wonderful!
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Ha!
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It was so fascinating, Holly. Quite different from most of the books I read. I’ve become a giant fan of Jacqui’s fiction, and I’m happy to share my review. Thanks for the visit!
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I must add this to my stack of books to get me through the winter. Thank you to this marvelous author and of course to you, my dear friend!
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I have read this book and agree with you Diana, it is brilliantly written.
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Thank you, Balroop–and thanks for visiting!
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Thanks so much for stopping by to add your validation of the review. It was an exciting read, for sure. Have a great weekend and Happy Reading! ❤
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Thanks for sharing! I’ll drop in and see if there are any questions.
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Looking forward to seeing you!
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Thanks so much for sharing the review! I hope it intrigues your followers. A great read. 🙂
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We get the pleasure of Jacqui’s company next week on our blog, and we are really looking forward to it!
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I am too. We have a few things to talk about, don’t we!!
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We do, and I can’t wait!
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She’s awesome at checking in and chatting, Anita and Jaye Marie. A wonderful guest. You’ll have a fun day. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
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This sounds like a terrific read. The blurb alone was enough to intrigue me, but your review made it even better. I’m adding this trilogy to my TBR list. I can only imagine the research that went into writing it. Congratulations to Jacqui!
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Diana has a way with culling the most interesting bits from a story and spotlighting them in her reviews. I’ve bought a bunch of books based on her insights.
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Ha ha ha. Well, I’m glad I’m giving you ideas for reading, Jacqui. You do the same to me!
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Thanks so much for stopping by to read, Amy. I’m glad the review was helpful in getting you interested in the trilogy. I’m now eager for book III. Happy Reading!
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Jacqui is one of my all-time favorite people. I wish her nothing but the very best!!
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Thanks so much for stopping by, GP. She’s wonderful, kind, and talented. And she writes some great books. 🙂 Happy Weekend to you!
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I know how great she writes, I’ve read some. But she’s also a great mother, friend and teacher too!!
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😀 I can tell.
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Thank you, GP. Likewise. I get smarter just being around you and your blog!
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Well now you’re just insisting I blush, aren’t you? That’s a fantastic compliment!!
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I can’t imagine the research that goes into writing a series like this. Congrats to Jacqui on a wonderful review!
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I can’t imagine the research either, Jacquie. I do research for my books, but I make up a lot of stuff too. 🙂 Thanks so much for the visit, my friend. Happy Weekend!
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You too!
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It was so fascinating. I got lost for hours at a time during my research.
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A terrific review for Jacqui’s book, Diana. The prehistoric world intrigues me too. Congrats, Jacqui!
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Thanks for the visit, Mary. I’m starting to get used to the prehistoric world, but Jacqui continues to surprise me with how different our ancestors perceived things. I was happy to gush a little over her book. 🙂
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I remember how much you liked the first one too.
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I did. I’m invested in the resilience and determination of our ancient ancestors. We are all the descendants of successful primitive humans. Any break in the string of generations and we wouldn’t be here. I think that’s kind of cool. 🙂
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It is a fascinating time. I couldn’t figure out how we even survived with the array and enemies, dangers, problems lined up against us! Thankfully, I understand it now.
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This sounds like a great series. I’m intrigued by the prehistoric setting.
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If you like nature stories, it’s a lot like that–wandering through a primitive setting with nothing but a spear and a few cutting tools. They are amazing creatures, our predecessors.
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Thanks Jacqui. I look forward to exploring this series.
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It’s pretty fascinating, Brad. Things that are moral “taboos” today, just weren’t that way back then. Everything we take for granted didn’t exist. It’s a cool read. Thanks for the visit and have a great weekend!
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Thanks Diana. They definitely sound unique and intriguing.
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I really must check out Jacqui’s books. These sound like excellent novels.
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They’re so different from anything else I read, Anneli. It’s refreshing to dive into a world that feels so alien and yet is so intimately connected to our real history. I think you’ll enjoy yourself. 😀
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If you think of the characters as super-heroes (because they survive stuff no ordinary person could) who live without technology of any sort (not even a wheel or fire-as-a-tool)–and survive nicely–you’ll have an idea of what their world is like.
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We would be in shock to have to give up our gadgets!
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A wonderful review to share, Diana. Bravo to Jacqui! 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by Natalie. If you’re ever bored with ordinary stories, Jacqui’s prehistoric fiction is a great alternative. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Since it’s based on a true story (man’s life before records were kept), there are some interesting tidbits. Early man was pretty amazing.
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Lovely review, Diana. Wishing Jacqui huge success. Hugs to you both.
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Diana writes great reviews. I love seeing my stories through her eyes.
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Thanks, Teagan. I was a flop when it came to beta-reading, but at least I can make up for it a little. I appreciate the visit, and have a fabulous weekend!
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Oh not at all, Diana. I took all your suggestions, especially that one that I won’t mention here! (about the name…)
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Well, I’m glad. Late is better than never. 🙂
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Great review. This is going to be my next read:)
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Did you read the first, DL? I know that some reviewers say it isn’t necessary, but in truth, it’s one story. Either way, I hope you enjoy it. Happy Reading!
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Yes, I loved the first book so I’ve been looking forward to this:)
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Oh good. I know you’ll enjoy it. 😀
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Maybe you’ll see traits from an ancestor in one of my characters!
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🙂
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Great review, Diana. I really enjoyed Jacqui’s book! I’m excited to host her on my blog next Friday. She is a busy lady!
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She’s a master of book launches, Jill. I really don’t know how she’s so organized. I get break out in a sweat just thinking about it! Thanks for the visit and have a great weekend!
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She’s jacked up on Monster! LOL!
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Or Red Bull. Either one works.
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I’ll be there. I ordered a new batch of Arbuckles for us.
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I recently added book 1 to my TBR pile. Great review – thank you for sharing it 🙂
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I think you’ll really enjoy it, Theresa. She does such a good job with it. The unusual world-building gives it a bit of a fantasy feel. Have fun and Happy Reading. 😀
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Good idea to read them in order. They are stand-alone but you’ll understand the characters better by reading Book 1 first.
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I’ve never read prehistoric fiction. I do not not why. I love your post, so I will start reading. Thank you for sharing 🙂
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I hadn’t read any either (other than Clan of the Cave Bear about 45 years ago!). It’s so fascinating and Jacqui’s research is mesmerizing. Plus it’s a great story. Thanks so much for stopping by to check out the review. 😀
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Mt pleasure. Again, thank you for sharing. I’ll start reading.
xoxo
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Prehistoric fiction is the original thriller–bigger-than-life protagonist, life-and-death threats, and flawed characters. All it lacks is technology (including the wheel).
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I am looking forward to explore it.
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