Earth's Children Books in Order

After an earthquake leaves five-year-old Ayla alone in Ice Age Europe, she is taken in by a Neanderthal clan that fears and mistrusts her kind. Growing up different, she must fight for acceptance in a rigid, dangerous world.

Exiled from the only family she has ever known, Ayla must survive alone in a remote valley, hunting, healing and taming wild animals. Far away, wanderer Jondalar journeys toward a fated meeting that will change both their lives.

Settling with the Mammoth Hunters of the Lion Camp, Ayla finally finds a people who welcome her skills with animals and healing. But a love triangle with Jondalar and carver Ranec forces her to choose where she truly belongs.

With Jondalar, their horses and a loyal wolf at her side, Ayla journeys west along the great river toward his homeland. Each new camp tests their partnership as they navigate dangerous landscapes, rival tribes and clashing beliefs about the Clan.

After a year-long trek, Ayla reaches the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, Jondalar’s people, where her Clan upbringing and unusual talents unsettle many. As she builds a new life, love, jealousy and spiritual calling pull her in competing directions.

Now a mother and an acolyte of the Zelandonii, Ayla travels through sacred painted caves, deepening her role as a spiritual leader. Her training and long absences strain her family, forcing her to weigh destiny against the life she loves.