#BookReviews: Prehistoric Humans & The Leonberger Dog Breed!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books
Photo by invisiblepower on Pexels.com

Writing reviews may be ‘snail’ slow, but I’m getting there after finishing two more: Endangered Species by Jacqui Murray and The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Lowenhohle by Thomas Wikman! These are two very different books, but they’re both very good! So, here we go…

My 5-star review:

Endangered Species is my first glimpse into Jacqui Murray’s incredible storytelling and is book one in the trilogy, Savage Land. After reading many reviews on blogs, I was intrigued and immediately bought my paperback. The story takes place 75,000 years ago in the Altai Mountains of Siberia. Survival is key for two bands of prehistoric humans: the Neanderthals known as the People, and Homo Sapiens known as the Tall Ones. Yet in the midst of hunting to simply exist, Mother Nature has her way of disrupting their normal routines. So, it will take cleverness and problem solving to navigate around ‘her’ temper.

Murray’s characters find themselves in similar situations as humans today and have comparable traits such as kindness and hard-working. The first character I met was Shanadar aka Jun, a young man who was banished by his tribe. His self-confidence needed a boost, and then he began seeing Xhosa in visions, a spiritual advisor who chose him to save Yu’ung, the Alpha in the People’s tribe. Yu’ung wasn’t afraid to be unique, but she wasn’t sure if she had the courage needed to be the Alpha. I was fascinated by Jun’s character development and hers, and this was only the beginning.

From the first page to the end, I was captivated. I loved the Canis (canines as in wolves), Ump and White Streak, who protected Jun on his journey, and essentially became family because they made him feel like he belonged. Doesn’t everyone long for this feeling? Empathy, dislike, and fear are a handful of emotions I felt while on this prehistoric adventure – a riveting race with Mother Nature.

The research Murray invested is quite evident. Not only did I gain knowledge, but I appreciated the discussion questions at the end. The character list in the beginning was also helpful. Reading this book reminded me of today’s world consisting of different cultures and races, which can result in harmony but also in disagreements. Honestly, this book was a fascinating read that I highly recommend for you who enjoy prehistoric fiction, adventure, and adding to your knowledge bank of neanderthals. I love books that I ‘can’t put down’ and Endangered Species automatically fell into this category.

My 5-star review:

My chocolate lab, Copper, had just crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in March, so when I saw The Life and Times of Le Bronco by Thomas Wikman come across many blogs, I knew it would resonate. Bronco was part of Wikman’s family for thirteen years, and Copper was part of my family for the same amount of time. Timing for me to read this wonderful book was serendipitous. The opening paragraphs are delightful. I could feel Bronco’s paws on my shoulders, and I could see the look in his beautiful eyes wanting that delicious ham sandwich. I also love how he became the hero in a story, and the details of how his name came to be. The way Bronco hugged by leaning and snuggling evoked sweet, cuddly memories of Copper’s hugs.

Wikman writes about Leonbergers, how to prepare to welcome one of these gorgeous, big dogs into your home, the food they eat, and the many costs involved. He shares humorous Bronco antics that made me smile. He includes his family’s other adorable dogs: Baby, Ryu, and Daisy. Wikman compiled this book to be both informational and entertaining. I was impressed with the organization. I laughed, and I felt tears pushing for freedom. I discovered joy and felt heartbreak. The drawings are fantastic and a bonus. One fact I remember is that Bronco wore a gentle leader and so did Copper. We opposed shock collars just like Wikman and his family did. Speaking of walking dogs, below is a snippet from “The Joys of Walking” Page 15.

“I often find myself amazed by how keenly perceptive and curious dogs are. Sometimes when Bronco saw a squirrel, he would watch it intently until it disappeared up a tree. Then he would turn around and look at me as if asking, “Where did it go?” I would point to the squirrel up in the tree, and he would look to the place where I was pointing, seeming to say, “Oh, never mind.” Then we would continue walking.” This moment reminds me of Copper because his fascination with squirrels matched Bronco’s. He never caught one but always tried. Though I’m not sure what he would’ve done if he caught one. He was a gentle 80 pound giant, so I think he just wanted to play!

There is more to reveal, but I’ll let you flip through the pages. I highly recommend this book if you’re a parent of a Leonberger, or if you’re considering bringing this breed into your home. If you’re simply a dog lover, or you truly enjoy endearing books about family, this book is for you. I found comfort throughout the pages as my grief remains for my family’s Copper Boy. Thank you, Thomas!

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Jacqui and Thomas have so much to offer on their wonderful blogs, so please pay them a visit if you haven’t met them yet. Simply click on their names, and I hope you won’t leave here empty-handed!

Happy Reading, Thanks for stopping by, and I wish you a fabulous weekend! ❤️

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
More reviews forthcoming of books from authors Sally Cronin,
Nicole Sara, Marsha Ingrao, and Dawn Pisturino.
I wish I could write them faster, but it’s impossible. 🙂

Click on the image to order your copy! 🧡

Lauren Scott

Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry
Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book)
Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku
Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author – This Is How We Grow
Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores
Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023
Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024
Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025

85 thoughts on “#BookReviews: Prehistoric Humans & The Leonberger Dog Breed!”

    1. You’re welcome, Jacqui! I’m glad you’re happy with my review. I loved your book and look forward to reading the second one! You have me hooked now. And I’m with you and Thomas regarding the love of big dogs. We miss Copper so much, and I fell in love with Bronco immediately. ❤️

      Reply

      2. Oh, Thomas, that is beyond wonderful of you to ‘say’ about my poems. Thank you so much! And I love how Jacqui includes dogs in her books too. I can’t wait to read the second in the trilogy.

    2. You are so right Jacqui. We certainly have found a lot in common with our love of big dogs. I can certainly agree with Lauren and add that I also loved Endangered Species as well as all the other pre-historic adventure books you’ve written.

      Reply

  4. so much love for the dogs who love back and even going way back to the Canis, dogs have always played such an important role in connecting with humans

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  12. Hi Lauren
    Aww both these books sound wonderful .
    Jacqui’s book does sound interesting and the first thing to cross my mind was that we could learn a few things from these Neanderthals.
    Thomas’s book sounds lovely.
    Like your book, a must for any dog lover.
    I have never heard of that breed. Also nice to hear there are illustrations inside this book.
    Thank you so much for sharing these reviews dear friend💖🥰💖 xoxox

    Reply

    2. Thanks so much for your wonderful words, Maggie! And I agree with you about learning from the Neanderthals. I loved how Jacqui pulls her readers into a world we can only imagine. And yes, Thomas’ book is wonderful in so many ways. I loved it, while it made me smile and tear up, and what a handsome boy he was! I hadn’t heard of the breed either until I came across Thomas’ book. I’m glad you enjoyed my reviews and I appreciate you taking the time to read them. Hugs and lots of love, my friend xoxoxo
      ❤️🌈❤️

      Reply

  13. Wow what a nice surprise to click on your blog and see your very supportive and very well written review for my Leonberger book as well as Jacqui’s Endangered Species, a book that I also loved. And as you know I loved King Copper. Telling the life of a dog through poetry is such a wonderful thing to do and your poems are so beautiful. Thank you so much Lauren. I will reblog this later today if you don’t mind.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your kind words, Thomas. I’m glad you like my review. I know you loved my book and I loved yours, so that makes two dog lovers happy, even though we miss Bronco and Copper. Your words mean a lot, so thanks again, and I’m glad I found your book. I fell in love with Bronco with each turn of a page. He was so handsome. Like I said before, I just wanted to hug him! And I’m sure he and Copper and wagging their tails with delight knowing their stories have touched so many hearts.

      Reply

  14. Hi Lauren, it’s great to read your reviews of what sound like two terrific books! I read one of Murray’s books, Born in a Treacherous Time, a few years ago and really liked it. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one. And I’m sure The Life and Times of Bronco was a comforting read for you. Hope you are doing well 🙂

    Reply

    1. Thanks for stopping by, Barbara, and for reading my reviews. It’s great to hear that you’re a fan of Jacqui’s too. And yes, reading about Bronco was comforting. Both books are wonderful in their respective ways. 🥰

      Reply

  15. Pingback: Two Great Book Reviews on World Animal Day – Leonberger Life

  16. Hello Lauren, I tried to reblog your post but that failed, so I asked a Happiness Engineer for help. Both him and I thought that the error was on my side. However, he tried to reblog your post as well, and he could not. There is something wrong with your reblog button and he is currently investigating it. I just thought you should know.

    Reply

      1. Actually it did not work. I just linked to your post instead. However, there is nothing wrong with your blog. It is a a more widespread problem. I cannot reblog anyone’s post. Since the Happiness Engineer was unable to reblog as well, it is not my blog either.

  18. I can second your comments on both books, having read both of them. I never read much prehistoric fiction until Jacqui’s books. I love the combination of a compelling story with learning a lot about that era.I had no knowledge of Leonbergers until I read Thomas’s book. He has to be one of the most kindest and most supportive bloggers in the blogosphere.

    Reply

  19. I think the second book about Bronco is relatable to me. No wonder it resonates with you, Lauren. Dogs are amazing as always. I enjoyed their company. Well-fleshed out and detailed reviews, Lauren. I like it.

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  23. Fab reviews Lauren, thank you!

    I’ve been keen on Jacqui’s books on pre-historic humans, but it’s not on Kobo.

    It sounds fabulous.

    Thomas’ book sounds excellent, practical and entertaining.

    Jacqui, Thomas, thank you for writing!

    PS – I know you say you are slow with these reviews, Lauren, but I’m Queen Turtle reader around here! xoxoxoxo

    Reply

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