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. 🙂

Lauren Scott

Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry
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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
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