The Light at the End of the World

"We danced in the night until we became the night, our feet kicking up stars." Thistle's words could have been spoken by any of those around her, the People of the Mother, a peaceful folk roaming Europe's windswept plains. For this is the time of the Great Mother, a primal period in which humans experience themselves as part of a group, not separate individuals. But around 10,000 B.C. some among them begin to sense a warning of change. Thought Holder can no longer answer their questions. Mad Eda, the West Woman, tells of strange sicknesses and storms. Tenja the Starwatcher is torn from her dreams by images of a broken sky. Konya the Mapmaker stumbles into camp on a quest for the highest peaks. Though no more than a child, Thistle ponders her elder's word and ways. Puzzling images soon come to her as well, forcing her to set out on a journey for the truth. Her path takes her to the camp of the Arn, yellow-haired giants with eyes like the sea, then leads her through loss and loneliness to the terrifying realization that will change her life forever.