As far as historical fiction set in Alaska goes, this novel draws the reader into the 7056 BC world of the Aleutian Islands in a very real and timeless way. From the Whale Hunters to the Short People, the tribes all have very unique characteristics, and Harrison seamlessly blends them into a heartbreaking and heartwarming story. This author definitely did her homework which makes the book come alive with fascinating descriptions of hunts and survival skills, village struggles with tsunamis and murderous tribes, and birth, marriage, and death rituals. She writes about the main character, Chagak, in such a way that the reader can actually feel her pain, her strength, her sadness, and her will to carry on. The prehistoric Arctic was a place of extremes, much like Alaska is today. As the first book in a trilogy, it has made me anxious to start book number two!