Book Review

“Against All Odds” by Jacqui Murray

From Goodreads:

A million years of evolution made Xhosa tough but was it enough? She and her People finally reach their destinationβ€”a glorious land of tall grasses, few predators, and an abundance that seems limitless, but an enemy greater than any they have met so far threatens to end their dreams. If Xhosa can’t stop this one, she and her People must again flee.

The Crossroads trilogy is set 850,000 years ago, a time in prehistory when man populated most of Eurasia. He was a violent species, fully capable of addressing the many hardships that threatened his survival except for one: future man, a smarter version of himself, one destined to obliterate all those who came before.

From prehistoric fiction author Jacqui Murray comes the unforgettable saga of a courageous woman who questions assumptions, searches for truth, and does what she must despite daunting opposition. Read the final chapter of the People’s long search for freedom, safety, and a new home.

  • Genres: Action/Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Series: The Crossroads Trilogy #3
  • Narrated by: Virtual Voice
  • Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins
  • Format: Unabridged Audiobook
  • Release date: 04-07-24
  • Original publication date: July 24, 2020 (345 pages, Kindle Edition)
  • Language: English
  • Publisher: Structured Learning LLC

This was an amazing trilogy! The characters are interesting and the things they know and face are things are very detailed even though one might not expect it to be. It’s clear the author did a lot of careful research. Even though it takes place so long ago, I felt like I was really there. All these people want is a place where they can live peacefully. And every day is treacherous for them. Even the smallest mistake can mean life or death.

I loved this trilogy, and can’t speak highly enough of it.

Against All Odds was the perfect way to end the trilogy. I’m still amazed by the situations they faced in their own group and by outsiders.

Xhosa kept me on the edge of my seat. From the first novel until now, I was hoping she would find a place for her people. She and her comrades show immense bravery. I want to tell you more, but I dare not give anything away.

Final Thoughts: Against All Odds had me on the edge of my seat. It’s a book I wanted to read quickly because I couldn’t wait until the end resolution, yet I was sad when I finished because I’d grown so close to the characters. They will touch your heart. Some of the decisions they make are truly heart-wrenching. There are moments when you want to cheer them on, too. It was a thoroughly wonderful series ender!

I gave this 5/5 stars.

Every book in the trilogy has 5/5 stars from me!

These are the books, in order:

From Amazon:

Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice, CSTA presentation reviewer, and a contributor to NEA Today. You can find her resources at Structured Learning. Read Jacqui’s tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days here on Amazon Kindle. Also, read her new series, Man vs. Nature, starting with Born in a Treacherous Time–also on Kindle.

The Crossroads Trilogy on AudibleThe Crossroads Trilogy on Goodreads
The Crossroads Trilogy on AmazonJacqui Murray’s Website

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I am a simmer, Rennie garb wearer, author, and dog petter. Judy Garland is my queen, horror movies & classic movies are my jam. A little bit eccentric, owned by cats. 🐱🐱🐱

84 Comments on ““Against All Odds” by Jacqui Murray

    1. I haven’t read Auel, but I’ve seen others comment that they had and that they enjoyed Jacqui’s books, too. I’m looking forward to reading more of her books. 🌺

    2. She was definitely an inspiration. She brought our Neanderthal and early ‘us’ selves to life for me. My upcoming trilogy will deal with Neanderthals so it might be of interest to you.

  1. A fabulous review(s) of the trilogy, Kymber. I was also blown away by the story and Jacqui’s research into the lives of our ancient ancestors. It’s fascinating. I’ve read all of her prehistoric fiction and look forward to the new one about Neanderthals. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and congrats to Jacqui on the amazing review. πŸ™‚

  2. I can’t imagine how much research went into this. I’ve seen some fantastic reviews for this series, and it sounds like you really enjoyed it, Kymber. Congrats to Jacqui!

    1. I know! I thought the same thing. The details are so amazing. You can tell there was a lot of research done for this. It felt like I was there with them. 🌺🩷

    2. Thank you, Teri. There aren’t a lot of books in the prehistoric fiction genre and I benefit from that. Happily, those who enjoy that theme seem to like my books! Thanks for visiting.

  3. Sounds like an intense and immersive trilogy! The journey and challenges faced by Xhosa and her people sound captivating. It’s always impressive when historical fiction combines meticulous research with compelling storytelling.

    1. Oh my goodness, I could not have said that better. What you say is so true. The series truly is captivating. All the characters are fleshed out so well. I was drawn in immediately.

  4. Thanks for the recommendation to this writer and her series Kymber. Will have to give it a look, if I ever finish Outlander. πŸ€ͺHappy Friday. Allan

    1. My pleasure, Allan. I can’t wait to read Jacqui’s other books, too! I know what you mean about Outlander. lol Happy Friyay to you, too. πŸ™‚

  5. Thank you for the tip! These books have definitely made their way onto my to-read list! I read the series written by Jean M Auel a few years ago about Ayla, a cromagnon girl raised by neanderthals, which I really liked, so these should fit my expectancy of a good read as soon as I’m done with Simon Scarrow’s the Eagle Series – I’m actually reading number 9 out of 22, so I guess I’ll be immersed in the Roman Empire for a few more months before traveling further back in history…

    1. LOL And that’s why books are so great! One day you’re in Ireland, the next you’ve gone back in time, then you’re headed to the Titanic. LOL I love reading so much.

      I think you’ll like Jacqui’s books, for sure. 🌺🩷

  6. That is a great review. I am so looking forward to reading this book. I have not bought it yet but I will. I’ve read the first book in this series and it was great.

    1. It is my pleasure. Her genre is so unique and the research that has gone into these books is so apparent! Even down to the way the characters do things and the way they think. I really enjoyed them. 🌺

    1. I’m so glad I could put a grin on your face. I can’t even truly express how much I like your books. Thank you for sharing. 🌺🩷

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