3.5 stars
Prehistoric times are underutilized as a setting in stories so I was glad to find this audiobook, especially since it was written by an archaeologist. The narration and production was done well.

The story follow Nahia as she is forced into the role of a shaman as a form of punishment for speaking out against her mother, the head-woman of the tribe. Her mother insists on that the tribe will remain in their ancestral lands despite word of strange men from far away colonising nearby territories. Nahia must then leave to become the apprentice of a young shaman which she starts to develop feelings for.

I enjoyed how the author explored shamanism and the conflict with the more technologically advanced colonizers. The characters and romance was not bad but they were the weakest part of the story. Also I appreciated the author's notes at the end were she shared her knowledge of the prehistoric societies that inspired the book.

When the earth signals, one must listen!

Belonging to the clan of the sea, Nahia and her ancestors have always dwelled at the shore. But things are changing now—the land and the sea no longer provide enough for them, and the threat of strangers arriving, wiping the clans one by one, also looms. Amidst this chaos and struggle, she did not expect a new path of shamanism to open up for her. As she embraces this change, a new life awaits.

The best part of this book was the way the ambience was described. The pine forests, the twigs, the seashores—it all felt serene! The story, in a way, reminded me of the expansion of human civilization into tribal lands (Adivasi territories) and the disruptive impact it had on their way of life. The undertones in which the author hints at a hidden message were executed well (or maybe I’m just reading too much into it).

I do want to put a disclaimer out there: the book contains a few portions of sexual abuse. I understand it’s part of the bigger picture the author was trying to paint, but that still doesn’t make me any more comfortable reading—or, in this case, listening—to those scenes. The audiobook was good but could be improved further with background sounds and more distinguishable voices.

✧ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰʀᴇᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ, @HolidayHouse

➤ 𝚂𝚈𝙽𝙾𝙿𝚂𝙸𝚂

Set in prehistoric Spain 8,000 years ago, this sweeping YA fantasy follows Nahia, the daughter of a tribal leader who’s exiled for speaking a forbidden truth. Stripped of her birthright and forced to apprentice under a mysterious shaman, she discovers a wild, untapped magic that connects her to the spirits—and warns of a looming invasion. As her sister takes her place back home, Nahia must master her power, navigate first love, and fight to protect her people in a world of danger, green magic, and fierce sisterhood. A bold debut perfect for fans of ancient settings and elemental power.

➤ 𝚃𝙷𝙾𝚄𝙶𝙷𝚃𝚂

*Nahia* is a slow burning, character driven story that blends prehistoric fiction with spiritual awakening. Nahia, the headwoman’s strong willed daughter, is exiled for speaking an uncomfortable truth and ends up apprenticing under a shaman. What follows is less a save the world plot and more a deep exploration of who she is and what she’s meant to become. There’s magic, yes, but also questions about legacy, land, and what it means to belong. The world is richly drawn, thanks to author Emily Jones’ background as an archaeologist, and the book quietly examines themes of colonization, displacement, and environmental stewardship without ever turning preachy.

This felt like *Island of the Blue Dolphins* for older readers, but with more spiritual grit and emotional complexity. Nahia questions everything, her family, her tribe, even the motives of the colonizers who want to reshape the land to fit their needs. Her growth is subtle, but powerful, and while the pacing might be too mellow for action junkies, I liked it. I recommend it.

I adored this book!!!
The narrator for the audiobook did a wonderful job with each voice for different characters and the flow was superb.

I have always been intrigued with the stories and the people who were there during the turn of one era to another, and this story hit the nail on the head. Even though I am not usually a fan of historical fiction, I was entranced with Nahia and her way of life. The writing made me feel like I was there along for the ride with Nahia and her journey.
The authors note at the end was such a good add on and it truly helps the story set in. And with this being a YA novel, I felt the author added enough interesting details to help Young Adults learn without even knowing they are.
I truly want more books like this one. It was so enjoyable and also a breath of fresh air.

I got the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and it was AMAZING!
Normally, I listen to an audiobook and read an ebook at the same time... but the narrator was so good that I forgot about my ebook by the start of the second chapter.
The story is original and it grabs you and doesn't let go.
I listen to it at x1.5 (considering I'm not an english native speaker, I think that's awesome) and finished it in a day... and I could listen to it again right now.
I hope this is not the end of Nahia's story. If there's a sequel, I will listen to it no questions ask.

Nahia is a young woman trying to find her place in prehistoric Europe. Nahia is the headwoman's daughter, destined to take over the leadership role of her band after her mother. But Nahia questions her mother when they receive news potentially dangerous strangers are nearby, and her mother refuses to move the band. For this insult, Nahia is sent away from the group to train with a shaman, Eneko. Nahia does not believe she has the gifts of a shaman, but exiled by her band, she needs to find a new life. When she gets word months later of captured women and lost bands, she has to decide between her new life and her family.

I don’t know if I’m just not smart enough for this, but I DNF’d at 10%. It just wasn’t for me. In that period nothing happened and no information was given whatsoever.

The one main highlight was the audio actor. Their voice was really soothing and they enunciated really well.

Emily Jones’ Nahia is a stunning blend of historical imagination and lyrical fantasy, plunging readers into the wild, untamed landscapes of prehistoric Spain some 8,000 years ago. Drawing on Mesolithic archaeological evidence and infusing it with magical realism, Jones crafts a deeply immersive tale that explores not only the harsh realities of early human life, but also the spiritual and cultural shifts during a pivotal time in human history.

The novel follows Nahia, a young woman caught between two worlds—the nomadic hunter-gatherer traditions of her ancestors and the encroaching agricultural practices introduced by outsiders. Through Nahia’s journey, Jones explores what the meeting of these two vastly different ways of life might have felt like: tense, uncertain, and fraught with both conflict and opportunity.
Magic and visions play a central role in Nahia, not as flashy or escapist devices, but as integral parts of a belief system that guides Nahia’s understanding of herself and the world around her. As a budding shaman and healer, Nahia’s connection to the spirit world is both a gift and a burden. The power she wields sets her apart, even as she longs to belong, to her people, to the land, to a future that feels ever more distant and unknowable.

Jones excels at weaving together the historical and the speculative. The world she conjures is vivid and dangerous: thick forests teeming with life and threat, sacred caves echoing with ancient power, and river valleys where new ways of living begin to take root. Yet within this elemental backdrop, the story remains intimate and human—focused on relationships, community, and personal transformation.
What stands out most in Nahia is its portrayal of women not just as survivors but as leaders, visionaries, and spiritual guides. In an era often overlooked or flattened in historical fiction, Jones gives voice to a heroine whose wisdom, doubt, and growth feel achingly real. Nahia’s struggle to find her place in a world on the cusp of irreversible change becomes a powerful meditation on identity, resilience, and the enduring search for meaning.

Nahia is a haunting and thought-provoking novel—perfect for readers who enjoy rich world-building, strong female protagonists, and historical fiction that dares to imagine the spiritual lives of our earliest ancestors.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age: Young Adult (although closer to adult)
Tropes: forced proximity
Spice: No, but explicit content
Themes: Duty to family and community, spiritual awakening, family conflict
Read For: Netgalley
Trigger Warnings: TW for kidnapping, sexual assault (recounting, off-page), attempted sexual assault (on page)
Obtained From: Thanks to Netgalley and RBmedia for the Advanced Listening copy of this book.
Hashtags: #Nahia #NetGalley.

I can honestly say I've never read anything like this before. I requested this ARC on a whim because it looked interesting and I like audiobooks. It ended up being quite the enjoyable journey, and I'm glad the publisher approved me to read it!

This was just a really well-written book. It's pretty slow-paced, so do bear that in mind before you start reading, but that slow pacing meant I was able to really enter into Nahia's day-to-day life and understand the inner workings of her world. Honestly, that's a big part of what I was here for. I loved being able to explore a different way of life through Nahia's story, and I truly felt like I was there, experiencing the world the way that she did and growing and developing in my own perspectives alongside her. I especially appreciated the author's note at the end, which clarified what parts of Nahia's story were conjecture and what parts were based in the best archeological evidence we have.

My only true complaint with the book was that I really struggled with the audiobook's narrator. Her cadence felt really flat and repetitive to me, which made it harder for me to track with the story and wore on me as I listened.

Thank you to NetGalley, Recorded Books, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed it. Set in Spain during the Mesolithic to Neolithic era, I fully appreciated the amount of research that went into producing this. The FMC is absolutly amazing, and I can not get enough of this story. I found myself listening to it every second I got of free time.

As an archaeologist, I was so excited when I heard about this book coming out - set during the Mesolithic to Neolithic transition in Spain, and written by an archarologist! It did not disappoint. I really enjoyed all the research and knowledge that had obviously gone into it, which contributed to the unique, fleshed out setting. I loved the main character and her character arc, and I appreciated the fact that the romance was there, but it did not take over the plot. A great read.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to listen to this book on NetGalley!
I really appreciated hearing the author’s note at the end and to hear how she came up with these characters, the research, and archeological perspective.
This story is so strong and the character growth was beautiful. The transition from girl in the band to Shaman could have been stronger in my opinion. I also don’t think this book should be considered young adult. Yes, in this time period, it might be accurate, but to have the main character, so young become pregnant? We could just make it Adult.
The research on plants and history of medicines of this period of time was incredibly well-done! 4⭐️

8000 years ago Nahia , the Headwoman’s daughter is about to change her life and her destiny. She is told to become apprentice to a Shaman and leave her family and people. Nahia will learn skills to divine the spirit messages and feels drawn to return to her people to help them in their time of need.

Very well written and narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Good strong characters in a novel about change and destiny. New people have come changing life from hunter gathering to growing crops. Can Nahia help her family and people to move forward?

Nahia was unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I originally thought this was a fantasy book, but soon learned it was actually historical fiction set 8000 years ago. I learned a lot about the time, but found the plot hard to follow and the characters is confusing at times.

“Nahia” by Emily Jones is a YA historical fantasy set in prehistoric Spain 8,000 years ago. Kahia, an eighteen-year-old destined to lead her people, is exiled after revealing an impending invasion. Apprenticed to the shaman Eneko, she discovers her talent for divining spirits’ messages, setting out to save her people and her sister Izara, who becomes heir.

I rate “Nahia” 3.75 stars; it wasn’t bad, but it didn’t stand out. Although I’m a fan of YA and coming-of-age stories, I might not be the intended audience. The story needed more character background and development. Nahia’s journey from leader-to-be to visionary felt underdeveloped, with little exploration of her past or motivations. Eneko and Izara were also thinly sketched, making relationships, like the sisters’ bond, less compelling. The pacing faltered, with a slow first half and a rushed climax where obstacles resolved too easily. The spiritual vision, while atmospheric, was occasionally vague, leaving me wanting clearer connections to Nahia’s choices.

Jone’s archaeological background brings authenticity to the Mesolithic setting, with vivid pine forests and beaches that subtly teach prehistoric life. Theme of leadership, gender roles, and tradition add depth. “Nahia” is a solid debut with an ambitious scope, but its lack of character depth and uneven pacing made it good, but not unforgettable.

3.5 ⭐ rounded up

The prehistoric age is such a refreshing setting among today's ya books. Jones has built a well-researched world that really felt like a glimpse into life during the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition. I loved the take of Shamanism and fantastical/spiritual elements during the time period. Nahia's apprehension toward this new group of agriculture-driven people really hit home as someone who is seeing the natural world constantly being torn down for homes or storefronts.

Consumed: Audio Book

Initial Thoughts:

I approached this book with little expectation; at first, I hesitated as the narrator’s voice took a moment to settle. Once the story hit its stride, however, it instantly captured my attention with its fast-paced narrative and unexpected twists, making me eager to see where the plot would lead.

Nahia emerges as a fascinating character whose carefully laid expectations are swiftly upended. Cast aside and forced to forge her own path, her journey adds emotional depth and a refreshing unpredictability to the narrative.

I admit I initially worried the story might follow a familiar, predictable pattern. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by the bursts of action and unforeseen developments that kept me thoroughly engaged.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book as the perfect stand-alone fantasy for anyone looking to break out of a reading slump. Its unpredictable plot and immersive world-building offer a captivating escape into an entirely unique adventure.

Deeper thoughts

One of the main aspects that I loved about this book was its exploration of social structure. It opens with a portrayal of a complex, matriarchal tribe where Nahia is initially destined to become the lead woman—until circumstances change when she is cast aside because her mother's frustration with her challenging, assertive voice. Even though the society is ruled by women, which might suggest a liberation from patriarchal influence, it’s revealed that underlying patriarchal ideologies are still very much in play. This creates a nuanced and layered image of the tribe, defined by rigid gender norms where women lead and men are designated as hunters, constantly fuelling tension as Nahia finds herself torn between tradition and her own moral beliefs.

For example, while the women serve as the decision-makers and head figures, there’s a persistent, unspoken threat from the men; the tribe’s success hinges on the hunters' loyalty and the head woman's ability to keep them content. The stakes are raised further by the outsiders—depicted solely as men—who intrude upon the tribe’s land and are repeatedly shown to have to steal the tribe’s women, as they lack any of their own. This stark contrast between a seemingly matriarchal society and encroaching patriarchal forces adds an intriguing dynamic that challenges the established social order.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the palpable tension between the sisters. Nahia’s fiery rebellion against tradition, as she fights for her tribe’s survival, stands in direct contrast with her sister’s more conventional alignment with their mother’s views. Their conflict feels deeply real, especially when Nahia comes to understand that while her sister isn’t entirely wrong, she doesn’t have to follow in her footsteps. This respectful, non-confrontational divergence—where neither sister fully compromises—brings a refreshing sense of realism and complexity to their relationship.

On the flip side, the love interest’s relationship felt underdeveloped; there wasn’t enough buildup or tension before they got together, making it seem as though they came together out of sheer convenience rather than genuine connection. I also felt that the mother’s character, initially presented as a strong, imposing presence, faded too quickly, missing an opportunity for deeper exploration as the story progressed. That said, the world-building more than made up for these shortcomings. The rich interplay of spirits, spirituality, and Nahia’s growth into a proficient shaman creates an ever-engaging and realistic fantasy world without succumbing to heavy information dumps.

I’d like thank NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me a audio and ECopy of this book. Forever thankful.
So, as you can see I gave this book a 2 star review based on what I read before dnfing. If this book interests you, please go read it. You could have a different opinion than me.
I just think this book wasn’t for me. It was pretty flat in terms of character development and story. I try not to waste time on books that don’t have me interested by the 10% mark but I gave this book a little grace. The narrator wasn’t the best in my opinion. It didn’t really lift this book out of its blandness.
Not a book for me but could be a book for you.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, the narrator, and Emily Jones for the ALC.

As a longtime fantasy and thriller fan, I’ve dabbled in historical fiction, but this is my first foray into the prehistoric era — and what a refreshing change of pace it was. I highly recommend listening to or reading through the author's notes; Emily Jones is an archaeologist, and she grounded as much of the novel in fact as possible, which added a fascinating layer of authenticity.

I could easily see this being a hit with younger readers — middle school me would have absolutely devoured it. Comparisons to Adrienne Young (<i>Fable, Namesake, etc.</i>) feel very fitting, and this book also reminded me of Alice Hoffman’s YA works like <i>Green Angel</i> and The Foretelling</i> as far as novels that feature a young female MC finding their place in a rapidly changing world.

At its heart, this is a coming-of-age story set during a historically significant cultural shift known as the Neolithic Revolution; shifting to agriculture from hunting and gathering. My only critique is that the story lacked major conflict or high stakes; while the setting and premise were compelling, I never felt that "on the edge of my seat" tension. It read almost more like a comfort story — engaging, but low in suspense.

The audiobook narrator delivered a strong performance overall, although I did notice some occasional mic feedback that briefly pulled me out of the experience.

This book was provided to me for free in exchange for my honest review.

I've never read a book set this far back in the past... but now I kind of want to read more. This was set during the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition, so when Europeans were making the transition from being hunter-gatherer societies to settles agricultural ones.

Most of the book was dedicated to Nahia's spiritual journey as she becomes a Shaman. I didn't find this journey to be particularly riveting, but it was enough to keep me interested until the end. The last 25% was really about Nahia's resistance to her band becoming an agricultural society which I did find more interesting.

I wouldn't say that Nahia gives off main character energy, in fact none of the characters really stood out all that to me, but she was probably the most interesting character out of the cast.

I really appreciated the extras that Emily Jones added at the end of the book to explain the archeological context behind her story, and that small informative chapter alone makes me want to learn more about Mesolithic and Neolithic humans. Emily Jones is an actual archeologist, so I trust that her representation of these societies are accurate to our current understanding of them.

Would I recommend this? Maybe. You have to like slower-paced books and be able to tolerate more primitive thinking. These characters are thousands of years away from understanding the world the way we do in the common era, but it's an interesting perspective non the less.

Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.