by Julian May
First published 1985
Scientists discover a temporal gateway leading to Earth's Pliocene epoch, six million years in the past. The portal offers no return journey. Outcasts and dissatisfied citizens from across the Galactic Milieu seize this chance to escape their present lives. They plunge through the time tunnel seeking freedom and fulfillment in humanity's prehistoric world. Each exile carries private dreams of the happiness that eluded them in their technologically advanced civilization. The ancient Earth that receives them holds surprises beyond their wildest expectations. These displaced travelers must confront challenges they never imagined possible. Their quest for personal satisfaction becomes something far more complex and dangerous than a simple retreat to simpler times.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, time-travel, alternate-history
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Earth, Pliocene Epoch
Period: 6 Million Years Ago
433 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Del Rey