Wolf Brother (CHRONICLES OF ANCIENT DARKNESS)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
From extensive research about how the people of Northern Europe may have lived more than six thousand years ago, Michelle Paver has fashioned a remarkable debut novel for children. Wolf Brother, the first instalment of her six-book Chronicles of Ancient Darkness sequence, takes its readers back in time to an atmospheric world of snow, hunter-gatherers, tribes, clans, mountains, forests, bears and unearthly superstitions. For humans then, life was hard and Paver’s narrative taps wonderfully into all the sensations they must have experienced living amidst such an unforgiving landscape.
The book begins dramatically with the death of Torak’s father, the mage, Fa, from mortal wounds inflicted by a giant, possessed bear. Fa’s dying words bind Torak to a quest to find the mythical Mountain of the World Spirit. Only there will Torak find the strength needed to defeat the demonic creature and killer of men.
Having lived apart from other Clans, and burdened by such an impossible task, Torak is bereft by the death of his only companion in life and struggles to survive in the harsh conditions he now finds himself in. Then, instead of killing an orphaned wolf cub for food, Torak spares the tiny animal and together they travel north.
Torak gains a further companion for his arduous journey in the form of Renn, a headstrong and feisty girl of his own age whose Clan Torak inadvertently has an altercation with. Renn believes Torak to be The Listener--a prophesised being who will save the world--and together they escape from danger… into a different sort of peril.
Paver’s novel is strong on detail and the authenticity of her settings is breathtaking. She cleverly weaves a fantastical, but believable, layer onto her narrative that enriches her story and makes it all the more readable. (Age 10 and over) --John McLay --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Review
The achievement of the year has to be Ian McKellen's narration of the three instalments of Michelle Paver's CHRONICLES OF ANCIENT DARKNESS, WOLF BROTHER, SPIRIT WALKER and SOUL EATER. Having been given rewardingly rich material in Paver's inspired evocation of a Stone Age culture of nature gods and hunting wisdoms, he is equally good as Gandalfian tribal gurus, the intrepid Torak of the Wolf Clan, the stoic archer heroine Renn of the Ravens and the intelligent wolfcub Wolf. (Christina Hardyment THE TIMES )
'narrated with thrilling immediacy by Ian McKellen.' 3 July 2010 (Christina Hardyment THE TIMES )
'narrated with thrilling immediacy by Ian McKellen.' 3 July 2010 (Christina Hardyment THE TIMES )
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First Sentence
Torak woke with a jolt from a sleep he'd never meant to have. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
Torak woke with a jolt from a sleep he'd never meant to have. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
50 of 50 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am a 12 year old boy who absolutely hated reading. One day my mum asked me to just try reading this book (wolf Brother)like all mums tend to do with books. I read 224 pages in around 4 days! Just to make it clear, I would normally read that amount in any other book in about 2 months!
I highly rate this book for anyone from 10 and upwards.
I highly rate this book for anyone from 10 and upwards.
73 of 76 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I was unsure of what I would make of Wolf Brother when I heard about it earlier this week. The headlines hit that author Michelle Paver was given perhaps the largest advance for a book ever, that it was a story researched at great lengths, and a story that had been written many years ago and then filed away until recently.
Perhaps now was the perfect time to bring it out. A heightened interest in books, from both the public and the media, has led to many high profile children's books being released within the past decade. This could be one reason why another series of books about a small orphaned child growing up will have the media immediately announcing Michelle Paver as the new J.K Rowling.
Do we really need another J.K Rowling? I think not.
It's good, then, that this book delivers something much more than an angst ridden teenager struggling with his childhood in an magical world. Instead we are treated to a story lavished with wonderful terrain, friendship and enemies and, more importantly, a feeling of history that's not too distant from life today.
'Wolf Brother' follows the story of Torak, a boy who is orphaned and on the run from an evil he cannot fathom and whose only ally comes in the form of a wolf cub - coincidentally recently orphaned. Paver manages to capture a perfect level of understanding and friendship between these two unlikely friends that's heart-warming and obviously something more than the love of a man for his dog. Together they embark on an adventure which is fast paced and full of excitement, danger and betrayal at every turn.
Although the story can be somewhat predictable in places, there are instances of genuine concern for the characters and situations they get into, and real feelings of fear at others. This is countered nicely with several light-hearted moments and an overall feeling that the best is yet to come in future books. Although easily readable as a standalone, it works as a great build-up to what may happen in the future, at the same time as keeping some things secret, and the reader wanting to find out more.
The chapters are short, meaning you have convenient places to put the book down, but they always seem to be left with a cliff-hanger that makes you want to carry on reading for just one more chapter, and then one more, until you realise you have finished the book. It's extremely easy to read and, unlike many books aimed at children, provides a great narrative that allows the reader to be absorbed into the world regardless of age, but in a way that is not condescending.
Sure, other books offer you a story that has a hero who is on a mission and deals with friendship, evil and magic - but how many of these stories make you want to camp outside with your dog and roast a lemming over an open fire?
'Wolf Brother' is a great introduction to what looks set to be a promising series of books, and a host of characters that I, for one, am looking forward to seeing develop.
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Firstly, I would like to commend Michelle Paver for writing an original book for children. I think it is quite evident from reading this, the first book in The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, that Paver has done lots of research in order to bring this ancient world to life.
The story begins with Torak, a young boy whose father is killed by a demon in the form of a bear. Before his father dies, he makes Torak promise that he will travel to the Mountain of the World Spirit, or die trying. Confused and alone, Torak makes his promise. As he and his father lived as outcasts, he has no one to turn to - the reality of his promise to his dying father seems too great to bear.
However, not long after he has been left on his own, Torak comes across an orphaned wolf cub. Despite his hunger, Torak does not kill the cub for food; instead he befriends the cub. This decision perhaps helps to keep him alive. Together, they set off on their journey . . .
Paver's voice is refreshing and intelligent. Although I would not say that this is the best book I have read, there is no doubt that she has created a very original new world.
Highly recommended.
The story begins with Torak, a young boy whose father is killed by a demon in the form of a bear. Before his father dies, he makes Torak promise that he will travel to the Mountain of the World Spirit, or die trying. Confused and alone, Torak makes his promise. As he and his father lived as outcasts, he has no one to turn to - the reality of his promise to his dying father seems too great to bear.
However, not long after he has been left on his own, Torak comes across an orphaned wolf cub. Despite his hunger, Torak does not kill the cub for food; instead he befriends the cub. This decision perhaps helps to keep him alive. Together, they set off on their journey . . .
Paver's voice is refreshing and intelligent. Although I would not say that this is the best book I have read, there is no doubt that she has created a very original new world.
Highly recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
awesome read
Excellent read. Can't wait to read book 2,3,4... Fast paced, exciting and very original kids thriller. Would recommend to anyone my age ( I am 11yrs).
Published 10 days ago by Animal
Unputdownable
I began reading these books after I bought them from Borders a few years ago. My Dad kept nagging me to buy one, because he said it looked just like my kind of book. Read more
Published 24 days ago by Fee
GREAT BOOK!
i chose this book for my leavers assembly when i left my primary (we chose a book each) and i must say i am definately no dissapointed. Read more
Published 2 months ago by sonic girl
The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness
These are fantastic books. They are very well researched and this shows within the writing. Although the stories are not accurate the books do show a representation of what life... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Victoria G
Wolf Brother!
If you are looking for a good book read this one!!! We had to read this book for english in lessons. We would also listen to it. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Pasta101
Amazing
I'm 15 years old, and this series of books is absolutely and undoubtedly my favourite series of books ever. I've read the whole series multiple times now, as it's just so good. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Maxamilius291
Original
This has got to be one of the most original, exciting stories I have read for a long time. So refreshing, the characters keep you gripped from the very beginning and continue to do... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Chocyfaye
amazing!
One of the best books, childrens or adults, that i have read in a long time!
I adore stories that bring humans and animals closer together, reminding people that we can... Read more
I adore stories that bring humans and animals closer together, reminding people that we can... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Larewen Evenstar
Loved this!
I've had a pretty little signed edition of this for a while now that I got second hand from Amazon and I love it to bits, but didn't get around to reading until about three weeks... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Leanne Bell
Wonderful books...want more!
The Torak books are all absolutely brilliant. The whole family loves them, but especially our 10 year old son. Read more
Published 7 months ago by wolf
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