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Wolf Brother (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)
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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
...is a remarkable novel, but in many ways the story behind it is even more phantasmagoric. -- Catherine O'Brien The Times, 30/6/05 '...captivated the publishing world...' -- Catherine O'Brien THE TIMES (T2) '...the best children's novel to be published in 2004...' -- Amanda Craig SATURDAY TIMES 10.09.05 'Well researched and beautifully written... a winner with boys and girls alike' -- Wendy Cooling CHILD EDUCATION MAGAZINE 'a gripping tale that rings true to our understanding of that distant time.' -- Julian Richards BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE Best reads of the year: 'the strength of Michelle Paver's novel was not just in the story and the characters, but in the detailed setting... offers much promise' -- John Millen SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST - YOUNG POST 'A fantastic tale of adventure and superstition... The parallel lives of Torak and Wolf are beautifully portrayed and intertwine woderfully with a gripping plot that produces a real page-turner of a read!' -- Hannah Leach (Year 9) BOOKS FOR KEEPS
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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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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is absolutely fantastic !,
By BFH (Bristol, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Wolf Brother: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Book 1 (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.
71 of 74 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A definite page turner,
By
This review is from: Wolf Brother: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Book 1 (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.
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Original,
By
This review is from: Wolf Brother: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Book 1 (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.
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