Wolf Brother: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Book 1 Hardcover – 2 Sep 2004

Amazon 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

Review

Wolf Brother combines elements of fantasy, prehistoric fiction and facts, to make a brilliant book. This the first in a series of six (and one of the best, too). I would recommend it to any one who likes wolves (essential!), magic and stone age people! (THE GUARDIAN)

The story is a rich tale full strong with the themes of survival, magic and folklore. Michelle Paver manages to install the same dreams in the reader's head that she once had herself - the dream to run with wolves in a prehistoric forest. (FANTASY BOOK REVIEW)

Wolf Brother, the first of six books in Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, is a terrific read, and I was instantly grabbed by the throat and whooshed along by the power of the writing. (HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY)

Rich in detail which brings the past to life and makes the forest background vivid to all readers (LOVEREADING4KIDS)

I liked the book because it is a thrilling, packed with a ton of action, and is an adventure you don't usually find in books. Wolf Brother never lets you stop reading, and it keeps a ton of suspense. (TEEN INK subscriber review)

Wolf Brother is a book where time passes quickly as the reader is absorbed into a colourful world. And before you know it the book has ended and you find you just have to grab the next book in the series and continue reading. (THE DESK OF KAREN LEE FIELD REVIEW)

Wolf Brother is the kind of story you dream of reading and all too rarely find...The descriptions of an ancient world... are wonderful. The vivid prose leaps off the page. (Amanda Craig The Times, 21 Aug 04)

Epic adventure (Publishing News, 14 May 04)

Deeply Atmospheric... breathtakingly expansive, classically formed adventure story. (The Bookseller Buyer's Guide Highlights, Autumn 04)

Michelle Paver...writes in a clear, engaging style...The relationships and setting are persuasively described. (Nicolette Jones, Children's Book of the Week The Sunday Times, 22 Aug 04)

a rattling read (Claire Armitstead The Guardian, 3 Sep 04)

The opening of the novel is gripping in every sense... There is plenty of page turning drama in the story... taut and ever compelling (Books for Keeps, Sep 04)

a terrific new book... a super fantasy story... beautifully produced (Haverhill Echo, 9 Sep)

Wolf Brother... provides the most impressive beginning of a series set thousands of years ago... touching but never sentimental... immensely rich and compelling (Lindsey Fraser The Sunday Herald, 5 Sep 04)

a fast-paced adventure that explores the themes of honour, loyalty, trust and survival... detailed and evocative... a thoroughly entertaining read. (Dreamwatch Magazine, Oct 04)

"A beautifully crafted story, it illuminates some of the big conundrums: the nature of evil; man's stewardship of nature; the force of jealousy and greed; the power of self-giving for the good of others... Michlle Paver has produced a thrilling narrative with authentic flavour founded on thorough research. The text well-honed and rhythmic, and moves with terrific pace; a haunting and heroic adventure with appeal for boys and girls of 10 and above". (Elaine Williams TES)

fantastically detailed descriptions of forest living... the description of Torak's desperate struggle is excellent, as is the handling of the touching relationship between him and his wolf-cub companion. (The Herald, 25 Sep 04)

"Michelle Paver is undoubtably a writer of rare passion, imagination and enthusiasm" (Liverpool Echo, 28 Sep 04)

"A rollicking, easy read" (Daily Telegraph, 4 Oct 04)

a thrilling, visceral read... Paver's passion and enthusiasm for the period... will keep readers hooked and waiting eagerly for the next in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series (Scotsman, 16 Oct 04)

"An action packed, atmospheric story full of thrills with many touching and breath taking moments. Good news, it's the first of a series." (Primary Times, Oct/Nov 04)

...an imaginative reconstruction...in which magic is the only explanation of the unknown, excitingly told, the setting lingers in the memory (Independent, 15 Oct 04)

"Wolf Brother is a thrilling story of friendship and betrayal that takes you back to the great forests of Europe 6,000 years ago." (Evening Press (York), 13 Oct 04)

"Wolf Brother is prehistoric, and its folkloric, mystical motifs are of a pleasingly earthy hue, not in the least bit fey." (Hepzibah Anderson Observer, 24 Oct 04)

"WOLF BROTHER gripped me from the very first page. It has the three qualities of a classic children's book. Attractive characters. Relentless pace. And superb writing. Added to which, it explores a world that was virtually unknown to us with real insight and authority. This really is a book that stands out from the crowd." (Anthony Horowitz, author)

"the isolations from the modern world is a breath of fresh air, making Wolf Brother a very innocent and engagaing read" (Independent on Sunday, 28 Nov 04)

"I would recommend this book to anyone of all ages - it is a truly great read and an all-round fabulous book!" (Lincolnshire Echo, 30 Nov 04)

a marvellous epic quest... wild adventure interlaced by myth and mysticism (Northern Echo, 30 Nov 04)

"a well-earthed and transcendent fable, a page-turner for children and adults alike." (Northern Earth, Winter 04)

an utterly gripping Bronze Age quest... written with compelling economy and detail. (New Statesman, 29 Nov 04)

A beautifully crafted story... Michelle Paver has produced a thrilling narrative with authentic flavour founded on thorough research... The text is well-honed and rhythmic, and moves with terrific pace; a haunting and heroic adventure (TES, 10 Dec 04)

"Wolf Brother is an enchanting book. Michelle has created a world that we have not seen before in any previous film". (Ridley Scott The Times, 22 Jan 05)

'...one of 2004's most notable debuts...' (Giles Elliott CHILDREN'S BOOKSELLER (AUG 05))

'...the best children's novel to be published in 2004...' (Amanda Craig SATURDAY TIMES 10.09.05)

'packed with mythology, magic and more... Well researched and beautifully written.' (Wendy Cooling CHILD EDUCATION)

'Paver's persuasive writing, exciting story and detailed research all come together in WOLF BROTHER to create an exciting, atmospheric page-turner that works well... A terrific read.' (John Millen SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST)

'This is a tale you can really claw into.. You'll be howling for a sequel!' (Joanthan Weir (Age 15) THE GUARDIAN - EDUCATION (Young Critics))

'Wolf Brother, with its pin-prick sharp detail of survival in the forests of long ago, is a story which takes you right into the world it describes; it was much enjoyed for its mythical qualities and the strength of its characters.' (Julia Eccleshare LOOK AT A BOOK (The Guardian))

'I'd definitely get my friends to read this book!' (Sophie Clemie TEEN TITLES)