I have just finished re-reading the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series by British writer Michelle Paver. I do have to admit that I don't read a lot, so I don't have much authority to promote books. However, I can surely say that this is, without doubt, an incredible series.
The story is set 6000 years ago in prehistoric Europe. Torak is a boy of the wolf clan. Along with his friend Renn and Wolf, they embark on adventures to defeat the wicked, power-hungry soul eaters who try to control all the clans with the power of the other-world.
Reading this series is, and will always be, an enthralling experience, as I kept on reading one book after the other. I couldn't get enough of it. After finishing the last book, Ghost Hunter, I felt as if a part of me remained in the book or got lost somewhere, drifted back to the world 6000 years ago.
The overall plot is so intriguing, and Ms. Paver is an amazing writer who excels at vivid, detailed descriptions. By reading this story, it was easy to picture scenes from the Stone Age: what people of different clans wear, how food tastes like, and how treacherous traveling through forests and mountains could be. Ms. Paver did a lot of research and investigation for this series. For instance, she even traveled far north to Finland and experienced ways of living and culture of traditional Sami people (Laplanders), who are the indigenous of the very northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland etc. Her dedication to present Torak's world as realistic as possible is worthy of much respect.
(If you would like to read more about Ms. Paver's research, click *here* to go to her website! There is a lot of fascinating stuff!)
Two of my favorite parts of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series is the portrayal of Wolf, and Torak's relationship with his friend Renn.
Yes, Wolf is a indeed a wolf, a wolf that Torak rescues when he first embarks his journey. I love the way Ms. Paver portrays Wolf: he considers Torak an important "pack-brother", even thuogh Torak doesn't really look like a wolf. He calls Torak a flat-faced "Tall-Tailess" who runs really slowly and is as defenseless as a little cub, but he loves him nonetheless. Ms. Paver also spent time with wolves at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust to learn how wolves move and interact (click *here* for Ms. Paver's article, "Becoming A Wolf"). The companionship and loyalty between the two of them are great, as Wolf and Torak are willing to sacrifice themselves for each other. I'd always have a smile on my face when the story is told from Wolf's perspective. All in all, Wolf is a strong yet adorable character.
Torak and Renn's friendship and companionship are impeccable. Even though they are of different clans, and initially Renn is hostile towards Torak, they become friends very soon and eventually grow fond of each other. Renn is always on Torak's side, supporting him to face his destiny of destroying the soul eaters. I like the subtle romance, just enough to tickle your heart but not too sweet. Renn is also not a conventional female character; she's headstrong and has a deadly arrow aim. I like this kind of strong, independent female.
The last thing I want to talk about is the illustrations of the series. They are by British artist Geoff Taylor, who is a well-known illustrator for many fantasy books.
Here are some of the illustrations taken from his *website*:
I love the detailed pen/ink drawings...the textures are so realistic.
In addition to these illustrations, I also really like the cover designs (the version I have in this post)! Though I don't know who designed them.
All in all, I highly recommend Ms. Paver's Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. It's exciting, enthralling and full of adventure. The series is for children, but sometimes I wonder if the descriptions are too gruesome for kids...but teenagers and above will definitely be OK with them.
Go on and happy reading!
-Veronica.
The story is set 6000 years ago in prehistoric Europe. Torak is a boy of the wolf clan. Along with his friend Renn and Wolf, they embark on adventures to defeat the wicked, power-hungry soul eaters who try to control all the clans with the power of the other-world.
Reading this series is, and will always be, an enthralling experience, as I kept on reading one book after the other. I couldn't get enough of it. After finishing the last book, Ghost Hunter, I felt as if a part of me remained in the book or got lost somewhere, drifted back to the world 6000 years ago.
The overall plot is so intriguing, and Ms. Paver is an amazing writer who excels at vivid, detailed descriptions. By reading this story, it was easy to picture scenes from the Stone Age: what people of different clans wear, how food tastes like, and how treacherous traveling through forests and mountains could be. Ms. Paver did a lot of research and investigation for this series. For instance, she even traveled far north to Finland and experienced ways of living and culture of traditional Sami people (Laplanders), who are the indigenous of the very northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland etc. Her dedication to present Torak's world as realistic as possible is worthy of much respect.
(If you would like to read more about Ms. Paver's research, click *here* to go to her website! There is a lot of fascinating stuff!)
Two of my favorite parts of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series is the portrayal of Wolf, and Torak's relationship with his friend Renn.
Yes, Wolf is a indeed a wolf, a wolf that Torak rescues when he first embarks his journey. I love the way Ms. Paver portrays Wolf: he considers Torak an important "pack-brother", even thuogh Torak doesn't really look like a wolf. He calls Torak a flat-faced "Tall-Tailess" who runs really slowly and is as defenseless as a little cub, but he loves him nonetheless. Ms. Paver also spent time with wolves at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust to learn how wolves move and interact (click *here* for Ms. Paver's article, "Becoming A Wolf"). The companionship and loyalty between the two of them are great, as Wolf and Torak are willing to sacrifice themselves for each other. I'd always have a smile on my face when the story is told from Wolf's perspective. All in all, Wolf is a strong yet adorable character.
Torak and Renn's friendship and companionship are impeccable. Even though they are of different clans, and initially Renn is hostile towards Torak, they become friends very soon and eventually grow fond of each other. Renn is always on Torak's side, supporting him to face his destiny of destroying the soul eaters. I like the subtle romance, just enough to tickle your heart but not too sweet. Renn is also not a conventional female character; she's headstrong and has a deadly arrow aim. I like this kind of strong, independent female.
The last thing I want to talk about is the illustrations of the series. They are by British artist Geoff Taylor, who is a well-known illustrator for many fantasy books.
Here are some of the illustrations taken from his *website*:
I love the detailed pen/ink drawings...the textures are so realistic.
In addition to these illustrations, I also really like the cover designs (the version I have in this post)! Though I don't know who designed them.
All in all, I highly recommend Ms. Paver's Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. It's exciting, enthralling and full of adventure. The series is for children, but sometimes I wonder if the descriptions are too gruesome for kids...but teenagers and above will definitely be OK with them.
Go on and happy reading!
-Veronica.
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