Michelle Paver's Blog, page 2

Shadows and Spirits: Writing the Unseen

Step into the shadows with three masters of modern Gothic and supernatural fiction – Michelle, Syd Moore and CJ Cooke – as they explore why dark stories continue to captivate us. From haunted coastlines to Arctic wastelands, and from age-old folklore to the secrets of the human psyche, these acclaimed authors weave tales that blur the boundaries between the real and the uncanny. In this compelling conversation, they’ll discuss the enduring appeal of the Gothic, the influence of myth and landscape, and why stories of ghosts, spirits, and things unseen still resonate in today’s world. Expect insights, chills, and a celebration of fiction that thrives in the shadows. Tickets are limited so get them while you can!

Goldsboro Books
23-27 Cecil Court
London WC2N 4EZ
Time: 6.30pm (doors from 6pm)

😸A Wolf Brother fan in Chile

Hi Michelle! I love Wolf Brother. It's my favorite book saga
To be honest, I started it last year and I just finished Outcast, but I haven't continued because I'm waiting for a friend to finish it to start OathBreaker with her But I'm very anxious to continue, I hold back watching and making little sketches of drawings and trying not to see spoilers unintentionally…
And I have a long list written on my cell phone of theories and reflections…
I'm obsessed with this saga. And although I had to read the first 3 books for a test at school, I read Outcast on my own and I plan to read the rest (when my friend finishes Outcast)
From Spirit Walker, I saw these books beyond another book for school, I prayed that the next one we had to read would be the next in the saga
I read them on my cell phone, but my friend plans to buy them physically and share them
Among many other things, something that I would like to highlight about these books, It's the details, for example, Pa gave his knife to Torak telling him that he needed him more.. I didn't even remember it, but my mind exploded later.. And it is just one example, because there are many more "" It made me go crazy
You were born on September 7, right? Me too! When I found out, I was the happiest person
I'll be 16 this year
Greetings from Chile Thank you for these books!And sorry for the wording, things to write in the translator

Michelle Replies…

Hola, Antonia!  That’s the extent of my Spanish, I’m afraid, but I’m very impressed with your English – whether or not you use an internet translator!  I do love your enthusiasm for the Wolf Brother books – particularly that long list of your theories and reflections; and it’s great that you’ve been able to share that enthusiasm with your friends. Thanks, took, for that example about Torak’s father’s knife.  Planting those sorts of details took a long time, but I found it very rewarding, and it’s fascinating to hear that you do too.   I should also add, in case you didn’t know, that the sixth book isn’t the end of the series, because a few years after I finished it, I wrote three more.  I know that Books 7 and 8 are available in Spanish, published by Salamandra (La Hija de la Vibora, and La Estrella del Trueno); I’m not sure about the last one, Book 9.  But I’m sure you’ll be able to find out.  And finally, what a coincidence that we share the same birthdays!  I hope you have a very happy 16th birthday on Sunday – and that you enjoy your further adventures in the Forest with Torak, Renn and Wolf!  With very best wishes, Michelle

WINTER HAUNTS 2025

Online event! Ghost story, gothic and supernatural fiction day 10:30am – 6:30pm GMT… Michelle with Lucy Rose, Jess Kidd, Emilia Hart, CJ Cooke, Hollie Starling, Emma Glass. Connect with fellow fans of the strange, the eerie, and the otherworldly!

A Much Overdue Response – about the Wolf Brother books

Hey there, Michelle! After receiving your latest newsletter I realized I had never written you, and thought I'd sit down and write to you to make my younger self proud. I found The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness as a tween thanks to my mother, a librarian, who saw that our library had gotten rid of its copies of the first five books which she then took and passed along to me. No one I knew had read them but they quickly became my favorite series growing up, instilling my life long interest in anthropology. I would pass on those copies to my siblings and so many friends and they made some of my closest childhood friendships all more dear. There are so many ways The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness has changed my life, but I think maybe the biggest way is how Torak taught me was to always look for another option and to not settle with the world I'm given, but instead dream of what it can become. I will always remember the end of Spirit Walker when I feel stuck. Thank you so much!! I am currently studying art and writing and my childhood was speckled with creative responses to The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, but I think most notable are when I illustrated the first three books with over thirty illustrations as a 14 year old (my art has sure changed a lot since then) or when I attempted to recreate Torak's winter tunic. Below is a photo of myself as a teen in the tunic, modeled after what research I could find, and holding my family's dog who looks just a bit like Wolf (although his legs are much to small). I will end my rambling response by asking the question I wondered about a lot as a child – would you ever consider writing or producing a book that explores ancient North America from a fictional setting? I always thought that's a story I'd love to read.

Once again, thank you for the gift you have given us all in literary form!

Best,
~Lucene

Michelle Replies…

Dear Lucene, what a lovely message – and that picture too! I particularly like your younger self’s clan-tattoos, and the quartered circle on the forehead, which is exactly as Torak received it from Fin-Kedinn at the end of Outcast.  I’m really delighted that the Wolf Brother books have had such a positive influence on your life.  As for your question, well: I’ve no current plans to write anything about ancient North America.  But having said that, I often find myself returning to the folklore and myths of the Americas, particularly those of the Arctic and the Pacific North-west.  So who knows what the future will bring?  In the meantime, I’d like to wish you all possible good luck for your art and writing studies.  Thanks so much for getting in touch.  And may the guardian run with you!  Michelle

Dark Matter – availability on Audible?

Hi,

I was just about to purchase Dark Matter from Audible and it is no longer available in my area? What happened? I wanted to read this during spooky season?

Thanks
Tom

Michelle Replies…

Dear Tom, what a pity that you weren’t able to buy Dark Matter on Audible where you are.  I’m afraid I can’t help, because the availability of my books is always up to the publishers, and I don’t have any control over that. All I can suggest is that you contact them; or try to obtain the audiobook from another source online (if this is possible).  I’m so sorry that I can’t be of more assistance.  Best wishes, Michelle

Message to My Future Child

Hi Michelle,

I am 33 now. When I was around twelve years old, I discovered The Chronicle of Ancient Darkness Series. It changed my life and sparked my live for reading. Reading those books took me out of the horrors of my daily life as a queer kid grouping up in a cult-like Pentocastal church. It brought me so much joy. As I write, tears are falling. Could you write a simple message to my future child, simply saying you hope they enjoy them. My husband and I are starting to look into adoption now. This would mean the world to me. You are a gift to the world, truly.

With Love,

Jesse & Wayne (The husband lol)

Michelle Replies…

Dear Jesse, I was so moved by your message.  Life as a child must indeed have been tough (to put it mildly), and I’m glad that the Wolf Brother books were able to help.  To your future child, I will simply say:  I hope you enjoy your adventures in the Forest, and may reading bring you comfort and joy throughout your life!  And to you, Jesse and Wayne, may the guardian run with you.  With very best wishes, Michelle

Gods and Warriors Audiobooks

Hi again!
In relation to the audiobooks of the series gods and monsters not being continued by penguin.
Would it be possible for you to find an indie audiobook narrator to complete the series? There's so many good ones that could do it.

Michelle Replies…

Hello again, Kaida.  I’m afraid that it wouldn’t be possible for me to organise indie audiobooks of the whole series, because Penguin own the rights, so they’re the only ones who can legally do this.  And for reasons of their own, they decided not to go beyond the first book.  It’s a pity, and you’re right, there are lots of brilliant narrators out there.  But sadly, that’s the current position.  Still, I do applaud your keenness for the series, it does you great credit!  With very best wishes, Michelle

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness – will there be an animation?

Hola Michelle!!!
Leí en internet que podría grabarse una serie de animación sobre “Crónicas de la Prehistoria “ Es cierto???
Sería genial!!!
Muchas gracias por haber escrito una saga tan maravillosa!!!
Un cordial saludo!!!

Michelle Replies…

Hola, Juan Carlos!  I’m sorry, I don’t speak Spanish; but I  think you’re asking if there will be an animation of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness?  I’m afraid there are no plans for that – so any rumours on the internet about it are, I’m afraid, wrong.  Sorry to disappoint you – but I’m really glad that you like the stories!  Thanks so much for getting in touch.  With very best wishes.  Michelle

Your book series called “Chronicles of Ancient Darkness” – in Hebrew

Hello Michelle,
My name is Ta’ir, and I’ve read your book series Chronicles of Ancient Darkness.
It’s a wonderful series!
I truly enjoyed reading it (and trembling with fear throughout each book).
Unfortunately, only the first three books have been translated into Hebrew, and the rest haven’t…
I would be so happy if the remaining books were translated into Hebrew as well, so I could complete the series and make sure I have all the books at home.
Wishing you a lovely day,
Ta’ir

Michelle Replies…

Dear Ta’ir, I’m so glad that you’ve enjoyed my books!  However I’m pretty sure that only the first three books have been translated into Hebrew.  I don’t know why that was; it’s always the publishers’ decision, not mine.  So if you want to read the rest of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, and perhaps also  the three sequels I wrote a few years later (Viper’s Daughter, Skin Taker and Wolfbane), I’m afraid you’ll need to read them in English.  Of course it’s entirely understandable if you’d have preferred to read them in Hebrew, and complete the set you have at home; but judging by your message, your English is certainly up to it.  Sorry I can’t be of more help.  I hope that whatever you decide, you continue to enjoy your forays into the Forest with Torak, Renn and Wolf.  With very best wishes, Michelle

Rainforest

Hello Michelle,
I have been lucky enough to get hold of an advance copy of Rainforest and just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how much I enjoyed it.

I would love to be able to go into more detail and let you know exactly why, but I don’t want to enter into ‘spoiler’ territory. I will say that at one point I had to put the book down and go for a walk around the garden before continuing as a chapter towards the end completely, claustrophobically, freaked me out. Terror from an unexpected direction!
I can also now confirm that I have read the most disturbing line I’ve read all year. ‘My torch blinks out’
The unexpected gift from the slice of jungle noir was how beautifully descriptive it was; ripe and full of colour, sounds and smells.

I don’t expect a reply to this, I just wanted to tell you that I loved it.
Valda.

Michelle Replies…

Dear Valda, I know you don’t expect a reply, but I couldn’t ignore your message.  I’m so glad that you liked Rainforest!  And I love the fact that you had to take a walk in the garden before carrying on reading.  Jungle noir is a great term; and thanks for avoiding spoilers.  Thank you so much for letting me know your response.  With very best wishes, Michelle