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Wolf Brother
(Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #1)
by
Six thousand years ago. Evil stalks the land. Only twelve-year-old Torak and his wolf-cub companion can defeat it. Their journey together takes them through deep forests, across giant glaciers, and into dangers they never imagined.
In this page-turning, original, and spectacularly told adventure story, Torak and Wolf are joined by an incredible cast of characters as they b ...more
In this page-turning, original, and spectacularly told adventure story, Torak and Wolf are joined by an incredible cast of characters as they b ...more
Paperback, 295 pages
Published
February 21st 2006
by HarperTrophy
(first published January 1st 2004)
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Kathleen
This is a good book, but no dragons. The wolf cub plays a major role. He's adorable!
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Start your review of Wolf Brother (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, #1)
Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver is a wonderful kid's book about a boy, Torak, and his Wolf and their quest to keep a promise he made to his dying Fa. The author obviously did an enormous amount of research to make this book realistic and full of details from nature making it a great story that I read to my son. He fell in love with all the characters and was on the edge of the couch nearly from cover to cover. Highly recommended to kids 10 and up.
Special callout to Biblio Curious who suggested th ...more
Special callout to Biblio Curious who suggested th ...more
So I loved this book. It is so different from any middle grade I have ever read. I loved the obvious amount of research the author did to make this prehistoric Native American fantasy story really come across well. Wolf and Torak's friendship is what I aspire Nanook and my relationship to be. I think there were some areas that could have been better namely that the ending was very rushed when compared to how much struggle and adventure came before, but I'm boosting my rating because of its uniqu
...more
when you get that ~feeling of sadness when you finish a really great series~ at the end of the first book
I read this book in one night, need I say more? I absolutely love this kind of novel. The incorporation of nature, tribal power, and, of course, a hint of dark magic really mixes nicely to create a phenomenal piece of fiction literature. I think Paver could not have woven together a better story. The character development of Renn and Torak is thorough, and Torak's relationship with Wolf is noticeably deep and very spiritually significant. Wolf has a deep love for Torak, and their mutual respect
...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!
I began reading the series when I was 11 and have recently reread it (for the 4th time?)
I STILL LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!
I was reluctant to read it again only because I had first read it at a much younger age, and I felt that perhaps I had grown out of it. I could not have been any more wrong!
Michelle Paver has this wonderful ability to reconstruct a lost world that could only be reached in the depths of one's imagination. Everything is told in so much detail; the clothing, food, ...more
I began reading the series when I was 11 and have recently reread it (for the 4th time?)
I STILL LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!
I was reluctant to read it again only because I had first read it at a much younger age, and I felt that perhaps I had grown out of it. I could not have been any more wrong!
Michelle Paver has this wonderful ability to reconstruct a lost world that could only be reached in the depths of one's imagination. Everything is told in so much detail; the clothing, food, ...more
Aug 28, 2020
Iset
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mesolithic-12000-to-8000bce-fiction
What a charming, fantastic book. This is everything that I hoped Jean Auel’s books would be, but weren’t. That’s high praise from me, and considering I spent a year perusing stone age fiction in hopes of finding a good series and failing to do so.
Don’t be fooled by the fact that this is nominally aimed at children. The only way this shows through is in the age of the protagonist and in the book’s relatively short length – but not once did I feel talked down to, or like the author was using juven ...more
Jan 14, 2016
Delta
rated it
really liked it
Recommended to Delta by:
Christian Latham
Shelves:
friend-recs,
magic,
demon-fallen,
mythology,
historic-fiction,
paranormal,
young-adult,
clean,
adventure,
animals
Wolf Brother is a prehistoric wilderness survival adventure that pits a 12-year-old boy and his wolf companion against an evil spirit bear that threatens the survival of the forest and all of the clans. This was a very enjoyable read for me, and I will look for more by this author. (suitable for pre-teens through adult)
...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this. A great compelling middle grade novel, with fantastic world building. I'd highly recommend.
I picked this book up in a charity shop. I'd seen this book many times but never read it. I, not thinking about purchasing it, started to read and was immediately trailblazing each word. It's reminded me strongly of another series of books called Earth's Children written by Jean M. Auel. Even though it says this is 9–12 fiction, it's still a great book for many people alike. I like how the author showed different POV between Torak and Wolf. Also like how Wolf thinks, (to Wolf Torak is known as T
...more
Alone
The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness are an exciting read with plenty to get your heart thumping with demons, mythical adventures, and a story of close friendship against all odds. Wolf Brother is set thousands of years ago in an enchanted world split into clans and territories. Each clan respected what nature gave up for their nourishment and way of life, but there are rules. Torak lives with his father remote from any clan, and suddenly his father is killed by an evil possessed bear and Tor ...more
The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness are an exciting read with plenty to get your heart thumping with demons, mythical adventures, and a story of close friendship against all odds. Wolf Brother is set thousands of years ago in an enchanted world split into clans and territories. Each clan respected what nature gave up for their nourishment and way of life, but there are rules. Torak lives with his father remote from any clan, and suddenly his father is killed by an evil possessed bear and Tor ...more
I listened to Ian McKellen (Gandalf) bring this piece to stunning life. It's a fantasy, set in ancient Bronze-Age Europe, uncounted aeons ago. The first of 6 books. Beautifully written, the story is fast-paced and action-packed. It's told in 3rd person, with the POV shifting from the boy Torak to his brother — a wolf cub. The setting is vivid and the story sometimes felt almost real, like it could almost have happened, back when people ate reindeer and worshipped the spirits in rocks and rivers
...more
When you start reading the first paragraph of Wolf Brother, you're hooked. You keep turning pages, and learn of the setting, set back 6,000 years ago in the continent of europe. Your eyes follow the lines of the page, and realize the continent is not separated into countries, but clans, named after native wildlife. You flip the page to the next chapter, and learn of the main character of this story, Torak. You discover that his father was killed by a mysterious demon animal, and Torak is left al
...more
This is a children's book that has crossover appeal to adults. It's set 6,000 years ago in a hunter-gathering society that believes in magic, where there are various clans that band together to survive in the forest. The book opens with our hero, a boy who is "twelve summers old," coping with the death of his father who was killed by a demonic bear. That sends the boy on a quest to find a way to kill the bear. A wolf cub becomes his friend and guide, and along with a girl from another clan, they
...more
Loved it.
The ancient world was exciting to hear about, to see what the author has pieced together from fact to create her own, very unique and quite credible land of ancient darkness and magic.
Fast paced, and full of adventure.
-----
it's as good as ever. Started out with the audio book but finished with the actual copy. i much prefer this way but the audio was very easy to just slot into my day.
The ancient world was exciting to hear about, to see what the author has pieced together from fact to create her own, very unique and quite credible land of ancient darkness and magic.
Fast paced, and full of adventure.
-----
it's as good as ever. Started out with the audio book but finished with the actual copy. i much prefer this way but the audio was very easy to just slot into my day.
I reread this for the third time, this time aloud to my sister. Even after reading this three times, I still love it and find excitement on every page! This is my favorite series of all time, I may even like it more than Percy Jackson...
I actually read these series when I was a younger teen. At that point in time I really hated romantic Young Adult novels and enjoyed fantasy and otherworldly settings. That is probably why the 'Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Series' were one of my favourites- but do not be disheartened, for there is romance, it's just not drowning in it. It is a very original book and in the young adult shelves you won't find too many like this. It is hunting and is set in an age far earlier then technology and
...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Jul 29, 2014
Biblio Curious
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
parents, harry potter fans
Shelves:
taught
Fantastic series to share with your kids! It's middle grade. They live in the wild, so there are some hunting scenes that could be intense for sensitive children. The boys I taught were fine, some girls too. A couple girls didn't like those parts, but they all really enjoyed it.
Great pacing and character development. It has elements of magic and tonnes of educational elements relating to nature. Great discussion topics to have with kids about respecting nature, technology, friendship and surviva ...more
Great pacing and character development. It has elements of magic and tonnes of educational elements relating to nature. Great discussion topics to have with kids about respecting nature, technology, friendship and surviva ...more
This is one of those books that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. At first I wasn't too sure because I only had the audio version and the narrator was at times difficult for me to understand, but I got used to it so my enjoyment of the book increased.
Torak is orphaned and he and his wolf cub are purposed to save the world from evil, a demonic bear. Torak promised his father on his dad's death bed that he would travel to the home of the World Spirit and basically beg for help. I ...more
Torak is orphaned and he and his wolf cub are purposed to save the world from evil, a demonic bear. Torak promised his father on his dad's death bed that he would travel to the home of the World Spirit and basically beg for help. I ...more
An enchanting read! I had to give this book 5 stars for the nostalgia aspect - I read half when I was in primary school, but managed to lose the book somehow. I remember it being so good, that I had to purchase another copy on eBay!
‘Wolf Brother’ takes you back to the ancient times of hunters, clans and spirits, and is captivating from the first chapter. I love Michelle’s personification of nature and her imagery throughout creates a magical, intense atmosphere for the reader. In parts, she narr ...more
‘Wolf Brother’ takes you back to the ancient times of hunters, clans and spirits, and is captivating from the first chapter. I love Michelle’s personification of nature and her imagery throughout creates a magical, intense atmosphere for the reader. In parts, she narr ...more
It is abut a journey through dangerous perils. I liked the main characters. T was exciting to read.
Wolf Brother is an alright book if you're into light reading and this kind of genre. If you, like me, however, are into/used to "deeper" books, that leave you wanting more and give you something to think about afterwards - this book might leave you unimpressed.
The character development is gone over very lightly. From one page to the next, Torak goes from finding the wolf pup annoying, to needing it and worrying about it. Torak and Renns relationship is interesting, but the development is left ou ...more
The character development is gone over very lightly. From one page to the next, Torak goes from finding the wolf pup annoying, to needing it and worrying about it. Torak and Renns relationship is interesting, but the development is left ou ...more
ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.
Torak and his father have been living alone, away from their clan, for as long as Torak can remember. When a demon-possessed bear attacks them one night, Torak’s father is mortally wounded. Before he dies, he makes Torak promise to seek the Mountain of the World Spirit. On his journey to the mountain, Torak meets a recently orphaned wolf cub who becomes his guide, and then the boy and his wolf are captured by a tribe who wonder if Torak will fulfill their ...more
Torak and his father have been living alone, away from their clan, for as long as Torak can remember. When a demon-possessed bear attacks them one night, Torak’s father is mortally wounded. Before he dies, he makes Torak promise to seek the Mountain of the World Spirit. On his journey to the mountain, Torak meets a recently orphaned wolf cub who becomes his guide, and then the boy and his wolf are captured by a tribe who wonder if Torak will fulfill their ...more
Jan 11, 2015
Imi
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Children aged 8-13
Shelves:
fiction,
british,
kindle,
read-in-2015,
she-writes,
rereads-pre-gr,
adventure,
magic,
childrens,
prehistoric
This will be a brief review of the whole Chronicle of Ancient Darkness series, but there won't be any spoilers from any of the books.
I loved this series as a child. It was one of my childhood obsessions. And I hate leaving a series unfinished. Unfortunately, by the time the final book, Ghost Hunter, was released, I was already way older than the series' target audience and had moved on to other things. Only last year, when I read Paver's adult novel Dark Matter, did I decide to reread the first ...more
I loved this series as a child. It was one of my childhood obsessions. And I hate leaving a series unfinished. Unfortunately, by the time the final book, Ghost Hunter, was released, I was already way older than the series' target audience and had moved on to other things. Only last year, when I read Paver's adult novel Dark Matter, did I decide to reread the first ...more
Mar 13, 2011
Alison
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
confident-readers-chapter-books
This book is set in Stone Age Northern Europe. Torak and his father are outcasts from their tribe, living in the great Forest as hunter-gatherers. Then his father is attacked and killed by a demon bear, and Torak must survive on his own. With the help of an orphaned wolf cub and a girl called Renn, Torak comes to discover his powers and to use them to fulfil his destiny.
Michelle Paver manages to convey an amazing sense of place and immediacy in this novel, sometimes writing from Torak’s point of ...more
Michelle Paver manages to convey an amazing sense of place and immediacy in this novel, sometimes writing from Torak’s point of ...more
The first time I saw this book was at a Barnes and Nobles a couple years ago. It was a choice between a "Haunted Storys" or "Wolf Brother". I am so glad that I picked Wolf Brother. Not only was this book fictionally entertaining, but Michelle Paver succeeded in making it a page turner with Facts. The food that they ate, the clothes that they wear, the clans, the life, All of this was Facts. She really made you feel like you are there.
The main character, Torak, is a 12 year old boy, or 12 Summer ...more
The main character, Torak, is a 12 year old boy, or 12 Summer ...more
I am absolutely in love with Wolf Brother! I can’t believe it took me so long to read this series.
The first thing that stood out for me about this book is the unique setting and time period. How many YA novels can you name that are set in the Stone Age? Not many, I guarantee you. The details that Michelle Paver wrote about the forest and the animals were fantastic. You know that she did her research because of the way the lives of the character were portrayed. I don’t know much about the Stone ...more
The first thing that stood out for me about this book is the unique setting and time period. How many YA novels can you name that are set in the Stone Age? Not many, I guarantee you. The details that Michelle Paver wrote about the forest and the animals were fantastic. You know that she did her research because of the way the lives of the character were portrayed. I don’t know much about the Stone ...more
This book by Michelle Paver I thought was absolutely amazing. One of my favorite parts was when Torak meets Renn at the raven camp. At first sure they weren't friends but as there unexpected journey went on they learned that they needed each other along with Torak's companion wolf. I would definitely recommend this book to other people because it is a great book for people who love adventure and action. There is also constant disappointment through out this book that Torak and Renn will endure.
...more
This is a book for all ages and I really enjoyed reading it. It's full of action and at the same time so easy to read.
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| Character/ Conflict | 1 | 10 | Feb 08, 2018 11:27AM | |
| wolf brother discussion | 1 | 4 | Nov 16, 2017 11:55PM | |
| wolf brother discussion | 1 | 7 | Nov 16, 2017 11:55PM |
Readers also enjoyed
Michelle Paver was born in Central Africa, but came to England as a child. After gaining a degree in Biochemistry from Oxford University, she became a partner in a City law firm, but eventually gave that up to write full-time.
The hugely successful Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series arose from Michelle's lifelong passion for animals, anthropology and the distant past - as as well as an encounter ...more
The hugely successful Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series arose from Michelle's lifelong passion for animals, anthropology and the distant past - as as well as an encounter ...more
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Chronicles of Ancient Darkness
(7 books)
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