Anna writes…

Dear Mrs Paver,

I do not exactly have a question, I would only like to tell you how much Chronicles of Ancient Darkness mean to me.
I first stumbled upon them in my local library when I was still in primary school and their covers immediately caught my eye. I remember reading so late into the night my mom was not happy about it because I had school the next day (but it didn't stop me!). I recommended the franchise to anyone who would listen and many of the people I talked to about it actually went and read it and loved it so much.
The fact that you took the time to do such a throughout research about everything makes the story so unique and captivating. It is really easy to get absorbed in it and feel like you are there with Torak, Renn and Wolf for every second of their adventure.

A few years back I finally bought the whole collection and read it again (like many times before) and when I found out that three more books were coming I felt like a child again, transported back to when I first read the first one with excitement.
I was so sad to hear the TV series will not be happening but knowing that I can always come back to the physical books and the amazing audiobooks soothed my sadness really quickly.
The story and its remarkable world you have created will forever be in my heart and as a little reminder I got a tattoo on my arm of some of the symbols in each of the six original books. It makes me happy just to look at it!

Thank you again and I wish you all the best,
Anna

Michelle Replies…

Dear Anna,

I read your email after getting home from a very long day sorting family stuff (I have a 92-year old mother) – and it was such a delight!  I really enjoyed reading your account of how you discovered the Wolf Brother books, and of what they meant to you.  And I had to smile when you said that when you were  a child, you got told off by your mother for reading too late at night.  The same thing happened to me when I was a child, and it was very much in my mind when I started writing Wolf Brother.  My aim, as I have often told interviewers, was to get children told off for reading in bed at night!  So my apologies (sort of) to your mother; but I bet she was secretly pleased that you were  reading a book.

I’m also delighted that you have enjoyed the final three books in the series – as well as Ian McKellen’s magnificent readings of the audiobooks.  And I love the sound of those tattoos; what a great idea.  Thank you so much for getting in touch – and may the guardian run with you!    With very best wishes, Michelle