A Book that takes place before the events of Wolf Brother?

Ask Michelle Anything

Ethan writes…

Hello Michelle,
When I was reading Chronicles Of Ancient Darkness, one thing always stuck to me – I always wondered what more we didn't get to know about Fa. I believe that he has a great story left to tell, and the fact that he only ever appears in the first few pages of Wolf Brother makes me curious as to whether you could develop another book in the series – this time, not following Torak's or Renn's story, but through the perspective of Fa, and Torak's mother, which is another character I would love to know more about. Perhaps the book might end at the night of when the demon bear attacks, or his last yells echoing through the forest, telling Torak to run. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this matter.

Thank you, for all the wonderful adventures you've shared on Torak and his friends. They've really inspired me to create some stories of my own!

Best Wishes,
Ethan

Michelle Replies…

Dear Ethan,  thanks for your message, and you’re not the only reader who has asked me about prequels.  You’re right in that there is an entire backstory to be told, but I’m afraid that it’s never appealed to me to write it.  I prefer to keep it mentioned in hints and glancing references, and I’ve always thought that it would destroy the mystery – particularly as regards Fin-Kedinn – if I were to write that story in full.  Also, the thing I find off-putting about prequels is that we already know how they end; and in Fa’s case, it doesn’t end well!  However, I’m delighted that you’ve enjoyed the books so much, and I’d like to wish you the best of all possible luck with your own writing.  With best wishes, Michelle


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Wimbledon Book Festival

October 17, 2025
Festival patron and Sunday Times bestselling author Michelle Paver will talk about her latest supernatural fiction in this live recording with Always Take Notes, a podcast for and about writers and writing.

Michelle will discuss her incredible career, from finding inspiration for Wolf Brother on Wimbledon Common to her latest novel Rainforest, which weaves Mayan culture with themes of obsession, gender and rebirth.

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The Witching Hour with Bridget Collins, Michelle Paver and Laura Shepherd-Robinson – Waterstones Canterbury

October 20, 2025

Join Bridget Collins, Michelle Paver and Laura Sheperd-Robinson as they discuss their stories in a brand new collection of ghostly tales called The Witching Hour.

In this dazzling collection of original haunted tales, thirteen bestselling and much-loved authors bring the old superstition of the witching hour to new and vivid life.
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Yeovil Literary Festival

October 25, 2025

An experience like no other. From a writer like no other...

Successfully published as an adult author, the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness (“Wolf Brother”) were her first books for younger readers, followed by her brilliant 5-part series set in the bronze age, Gods and Warriors. On the adult side, her first ghost story, Dark Matter, was a UK bestseller and won massive praise from reviewers and readers alike, as did her second ghost story, Thin Air.

Oxford Literary Festival 2026

March 29, 2026

The Oxford Literary Festival takes place in venues across central Oxford, such as Blackwell's bookshop, the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Weston Library, and Oxford colleges such as Christ Church and Worcester College. The festival includes international authors, journalists, intellectuals, historians, and poets.