Michelle's Mailbag
Here are Michelle’s most recent answers to the questions and messages readers have submitted.
chronicles of ancient darkness series: the books of my childhood
faye writes… Hi Michelle! I grew up reading your books from the age of eight to now eighteen and the wolf brother series is hands down one of the best i have ever read. I've always loved the idea of toraks world being adapted to a TV show, and I know there was a cancellation…
Revisiting Gruhuken
Valda writes… I love this book and always enjoy recommending it to other people, so as it’s hot and steamy in Suffolk, what could be better than (re) visiting Gruhuken with Jack and spending some time in the Arctic. Michelle Replies… Dear Valda, it must indeed be hot in Suffolk – it’s getting pretty tropical…
Loving the Wolf Brothers series
Briar writes… I love the Wolf brother series. It changed my life. I’m currently on oathbreaker. It is my favorite series yet. Michelle Replies… Hello, Briar. It’s brilliant that you’re enjoying the books so much, and thanks a lot for letting me know! I hope you enjoy Oathbreaker as much as the previous stories, and that…
Superb: An early review of RAINFOREST from a reviewer who’s read the proof
Ryan writes… Dear Michelle, I hope this message finds you well and you are finding ways to stay cool during this heatwave we’re currently having! I wanted to message to congratulate you on what a triumph RAINFOREST is. I was lucky enough to get a digital proof on NetGalley and of course I had to…
Wakenhyrst
Lau writes… I want to thank you for writing this novel. English is not my first language, nor am I from the UK, so it has been a truly enriching journey. It has been years since I’ve read with a dictionary in hand, and it has made me feel very rewarded. Furthermore, it has helped…
about you
Jan writes… Hi my name is janice i am in primary school i am doing a school report about you I have a few questions 1.what is ur fav color 2.what challenges did u have to over come 3.what do you wish for to do in the future ty this will help alot i couldn't…
Dark Matter and Thin Air – I want more books!
Pamela writes… Hi, I’ve recently read both Dark Matter and Thin Air and I am devastated you don’t have any more books along these lines. I genuinely don’t want to read anything else. I absolutely loved everything about them: you’re writing style, the plot, the story telling, the atmosphere, the characters and all of the…
Clan guardians
Jasmyn writes… Hi my names jasmyn and I have loved reading the chronicles of ancient darkness. I would like to ask you about clan guardians. Can your clan guardian be an animal that you are deeply connected too? Thanks, Jasmyn Michelle Replies… Hello again, Jasmyn, and thanks for this. You’re quite right, your clan guardian…
Can you have clans today? Can your clan be a bird or animal you feel connected to?
Jasmyn writes… Can you have a clan today. Is a clan a bird or animal you are deeply connected too?Can that be your clan and guardian? Michelle Replies… What a fascinating question, Jasmyn, I don’t think I’ve been asked that in quite the same way before. First, let’s look at what we mean by a…
Chronicles of Ancient Darkness and growing up: how did you tackle the last three books?
Isabelle writes… Hello, Michelle! Hope you’re doing well! I fell in love with the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness books as a pre-teen and has since re-read them in about every stage of my life and each re-read gives new perspectives on the books as my own life experiences grow. For example, while as a kid,…
Wolf brother – how did you get the idea?
Jeffrey writes… How did you think of the idea to make the book wolf brother and what inspired you to make this specific book series Michelle Replies… Dear Jeffrey, I think the idea for Wolf Brother goes back to when I was a child, and mad keen on wolves and the Stone Age. I loved…
Inspiration Inquiry & Prehistoric Fantasy Series Idea
Joshua writes… As a fan of both your esteemed historical fantasy series:- the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, & having recently discovered Jean M. Auel’s own intriguing prehistorical fictional series:- Earth's Children—I would like to ask if you have been influenced by her preceding work. Is this so? Also, I would like to know if you…
Your books changed my life!
Holland writes… I rediscovered the Wolf Brother series this winter when I visited my parents’ house. I was obsessed with the series as a kid (I’m now 30). I took the books home and re-read them; I was completely blown away by how much and how differently I enjoyed them as an adult. As a…
Wolf Brother – does part of you want to revisit that world?
Anton writes… Hi Michelle! First of all I would like to thank you for creating such a captivating story and world with Wolf Brother! I’ve been an avid reader of the books since 2006 when I started out at 8 years old, and now at almost 27 I read it in class for my own…
Thank you – for ending my reading drought
Lauren writes… Hi Michelle, I was in the midst of a severe multi-year reading drought when I happened to pick up a copy of Dark Matter. I read it in less than two days – I couldn't put it down! I then read Thin Air within one day and it unlocked something in me –…
Inspiration and thanks – for Dark Matter, Thin Air and Wakenhyrst
Aly writes… Hi Michelle. I can't tell you how excited I am to read your new books. I have pre ordered both. Also it's great you are promoting independent book stores. I have fallen in love with Thin Air and Dark Matter and Wakenhyrst. There is something about your books that hooks in my own…
The Witching hour
Maria writes… Hello I am keen to pre order 'The witching Hour' but the link took me to Amazon. I'd prefer to order it from an Independent bookshop like I could with The Rainforest. Do you know if this is possible? Many thanks Maria Michelle Replies… It’s great that you’d like to pre-order The Witching…
WHO IS THE SEVENTH SOUL EATER ？*and you are the best author of all time*
Tali writes… Dear Michelle， my name is Tali and I'm 11. I love every single one of your books – in the wolf brother series . It started when I found a copy of wolf brother in a phone box / library in Leominster . Anyways，I have 2 questions ： Who is the 7th soul…
Digital Books – Wolf Brother
Kamille writes… Hello! I read the book Brother Wolf when I was probably 11 years old, it was from a community library, years passed and today, at 21 years old, I remembered it. Here in Brazil, they don't sell them anymore, so I wanted to know if you ever intend to put it in digital…
Thanks – and strange coincidences concerning your books…
Kira writes… Hi Michelle, When I was younger my FAVOURITE books were the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. I was obsessed with wolves, and I attended a writing class you hosted at a wolf sanctuary here in England, many, many years ago. I must have been barely a teenager. I had a wolf themed bedroom hahaha.…
Boeken – Your books: which ones can I buy in Dutch?
Melissa writes… Welke boeken van jou te koop Michelle Replies… Hi, Melissa. Sorry, I don’t speak Dutch, but I think you asked: which of my books can you buy in Dutch? The six Torak en Wolf books were published by the House of Books – but I don’t know if they’re still in print. The…
Your favourite author?
Jenny writes… Hi Michelle, I hope you're well and I'm sure you're busy gearing up for your new book release which I'm extremely excited for! I'm taking part in a book challenge and the prompt for May is to read a book by a favourite author's favourite author. I'm a huge fan of Thin Air,…
How long did it take to write the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness?
Marko writes… Hi again. It is Marko remember? Thanks for replay! I am happy you like my English beacuse I am teaching it from 1.class to now. I want to ask how much time do you need to vrane ancidant cronic of darkness? Have a nice day Marko Michelle Replies… Hello again, Marko. If I’ve…
A reader in Slovenia asks: how old are you, Michelle?
Marko writes… Hi, I'm 13 years old and I am from Slovenia. I fall in love with your books first time I read them. You are good writer. When I start reading your books I can not stop😀! If I can ask, how old are you? I am veary happy beacuse you're books are in…
GRAPHIC NOVELS COMING?
Kirsten writes… I am a Teacher Librarian in British Columbia, Canada – many of my students are wondering if you plan to make your novels into Graphic Novels? Thanks! Michelle Replies… Hello, Kirsten, thanks for your question. I’m afraid I’ve no plans for turning my stories into Graphic Novels – although that’s not because I’ve…
Gods & Warriors and Chronicles of Ancient Darkness: a love of Archaeology and a return to reading!
Carla writes… Hello!! I'm sorry for the lenght of this message, but I wanted to explain how important you've been to me ^^. I just wanted to tell you that I read the Gods and Warriors saga when it released back in 2012/2013. I was a teenager, and I had a Greek mythology fever due…
Wolf Bane – a Spanish Edition for Mexico?
Luciana writes… Hi Michelle, I hope you're doing well. I'm Luciana Aramburo, I'm eleven years old and I live in Jalisco, Mexico. I have already read all the books in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness collection, I liked them very much and I saw that you released a new book "Wolf Bane". I would like…
Chronicles of Ancient Darkness – How did you create the names?
Fenella writes… Hi Michelle, I am relatively new to your books and I was wondering where you get all of the unique names from. Anyway I am loving your books and hope they get better as I keep reading. Thanks, Fenella Michelle Replies… Hello, Fenella, and welcome to the world of Torak, Renn and Wolf! …
Daughters of Eden trilogy
Susan writes… I have just re-read The Shadow Catcher and it has made me want to read the rest of the trilogy, but don’t even know the titles, which weren’t available when I bought The Shadow Catcher. Perhaps they are out of print? You have obviously written many books since 2002! Best wishes, Susan Carson-Rowland…
An update on Torak the dog and his human
Sasha writes… Dear Michelle, I wrote to you last year about adopting a dog and naming him Torak. I've come back to report that Torak is doing amazing in his new home! He's learned a ton of stuff, from boring old house rules (such as don't steal my slippers to get attention) to tricks. Most…
Seals in Dark Matter: some thoughts
P writes… Possible spoiler, sorry, but am so curious. I couldn't help noticing the repeated reference to a small "wet dark round head" throughout the story. I also think that Algy's mistreatment of the seals is no coincidence. I think the explanation coming from the various minor characters is a red herring. I love Scottish…
Forgot to mention in previous message on Dark Matter
Mona writes… That things are dark in the U.S. right now, very frightening, and it often feels like the news here is just more horrible and more horrible, and your bleak and haunting tale made me feel much better! I guess it was the escapism I needed. Thank you so much. Michelle Replies… Dear Mona,…
Dark matter
Mona writes… I just finished dark matter and I loved it so much. The setting and characters were so vivid, I felt like I was there. I was trying to imagine a book that would suit me more in setting, atmosphere, characters, or story and I cannot. I cried at the end and thought the…
Dark Matter – photos from when you were writing it
Victor writes… Dear Michelle. I have just started Dark Matter. Very enjoyable so far and looking forward to completing. I do not often read fiction. When you travelled around the setting of the book. I assume that you took lots of pictures. Have you thought about showing some of the pictures on your website? Thanks…
Autograph – can you sign and send one out?
David writes… Good morning, I have read all your books. I would love to have your autograph on a sticker to send to Italy. If you can of course. Thanks Michelle Replies… Hello, David. I’m really pleased that you’ve read and enjoyed my books! However I’m afraid that I can’t sign a sticker and send…
Advice on writing and getting published
Daniel writes… Hi Michelle, I wrote to you a few days ago saying how much I love your books, and asking for advice about my own writing and getting published. I'd really appreciate a response, whatever it may be. I really love your books. Thanks a lot. Cheers, Daniel. Michelle Replies… Dear Daniel, I’ve paraphrased…
New ghosts – that is, Michelle’s upcoming new ghost story
Richard writes… Recently re read Thin Ice and Dark Matter. Both fantastic and should be regarded as modern classics of the genre. Anyhow I googled to see if anything new was on the way and behold Rainforest. More than happy, cannot wait to dive in. Michelle Replies… Ah, Richard, I’m so happy that you enjoyed…
questions about your Wolf Brother books and how i love them
Violet writes… I absolutely love the series Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. I have just finished reading the last one Wolf Bane. I’ve been reading them ever since a month before the summer holidays in 2024. For World Book Day [6th of March or the day I sent you this message] I went as Renn. And…
Thank you – from a French reader who has grown up with the Wolf Brother books
Léa writes… Hello ! I don’t have a question to ask. I just want to say : thank you. I’m from France, and I read for the first time Wolf Brother when I was about 9 or 10 years old. I was immediately obsessed with the world and the characters. From book 1 to book…
Daughters of Eden – Michelle’s earlier trilogy set in Jamaica
Aimee writes… Hi Michelle, I left a message around a year ago praising the three newest Chronicles of Ancient Darkness books. Since then I’ve read Dark Matter, Wakenhyrst (particularly thrilling as I live near Ely in the fens!) and Thin Air. All three had me on edge, and although I found Thin Air had its…
DARK MATTER – where can I get a copy?
Whitney writes… Hello!!! I would love to read Dark Matter, i have heard wonderful things about that book and for some reason I can’t find it anywhere to purchase! Helpppp! Michelle Replies… Dear Whitney, I’m afraid that I’m not able to help with questions of availability of my books, as this is up to the…
Rainforest cover
Ryan writes… Dear Michelle! Hoping, as ever, that you are well and 2025 is treating you well so far! I just wanted to write to congratulate you on the STUNNING cover for RAINFOREST which I saw Goldsboro revealed a few days ago. I love how it’s so colourful and yet so foreboding and ominous! It’s…
wolfbane audio cd
lynn writes… Can you confirm how i can get a copy of Wolfbane on Audio Cd – we have every other one in the set andd whilst i can access it on some streaming sites i woud really like the CD to complete the collection – i cannot find it anywhere and am desperate to…
Just a greeting – from someone who grew up in Sweden with the Wolf Brother books
Sofie writes… Dear Michelle, Hello! My name is Sofie, and I just wanted to write and give you my thanks. My mom gave me the 1st CoAD book for Christmas back in 2011 when I’d turned 12 years old, and we both got hooked – I’m 25 now and I still love your books so,…
Wakenhyrst – I Want My Very Own Chatterpie
Rhona writes… I just wanted to say I think about this book constantly. I recommend this book to anyone I can. I want my very own chatterpie I live near a fen I want a doom painting Thanks so much for writing this true diamond xx Michelle Replies… Dear Rhona, I’m absolutely delighted that you…
Rainforest! Any signed editions or sprayed edges?
Daryl writes… Hello! I wrote to you previously praising Dark Matter & Thin Air and was ecstatic to learn you were writing a new book which we now know is titled Rainforest. Are you planning to do any signed editions or sprayed edges? Im hoping to preorder from waterstones but have jumped the gun before…
On the Writing Process, Mrs Oliphant, and Reprints of Michelle’s earliest novels
Ryan writes… Hi Michelle!! I am a writer from Edinburgh, Scotland! I first read your books back in secondary school in Dundee, where I was born and grew up, and I have loved them ever since. Nightly listening to Ian McKellen reading "Chronicles of Ancient Darkness" was one of the best thing in my adolescence.…
Developing Your Unique Writing Voice
Hilbert writes… Dear Michelle, I still remember when my brother came home from school one day with that orangey-brown book and I knew from the get-go I wanted to read it too. I think that must have been in 2009/10. We both devoured the whole Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series, returning each day with another…
Mexico 🇲🇽
Ximena writes… hellooo. Good morning, afternoon or evening wherever you are. Let me introduce myself, I am Ximena Ortiz from Mexico 🇲🇽 and I am very excited to be able to write to you since she is my favorite author and her works on “Chronicles of Prehistory” have really enchanted me and allowed me to…
Clancast Q&A From 1st November 2009 – Is It Available Anywhere? (Yes!)
Asia writes… Hi Michelle, I have been a fan of yours for a very very long time!! I hope you are doing amazingly and time has treated you well. My question is whether you have a recording of Q&A that took place on the 1st of November in 2009? I know this is a big…