Paver-2234

Michelle's Mailbag

Here are Michelle’s most recent answers to the questions and messages readers have submitted.

tattoos and thankyous

evan writes... michelle for my tenth birthday in 2016 i was given my copy of the wolf brother book, every following excuse or holiday i got i would ask for the next installed and finished the series when i was 13. i held it dearly to my heart having grown up with my dad calling me 'wolf child' and running around woods and camping i instantly had felt a resonance with the series though perhaps...

Not as much as a question, but a thank you.

Ash writes... Hi Michelle, As a child the Wolf Brother series was one of my favourites. It's been so influential to me; to the point of naming what is probably my first ever character in Renn's honour when I was fourteen. I still write to this day. In part, a LOT of that is because of you. I even aim to go into the publishing industry. I'm not much of a writer, despite my enjoyment...

Clan-tattoos part 2

Sofie writes... Hello again! I forgot one part of my previous message, haha. I was wondering if you had any significance in mind when it comes to the placements of the different clan tattoos, as in if certain parts of the body would mean something special to the clans or bear some kind of importance when it comes to where they wear their tattoos. Again, if it's better left obscure I am happy still! Haha....

Clan-tattoos: some questions

Sofie writes... Hello dear Michelle! I hope you're having a wonderful summer so far and that your latest launch is going well. I heard the news just yesterday, and it seems like a thrill! I'm excited for you. I was just wondering a bit about clan tattoos, so if you don't mind I have a couple of questions! I know you've mentioned some of these things in the books of The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness,...

chronicles of ancient darkness: outcast is amazing

nabatanzi writes... My book to read was outcast but I felt like entering the book. I don't know how you do it but your books are very amazing. Michelle Replies... Dear Cynthia, I'm really glad that you like my books so much, and thank you for taking the time to get in touch!  I hope that once you've finished Outcast, you'll go on to enjoy the further adventures of Torak, Renn and Wolf.  And just...

Freud, Jung, and the forest

Richard writes... Dear Michelle, Thank you for answering my question about analysis. To me, Freud's idea of the unconscious is like a spoiled brat who causes trouble, whereas for Jung it's the source of wisdom. The forest in COAD is like that, the source of life -- but you can't control it. No need to reply, I just couldn't help wanting to share this. I've always loved the forest in these stories and this realisation...

Wakenhyrst Book – signed copy

Lisa writes... Good afternoon, my mum has lost her signed copy of her favourite book. Would it be possible to pay for another copy at all please. Many thanks Michelle Replies... Dear Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear that about your mum's book, but I'm afraid I can't send you another signed copy, as if I did it for you I'd have to do it for everyone, and that wouldn't really be feasible.  I hope...

Ghosts of Summer

Lucan writes... Having just read your latest article I feel compelled to lambast your publisher, we want ghost stories the whole year round! The summer is when the ghosts don't just skulk in the shadows but they ride forth. I have just spent the night of the summer solstice in meditation on top of the Longman of Wilmington and the barrow that sits atop it. The ghosts are very active when the earth is heated...

analysis – what type of therapy did you have?

Richard writes... fascinated by your account of your 'block' dream, and its resolution with analysis; do you mind me asking what kind of analysis you had? I know analysis and therapy quite often doesn't help so anything you'd share as to what made it work would be great, though I'm asking a lot! perhaps just -- was it the type of therapy or the rapport with the therapist? Michelle Replies... I'm glad you asked that,...

Source of the Spell in Spirit Walker – and the Ian McKellen connection

Tim writes... Dear Michelle, We have met before (and I've asked you questions before), and this time I would like to ask you yet another very specific question about a scene in COAD. At the start of Spirit Walker, when the sickness is spreading through the Forest and the first members of the Raven Clan fall ill, Saeunn and Renn perform a ritual over Oslak's body to try to get rid of the disease (he's...

Hi!

Paige writes… Omg it’s so cool to talk to you!! Hi, my name’s Paige and I’m 16 years old. I’ve just wanted to say, I LOVE your wolf brother series so much!! I’ve been reading them since I was 11 in primary school! These books never get old, I’m currently re-reading wolf brother again right…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Hi!

Trans and non binary people

Sam the really cool one writes… Hiya Michelle So I know that Dark and Kujai are accepted in the world (I think you said it in one of your you tube videos) but as the title suggests how are more gender diverse people treated in different places around the world of COAD? and are there…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Trans and non binary people

Thank you

Dan writes… Dearest Michelle, I just wanted to express my appreciation for the your writing. I read Wolf Brother and its sequels as a child (many years ago!). I am now a practicing doctor and have been struggling the last year due to physical and mental health issues, not helped by the intensity of the…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Thank you

Dark and kujai

OnionToaster writes… Are dark and kujai in love? I love your books by the way I was so excited when the 7th came out, I read spirit walker first in year 3, and I really liked it, im in year 7 now and i still love these books Michelle Replies… I’m so glad you like…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Dark and kujai

Fa

Sam writes… Hallo, I’m Sam I know you have had this question about a million times, but not from me. My super original question is….. “What is fa’s name?” Is it actually fa or did Torak forget? I know you’ve said you shall never tell us but I decided might as well ask myself. Best…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Fa

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

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…

Read Michelle's Answer… about A Book that takes place before the events of Wolf Brother?

Your books

Isabelle writes… Hi, I'm Isabelle I'm 13 and a huge fan of your books, after reading the whole series so many, many times for 3 years I've always thought what a great movie, or TV show, or basically anything it could be turned into! (though nothing would be the same the actual book its self.)…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Your books

Chronicles of ancient darkness

Coleman writes… I was fortunate enough to be able to read/ listen to the series as they came out and I was thinking that they would make an amazing TV show especially if it were abke to really follow the books. It's such a different area and style of TV show that's out now I…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Chronicles of ancient darkness

Books

Vaughan writes… Hi, I just wanted to thank you for writing your Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series. I first read the series as a kid, and recently (being 24 doing my masters) wanted to give it a go again. There was a lot of fear involved, I wasn’t sure the series would hold up as…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Books

Wolf brother

Coleman writes… I'm sure you probably get this a lot, but I've been lucky enough to read/ listen to the entire Chronicles of ancient darkness as they came out (even pre-ordered a few) and I was just wondering if you've ever thought about making a TV show out of them. I think it'd be really…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Wolf brother

Adaptations

Holly writes… Hi Michelle! I work at my local library and (luckily) they have gorgeous hardback editions of Dark Matter and Thin Air. I read them both in a week (they were a month or so apart, I get very spooked) with my little book light and rain sounds in the background. I was just…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Adaptations

Theme of uncertainty in the Wolf Brother series

Garrett writes… Why did you intertwine the theme of uncertainty into the Wolf Brother books, where the main characters are always confronting the unknown and the dangers of the forest, without any warning or certainty of events? I recall the brief dialogue between Fin-kedinn and Torak in the book Oath Breaker, in the beginning of…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Theme of uncertainty in the Wolf Brother series

Touring 2024

Ethan writes… Hello Michelle, I've been wondering whether you will do touring – would just love to meet you in person! Me and my friends love reading your Wolf Brother Series, and a meet and greet would make things so much more special! Warm Wishes, Ethan Michelle Replies… Hello, Ethan. It’s great that and your…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Touring 2024

Souleater

Anna writes… Hello, I have been a fan of these books for such a long time. but I cant remember if we see the part where Torak gets the soul eater mark or if I'm being silly and there wasn't one. If there was one please tell me what chapter it is. I was also…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Souleater

A 10th Book?

Mira writes… Dear Ms Paver, I hope you are well! I have hugely enjoyed reading the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness – the series was really a joy to read! I love the impact it had on the reader and it hooked me to read on from the very first book to the very last. This…

Read Michelle's Answer… about A 10th Book?

Les Chroniques des Temps Obscurs Tome 7-8-9 in French.

Stéphanie writes… Looking for your book Les Chroniques des Temps Obscurs Tome 7-8-9 in French. I found #6 on Amazone. I read Tome 1-2-3-4-5 and would really like to continue the series because I like it :). Can you tell me if they are still available somewhere? I canot seem to find them and my…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Les Chroniques des Temps Obscurs Tome 7-8-9 in French.

Gods and Warriors audio books?

Felicity writes… Hi Michelle, I've LOVED listening to the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series with my daughter on audible. We were rather at a loss when we didn't have Torak and Renn in our lives! We discovered the first book in the Gods and Warriors series, which again we have really enjoyed listening to. Will…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Gods and Warriors audio books?

Wolf Brother to Dark Matter

Aimee writes… Hello Michelle! I started reading Wolf Brother when I was 12 (now 27-where has the time gone?!) and at the time read the series up to book 6! I was very excited when I saw an advert for the newest trilogy that came out a couple of years ago, so this year purchased…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Wolf Brother to Dark Matter

thank you

Anna writes… Hi Michelle I just wanted to thank you for providing such an excellent ‘chronicles of ancient darkness’ series 🙂 your books bring me so much peace- I first read them from when I was about twelve, (my grandmother brought me them from the library each week) then I reread the series during the…

Read Michelle's Answer… about thank you

Hi, you’re awesome!

Molly writes… I'd like to interview you, because I LOVE your books. The interview is for a schoolproject and I'd appreciate it very much if you'd accept. If it's not a problem send me a mail as soon as possible. YOU ARE AWESOME!!!! Best regards, Molly <3 Michelle Replies… Dear Molly, I’m so glad that…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Hi, you’re awesome!

Address

Sage writes… Hi my name is Jocelyn, your books are the best I have read in my life. I am 12 and sending this from my aunt’s phone. I wanted to tell you how amazing your series “the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness” my question is how did you pick the names of Renn and Torak…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Address

German translations

Sylvia writes… Dear Michelle, I read some of the Torak books when they first came out (already a mature adult at the time!) and loved them, and knew they would be right up my godson Jonathan's street – now 12, he's been addicted for the last two years and has read volumes 1-5, mostly gifted…

Read Michelle's Answer… about German translations

Dreams and Visions in the Chronicles of Ancient Dark Series

Niklas writes… Dear Michelle Paver, I am currently writing an essay in a class about Dreams in literature for children and teenagers. In my essay I want to take a closer look at the Chronicles of Ancient Dark as I always felt like you had a clever way to place dreams or visions in a…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Dreams and Visions in the Chronicles of Ancient Dark Series

Movie

Hale writes… Please consider making a movie for wolf brother! It would explode in the industry. All ur other books would become hits as well once that took off. I've been reading ur books since I was 9 and I'm 27 now. I love it work and would love to see it on screen Michelle…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Movie

Question about wolf brother

Pedrosky writes… Hord wants to be head of the Raven Clan if Fin-kedinn dies, but Torak knows that's not going to happen, why? Michelle Replies… Hello, and thanks for your question.  Torak knows that Hord could never be Leader of the Raven Clan, because Hord doesn’t have the qualities of a leader.  He’s vain and…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Question about wolf brother

Further content

Conall writes… Hi Michelle, I first started reading the chronicles of ancient darkness when I was 8, I am now 22 and still love them. I’ve seen some comments about taking the books to the screen and was wandering if along side a tv series or box set of films, I was wandering if there…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Further content

New Books

Darin writes… Hi Michelle I felt compelled to write after finishing your three ‘adult’ books. I absolutely loved each of them and couldn’t put them down until they were finished. The atmosphere you created in each was fantastic and spellbinding. I’m a voracious reader and look forward to reading your next book. So the question…

Read Michelle's Answer… about New Books

deciphered

Walt writes… One last thing, or as Columbo always says one more thing . I know why reading DARK MATTER, was hard for me on a first time reading. It hit me to close to home. My wife and I and two daughters built a small log cabin, within twenty-five miles of the Canadian border…

Read Michelle's Answer… about deciphered

New Book and TV Series

Samuel writes… Hello, I just want to say I love your book series the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. Will there ever be a new book and have you got any update in a potential TV series Michelle Replies… Dear Samuel, I’m delighted that you like the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness!  As regards film and/or tv,…

Read Michelle's Answer… about New Book and TV Series

Torak

Michael writes… Dear Michelle, I am now 29 years old, but I grew up with your amazing series about Torak. I was the same age as Torak when I was reading the book 2006. I noticed that your newest Torak books aren‘t translated into german, so I would like to offer to translate them for…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Torak

Simply, a thank you!

Otto writes… Hi, just wanted to reach out to say that the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness were a pretty transformative part of my childhood. I remember reading the Finnish translation of Wolf Brother in just about a day. Having grown up running around the forests of rural Finland, it all just clicked immediately. Outcast ended…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Simply, a thank you!

fan mail

Darren writes… Hi Michelle I am a Year 5 teacher in Cambridgeshire. One of my favourite writing activities is the children writing to their favourite author. This year, I have 2 boys who have written to you! Is there a preferred address we can send them to? Best wishes Darren Smith English Lead Middlefield Primary…

Read Michelle's Answer… about fan mail

My Own Expedition to Svalbard

Ján writes… Dear Mrs. Paver: In December 2023 I bought the Slovak translation of your book, Dark Matter, which intrigued me. In August 1988 we carried out a small expedition to Svalbard lasting about 20 days. We were five rock climbers from Nitra, Slovakia, and two scientists – parasitologists – from the Comenius University in…

Read Michelle's Answer… about My Own Expedition to Svalbard

New Book

Jennifer writes… Morning, will there be a new book release soon? Michelle Replies… Hello, Jennifer.  I do have a new book in the making, but I’m afraid it won’t be out this year, as there’s still lots of work choosing the cover, and so on.  Any further news on this will of course be posted…

Read Michelle's Answer… about New Book

My experience

Daniel writes… I don't have a question but I wanted to message and tell you about my experience with your books. I've never been a huge reader, my mom read all the Harry Potter books to my sister and I when we were kids and there were some others but it wasn't really "my thing".…

Read Michelle's Answer… about My experience

Short Stories

Adrian writes… Hello, Have you written any short stories and do you have any plans for writing a book of ghost or on other subjects, short stories at some point in the future? Thank you. Adrian Banfield. Michelle Replies… Hello, Adrian.  I haven’t written any short stories, whether supernatural or not – and that’s not…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Short Stories

Chronicles of ancient darkness

Milan writes… Hello Michelle! I read your series "Chronicles of ancient darkness" as a kid and always loved it. I loved the presence of nature in these books and how immersive they were. It has also taught me a lot! I just learned that you have added three new books to the series and I'm…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Chronicles of ancient darkness

wolf brother

Zaneta writes… Hi Michelle, I have at last read all nine books of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness starting with Wolf Brother and Ending with Wolfbane. They are very good, very well written and very exciting to read. I like your understanding of how ancient people lived and what they believed in. I felt so…

Read Michelle's Answer… about wolf brother

novel no continue

Ezio writes… Hello my name is Ezio, I am 13 years old and I live in Nice in the south of France. I read your novel (Chronicle of Dark Times) I really loved this book, these adventures are fascinating. I was very disappointed when I learned that the sequel was not released. I would like…

Read Michelle's Answer… about novel no continue

Hello, I’m Xián, I’m going to start reading Brother Wolf

Xián writes… Hello, I'm Xián, I'm from Galicia, Spain, I don't know much English, but I try, I'm going to start reading Brother Wolf in high school I wanted to know what inspired you to make Brother Wolf. Michelle Replies… Hello, Xian. You can find the full story of what inspired me to write Wolf…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Hello, I’m Xián, I’m going to start reading Brother Wolf

About your new book

Liam writes… Just wanted to know when your new book is coming out. I've read ghost story and thin air twice each. Just want more of your work. Thanks Michelle Replies… Glad you like them so much, Liam.  It sounds as if you haven’t yet read my Gothic novel Wakenhyrst, which came out after Thin…

Read Michelle's Answer… about About your new book

New books

Aly writes… Hi Michelle. I have just re read Dark Matter and Thin Air for the third time over the Christmas period. Are you planning on writing anymore books like this? Also Wakenhyrst is another favourite. Anything else along those lines planned? Happy New Year. Aly Clarke, Norfolk, England. Michelle Replies… Dear Aly, Thanks so…

Read Michelle's Answer… about New books

More ghost stories?

Rosalyn writes… Hi Michelle, I just wanted to write to say how much I love your books Thin Air and Dark Matter. My family and I love ghost stories and your books are by far the best we’ve ever read (although we can’t agree which one out of thin air and dark matter we think…

Read Michelle's Answer… about More ghost stories?

Wolf Brothers Series Availability in French

Regina writes… Dear Michelle, My son loves your books and reads them in English, and he would also love to read them in French language as well (he went to French Immersion school in Canada). We are trying to find Wolf Brothers series in French all over the web with no luck, no e-book or…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Wolf Brothers Series Availability in French

Dark Matter

David McBride writes… Will this novel ever be turned into a movie? It should be . Michelle Replies… Dear David, many thanks for your message.  I agree with you that Dark Matter would make a good film (in the right hands).  And over the years it’s been optioned by a couple of film companies.  They’ve…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Dark Matter

Ringraziamento e informazione

Gianluca writes… Buongiorno, Vorrei anzitutto ringraziarti per il tuo libro "La magia del lupo", l'ho trovato genuino ed incantevole. Mi ha fatto tornare bambino, a sognare la magia di vivere nella foresta oltre che di comprenderne il linguaggio della stessa. Ho 33 anni, quindi non sono proprio un bambino…Eppure sono tornato a sognare, con leggerezza.…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Ringraziamento e informazione

just some praise

tanner writes… michelle, hi! i just finished “dark matter” minutes ago – like, truly just minutes ago – and felt inclined to reach out. such an affecting read. scary and sad and good and i really loved the relationship between jack and gus! jack’s inability to journal his real feelings was so… relatable? i see…

Read Michelle's Answer… about just some praise

Review of “Thin Air” – posted in https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28335600-thin-air

Graham writes… Michelle seems to have a great skill in researching the background to each of her novels and making sure the readers find themselves fully engrossed in that background as well as enjoying the story she weaves into it. "Thin Air" is no exception in this regard. I know nothing about mountaineering, and as…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Review of “Thin Air” – posted in https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28335600-thin-air

More “A Ghost Stories” on the way?

Erica writes… Hello! I got recommended Dark Matter by my sister and we ended up reading it in my book club for halloween. It was a great success, and we promptly read Thin Air and Wakenhyrst as well. Now we're eagerly awaiting another novel in this "series" as it were, and I wanted to ask…

Read Michelle's Answer… about More “A Ghost Stories” on the way?

Review of Wakenhyrst

Graham writes… I have just written for Goodreads a review of your wonderful book Wakenhyrst and thought you might like to read it, so here it is: This novel combines gothic horror, ancient fenland folklore, and the social history of the fens. It also depicts very well how women in the early 20th century (as…

Read Michelle's Answer… about Review of Wakenhyrst