Chronicles Of Ancient Darkness
Jacob writes…
Hello, Michelle!
My name is Jacob and I am 14. I recently sent a message to your mailbox. When I sent it I hadn’t actually finished the last book. Upon finishing it, I saw in the authors note that your neighbors from wimbledon had helped you with writing about wolfs tail. I was so shocked to find out my favourite writer also lives in the same town as me. I also wanted to say that your books are stunning and page turning unlike no other.
I said this in my other message: that I had an idea about a book you could write (renn and toraks child is taken to be used as a tokoroth). I know you said you would never write another one of these books, and I know it is such hard work writing books, but genuinely I would on behalf of every fan be elated to read another book. Now finally for my question:
-Would Clans 6000 years ago tolerate homosexuality
-what was your favorite book to write
-are you ever going to pursue trying to bring the movie version alive? (Please 😁)
Thank you,
Jacob
Hello again, Jacob; and what a coincidence that you live in the same area as me! To answer your questions: first, as regards a film of Wolf Brother, it’s really for the film studios to decide that; and if someone comes along who looks likely to make a good job of it, of course I’ll be open to that. Secondly, you asked about peoples’ attitudes to homosexuality in Torak’s time, 6,000 years ago. The short answer is, we simply don’t know. So when I came to write the books, I based the clans’ attitudes and beliefs on those of more recent hunter-gatherers, as well as those of people who until recently still lived in traditional ways (see my Author’s Notes to the stories for more details). This led me to take the view that, while some of the clans in the books might be prejudiced (I’m thinking of the Deep Forest clans, who are pretty bigotted, telling Renn that women can’t be mages!), other clans are more inclusive; particularly the Ravens, led by Fin-Kedinn. My research leads me to believe that this is plausible. Thirdly, you asked what was my favourite book to write. I don’t really have favourites – except to say that perhaps my favourite is usually the book I’ve just finished. This is because I can still remember how hard it was to write, and yet I’ve managed to smooth out all the difficult bits and produce a book I’m proud of. So right now it’s Rainforest, a ghost story for adults, which comes out next year. Finally, you put in another plea for a tenth Wolf Brother book. Again, nice try, Jacob; but I think nine books will do. And I’m currently having too much fun writing Gothic novels for adults, to stop! Thanks for getting in touch again. With very best wishes, Michelle
Upcoming Live Events With Michelle
Incredible… Inspiring… In Person!
Hay Festival Book Club – Dark Matter
Michelle in conversation with Danny Robins - this is a FREE online event!
Timeless titles to offer you a break from the day to day. Can't decide what to read next? Follow your curiosity and join Hay Festival on a journey to imagine the world anew through great literature. Unconstrained by genre or form these are our monthly picks of great books worth reading (or re-reading) right now.
Register to watch free online
Tuesday 14 October, 7–8pm BST
Wimbledon Book Festival
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.
The Witching Hour with Bridget Collins, Michelle Paver and Laura Shepherd-Robinson – Waterstones Canterbury
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.
Yeovil Literary Festival
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.
Toppings Bookshop, Ely
It’s nearly Halloween! Where better to get in the Gothic mood than with Michelle’s spine-chilling world of the supernatural? Come along if you’re in the Ely area (book your place first) and enjoy a thrilling evening of shadows!
Venue: St Peter's Church
Broad Street,
Ely
Cambridgeshire CB7 4BB
Doors Open 6.40pm Start Time 7pm
Shadows and Spirits: Writing the Unseen
Step into the shadows with three masters of modern Gothic and supernatural fiction - Michelle, Syd Moore and CJ Cooke - as they explore why dark stories continue to captivate us. From haunted coastlines to Arctic wastelands, and from age-old folklore to the secrets of the human psyche, these acclaimed authors weave tales that blur the boundaries between the real and the uncanny. In this compelling conversation, they’ll discuss the enduring appeal of the Gothic, the influence of myth and landscape, and why stories of ghosts, spirits, and things unseen still resonate in today’s world. Expect insights, chills, and a celebration of fiction that thrives in the shadows. Tickets are limited so get them while you can!
Goldsboro Books
23-27 Cecil Court
London WC2N 4EZ
Time: 6.30pm (doors from 6pm)
Women in Horror Weekend
Come and celebrate Women in Horror Weekend with Waterstones Nottingham! Including author talks from the some of the best women writers in horror, a classic film screening and spooky goody bags and workshops from Lush Nottingham! Michelle will be in conversation with Julia Armfield on Saturday from 5;15pm onwards... See you there!
Waterstones Nottingham
1/5 Bridlesmith Gate
Nottingham NG1 2GR
Te. 0115 9470069
WINTER HAUNTS 2025
Online event! Ghost story, gothic and supernatural fiction day 10:30am - 6:30pm GMT... Michelle with Lucy Rose, Jess Kidd, Emilia Hart, CJ Cooke, Hollie Starling, Emma Glass. Connect with fellow fans of the strange, the eerie, and the otherworldly!
Oxford Literary Festival 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.