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 similarities to Dark Matter, it still kept me on my toes and I thoroughly enjoyed the read! I’ve just seen that you have a new book in this genre in the works and I’m very excited for the release!!
Now onto the main reason I decided to message again… I got hold of a copy of The Shadow Catcher a little while ago and was hesitant to read it as it’s different to what I’ve previously enjoyed reading… but once I started I couldn’t put it down, it flowed so easily and is so beautifully written with small twists of darkness thrown in. I then saw that the second book’s protagonist was the sister of the first book’s and was hesitant to read that one too… however I found a copy and loved it even more than the first! (I especially love the detail and accuracy of everything equine- I previously worked with horses and now lucky enough have my boy on full loan. Also the detail of everything nature- I now work on a tree nursery- i feel like I connected with this trilogy tenfold because of this, and also when re-reading the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness!) I then couldn’t wait to read the third in the trilogy but made myself be patient and read a Terry Pratchett book in between. I have just finished The Serpents Tooth and feel like I felt every emotion written in the book and didn’t want it to end!
The research and passion for nature you put into your books to make them as accurate as possible whilst remaining fictional is incredible and personally I feel it adds depth to your books without any waffle! I imagine that’s all we’ll see of the Daughters of Eden, but is there possibility of something similar at all in the future? It makes for a lovely relaxing story after being traumatised (ok that’s a little dramatic, haha!) by Dark Matter.

Thank you so much for your imagination, research and putting such beautiful (or tension ridden!) words on paper!!
Aimee

Michelle Replies…

Dear Aimee, thank you for your lovely comments about my Daughters of Eden trilogy; I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it!  As you may know, I started my career writing historical novels for grown-ups: first came Without Charity, then A Place in the Hills (my personal favourite of those early books), and then Daughters of Eden – which drew on aspects of my family connection with Jamaica.  However it was only when Wolf Brother came along that I felt as if I’d truly found my subject; so to me now as I look back, those five early books can feel quite distant.  It’s therefore very gratifying to hear from a reader who has read and enjoyed them after reading my later stories.  Thank you again, Aimee, for getting in touch – and I really hope that you enjoy Rainforest, when it comes out in October!  With very best wishes, Michelle.

P.S. And to anyone reading this who’s interested in getting hold of these early books, I believe my publishers intend to re-release them as e-books next year.  When I know more, I’ll post news on my website.