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 way that not only push forward the narrative but also give great insight into one of the characters while also giving explanations for these dreams or visions that fit the lore of the world you built. I am curious as to:
1. What was your vision/intention with using dreams and visions to greater extend?
2. When it comes to Wolf how did you come up with ideas of how an animal would dream?
3. Do you feel there is anything that differentiates Chronicles of Ancient Darks usage of Dreams from other book series?
Dear Niklas, what an interesting essay. To answer your questions: (1) My intentions in using dreams and visions in the Wolf Brother books were largely as you say, either to drive the story, and/or to show character – while trying to stay in keeping with how prehistoric people might have thought. In psychological terms, the dreams of Renn and Torak mostly tend to show what’s going on in their unconscious: in other words, what they’re not yet conscious of knowing, but are aware of at a deeper level. For instance, in Viper’s Daughter when Renn dreams/has a vision of her mother, on a psychological level this is her unconscious helping her process the fact that she has inherited aspects of her mother – which, as she comes to realise over the course of the story – aren’t all bad. Also, some of Renn’s waking visions, and all of Torak’s spirit walking, are of course based on shamanism, as practised by many indigenous peoples all over the world (and probably by prehistoric people as well). (2) For Wolf’s dreams, I’ve used what I know of wolf and dog cognition, and I’ve tried to keep his dreams simpler than those of Torak and Renn, and rooted in instinct and feeling; the same goes for all the passages from Wolf’s point of view. (3) Finally, I can’t really say whether my approach differs from how dreams are used in other book series, as I don’t really know any. Except, I suppose, that I try to avoid dreams being too prophetic. I wouldn’t regard that as realistic – unless, of course, the “prophecy” really relates to something that the character is already unconsciously aware of. I hope the above proves helpful to you – and good luck with what sounds like a fascinating essay! With best wishes, Michelle
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Hay Festival Book Club – Dark Matter
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Wimbledon Book Festival
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Yeovil Literary Festival
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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
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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!
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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!
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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.