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 to Percy Jackson haha. So when I saw your book I bought it, even if it didn't talk about the Greek gods I knew, because I would devour anything Greek. It turns out – I loved it! Like, really loved it. I was so eager for the second book to be published, I read it super fast. Then something sad happened, and it's that the publisher wasn't going to translate the remaining books (I'm from Spain!). During that time I had taken up English, so I said "why not" and bought the next books in the original language. Actually, all of them were already out in English except for the last one, and I got it the very same day it came out because I *needed* to know what happened next. I loved them so much, and the way you write, my parents got me the first two books of Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. Unfortunately, that was when I started university, and it was then that I stopped reading because it was painful for me; I was exhausted everyday, and I was struggling with OCD and anxiety, so I stopped reading at all, even though it was my favourite hobby ever. I would read two books per week, more or less, and now it was a miracle if I read just one a year.
The thing is, it's been 8 years since I started university, and 1 since I finished my Master's dregree. And I've recently (finally!!) felt the need to read again, as I used to. It was like an urge, sudden, and my gut told me to pick up "Wolf brother". And what a fantastic choice. I'm finishing it, and I'm so loving it. I'm almost 26, but your books are such a delight to read even if one's not a kid anymore. I wanted to thank you, actually. I'm an Art Historian, and I specialise in Ancient Art, mostly Celtic, but I fell in love with the Bronze Age thanks to your books, Michelle. That's why I also love Cycladic, Minoan and Mycenaean Art – it reminds me so much of Hylas and Pirra. Besides, my MD was in Archaeology, and my favourite subject was the Paleolithic period, so reading Wolf Brother is being such a pleasure, as I understand so much better the forage, the clan structure, the resources, etc.
Just… Thank you so much, for writing books that stuck with me even when I didn't feel like reading at all (I was always thinking about Gods and Warriors when I studied Greek Art), books that sparked the interest in Bronze Age and Prehistory in me. And, above all, books that managed what none other book could in these 9 years: make me the reader I once was again!!
Michelle Replies…
Dear Carla, thank you for such a heartfelt and moving message. I have to applaud your dedication as a young adult all those years ago, in reading the next instalment of Gods and Warriors in English instead of Spanish – and I’m only sorry that the Spanish publishers didn’t publish the rest of the series. I really sympathise with your troubles at university, when you lost your desire to read for pleasure. That sounds so distressing, to lose something which had previously been an important part of your life. I’m absolutely delighted that after all several years you’ve found your way back to reading, and I’m honoured that Wolf Brother was of help. May I also offer huge congratulations on getting your Master’s degree; and again, what an honour that it was Gods and Warriors which helped instill a love of the Bronze Age. Thank you so much for getting in touch – and may your career as an Art Historian go from strength to strength! With very best wishes, Michelle