From Joshua

Inspiration Inquiry & Prehistoric Fantasy Series Idea

Ask Michelle Anything
Joshua Writes…

Joshua writes…

As a fan of both your esteemed historical fantasy series:- the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, & having recently discovered Jean M. Auel’s own intriguing prehistorical fictional series:- Earth's Children—I would like to ask if you have been influenced by her preceding work. Is this so? Also, I would like to know if you have ever considered writing a series of books set amid the Late Pleistocene epoch—that combines themes from both the aforementioned series. Has the idea crossed your mind? I think a series prehistoric fantasy series with a similar story arc and characters to the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness—but set at a time when anatomically modern humans coexisted and interbreed with other species of Homo—like the Neanderthals and Denisovans, along with other unidentified archaic hominins—would be a fascinating premise. This would be especially so—given the recent advancements in our unfolding understanding of the complex political & personal interrelationships between ourselves and other archaic human species. Would you be so kind as to shed some light on my questions?

Michelle Replies…

Hello, Joshua, thanks for such interesting questions – and I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my books!  I wasn’t influenced by Jean Auel’s stories, because I haven’t read them.  I dimly remember taking a look at the start of her first book around the time I was writing Spirit Walker, but I soon decided that it wasn’t for me, and that given the difference in period and in her approach, it was best left alone.  (And to be clear, by that I mean no disparagement to Ms Auel, for whom I have great respect!)

As for setting a story in the late Pleistocene, you’re right, it is a fascinating period, particularly given the potential for interaction between modern humans and other hominids such as Neanderthals.  However for some reason, it never appealed to me.  For me, it was always the Mesolithic – and probably always will be.  I don’t know why this should be; but there’s always an element of mystery about these things, probably because stories come from deep within the unconscious.  So that late Pleistocene epic which you mention will have to wait for another author to come along.  Who knows, perhaps it will be you!  Thanks for getting in touch.  With very best wishes, Michelle


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Wimbledon Book Festival

October 17, 2025
Festival patron and Sunday Times bestselling author Michelle Paver will talk about her latest supernatural fiction in this live recording with Always Take Notes, a podcast for and about writers and writing.

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.

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The Witching Hour with Bridget Collins, Michelle Paver and Laura Shepherd-Robinson – Waterstones Canterbury

October 20, 2025

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.

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Yeovil Literary Festival

October 25, 2025

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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.

Oxford Literary Festival 2026

March 29, 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.