hello ms michelle may i ask you that how u get the idea of this writing the chornicles of ancient darkness,and at what place is the story actually set ,to me i think of like south america or smth but im not sure, also why do you choose to name the story like this and how do you think of this cool cover, last question! do u relly think humans can link thier thoughts to animals?(not like litarally, bt like emotinally.perhaps?)

Hello, Xu.  The idea for Chronicles of Ancient Darkness came in bits and pieces: I loved wolves and the Stone Age as a child, and when I grew up, I had a really frightening encounter with a large black bear in the wilds of Californi, which a few years later helped give me the idea.  I talk in more detail about this on my website (go to videos, then inspiration for Wolf Brother).  The story is set in northern Scandinavia – that’s the region which now forms part of Norway, Sweden and Finland – although I’ve changed mountains, rivers and the coastline to suit the story, so you won’t find Torak’s land on a modern map!  But it’s interesting that you thought it might be set in south American; and other readers have suggested north America, or even Japan.  I think that’s great; because of course, in the Stone Age there were forests (and wolves) almost everywhere, so if readers want to imagine Torak’s world as being nearer them, that’s fine!  As for naming the series, I just thought the name fitted the stories – although it took me a few days to come up with the title.  And the cover wasn’t my idea, it was due to a very talented artist and my wonderful publisher.  Finally, concerning whether human beings can really link thoughts with animals – I don’t believe they can; but as you say, it’s perfectly possible for a human being to form a strong emotional bond with an animal – as any dog or cat lover will tell you! I hope I’ve answered your questions in a way that you can understand, and thanks very much for getting in touch.  With very best wishes, Michelle.