Ed writes…

Hi Michelle just a quick one from me – was wondering where the series is actually set? Most of the books suggest Scandinavia but book 3 makes me think the Arctic/ Inuit parts of Canada with polar bears and the white fox / sea otter clans – these animals are only found in North America

Am I right in thinking there is no definite location and the books are loosely based on the Nordics / general arctic parts of Canada etc

The idea of clans seems Native American to me at least …

Michelle Replies…

Dear Ed, The stories are indeed set in northern Scandinavia (which does have Arctic foxes and polar bears in its more northerly regions, if you include Svalbard; and the stories don’t actually mentioned sea otters, ie the big ones found off the coast of Alaska and British Columbia, just normal otters of the type found in Scandinavia).  But you’re also right that I’ve changed the landscape, such as coastlines, rivers and mountains, to suit the story.  For instance, I’ve brought the Far North closer than it actually is in the real Scandinavia.  As for the clans, I’ve taken elements of their beliefs from the beliefs of hunter-gathers all over the world, but I’ve drawn particular inspiration from the Inuit and from the people of the Pacific Northwest, such as the Haida and Tlinglit, to name just two.  (You’ll find more details in the Author’s Notes at the end of each story.)  Thanks for getting in touch!  With best wishes, Michelle