Thousands of years ago the land is a single dark forest. Its people are hunter-gatherers. They know every tree and herb and how to survive in a time of enchantment and powerful magic, until an ambitious and malevolent force conjures a demon. It is a demon so evil that it can be contained only in the body of a ferocious bear that will slay everything it sees, a demon determined to destroy the world.
Only one boy can stop it - 12-year-old Torak, who has seen his father murdered by the bear. With his dying breath, Torak's father tells his son of the burden that is his. He must lead the bear to the mountain of the World Spirit and beg that spirit's help to overcome it. Torak is an unwilling hero. He is scared and trusts no one. His only companion is a wolf cub only three moons old, whom he seems to understand better than any human. Theirs is a terrifying quest in a world of wolves, tree spirits and Hidden People, a world in which trusting a friend means risking your life.
Ages: 10+
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Imagine if everyone was Bear Grylls, lived in the Stone Age, and magic existed?
The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness is a series I started in my early teens but revisited recently at 22.
I have enjoyed the world-building by Paver, which is largely based off historical knowledge and current tribal practises and cultures, making the world feel very real.
I enjoy the real sense of danger found in these stories, which I think is important for children to encounter. Also important is the amount of skill, prowess, courage, and stamina of these young characters. Very inspiring for the more indoorsy types. - Matt (QBD)
Guest, 10/03/2018
