Thousands of years ago an orphan boy and his wolf cub companion challenge a demon bear that threatens to destroy their world forever. With the help of the World Spirit, Torak destroys the bear, but his beloved Wolf is lost in the ensuing avalanche.
And Torak's quest is far from over. A strange, creeping sickness, silent and deadly, is threatening the Ravens. Word arrives that the Seal Clan have the cure and Torak must face a lonely journey to find it. On the Seal's Island he stumbles into a world utterly unlike his own. Here life moves to the rhythms of the sea, the Seals build shelters from whale bones and skim the waves in fast, beautiful kayaks. And here Torak is welcomed by the kindly Seal Mage, Teneris, and kinsman, Bale. But all is not as it seems - Torak must keep his wits about him to judge who might be friend or foe.
Ages: 10+
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Imagine if everyone was Bear Grylls, lived in the Stone Age, and magic existed?
The second title in the series does a great job developing characters and expanding the world. The new possibilities for settings, characters, dangers, and world-building with this ocean setting are engaging. Paver also provides enticing foreshaowing for boosk to come.
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
