Product Description

When he was outcast, Torak was the hunted one. The following spring, he becomes the hunter when he swears to avenge the killing of one of his closest friends. To fulfil his oath he must brave the hidden valleys of the Deep Forest, where the clans have reverted to the savagery of an earlier time. Here, Torak finally learns why he is the Sprit Walker and discovers the true cost of revenge.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2920 in Books
• Published on: 2009-06-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
'Dazzling entertainment...seamless storytelling' (Julia Eccleshare LOVE READING.CO.UK )

'Michelle Paver just gets better and better' (SHOUT MAGAZINE )

About the Author
Born in Malawi to a Belgian mother and a father who ran the tiny 'Nyasaland Times', Michelle Paver moved to the UK when she was three. She was brought up in Wimbledon and, following a Biochemistry Degree from Oxford, she became a partner in a big City law firm. She gave up the City to follow her long-held dream of becoming a writer. Successfully published as an adult author, the CHRONICLES OF ANCIENT DARKNESS are her first - brilliant - books for children.

Customer Reviews

Another great installment!
Another unmissable episode in the story of Torak and his "pack"! I agree with the other reviewer that the stories are getting darker with each book, as Torak goes through his adolescent rites of passage, and much sadder too, in line with the overall series name - "Chronicles of Ancient Darkness". I can imagine my youngest son, who is 9 and yet to read "Oathbreaker"(ha! ha! I got first dibs!!), becoming quite upset, as the plot for this story not only introduces us to new characters, but says goodbye to someone very important to Torak. Michelle Paver also reveals more of Torak's history and that of his parents, with some heartbreaking revelations. It is exciting and full of tension as Torak faces yet another threat to his and his friends security, and reluctantly acknowledges his destiny. He is also growing up, and has to learn to control all the raging emotions within him. Renn too is maturing and Torak feels a frisson of attraction between them as their bonds of friendship deepen. I can't wait for the final installment, although I will freely admit that I will be very sad to say goodbye to these characters. Great stuff!

I waited a year for this, and I wasn't disappointed...
When I first read Wolf Brother, I thought WOW, this is seriously good. I've collected and read all the books since, and I'm over halfway through Oathbreaker. And it's brilliant.

I'll try not to give out too many spoilers, but this is one of the darkest installments so far, with Torak desperate for revenge after one of his closest friends is murdered by the Soul-Eaters. There's no hanging around in the story, already there's a huge amount of action before you've even finished the second chapter. The Deep Forest is also beautifully described in great detail, plus the character's emotions have become far more complex and it's easier to feel strong sympathy or hate towards them.

If you liked the first four, you'll definitely love this one. It has to be the must-have book of 2008.

Torak becomes the hunter
After another year of waiting, the fifth book in the Chronicle of Ancient Darkness series is finally out.

Despite my age I devour good quality children's books and Michelle Paver is one of a few good writers serving our literature needs. I have followed Torak, Wolf and Renn from the very beginning and so it was an absolute certainty that a copy of the book come into my possession quickly.

As Michelle Paver continues towards the climax of the series we find 15 year old Torak swearing an oath of vengeance against a Soul Eater who has killed his friend, just as a war between the clans of the Forest looms.

As Torak, Renn and Fin Keddin travel into the deep forest unaware of the war that is brewing, the remaining Soul Eaters come out of the darkness and make their presence felt leaving Torak and Renn to complete the journey. Ultimately Torak steps into the fire alone to confront the enemy of his father without Wolf and his side.

Michelle unravels more of Toraks' background in this volume joining the dots of his father and mothers role in the unfolding events and exposing more of the bigger picture that is the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness.

Like with JK Rowling I find that Michelle Paver has turned her series darker, that is not to say that I did not enjoy the book but her earlier books are, to me, far more enjoyable.

I read to enjoy and enjoy to read
David