Short description
This is the first title in a six part series set thousands of years ago in a world of myth, menace, natural magic and exhilarating adventure.
Long description
Thousands of years ago the land is one dark forest. Its people are hunter-gatherers. They know every tree and herb and they know how to survive in a time of enchantment and powerful magic. Until an ambitious and malevolent force conjures a demon: 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.
Review
...is a remarkable novel, but in many ways the story behind it is even more phantasmagoric. -- Catherine O'Brien The Times, 30/6/05 '...captivated the publishing world...' -- Catherine O'Brien THE TIMES (T2) '...the best children's novel to be published in 2004...' -- Amanda Craig SATURDAY TIMES 10.09.05 'Well researched and beautifully written... a winner with boys and girls alike' -- Wendy Cooling CHILD EDUCATION MAGAZINE 'a gripping tale that rings true to our understanding of that distant time.' -- Julian Richards BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE Best reads of the year: 'the strength of Michelle Paver's novel was not just in the story and the characters, but in the detailed setting... offers much promise' -- John Millen SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST - YOUNG POST 'A fantastic tale of adventure and superstition... The parallel lives of Torak and Wolf are beautifully portrayed and intertwine woderfully with a gripping plot that produces a real page-turner of a read!' -- Hannah Leach (Year 9) BOOKS FOR KEEPS