WOLF BROTHER:
Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #1
by Michelle Paver
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0060728256
Ages 10-up
304 pages

• Read an Excerpt

"...the Forest exploded. Ravens screamed. Pines cracked. And out of the dark beneath the trees surged a deeper darkness: a huge rampaging menace in bear form.

Suddenly death was upon them. A frenzy of claws. A welter of sound to make the ears bleed. In a heartbeat, the creature had smashed their shelter to splinters. In a heartbeat, it had ripped a ragged wound in his father's side..."

Thus begins the exciting story of Torak as he fights to save himself and his father from the demon bear that pursues him through the ancient forests of a world from 6,000 years ago. Trying to understand the meaning of his father's last words, Torak must go into the forests to escape the bear and it is there that he encounters a young wolf whose family has been killed. Torak soon discovers that he can understand the wolf's thoughts and that they actually have the ability to talk with each other. This is some comfort to the boy as it becomes clear that Wolf may be the "Guardian" his father said would guide him.

Like any boy would be, Torak wants to fulfill his father's wishes, but his fear and his inability to comprehend everything that is happening so fast around him causes him to make foolish mistakes. He is orphaned, confused and terrified as he runs almost blindly into the Wolf Clan. In a strange turn of events he begins to understand that they believe he has mystical powers and that he is the "Listener" who will rid the forests of the bear. They choose him to fulfill this prophecy by finding three objects, which will prove his identity once and for all. In order to do this he must risk life and limb, travel far, and understand the meaning behind the strange riddles the tribe bestows on him.

How does all this tie in with his father's rushed words about finding the Mountain of the World spirit? What did his father have to do with these tribes and his son's isolation from the rest of the world? These questions, and their answers, slowly unfold as Torak undertakes this very dangerous quest. Unexpectedly, a young girl from the Wolf Clan travels with him. Her name is Renn, and although they start the journey as more enemies than friends, they form a lasting bond.

Like Nancy Farmer's fine book, SEA OF TROLLS, this is a hero's journey, a coming-of-age novel, and a great, fun adventure story. Michelle Paver has filled the pages with fascinating lore and legend. Already there is the possibility of a movie in the future. This is not the kind of book that is easy to put down, and readers will be delighted to know that five more adventures in the series will follow. Don't miss this one!

   --- Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts (stibbetts@maine207west.k12.il.us)

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