Excellent, as always - one of the series' darker instalments, to be enjoyed by brave children and adults.

After loving the original Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series for so long, each new book feels like a gift. Skin Taker is a breathtaking return to the world of Torak, Renn and Wolf. The devastating beginning reminds us how perilous their world is and sets the stage for another adventure from the master story-teller. The amount of research, care and love that goes into these novels sings from every page and I cannot wait for the next installment.

It is always a delight to return to the Ancient Chronicles series and reunite with Renn, Torak and Wolf. In this instalment, the clans are facing devastation when the ancient forest is destroyed. Can they find the stones that will help them to reinstate The First Tree? With old enemies against them, they must battle to save their world.

This was another thrilling book in the series. Although the characters are growing older, they remain strong and their bonds are as tight as ever.

Skin Taker was a great addition to this series. I've loved this series for so long and I'm so glad that this one lived up to the rest for me.

I only discovered The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series last year and raced through the first five books. A decade after finishing book six, Michelle Paver came back to her bestselling children’s series after a night spent under the Northern Lights in Norway, and published Viper’s Daughter


When I learnt that I’d been approved to read the eARC of book eight, Skin Taker, thanks to Head of Zeus and NetGalley there may have been whoops of joy. It was such a pleasure to be back in the Stone Age with Torak, Renn and Wolf and to be back in the deft, story-weaving hands of Michelle Paver


In Skin Taker, the clans are waiting for Sunwake after the long days of winter, but disaster strikes as a phenomenon they call the Thunderstar, something that I think we would call a meteor, strikes the heart of the forest killing The First Tree. Torak and Renn need to travel north to the deep forest to try and save the First Tree and their forest home, but a new leader has come to power in the North. He is intent on creating further division in the clans between “The Chosen Ones” safe in the surviving forests of the north and the decimated southern clans


Skin Taker felt like it picked up the thread of Torak’s story and effortlessly pulled us into its next instalment. Together with an ability to create memorable characters and a particularly fine line in villains, I love this series for the depth of research that enriches the story without bogging it down. I learnt about snow shoes, animal trapping and the dietary habits of ravens all whilst intent on the story that I read from cover to cover in one sitting. There was a hint that there may be another book to come and I’ll be first in the queue for the next instalment!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Zephyr in exchange for an honest review.

In this instalment, Renn, Torak and Wolf must journey deep into the forest to combat the evil that is taking over the land and causing rifts between the clans. Everything is not as it seems as things from the characters' pasts come back into the story once more.

I was shocked by the opening of this book. It reminded once again how harsh and unpredictable this environment can be. I love that the author includes things like this in the books to show how intense the struggle for survival is. Every interaction between Wolf and his pack siblings is precious and I love the bond between the three of them, especially when we get to see how Wolf and Renn work together when Torak is not there to translate for them. It was also great to learn more about Dark's backstory and have him take a larger role in this book.

I am completely in love with this world and reading any of the books in this series just puts an instant smile on my face. The author's writing style makes the smallest detail so fascinating and I could happily just read pages and pages about the characters way of life. I wouldn't advise reading this book unless you have read all the ones that lead up to it otherwise you will spoil yourself for events in those stories. This is an excellent series, so I would recommend it to readers aged 10+ who enjoy fantasy books involving legends, ancient magic, animals and adventure.

Skin Taker is the eighth instalment in the Wolf Brother series by Michelle Paver and brings a touch of magic to our lives. After a natural disaster strikes, Wolf Brother, Torak, and Renn face a vital quest to save the Forest. Wolf and Dark help as they are faced with danger and evil.
This instalment will not disappoint fans of the genre and as the book is quite short in length, it is is suitable for younger readers.

📚Book Review: Skin Takers by Michelle Paver

🌟🌟🌟🌟I really enjoyed this book

A fast-paced, exhilarating journey through an intricately imagined Stone Age world.

After the Thunderstar plummets from the sky and literally tears their world apart, Wolf Brother, Torak, and his mate,Renn, are plunged into a desperate quest to save the Forest by bringing the First Tree back to life.

Along with their friends, Wolf and Dark, they are faced with danger and obstacles at every turn, from wild animals to an evil entity from their past. Their task seems impossible but can they use their skills and magical abilities to work together to save the world and all the clans within it.

I was so impressed by the world building in this novel. Everything in this story, from the setting, to the characters’ beliefs and abilities, to even the types of food they would eat and resources they would use, has clearly been thoroughly imagined by the author, and is written in so much detail that it is easy to feel immersed in this ancient world.

This is the 8th book in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series. This was something I hadn’t realised when I started reading. Because of this I did struggle a little to get into it at first; so much of the lore was lost on me, so many mentions of past events and characters I didn’t know about. Despite this, by the second half I was turning pages at break-neck speed. The pacing is perfect for getting readers enthralled and carried along on this tense adventure.

This is a first rate magical action/ adventure for older children and younger teens, but I would recommend reading the earlier books in the series first (as I’m looking forward to doing).

Thank you to @netgalley, the publishers and the author for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I originally only read the first three Chronicles of Ancient Darkness books when they released a good 15 years ago, but with the news of these new books releasing as well as having several of the books in the series in hardback on my shelf unread it was the perfect excuse to spend the last couple of weeks reading all 8 books. (as well as purchasing the missing beautifully cover designed ones to read for my shelf)

I've always enjoyed the tribal historical type of books with their animal guides and familiars so this young adult series totally appealed to me.

Simple to follow with a fast paced storyline with multiple point of views including a well researched point of view from Wolf.

This is the second book in the new story arc that started with Viper's Daughter and getting to see what it may have been like when a meteorite hit the earth in more ancient times when it wasn't understood as to what had happened scientifically was really interesting.

It's even more interesting to read these as an adult especially with the letters to the reader Michelle puts in each book explaining how she researched the details for each one.

I will definitely continue to read as many of these as she wishes to put out into the world following Renn, Torak and Wolf as they all grow up.

I have long been a fan of this excellent series by Michelle Paver so couldn't wait to read Skin Taker. Of course, it didn't disappoint.

When catastrophe suddenly strikes the forest, the clans face a danger like never before. With the world they know hanging in the balance, Torak, Renn and Wolf must set out to save the forest. Can they return the First Tree to the sky and defeat the demons lurking in the forest?

As usual with the Wolf Brother series, the reader is immediately immersed in Torak's Stone Age world, which is brimming with magic and demons, and Paver's writing, particularly the imagery is simply beautiful. This brilliant book gripped me from the very beginning and I would recommend it to readers aged 9+. You could read Skin Taker as a standalone book but it's even better if you have read the rest in this incredible series to fully appreciate the backstory and the depth of character. If you haven't read them yet, do!

Wow, I have just finished this wonderful story, full of imagination, tension and respect for the world around them. It is a story for nine year olds and above, those who have read “Wolf Brother” and the rest of the series. It can stand alone (I last read one of the books seven or eight years ago and my memories are hazy about what happened when) however, it is good to have read the series previously. The strong characters of Renn, Torak and Wolf are believable.The descriptions of the way of life of the clans and the countryside are as vivid as ever and I have always liked the way Wolf thinks of the world, in a simplistic but truthful way. This book will please many who enjoyed “The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness”. It is clearly going to be the first in a second series and I look forward to reading the next one when it is published.

Picking up a new Michelle Paver book is just pure joy. In part because it takes me back to my childhood, reading her incredible tales of Torak and Wolf which I loved so much as a kid. And also, because as an adult, I can appreciate the true brilliance of her writing.

The tale she weaves is full of wonder and enjoyment. The characters are true, the plot is fast paced, and the world she has created just continues to unfurl and become more magical.

I would love her to continue writing these books, because I don’t want to stop reading them.

This is such an amazing series and I loved being back in another adventure with Renn and Torak and Wolf. I love the world that Michelle Paver has created. There’s so much research, thought and care put into its creation!
I’m always recommending this series to children that I teach and now I’m glad there’s another great book to add to our class library!

Just finished my first read of this book.
Why first read?
Because I plan to reread it and then reread the whole series to this book.
Why will I do this?
Because after the first read this is one of my most favourite books in the series, and I just really need to go back and see how everything unravels!
The characters are at there best, the plot is so intense and emotional!
I have never known an author like Michelle paver that managed to start a series up again after being finished and keep going back into the world without a step wrong and this book shows she can dive even further in!
There was times I was so invested and emotional I nearly cried because what Torak gods through is so realistic and relatable that I could just imagine myself like him. I love this book that it'll let kids have some understanding to how they might feel and relate, it's something I'm really liking about books recently such as this and Tristan Strong, there is something much more about books and it feels such a more realistic world!
But also... It feels like you're reading a legend and with what goes on in the book, it's something they seem they are creating a new legend of cable to be going through as well, and I love the balance that was written in such a way.
I honestly can't wait for the next book, my only regret was I didn't realise this book was available here earlier, definitely getting a physical copy, because I have the rest and because this is one of her best works yet!
Thank you Michelle paver for this series and this latest book! It is genuinely one of my top 5!

It’s always such a pleasure to return to the Stone Age world of Wolf Brother and spend time with Torak, Renn and Wolf. In Skin Taker, a disaster has hit the forest- as Wolf would say, the Great Bright Beast attacked from the Up. All the tribes must work together to survive and Torak and Renn set off on a special mission where they will need all their skills as hunters, Spirit Walker, and Mage to complete the spell that will return the First Tree to the sky and save the forest.

The Wolf Brother books are so engaging, the writing so immersive and the details of Stone Age life so complete and captivating that you feel you have travelled many lopes with Torak and Wolf through the forest and you are part of the pack.

I enjoyed the wide range of characters this time. It was good to see a bit more of Fin-Kedin and a bigger role for Dark. The pack is growing and I look forward to their next adventure and the probable return of the demon Naiginn who makes such an excellent enemy and a good foil to Torak.

For children aged 9/10 upwards and fans of Wolf Brother. Thank you to Zephyr and NetGalley for an advance copy.

I love that we get to follow Torak, Renn and Dark on a new adventure. Their journey is filled with excitement and anticipation. I like how Michelle Paver keeps us within the Wolf Brother world but hints at the true nature of objects such as the Thunderstar. I really enjoy the details of how Dark crafts his arrows, the detail and setting of the meolithic era. Anyone who loves the other books in the series will love this but it holds its own as a stand alone story for those who have yet to discover the land of Wolf Brother.

This review was written by my 10-year-old granddaughter, Maya.

As a big fan of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series, Skin Taker is one of the best and doesn’t
disappoint. Out of a five-star rating, I would definitely give it five stars! I really enjoy the way that
Michelle Paver writes her stories, by making them so gripping and hard to put down. I would
definitely recommend it to anybody who likes to read an exciting fantasy fiction book with demons,
adventure and friendship. The book is extremely easy to get into and is incredibly enjoyable from the
very first page, it has a very dramatic start and really makes you want to read on to the rest of the
book.

I really enjoyed in this book how it switched from each different character’s point of view and how
Michelle Paver describes her characters so well. I also really like the relationship between Torak and
Wolf. The author of this book is exceptionally good at describing exactly how the characters look and
painting a very good picture of them in your head. Another thing that I like about this book is when
you think that someone is good, and then the book makes you change your mind and consider
whether you think that the character is actually good or bad. The characters are so well described
that I can understand nearly all of their emotions. I especially love the dramatic start and the
uncertainness at the beginning.

I really hope that there is going to be another book in this series because I have loved them all. I felt
disappointed when I finished this book even though it had a brilliant ending because I
enjoyed it so much and did not want it to end. The book could be read on its own, but it is much
better to read them all in order and it will definitely make you enjoy and understand this book more.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves reading books like me (especially fantasy
fiction!) I have loved this book and all the others in the series, and I hope that many others will love
them to!

*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Let me preface this review by saying that when I was younger, I was a massive fan of the 'Wolf Brother' series (I even named a hamster after Renn!) - so this may not be a very objective review.

Despite it being a while since I’d read any of the other books in the series, it didn’t take me long to get quickly drawn into the world and the characters again. The book begins with a devastating event, which brings about dangerous (and heart-breaking) consequences for the main characters. I loved the relationship between Torak, Renn and Wolf, as well as Torak's continuous struggle to balance the human side of himself with his animal/spiritual side.

However, I think my favourite element of this series is the creepy and ominous atmosphere. I thought that I’d perhaps misremembered how scary this series could sometimes get, but even now, reading ‘Skin Taker’ as an adult, I’m impressed by how Michelle Paver is able to portray the scarier elements of the spirit world while still writing a book aimed at older children/younger teens.

Overall, another excellent entry into the series, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who read the series when they were younger, as you do not need to remember much from the other books to enjoy 'Skin Taker',

Many thanks so Zephyr Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Skin Taker by Michelle Paver in exchange for an honest review.

I am a massive fan of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness and have been since 2009, so I’m sure you can understand my excitement when this new continuation trilogy was announced. However, this excitement also came along with a small amount of hesitation, would I be disappointed with the next books to come? Would Paver be able to recreate the magic of the original series? So far, I have had no need to doubt.

In Skin Taker Torak, Renn, Wolf and all of the Clans face their greatest devastation yet. When death comes from the sky all of the clans are scattered and thrown into panic and turmoil which grows greater still when The First Tree no longer appears in the long winter nights. Torak, Renn, Dark, Wolf and their ravens must push their skills to their limits to save what remains of the Forest.

This book pulled me in immediately, Michelle Paver still conjures up all of the atmosphere of the original books and expands the stories of her beloved characters, while still isn’t afraid to impact them and their world massively.

The characters are always a delight to return to, through rereads and through this new trilogy. I enjoyed the callbacks to the previous books throughout this story where the characters exploited skills we watched them develop and friendships we saw grow.
I loved the further exploration of Torak, now an adult, still dealing with the death of Fa and the connotations he still has surrounding it.
It was lovely to be able to spend more time with Dark, a character I initially struggled to embrace in Ghost Hunter due to him joining the crew so late in the series, but he’s growing into a wonderful character and a great addition to the group, a good balance for the sometimes faulty loyalty Renn and Torak have for one another.
Renn, always a wonder to read, she’s still headstrong, beautifully powerful and wicked smart.
Wolf, my enduring favourite, breaks my heart every book.

I can’t wait to reread this when my hardback copy arrives!

May the guardian run with you.

First of all, I would like to thank you profusely for the opportunity to review this book before publication day. I have been a huge fan of Wolf Brother since it’s release in 2004 (I was 11 and still remember coming out of Waterstones, clutching the book to my chest!) As soon as I heard Skin Taker was on Netgalley for review, I shot over as quick as one of Renn’s arrows!

For the first half of the book, I was caught in a state of shock. It felt as if I had suffered with the clans in the destruction left by the Thunderstar. The losses broke my heart and had me in tears, especially with Dark explaining what he could see to Fin-Kedinn in the aftermath. Without giving away too much, the second half of the book was AMAZING. The whole sequence with Torak spirit-walking was incredible, and the bad guy was deliciously vile - I loved every moment of it, the ending brought a lump to my throat and I can honestly say, I cannot WAIT for the next book!

Overall, Michelle has really topped herself with this novel, her prose is always so beautifully captivating and I would read a hundred more CoAD books :) Roll on April!

P.S I love Dark so much!