Wolfbane

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, Book 9

By: Michelle Paver

Narrated by: Sir Ian McKellen

Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

The grand finale to the prize-winning adventure series that has changed the lives of millions. Breathtaking world-building on an epic scale. Pure escapism at its best.

It is early spring, a turbulent, perilous time of sudden storms, frozen river fractures and drifting ice. Fleeing from a demon intent on devouring his souls, Wolf is swept out to sea far from the forest and his pack. The ocean, too, teems with danger: sea wolves, sharks and hunters of the deep, and the demon is gaining ground. Torak and Renn must race to save their pack-brother, battling the harsh icy waves and merciless torrents. If they can't find Wolf in time, the bond between them will be severed forever....

Run wild with Wolf Brother for the last time in a Stone Age world we all want to be part of.

Listen to Wolfbane as a stand-alone adventure or as part of the well-loved series.

©2022 Michelle Paver (P)2022 Head of Zeus

Absolutely stunning conclusion

I first came across Wolf Brother (the first book in this series) when I was just coming into my teenage years. I was immediately entranced by this world Paver had created and now close to 30 years old I finally got to listen to the last book in this series and was brought to tears. It has been an amazing journey and I do hope that one day she makes another series much like this one as no matter how old I become I wouldn't hesitate to read more. The narration is stunning, Ian brings the world to life with his voice as he has done with each in the series. There is no way I couldn't give this 5 stars and I recommend anyone new to this series to both read for themselves and listen to the audiobooks as well. You can imagine and feel just how much love, care, and genuine research was put into this series.

Theres something in both my eyes

I finished the 6th (and at the time final) audiobook in the series when I was a teenager, so as an adult I was as apprehensive as I was delighted to learn there’d be an entire sequel trilogy. There’s always a chance revisiting a beloved world will taint the remembered magic.
Happily, I can report that Michelle Paver has more than reignited the prehistoric bright-beast-that-bites-hot inside me; it was a pure joy to return to Torak’s world.
I haven’t read the physical books, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Sir Ian McKellen’s voice and performance is in large part responsible for this continuity of feeling. There is no question these are the characters we knew all those years ago, and any simplicity or repetitiveness inherent to YA writing (which we may have more readily excused in youth) is camouflaged by Sir Ian’s masterful vocal colour.

A small, selfish part of me would have liked to see the writing style mature as its audience has, but the thought of new young readers discovering and devouring all 9 books is too enchanting.

In any case, if you’ve gotten this far with the audiobooks, do not hesitate to pick up Wolf Bane.
After all this time, Michelle and Sir Ian have brought it home - and I am so very grateful.

The narrator makes everything come alive

I loved the entire saga, especially the ending, which is hopeful and looking forward to the future.

Goodbye Torak, Wolf, and Ren

I cried when I finished this series. I have been following this series ever since I picked up Wolf Brother in my school’s book fair back when I was a child. To think I would still be here reading and listening and just as entranced as I was back then to this day is so surreal.
This world that Michelle Paver has created has brought so much joy to me. I’ve even shared this with my nephew and now with my husband. I hope to keep sharing Torak’s world with people in my life so they too can experience this wonderful tale.
Ian McKellen brings so much life into these audiobooks that I cannot imagine anyone else reading it. His voice acting and spirit really brings everything together.
Thank you Michelle Paver and Ian McKellen for all your hard work! I will continue to listen to this series over and over again for years to come.