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Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #8
Skin Taker
Run wild with Wolf Brother in a Stone Age world we all want to be a part of with million-copy-selling author, Michelle Paver. Danger, magic and non stop adventure await Torak, Renn and Wolf in a devastating Dark Time that threatens everything they know. The Clans will be tested as never before, as they battle to find ways to survive and thrive in their beloved Forest.
In the Dark Time of midwinter, disaster strikes the Forest. Chaos rules. Bears woken from their dens prowl the shadowy valleys. Desperate clans battle for survival. Only demons thrive.
With their world in turmoil, Torak, Renn and Wolf are tested as never before. And as a new evil haunts the devastated land, Torak must risk his sanity, his life and even his souls to save everything he loves...
Skin Taker carries you back to the Stone Age, drawing you deeper into the astonishing adventure which began with Wolf Brother and has captivated millions of readers.
In the Dark Time of midwinter, disaster strikes the Forest. Chaos rules. Bears woken from their dens prowl the shadowy valleys. Desperate clans battle for survival. Only demons thrive.
With their world in turmoil, Torak, Renn and Wolf are tested as never before. And as a new evil haunts the devastated land, Torak must risk his sanity, his life and even his souls to save everything he loves...
Skin Taker carries you back to the Stone Age, drawing you deeper into the astonishing adventure which began with Wolf Brother and has captivated millions of readers.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2021
77 people are currently reading
1818 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Paver
59 books2,293 followersMichelle Paver was born in central Africa, but came to England as a child. After gaining a degree in biochemistry from Oxford University, she became a partner in a city law firm, but eventually gave that up to write full-time.
The hugely successful Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series arose from Michelle's lifelong passion for animals, anthropology and the distant past—as well as an encounter with a large bear in a remote valley in southern California. To research the books, Michelle has traveled to Finland, Greenland, Sweden, Norway, Arctic Canada and the Carpathian Mountains. She has slept on reindeer skins, swum with wild orca (killer whales), and got nose-to-nose with polar bears—and, of course, wolves.
The hugely successful Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series arose from Michelle's lifelong passion for animals, anthropology and the distant past—as well as an encounter with a large bear in a remote valley in southern California. To research the books, Michelle has traveled to Finland, Greenland, Sweden, Norway, Arctic Canada and the Carpathian Mountains. She has slept on reindeer skins, swum with wild orca (killer whales), and got nose-to-nose with polar bears—and, of course, wolves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
April 2, 2021
I suppose I should start with a disclaimer that I’m pretty much incapable of being objective with this series; I first discovered the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness in primary school and it was the first series that I fell in love with. In a way it sculpted who I am as both a reader and writer, and as such I’m aware that rose-tinted glasses is an understatement. I think everyone has books like that, though: the ones that seem as though they were written specifically for you, that speak to your interests and passions and contain worlds you can entirely lose yourself in. Is this series objectively better than some of the literary masterpieces I’ve read over the years? Probably not, yet I’d still rank it above most of those classics.
When Michelle Paver announced a continuation trilogy ten years after Ghost Hunter ‘ended’ the series in 2010, I had concerns that it would slip into what I’ve come to term ‘Cursed Child’ syndrome - when an author tries to continue a series years after its end and it ends up feeling like fan fiction. Viper’s Daughter, released last year, assuaged some of those fears, yet it still felt distinctly different in style to the original six. Skin Taker, fortunately, is a triumphant return to form in that regard.
It’s a darker story than many of those that have come before, with the Forest devastated by a disaster that throws the clans’ way of life into disarray and pushes the characters to their limits of despair. The exploration of human endurance and community spirit in the face of adversity was a great theme and I was surprised to see Paver comment in her ‘Author’s Note’ that the similarities to the COVID-19 pandemic were unintentional. The plot follows similar lines to previous entries in the series: a quest with mysteries and riddles to solve; a journey through the forest, evading new (and old) foes and surviving against the harsh wilds. In many ways it reminded me of the first and fifth books of the series, though I suspect some of the thematic and plot beat parallels were intentional; they worked well to link with the past while still going in new directions. The multitude of references and nods to established lore was also a great reward for those of us that have reread this series over and over. I can’t comment much on the villain and climax of the novel without a spoiler tag, so I’ll simply say I’m happy with how Paver handled both. The climax in particular was a stark difference to what’s come before, and I enjoyed the time that was taken to ‘decompress’ afterwards.
Torak’s is still one of my favourite fictional worlds, a Forest in Stone-Age Scandinavia with the people divided into clans and following the laws of hunter and prey, magecraft and World-Spirit. The worldbuilding is as detailed as ever, with Torak and Renn displaying survival and tracking skills that utilise the world around them in an instinctual sense. Wolf is always a delight, and Dark finally got some further characterisation that I felt he lacked in Viper’s Daughter.
Paver’s style of writing is still brilliant, simultaneously concise yet rich with detail. She writes the natural world like no author I’ve ever read, and the thematic undertone of The Forest being its own character that ran through the original series is brought into sharp focus here. You really get a sense of this vast wilderness of pine, earthblood, auroch and aurora that exists only in the ancient past.
A fun and exhilarating read, and I’m looking forward with excitement and dread in equal measure for Wolfbane, the final book in the series (for real this time!) in 2022.
When Michelle Paver announced a continuation trilogy ten years after Ghost Hunter ‘ended’ the series in 2010, I had concerns that it would slip into what I’ve come to term ‘Cursed Child’ syndrome - when an author tries to continue a series years after its end and it ends up feeling like fan fiction. Viper’s Daughter, released last year, assuaged some of those fears, yet it still felt distinctly different in style to the original six. Skin Taker, fortunately, is a triumphant return to form in that regard.
It’s a darker story than many of those that have come before, with the Forest devastated by a disaster that throws the clans’ way of life into disarray and pushes the characters to their limits of despair. The exploration of human endurance and community spirit in the face of adversity was a great theme and I was surprised to see Paver comment in her ‘Author’s Note’ that the similarities to the COVID-19 pandemic were unintentional. The plot follows similar lines to previous entries in the series: a quest with mysteries and riddles to solve; a journey through the forest, evading new (and old) foes and surviving against the harsh wilds. In many ways it reminded me of the first and fifth books of the series, though I suspect some of the thematic and plot beat parallels were intentional; they worked well to link with the past while still going in new directions. The multitude of references and nods to established lore was also a great reward for those of us that have reread this series over and over. I can’t comment much on the villain and climax of the novel without a spoiler tag, so I’ll simply say I’m happy with how Paver handled both. The climax in particular was a stark difference to what’s come before, and I enjoyed the time that was taken to ‘decompress’ afterwards.
Torak’s is still one of my favourite fictional worlds, a Forest in Stone-Age Scandinavia with the people divided into clans and following the laws of hunter and prey, magecraft and World-Spirit. The worldbuilding is as detailed as ever, with Torak and Renn displaying survival and tracking skills that utilise the world around them in an instinctual sense. Wolf is always a delight, and Dark finally got some further characterisation that I felt he lacked in Viper’s Daughter.
Paver’s style of writing is still brilliant, simultaneously concise yet rich with detail. She writes the natural world like no author I’ve ever read, and the thematic undertone of The Forest being its own character that ran through the original series is brought into sharp focus here. You really get a sense of this vast wilderness of pine, earthblood, auroch and aurora that exists only in the ancient past.
A fun and exhilarating read, and I’m looking forward with excitement and dread in equal measure for Wolfbane, the final book in the series (for real this time!) in 2022.
June 2, 2023
i thought this book was the darkest one in this series, but still so good!! i don't know how paver continually expands her brilliant worldbuilding and comes up with so many new and good ideas!!
May 23, 2022
It's a magical time that comes but once a year. It brings with it a sense of joy, but also fear. That's right! It's time for a new Michelle Paver book! The eighth instalment in the worldwide best selling Wolf Brother series! AKA Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. And boy, what a ride Skin Taker is! Right from the very first page, it is a tale of doom and gloom as a natural disaster befalls the Forest and our favourite characters are thrown right into the middle of all of the action as they attempt to drive the evil out of their home! I mean, you almost have to feel sorry for poor old Torak. Chosen by destiny to fight the Soul-Eaters and now that that task is done he still can't catch a break! Bears that would normally be asleep, hibernating, roam the trees. Whispers of evil beings known as skin takers are carried on the wind, fear causing the clans to do terrible things. And enemies that Torak may have thought he would never have to face again may be closer than he bargains for.
I'll make no apologies about it, I am a complete Michelle Paver stan, as I believe I have shown time and time again. Her words are just so well thought out and methodically placed but feel so lyrical, so effortless and they never fail to take me away from the real world and drag me into the world woven within the pages. Skin Taker feels a lot more claustrophobic than the previous books in my opinion. Yes you can read them separately but I believe to truly get the benefit from the story, you need to read them all. Torak has been trapped in caves before. He's been in some very sticky situations. But something about Skin Taker feels very different. Darker, quite literally at some points of the book. Torak and Renn are in the Far North, probably one of my favourite parts of the world that Michelle has created. It's chill just seeps from the page into your bones. Michelle always has such a way of describing the settings, the weather, that just makes them feel so real, so tangible.
I read the book in early December last year, during a particularly cold week and this only added to the feel of the book for me, as the cold seeps in and all hope seems to fade. These characters are some of my favourite I have ever encountered in any series. Yes, we all love Torak, Renn and of course, Wolf. But the supporting cast beyond the main trio are also a brilliant mix. As ever Fin-Keddinn is spellbinding. Dark continues to intrigue and with a host of new characters thrown in, showing different degrees of humanity in the pre-historic setting there is someone for all readers to fall in love with! I really felt for them all the way through this book, facing such adversity and having no choice but to pull together, regardless of clans and beliefs was so interesting to read, especially given the timely aspect of coronavirus and how it is bringing us all together as well!
Every time I read one of these books, it doesn't matter which one, there is always such a sense of safety, of coming home, and honestly it's a feeling I cannot get enough of. Even in the darkest moments, the Forest is a welcome respite from the real world. I can almost smell the tang of pine blood, hear the voices of the trees as they chatter among themselves as I pass.
Can we talk about that cover for a second! I mean! COME ON! John Fordham knocks it out of the park every time. This has to be my favourite cover of the series so far. The colours used. The overall feeling, and especially given that I have read the book, the actual meanings in the cover itself. Fantastic! These have to be some of my favourite covers I have ever had the fortune to own. So unique and easily identifiable within the book world, as well as being fun. Absolute pieces of art in their own right. I'd love to one day get them all framed or something, they're just stunning!
I can never truly get out just how I feel about the books because it just becomes such a gush-fest. I just love them so much. Last year a tv adaptation was announced and with work on that continuing, I can only hope that the team behind it do these characters and the world, and of course Michelle's work, justice and helps to bring a whole new audience to these fantastic books. Yes, they're worldwide bestsellers, but in my opinion, they do not get the recognition they deserve!
Atmospheric, exhilarating and a complete page turner, Skin Taker is Michelle Paver at her very best. With one last instalment (for real, this time!) due next year, Wolfbane, there are no doubt thrills aplenty still to come. I don't know if I am, personally, ready to say goodbye to these characters that I adore so much. I've done it once before with Ghost Hunter, yes, but getting to walk alongside them on their adventures again has been such a wonderful experience. These characters and indeed the books mean a great, great deal to me so it'll never really be a goodbye, as I reread them quite often actually, but the thought of no more new adventures. Gives me chills far worse than those you experience in the Far North, let me tell you! All I know is that I trust Michelle and know that we are in safe hands, so I will walk confidently into the Forest once more to await the fate of our beloved characters!
My thanks to the wonderful Fiona Kennedy at Zephyr for being so lovely and allowing me to read Skin Taker so early! I am eternally grateful and beyond honoured!
I'll make no apologies about it, I am a complete Michelle Paver stan, as I believe I have shown time and time again. Her words are just so well thought out and methodically placed but feel so lyrical, so effortless and they never fail to take me away from the real world and drag me into the world woven within the pages. Skin Taker feels a lot more claustrophobic than the previous books in my opinion. Yes you can read them separately but I believe to truly get the benefit from the story, you need to read them all. Torak has been trapped in caves before. He's been in some very sticky situations. But something about Skin Taker feels very different. Darker, quite literally at some points of the book. Torak and Renn are in the Far North, probably one of my favourite parts of the world that Michelle has created. It's chill just seeps from the page into your bones. Michelle always has such a way of describing the settings, the weather, that just makes them feel so real, so tangible.
I read the book in early December last year, during a particularly cold week and this only added to the feel of the book for me, as the cold seeps in and all hope seems to fade. These characters are some of my favourite I have ever encountered in any series. Yes, we all love Torak, Renn and of course, Wolf. But the supporting cast beyond the main trio are also a brilliant mix. As ever Fin-Keddinn is spellbinding. Dark continues to intrigue and with a host of new characters thrown in, showing different degrees of humanity in the pre-historic setting there is someone for all readers to fall in love with! I really felt for them all the way through this book, facing such adversity and having no choice but to pull together, regardless of clans and beliefs was so interesting to read, especially given the timely aspect of coronavirus and how it is bringing us all together as well!
Every time I read one of these books, it doesn't matter which one, there is always such a sense of safety, of coming home, and honestly it's a feeling I cannot get enough of. Even in the darkest moments, the Forest is a welcome respite from the real world. I can almost smell the tang of pine blood, hear the voices of the trees as they chatter among themselves as I pass.
Can we talk about that cover for a second! I mean! COME ON! John Fordham knocks it out of the park every time. This has to be my favourite cover of the series so far. The colours used. The overall feeling, and especially given that I have read the book, the actual meanings in the cover itself. Fantastic! These have to be some of my favourite covers I have ever had the fortune to own. So unique and easily identifiable within the book world, as well as being fun. Absolute pieces of art in their own right. I'd love to one day get them all framed or something, they're just stunning!
I can never truly get out just how I feel about the books because it just becomes such a gush-fest. I just love them so much. Last year a tv adaptation was announced and with work on that continuing, I can only hope that the team behind it do these characters and the world, and of course Michelle's work, justice and helps to bring a whole new audience to these fantastic books. Yes, they're worldwide bestsellers, but in my opinion, they do not get the recognition they deserve!
Atmospheric, exhilarating and a complete page turner, Skin Taker is Michelle Paver at her very best. With one last instalment (for real, this time!) due next year, Wolfbane, there are no doubt thrills aplenty still to come. I don't know if I am, personally, ready to say goodbye to these characters that I adore so much. I've done it once before with Ghost Hunter, yes, but getting to walk alongside them on their adventures again has been such a wonderful experience. These characters and indeed the books mean a great, great deal to me so it'll never really be a goodbye, as I reread them quite often actually, but the thought of no more new adventures. Gives me chills far worse than those you experience in the Far North, let me tell you! All I know is that I trust Michelle and know that we are in safe hands, so I will walk confidently into the Forest once more to await the fate of our beloved characters!
My thanks to the wonderful Fiona Kennedy at Zephyr for being so lovely and allowing me to read Skin Taker so early! I am eternally grateful and beyond honoured!
January 12, 2023
Precis som Torak föddes för att möta mörkret föddes jag för att läsa Vargbröder. Det är underbart att få återbesöka Storskogen fast jag är minst tio år för gammal för det.
April 18, 2021
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, older now, 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.
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, older now, 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.
March 31, 2021
This review was written by my 10-year-old granddaughter.
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.
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.
March 9, 2023
I just have such a good time reading these books
April 6, 2025
This was an absolutely classic Torak and Renn story. Just delightful. A lovely story about resilience in the face of disaster, well-timed to come out mid-Pandemic. I really think that Michelle Paver is one of the best children's writers around.
This was a needed dose of optimism. The setting was as fresh and real as ever and the central message of hope and friendship never goes out of date. Made me want to cuddle my dog.
This was a needed dose of optimism. The setting was as fresh and real as ever and the central message of hope and friendship never goes out of date. Made me want to cuddle my dog.
July 16, 2021
This is an awesome continuation of the series, as well as being an excellent book in its own right. I have absolutely loved these books so far, and this one was most definitely no exception. The characters are well rounded and believable, the plot is exciting and gripping, and the world building is amazing. I had planned to take my time with this book, reading just a small amount before bed each night, but got so into it it was difficult to put it down, and I could easily have read it all in one sitting if I’d allowed myself to do so.
May 1, 2022
Series Review.
I can't believe I let this series slip through the cracks of my childhood. I know this might feel like blasphemy to some, but honestly. This series is arguably 1a to the books that were my childhood, Harry Potter. The world of forest in Chronicles of Ancient Darkness is just as expansive and mesmerizing as the wizarding world. It's been a long while since I enjoyed the heck out of a series like I did this one.
I can't believe I let this series slip through the cracks of my childhood. I know this might feel like blasphemy to some, but honestly. This series is arguably 1a to the books that were my childhood, Harry Potter. The world of forest in Chronicles of Ancient Darkness is just as expansive and mesmerizing as the wizarding world. It's been a long while since I enjoyed the heck out of a series like I did this one.
April 11, 2022
I will forever be enthralled by this series.
April 23, 2021
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!
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!
June 22, 2023
Paver has done it again. Every time, I just get more and more impressed by her creations. The only parts that upset me with this novel in particular were some cringey and cliché dialogue stints, but they didn’t bother me enough to cause harm to the integrity of the novel as a whole.
I adored how Paver brought back scenes and events from the previous series. For example, the sacred horse riding, the eye specks, the relations to the Seal Clan and eating Torak’s heart/brains, the death of the new cubs in the beginning, the bear, spirit walking in trees, the sacred grove… amazing and heartbreaking and beautiful. I appreciated how Dark got a larger part of the narrative as well—that was a cool and unexpected aspect of the novel.
As usual, I cried upon reading the ending. The “ I can see it!” (262) destroyed me. And as always, the life lessons delivered by Fin-Kedinn are so applicable and wonderful. This novel is another wonderful addition to the world where Torak, Renn, and Wolf live.
I adored how Paver brought back scenes and events from the previous series. For example, the sacred horse riding, the eye specks, the relations to the Seal Clan and eating Torak’s heart/brains, the death of the new cubs in the beginning, the bear, spirit walking in trees, the sacred grove… amazing and heartbreaking and beautiful. I appreciated how Dark got a larger part of the narrative as well—that was a cool and unexpected aspect of the novel.
As usual, I cried upon reading the ending. The “ I can see it!” (262) destroyed me. And as always, the life lessons delivered by Fin-Kedinn are so applicable and wonderful. This novel is another wonderful addition to the world where Torak, Renn, and Wolf live.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2022
SÅ mycket bättre än förra! Kände faktiskt den där känslan som de äldre böckerna i serien ger mig :’) Men ändå, det hände verkligen typ ingenting i den här boken. Konflikten löser typ sig själv. Så kan inte ge full pott tyvärr :/ 3.5?
November 26, 2023
reminded me too much of oath breaker which isn't my favourite
March 16, 2021
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This review may not be very objective, as when I was younger, I was a massive fan of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series, I've read Wolf Brother at least ten times, and I even named a hamster after Renn!
Despite it being a while since I’d read any of the other books in the series, it didn’t take me long to quickly get 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 and spiritual side.
However, I think my favourite element of this series is its creepy and ominous atmosphere. I thought that I’d perhaps misremembered how scary this series could occasionally 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.
This review may not be very objective, as when I was younger, I was a massive fan of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series, I've read Wolf Brother at least ten times, and I even named a hamster after Renn!
Despite it being a while since I’d read any of the other books in the series, it didn’t take me long to quickly get 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 and spiritual side.
However, I think my favourite element of this series is its creepy and ominous atmosphere. I thought that I’d perhaps misremembered how scary this series could occasionally 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.
May 22, 2024
Wow, a little bit darker than I’m used of Torak’s adventures.
Two things I didnt like:
- Naiginn being described as ugly now because he has burn markes. Villains dont have to be ugly and burn marks dont make you ugly.
- they needed a bow and Dark was like: oh I have bow, like it was just casually in his back pocket, like girl?????? You have an amazing mind, think of something better so solve the problem
I liked this story, I felt more like a story than the passed Seven books which were really just adventures. (Which is not weird because Michelle says that is what she wants to write) The writing was the best i’ve read so far. I especially liked how Torak and his connection to nature were so big that he literally lost the spark in his eyes when the forest got obliterated.
Im so excited for the next one in (mostly) wolf’s perspective If im correct???? But also sad only one to go. 😭
Two things I didnt like:
- Naiginn being described as ugly now because he has burn markes. Villains dont have to be ugly and burn marks dont make you ugly.
- they needed a bow and Dark was like: oh I have bow, like it was just casually in his back pocket, like girl?????? You have an amazing mind, think of something better so solve the problem
I liked this story, I felt more like a story than the passed Seven books which were really just adventures. (Which is not weird because Michelle says that is what she wants to write) The writing was the best i’ve read so far. I especially liked how Torak and his connection to nature were so big that he literally lost the spark in his eyes when the forest got obliterated.
Im so excited for the next one in (mostly) wolf’s perspective If im correct???? But also sad only one to go. 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2021
“when disaster strikes and people are frightened, they turn on each other. it’s people you’ll have to fear the most.”
a beautiful instalment in the series which deals with a major disastrous event and shows people struggling amidst it. loved the fact that we got to see some mental health rep and what it might be like when someone close to you is struggling. I was tearing up within the first two chapters, and I can’t believe that I’ll have to say my final goodbye to this world (again) next year.
ps fin-kedinn is and always will be one of the strongest, most kind and wisest characters I’ve read, and this book just reminded me of that.
a beautiful instalment in the series which deals with a major disastrous event and shows people struggling amidst it. loved the fact that we got to see some mental health rep and what it might be like when someone close to you is struggling. I was tearing up within the first two chapters, and I can’t believe that I’ll have to say my final goodbye to this world (again) next year.
ps fin-kedinn is and always will be one of the strongest, most kind and wisest characters I’ve read, and this book just reminded me of that.
May 15, 2023
Had to wait a couple of days before finishing this book due to a bout of sickness...😷🤢 But back to reading! 🤓
'Skin Taker' is another great novel in Michelle Paver's 'Chronicles of Ancient Darkness' series! 😊 This time Torak, Renn and Wolf are on a journey to try and save the forest after a catastrophic event leaves everyone's fate in danger...😱
Definitely the weakest of the 8 novels, but still a 5 ⭐ regardless! 🤓😁 Looking forward to reading the finale 'Wolf's Bane' and seeing how the series finally concludes! 😊
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐/5
'Skin Taker' is another great novel in Michelle Paver's 'Chronicles of Ancient Darkness' series! 😊 This time Torak, Renn and Wolf are on a journey to try and save the forest after a catastrophic event leaves everyone's fate in danger...😱
Definitely the weakest of the 8 novels, but still a 5 ⭐ regardless! 🤓😁 Looking forward to reading the finale 'Wolf's Bane' and seeing how the series finally concludes! 😊
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐/5
May 29, 2021
Wonderful book if you are a fan of the series you will love it. A meteor devastates the forest and Torak, Renn, Wolf and Dark go on a quest to restore order in their way a familiar ice demon. A fast easy read and after seventeen years can this really be the penultimate book in the series, I wait with baited breath for the conclusion.
July 12, 2024
4.5 ⭐ — this was probably the darkest book in the series. it showed how in disastrous times its easy to blame people around you instead of working together. the mental health rep was also a first but so important!
September 15, 2024
I really liked that this one was a bit different to the rest in that it’s a natural disaster that threatens the forest rather than a mage or a demon (although one is involved). It was refreshing and added another dimension to this world!
April 10, 2022
Excellent.
November 1, 2024
So much fun, even as an adult.
September 28, 2022
shit really popped off today🌟
August 19, 2021
These books are everything. So many authors trip at a sequel and lose something of the story or the characters but Torak, Renn, Wolf and all the other friends of my youth are right here in these pages and I love it! There were several times reading this when I thought if another author had tried this in another series, I would have lost faith but Michelle Paver makes it work beautifully. I did not want this book to end and I definitely do not want the series to end because this is hard to find.
September 19, 2021
This was good! I enjoyed it just as much as the other books, though the return of angsty-Torak made me a little annoyed, but thankfully unlike Torak in Outcast/Oathbreaker, this Torak has learned since then. Which I appreciate it. After he struggled trying to understand his feelings, he has learned to reach out to Renn and rely on her so that they can work on the problem together. It really shows how much they've grown. It's so weird, but also so wonderful to see them becoming more adult, yet they still struggle with some things too. Kind of how I am as a young adult. Stuck in between. Also, I really liked the addition of Dark's perspective in this. It was refreshing to have a new take on events through a different character. Reminds me of when Fin-Keddinn went off on his own in Ghost Hunter. It just adds a nice break and it helps build plot in a different way.
I do think the climax was a little lackluster when it comes to the prophecy. It just felt a little all over the place. First we got 3 of the 4 stones to create the arrows to save the First Tree, but then it takes forever for the last one. Then suddenly we got it and I guess Wolf is the brightest soul in the forest, but it just felt a tad like a copout. I feel like if anything, a few more animals could have joined in with the singing to match the prophecy more because I swear it said "souls" and not just one "soul". I could be remembering things wrong now since it took me a while to review.
Additionally, after reading Viper's Daughter and knowing how Michelle Paver's writes the books for this series, I wasn't surprised by certain things when it came to revealing who the Great Leader was and that Naiginn was actually alive. It was pretty much a given to me. In my mind, he seemed like it was necessary for him to be alive in order for more to be written and it seems like he's going to be the last arc for the series since I saw that there'll be a Book 9 on the way. The problem with that, though, is that Naiginn doesn't feel like a strong enough villain. He doesn't seem as menacing and deadly and cruel as the Thiazzi, Seshru, and Eostra. Those Soul Eaters just came across with so much more, but that's also because we've heard about the Soul Eaters since book 2. We knew how terrifying they were. Then we met them, with Torak and Renn almost dying just from that. We had multiple books to establish their menace and the harm they have already caused so that when it comes to their defeat, it felt satisfying and well-earned.
In Naiginn's case, it just is a demon doing what demons do right now. Just be evil. No cause/purpose exactly. There's just not a lot of weight to him as a villain even though he's supposed to be Renn's half-brother and a cousin of Torak's or something. And even though Naiginn has this goal of freeing himself from his body...It just doesn't feel like a strong enough reason? Just seems a little weak as motivation for a villain. I've also just been thinking "Why not free him and banish him after he's out of his flesh prison?" There's a lack of explanation as to what that could lead to. Perhaps if releasing him would unleash another "Great Cold" or "Great Wet" or some other disaster, then I can see why stopping him is important.
But I could be reading into this too much and seeing the wrong things to focus on. I trust Michelle Paver to come to a good resolution. Would it be as impactful as Ghost Hunter was for me? Probably not. Would it end terribly? I don't think so. I feel like Michelle Paver has warmed up enough now that Torak and Renn and Wolf's stories will be satisfying enough.
If Viper's Daughter was Renn angst, then Skin Taker was Torak angst. So now that that's out of the way, I think we can go back to ultimate teamworkd and just fight the bad guys. (Though there's probably going to be Wolf angst in Book 9...Though leave him alone! Stop killing off his cubs, Paver! ;-;)
Anyways, it was enjoyable. Interesting with the meteor impact and how that affected everyone. I look forward to the new, last book.
I do think the climax was a little lackluster when it comes to the prophecy. It just felt a little all over the place. First we got 3 of the 4 stones to create the arrows to save the First Tree, but then it takes forever for the last one. Then suddenly we got it and I guess Wolf is the brightest soul in the forest, but it just felt a tad like a copout. I feel like if anything, a few more animals could have joined in with the singing to match the prophecy more because I swear it said "souls" and not just one "soul". I could be remembering things wrong now since it took me a while to review.
Additionally, after reading Viper's Daughter and knowing how Michelle Paver's writes the books for this series, I wasn't surprised by certain things when it came to revealing who the Great Leader was and that Naiginn was actually alive. It was pretty much a given to me. In my mind, he seemed like it was necessary for him to be alive in order for more to be written and it seems like he's going to be the last arc for the series since I saw that there'll be a Book 9 on the way. The problem with that, though, is that Naiginn doesn't feel like a strong enough villain. He doesn't seem as menacing and deadly and cruel as the Thiazzi, Seshru, and Eostra. Those Soul Eaters just came across with so much more, but that's also because we've heard about the Soul Eaters since book 2. We knew how terrifying they were. Then we met them, with Torak and Renn almost dying just from that. We had multiple books to establish their menace and the harm they have already caused so that when it comes to their defeat, it felt satisfying and well-earned.
In Naiginn's case, it just is a demon doing what demons do right now. Just be evil. No cause/purpose exactly. There's just not a lot of weight to him as a villain even though he's supposed to be Renn's half-brother and a cousin of Torak's or something. And even though Naiginn has this goal of freeing himself from his body...It just doesn't feel like a strong enough reason? Just seems a little weak as motivation for a villain. I've also just been thinking "Why not free him and banish him after he's out of his flesh prison?" There's a lack of explanation as to what that could lead to. Perhaps if releasing him would unleash another "Great Cold" or "Great Wet" or some other disaster, then I can see why stopping him is important.
But I could be reading into this too much and seeing the wrong things to focus on. I trust Michelle Paver to come to a good resolution. Would it be as impactful as Ghost Hunter was for me? Probably not. Would it end terribly? I don't think so. I feel like Michelle Paver has warmed up enough now that Torak and Renn and Wolf's stories will be satisfying enough.
If Viper's Daughter was Renn angst, then Skin Taker was Torak angst. So now that that's out of the way, I think we can go back to ultimate teamworkd and just fight the bad guys. (Though there's probably going to be Wolf angst in Book 9...Though leave him alone! Stop killing off his cubs, Paver! ;-;)
Anyways, it was enjoyable. Interesting with the meteor impact and how that affected everyone. I look forward to the new, last book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2025
This book is... different from the others. It has some rather dark aspects, both in a literal and figurative way. I already knew that before I started reading it, Paver had mentioned it during one of her live sessions on YouTube, but at some points it still came as a bit of a shock to me anyway.
The story itself is sound, do I do think it's missing something that the previous books did have. I only can't quite figure out what that is. I do know, however, that I think it's a bit cheap - if that's the right word - of partially re-using some ideas that were present in Book 5 - Oathbreaker. The Deep Forest, how the clans there act, the idea of war, Gaup's presence... Okay, it may be realistic, and the way she writes it and everything certainly is realistic as well, but it just looks as if she's written the same book twice with some changes. The two bases of the book - - are good, though.
There's not much more I have to add, really. Torak and Renn were fine, but that's about it, unfortunately. They didn't surprise me very much, here. I don't know what to make of Dark's involvement in the book - it somehow puts Torak and especially Renn back a bit, though I doubt that was what the author intended to do. As for the rest, such as the world-building and the wolves, that was all very well done, as we can expect by now.
7.5/10
The story itself is sound, do I do think it's missing something that the previous books did have. I only can't quite figure out what that is. I do know, however, that I think it's a bit cheap - if that's the right word - of partially re-using some ideas that were present in Book 5 - Oathbreaker. The Deep Forest, how the clans there act, the idea of war, Gaup's presence... Okay, it may be realistic, and the way she writes it and everything certainly is realistic as well, but it just looks as if she's written the same book twice with some changes. The two bases of the book - - are good, though.
There's not much more I have to add, really. Torak and Renn were fine, but that's about it, unfortunately. They didn't surprise me very much, here. I don't know what to make of Dark's involvement in the book - it somehow puts Torak and especially Renn back a bit, though I doubt that was what the author intended to do. As for the rest, such as the world-building and the wolves, that was all very well done, as we can expect by now.
7.5/10
July 26, 2021
Okay--this is an excellent series, that has rightly gripped teens and adults as well as older kids. So why not five stars from me?
Two reasons. First, I get annoyed by one of Paver's stylistic quirks. She uses sentence splices all the time, inserting commas where she ought to use semicolons or even periods.
Second, and far more important, I hate Naiginn. I hate him with the burning passion of a thousand suns. He freaked me out so much that I had to skip some of the pages he was in. I can't even begin to guess what sort of nightmares he would have given me had I read these books as a child.
Which means, of course, that he's an effective villain. How could Paver, who is, I'd guess, a perfectly nice person, write someone so genuinely awful?
But I love Dark and his little apprentice. Of course, I love Torak and Renn, and Finn-Keddin really shines in this volume. In these characters, and in Wolf, Paver gives us examples of leadership to counter the false leadership of Naiginn. There's also, as always, a strong adventure plot and terrific research. Finally, these people are all struggling to survive a nearly world-ending disaster. In a time of rapid climate change and pandemic, this seems almost prescient. A good book, and many readers will love it.
Two reasons. First, I get annoyed by one of Paver's stylistic quirks. She uses sentence splices all the time, inserting commas where she ought to use semicolons or even periods.
Second, and far more important, I hate Naiginn. I hate him with the burning passion of a thousand suns. He freaked me out so much that I had to skip some of the pages he was in. I can't even begin to guess what sort of nightmares he would have given me had I read these books as a child.
Which means, of course, that he's an effective villain. How could Paver, who is, I'd guess, a perfectly nice person, write someone so genuinely awful?
But I love Dark and his little apprentice. Of course, I love Torak and Renn, and Finn-Keddin really shines in this volume. In these characters, and in Wolf, Paver gives us examples of leadership to counter the false leadership of Naiginn. There's also, as always, a strong adventure plot and terrific research. Finally, these people are all struggling to survive a nearly world-ending disaster. In a time of rapid climate change and pandemic, this seems almost prescient. A good book, and many readers will love it.
March 25, 2021
I loved the Chronicles of Darkness series growing up and was thrilled to discover more were on the way. I really respect Paver as an author, her writing style and commitment to research are phenomenal. Having said this I found that the last book, Viper's Daughter, fell a bit flat for me. I'm not entirely sure why, but I think that the voices and personality of the characters just didn't quite feel right, maybe because it had been so long since the author last wrote them. Skin Taker however was much more satisfactory. Fast-paced, scary, with Pavers unmistakable flair and a much harder to anticipate plot, this was a great come back. I look forward to the next and last book in the series, though I'm slightly worried about what might happen to Wolf in it!
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