Ghost Hunter (Paver novel)

Ghost Hunter
Author Michelle Paver
Country United Kingdom
Language English
Series Chronicles of Ancient Darkness
Genre Fantasy novel
Publisher Orion Children's Books
Publication date
August 20, 2009 (UK)
Media type Print (Hardback & Paperback) & Audio book (CD & Cassette)
Pages 224 pp (first edition, hardback)
ISBN ISBN 1-84255-175-2 (first edition, hardback)
Preceded by Oath Breaker

Ghost Hunter is the sixth and last book in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series written by British author Michelle Paver. The book was released on 20 August 2009 in the United Kingdom,[1] ending the series that began in 2004 with the publication of Wolf Brother.

Plot summary

As winter approaches and Souls' Night draws near, the Eagle Owl Mage holds the clans in the grip of terror. To fulfil his destiny, Torak must seek her lair in the Mountain of Ghosts. He must defy demons and tokoroths, and find his way through the Gorge of the Hidden People. Wolf must overcome terrible grief. Renn must make an agonizing decision. And in the final battle against the Soul-Eater, Torak must face the most heart-rending choice of all.

Background

Writing

The book's author, Michelle Paver, wrote on December 18, 2008, the following on her official website: "I'm working extremely hard on the sixth and final book in the series, Ghost Hunter. I'm happy to say that it's going really, really well. However, it is quite a weird sensation to be writing the final book. At the moment, it seems inconceivable that I shall soon by saying goodbye to Torak, Renn and Wolf. I know that I'll miss them terribly. In another way, though, I know that I'll be delighted and proud to have brought Torak's story to a dramatically satisfying conclusion. "[2]

Paver confirmed in her official podcast that the Soul Eater Eostra will be a main character in the book.[3] She said that writing the book had given her bad dreams, particularly the parts with Eostra, but she considered it to be a good sign.[2]

Cover

Paver said: "A week ago, though, I had a conversation with John Fordham, who designs the cover, and I told him the bare bones of the story, so he could start thinking of the cover. Given the themes in the book, it will probably be purplish, and Wolf and Torak may feature prominently. I sent John a photograph of an amazing Stone Age cave picture of an eagle owl. It's tens of thousands of years old, and yet could have been made by Eostra yesterday. Seriously spooky. Who knows what designs it will inspire?"[2]

Setting

Paver said on her official website that she would be travelling into the mountains to get inspiration for the book. She also said that she hoped to meet some eagle owls at close quarters, a hint that that the book would feature Eostra.[4]

References

  1. "A NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM MICHELLE". Torak.info. January 28, 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 http://www.torak.info/Home/p2_articleid/156
  3. "TheClanCast Podcast". Torak.info. Retrieved 2008-09-04.
  4. "Ghost Hunter". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 2008-09-03.