A boy. A wolf. A legend for all time. The first book in the internationally bestselling Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series by renowned author Michelle Paver.

Thousands of years ago, a powerful and malevolent force conjured a demon: a demon so evil that it could only be contained in the body of a ferocious bear, a demon determined to destroy the world. Only one boy can stop it ...

Twelve-year-old Torak sees his father murdered by the bear. With his dying breath, he asks his son to make him a promise. Alone, wounded, terrified and on the run, Torak must now lead the bear to the Mountain of the World Spirit - a mountain that no one has ever found before. But can Torak keep his promise?

A terrifying quest commences in a world of wolves, tree spirits and Hidden People, a world in which trusting a friend means risking your life.

Audio edition also available, read by Sir Ian McKellen.
Latest sequels Oath Taker and Viper's Daughter published in 2020-21.