Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #5: Oath Breaker

by Michelle Paver

Book Overview

"Fast-paced and exciting adventure that will enthrall every reader." --Erin Hunter, author of the New York Times bestselling Warriors series In the fifth book in Michelle Paver's bestselling fantasy series, a struggling hero descends down a dark path. A thrilling read for fans of Brandon Mull and Jeanne DuPrau. When he was outcast, Torak was the hunted one. Nine moons later he becomes the hunter when he vows to avenge the killing of one of his closest...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006072837X
• ISBN13: 9780060728373
• Release Date: June 2009
• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.7" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Great book,that kept my interest all the way to the end.

This was a great book,I read all 6 of them and they all kept my interest from the first page to the last.I am only sorry the Chronicles came to an end with book 6 leaving me hungry for more.Now I am in search for another series that can have a grip on me like these books.The author is to be awarded for her excellent writing skills,I know she put much research into these books and her hard work proves to have made these books very entertaining.Thank you, Michelle Paver

A riveting story full of fast-paced adventure and unexpected twists

Bale lay on his back. His face was unmarked. It was the back of his skull that had cracked like an eggshell. Perhaps one of the worst things that can happen to a person is to lose their best friend. When Torak discovers his friend Bale murdered, he is not only devastated but his guilt is overwhelming. If Torak hadn't left their campsite during the night, none of this would have happened. He carries his guilt heavy within and is determined to avenge this brutal death. He will risk anything to give Bale's spirit its proper rest and find the killer. Despite warnings from Saeunn, the old Raven Mage (she cautions that Torak's foster father, Fin-Kedinn, will never see the end of this journey), Torak sets out accompanied by Renn and Fin-Kedinn. Even before they leave camp, they have discovered Bale's probable killer. All signs point to an old enemy, the Oak Mage, known as Thiazzi. In their last encounter the evil Soul-Eater had been attacked by a wolf who took two of his fingers in the process. Thiazzi, probably traveling with the one other remaining Soul-Eater, Eostra, is also bent on revenge. The little Raven Clan is up against some very powerful magic and madness on this journey. For the time being, Torak's long-time companion, Wolf, is on his own journey. Although Wolf and Torak have been separated, Wolf has sensed Thiazzi, who he calls the Bitten One, and is driven to follow this scent. Wolf's language is simple and picturesque. When he sees the "tailless one," his thoughts move like this: The Bitten One was sliding up - Wet on the trunk of an oak. Wolf caught the glint of a great stone claw at his flank. He caught the smell of pine-blood and reindeer hide, and the strange, terrible Bright Beast-that-Bites-Cold. Not long after Wolf and Torak are united, Thiazzi makes a bold move and the little band of travelers walk into a trap. Renn is hurt, but Fin-Kedinn's injuries are life-threatening. Now the warnings of Saeunn make Torak realize that he has been foolish in this quest because he has risked the lives of those he loves. When Fin-Kedinn is back with the Raven Clan, Torak vows to go on by himself. Little does he know that Thiazzi has much worse plans for him. Thiazzi is mad, determined to become the most powerful Mage and bent on destroying Torak. The boy will need all the strength, magic and cunning he has to meet the challenges of this formidable enemy. Michelle Paver once again delivers a riveting story full of fast-paced adventure and unexpected twists. Her detailed research enriches Torak's adventures in a world long gone. By now, readers have become familiar with the psychic connection that allows Wolf, along with the ravens Rip and Rek, to communicate with the young boy. As he grows into manhood, Torak must confront his own demons, and in OATH BREAKER he faces some of his most challenging obstacles. Geoff Taylor's wonderful black and white illustrations beautifully augment the richness of Paver's book. An excellent map in the begin

An amazing story!

A wonderful read! I've read the other books, and this one wasn't a let down. The plot thickings, there's action, suspense, fantasy, and true tests of friendship. I can't wait for the final installement!

Absolutely Brilliant!!!!!

The Chronicles of Ancient Darkeness books are simply brilliant. Each succeeding book is better than the previous ones. This is the best in the series so far. Michelle Paver has created a world of magic. The characters are lovingly presented. And the entire audio series has been read by Ian McKellen who is one of the most talented actors on the planet. His readings of these books is proof. I can't wait for the next installment.

Love it!

I can't get enough of these books (and I'm all grown up)! If any of us had to put ourselves in Toraks shoes - who is to say how we would respond - I could actually relate to the soul sickness - a place alot of people go who have been hurt in their life, rejected, traumatized - I wish Ms. Paver would continue further into his life as he ages and matures and can pass his wisdom on to another - I really want a happy ending with Renn. Maybe we all have these gifts of some sort but are so entrenched in our own century we're not listening to the earth around us. :)