| Title | : | Outcast (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, #4) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1842551736 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781842551738 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 224 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 2007 |
For two moons Torak has hidden a terrible secret—and now it is revealed. He bears the mark of the Soul-Eater, and must pay the price. Cast out from the clans, he is alone and on the run: cut off from his best friend, Renn, and his beloved pack-brother, Wolf.
He flees to the haunted reed-beds of Lake Axehead, where he is hunted by the Otter Clan, taunted by the Hidden People, and, as soul-sickness claims him, he falls prey to an even greater menace. Tormented by secrets and broken trust, he uncovers a deception that will turn his world upside down.
Outcast (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, #4) Reviews
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This series just keeps getting better and better! Outcast was a non-stop thrilling adventure! I couldn’t put it down for one second.
Outcast really defined Torak and Renn’s character. I loved how we got to know more about Renn here. To be honest, Torak and Renn aren’t really that different from each other. Even though Renn lived with her clan, she is different from her clan because of her ability to do Magecraft. I just love the parallel between Torak and Renn. Also we got to see more of Bale! I really like him. It’s nice to him team up with Renn to help Torak. My heart goes out to Torak. He has been through so much and he’s just fourteen!
The plot was simply fantastic! There were so many twists. The biggest and most unexpected surprise has got to be Renn’s. I didn’t see that coming at all. Not at all. My jaw dropped when I found out. There were so many events that happened caught me by surprise. I treasured this feeling okay? When Torak revealed his tattoo though. That scene gave me the chills. It was dreadful. And when Torak found out about Renn’s secret. I was kinda angry with his reaction to be honest. Dude, you had your secret and this is Renn for gods sake! She’s your best-friend! She saved your life countless times. Just give her a chance to explain will you. But in the end, everything was settled nicely so that made me extremely happy.
Wow, I cannot believe that four books have gone by. Only two books left in this amazing series. I am not ready to say goodbye. I don’t think I’ll ever be. Sobs. -
Yes! Michelle Paver does it again with this splendid entry in her Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series. Torak is alone and soul sick and we wonder whether Seshru, the Soul Eater and Viper Mage will get the fire opal and conquer him or whether Bale and Renn will save him in time. And Wolf...
As always, we are spellbound with the vivid evocation of this world long ago and the wonder of discovery and friendship of the characters. There are painful revelations here as we pass the summit of the story and head towards the last two books - certainly the confrontations with the remaining soul eaters will be paramount. In the meantime, I derive an incredible amount of satisfaction from this series reading it with my son and rooting for Torak, Renn and Wolf! -
Tyler, 8yrs, said it was very dramatic and very good. He really likes this series.
Update 3/17/13 - my review:
Now I know what Tyler meant by dramatic. This book tore my heart out. It was so hard to watch Torak go through so many painful experiences - becoming an outcast and watching him suffer from soul-sickness. He begins to make choices that are against the laws of the Forest and clans. I found myself shocked and fearing for him. The pain that wolf feels as he is rebuffed by Torak and finding himself caught between two clans. Then as if there couldn't be more...finding out the secret that Renn has been carrying all this time.
This by far has been the darkest book in the series. I did not realize just how invested I was in these characters until we all had to go on this painful journey together. And while Soul Eater was also quite dark - there was a sense of many against the evil. I felt more hopeful. Being an outcast in this book.. Torak being completely alone; it felt so very hopeless.
This remains Tyler and I's favorite series. Onto the Oath Breaker.... -
From start to finish a 5 star rating through and through. What a ride! Whew!
When the books in this series were first emerging I was a newlywed, charting three new courses at once: Wifedom, Motherhood, and the Wilds of Alaska. Overly preoccupied at the time I somehow managed to not see (or hear) of these books.
Late to the party but shouting from the rooftops now! "The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, a book series not to be missed!"
"Outcast", more than any of the other books (thus far) surprised me the most! The twists? The turns? The truths uncovered? I didn't see them coming!
Not being able to see the big surprises in advance, (so wrapped up was I in the unfolding story), the entire read (layer upon layer) was captivating, disturbing, heart-wrenching, and ultimately refreshing.
To me, this 4th installment had the best (most heartfelt and heartening) story ending to date. Finally, after closing the back cover, I feel as though I'm free to breathe deeply again; and, for a moment, all is well within the world.
Michelle Paver, what a talent! Her words provide such rich detail, (never dull or overindulgent), just the right amount to sink you deeper within the story being read. Truly, a tremendous, gifted, authoress!
Up next, on deck? The "Oath Breaker". A good night's rest then, the journey towards darkness continues; it all must be vanquished. No stone left unturned. -
I have found with series, the further you delve, the sooner you'll find a book that disappoints. Not so with the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness. "Outcast" is the fourth in the series and as captivating, well-written and engaging as the three previous books.
Michelle Paver's series was written for children but appeals to people of all ages. (I have been hooked since the first word in "Wolf Brother"!)
Whilst completely engaged in the story, heart-pounding as the circumstances Torak, Renn and Wolf often find themselves, appears hopeless, I can't help but think how a child's mind would process it. My guess? That it awakens their imagination and introduces them to those magical worlds you often only find in books.
When I was a child, books like this is what sparked my love for reading and I can see this giving the same gift to a whole new generation.
A thoroughly enjoyable series. Captivating and maturing with each book ~ I can't wait to see how it all ends. -
Rejection
Torak's life-centred quest to defeat the Soul Eaters takes a devasting turn when he is branded with the Soul Eater mark on his chest. Like many secrets eventually they come out and when Torak's mark is discovered he is outcast by all the clans. The law of the outcast one is to be hunted and killed on sight and anyone disobeying the law will also be cast out.
Torak says of the Wolf clan "I may not be Wolf clan but I can do what you cannot do and talk to wolves". With that Torak and Wolf walk away from the gathering to now be the hunted ones. Now Torak must prove he is not a Soul Eater and the marking on his chest was put there by force.
These stories proceed at a very fast pace which doesn't affect the wonderful descriptions of the forests and mountains. We also see a real bond between Torak and his wolf brother develop and understand what selfless friendship looks like. Who in the clans has a hidden agenda and is working to grab power? Who is the real enemy? -
Jagad av Klanerna är fjärde boken i serien Vargbröder.
Efter den förra boken, Demonernas Port, var jag lite besviken. Jag hade hoppats på mer i den, men oj vad Jagad av Klanerna tog igen allt de jag saknade tidigare.
Handlingen innehåller minst sagt ett spännande äventyr. När Torak blev fredlös hade jag en liten aning om vart berättelsen skulle ta vägen, men så fel jag hade. Oväntade vändningar på oväntade vändningar förde berättelsen framåt i ett högt tempo. Inte en enda lugn stund får karaktärerna eller mig som läsare. Det hände något i varje kapitel.
I den här boken får vi utforska mer av den värld författaren skapat och träffa på fler klaner. Jag kan inte få nog av all skogsmiljö karaktärerna lever i. Det är intressant att läsa om hur de lever för det är så människorna levde för 6000 år sedan.
Om du inte läst Vargbröder ännu så gör det. Dessa böcker är så bra och är läsvärda även för vuxna som det är för barn. -
"Outcast" was much darker and more chaotic than the rest of the books in this series so far. However, the outcasting posed an interesting problem that developed into an engaging, fast-moving plot. The dark and chaotic feeling of this book turned me off only a bit, but I think it's because of that (and that alone) I give it four stars instead of five. The thing with Seshru and Renn also annoyed me a bit... it just felt cliche, but it certainly did provide an interesting twist. I felt really bad for Torak throughout the entire story.
Perhaps "Outcast" wasn't as good as its prequels, but I still enjoyed it, and I'm eager to read the rest of the books in this series.
(PS: I just hate saying this series' name. The only thing that really irks me about these books is the horrible series name. I've hardly seen anything worse... "Shadows of Doom" is about it.) -
Although I read a lot of series, I find that I lose interest after just 2 or 3 books. Often the plot becomes predictable and the writing more haphazard. Not so with Michelle Paver's Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series. Outcast is the fourth in the series and my favorite so far.
The story picks up right where Soul Eater left off without any annoying recap. Torak is quickly outcast from the clans because he bears the mark of the Soul Eaters. Being an outcast is worse than it sounds, by law anyone who sees Torak is now obligated to kill him. On the run, Torak is pursued by the clans, but also by a Soul Eater who is desperate to use his spirit walker power.
I found this installment in the series to be intriguing and well-paced, with lots of Paver's incredible world building and character development. Each book reveals more and more about the clans and their belief systems. The concept of soul-sickness is especially interesting in this book. The protagonists Torak, Renn, and Wolf never become static. This book does a especially wonderful job of exploring the developments of Renn and Wolf. -
I forgot how amazingly awesome this book is!!!!! *screams*
My sister is in the fandom now, she drew fanart (which is WAY better than mine) and she even used the quote: "A wolf cannot be of two packs" in real life! I'm so proud of her.
(Also, I've read this book 3 times, but Goodreads isn't letting me say that I have ;-; ) -
Yep, I see from other reviews for Outcast that there are lots of other readers out there as enthralled with Michelle Paver’s Chronicles of Ancient Darkness as I am!
Rereading them all again, and excited to see that there’s a 7th book now! -
This is the fourth novel of Torak’s journey to vanquish the Soul Eaters. When I read this series previously, this was my least favourite of the six novels, partly due to its content and because it is the slowest of the chronicles. Upon this reread, however, I surprised myself by enjoying it more than I expected.
During the events of book 3, the Soul Eater Seshru marked Torak with the Soul Eater tattoo and he has since kept this hidden from the clans. When he is exposed by the boar clan member Aki, the clans have no alternative but to cast him out. Torak must then survive on his own, as he did after his father died. All is not lost for our hero; his loyal Wolf will ever remain by his side.
Once again Paver manages to draw the reader into a rich and vivid world, which is based on our own thousands of years ago. I wish I could journey to some of the fantastic locations she went to in northern Europe to research these novels because to see these places for yourself, I think, would be spectacular.
Among the key events in Outcast, I particularly enjoyed those which occurred at Lake Axehead leading up to the finale. There were some really quite sinister and tense scenes, which I didn’t appreciate when I read it the first time round. Also, Seshru really is one sneaky, sadistic, sly piece of work, which makes entertaining reading
Considering Soul Eater was so good before it, I remember being concerned that Outcast wouldn’t live up to expectation, but it stands strongly in its own right. Another solid 4 stars for a satisfying read. Onto the book 5 and Torak’s confrontations with the final two Soul Eaters. -
4,5
Inte min favorit i serien men tyckte om den väldigt mycket ändå <3 Så mysigt slut och ser fram emot att fortsätta serien! -
I feel like I should be enjoying this series more than I actually am. Everyone raves about the series, but I'm always slogging through the pages, trying to figure out why I'm not more invested in the story. Exciting things are happening, but I can't get myself to care. Maybe it's because of the nonstop barrage of suffering heaped on Torak. He never gets a break, but his misfortunes don't make me sympathize with him, they just feel excessive.
With each book that goes by, Torak annoys me more and more, and it's hard to pin down why exactly. Maybe he bothers me because he's another "chosen one" on his "hero's journey". Maybe it's because he's such a loner. Maybe it's the way he treats Renn, my favorite character in the series. I hate how he keeps pushing her away when she's trying to help him. The whole "trying to keep her safe" thing just irks me. Renn has proved time and time again that she is brave, smart, loyal, and competent. Honestly, I wish Renn was our protagonist instead. I'm always far more interested in what she is up to. She's main reason I'm sticking with the series. Really hoping Renn and Torak don't get together in the end, but it seems like that's where the series is heading.
There are things I like about this series, namely the depictions of a time long long ago. I'm fascinated by the in-depth descriptions of animals, different tribes, hunting and gathering. Michelle Paver has definitely done her research. I also love the way she weaves magic into her stories, seamlessly and naturally. The suspense is also well-handled, and I want to read on to discover more about the Soul-Eaters and their secrets. -
I recently reread this series for the first time in a few years, and it's one of the ones from my childhood that truly holds up the most. The worldbuilding is incredible and also respectful of the native people from this time period, and though the books are written in a way kids can understand, they're at times also deeply unsettling in ways I haven't even experienced from YA or adult literature.
Note: every book in the series is 5 stars for me, but this is my absolute favorite. -
Good, beautiful. Had me captivated with a good mix of characters and combinations.
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I think this was the most emotional book of the series so far. I might have shed a tear a few times.
The story's still as captivating and doesn't let down. Everything falls into place, and it's one of those series where you feel like the author knew where it was going from the beginning and you wonder how they knew to leave these little details that would come in handy later.
It's full of plot twists too! Renn's secret? I think that was the most shocking twist so far.
Renn's character keeps being more defined and gaining depth, and she's become one of my favourite book heroines. She's so tough! Bale is back too and it's so nice to see him again.
Torak's character definitely gains more depth too. He goes through so much! His relationship with Wolf is tested as well and I might have shed a few tears. His relationship with Fin-Kedinn steps us and it's one of the highlights of the book!
4 books into this series and it hasn't let me down once, I can't believe there's only 2 books left. :( -
What makes this series so great to read is the pace at which the plot moves. There are no frivolous chapters, no slow parts, no nonsense. It’s nonstop action, movement, and change. They are so enjoyable! And it was fun in this specific story to learn more about Renn and her past.
I also just love the historical details about how these ancient people survived and their reverence for the Earth and all she provides. What a lovely way to live in harmony with nature.
Rate Procedure:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I loved the book so much I would reread it again and would recommend to a friend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Thoroughly enjoyed the book, could not put it down, would recommend to a friend, but do not need to read again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Probably a good book that I enjoyed but there was something about it I did not love (e.g. The writing style, the POV, etc.). I would only recommend to a friend if it was their "type" of book.
⭐️⭐️ - A book I have below average feelings for and it would not come with a recommendation from me but I would mention it in conversation if related to the book topic at issue.
⭐️ - I finished the book but I hated every second of it. -
These books really do just get better and better. Still as worth reading (and maybe also rereading) as ever! The characters develop really well and the plot and world feel complete and true to the past books. It really is an impressive series, and I'm looking forward to rereading the rest (and reading for the first time the new book that came out this year!!).
Also, I completely forgot that Renn is the Viper Mage's daughter. I bet that blew my mind the first time I read it, too. -
3.5/5
Really cute and exciting! -
Another gripping book
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¡Pedazo de continuación!
No había quedado muy impresionada con la tercera entrega de esta saga por los motivos que ya mencioné en mi
reseña, pero este remontó con todo lo que Paver tiene para ofrecer. Nada de todo lo que me había molestado se hizo presente aquí.
En esta ocasión nos toca velar por la seguridad de Torak, quien es declarado poscrito por lo ocurrido en El devorador de almas y, por lo tanto, se ha convertido en enemigo de los clanes. Tiene un día para escapar en paz y luego, quien lo vea tiene la obligación de asesinarlo. Esto pone en jaque a sus dos compañeros más queridos: Renn y Fin-Kedinn.
Nuevamente Paver demuestra lo bien que sabe escribir situaciones estresantes. Los peligros que enfrenta Torak mantienen a los lectores (sobre todo a los más peques) al filo del asiento, sumidos en la preocupación y consternación de no saber cómo se solucionará todo (o si tiene solución, para empezar).
Además, los plot twists me dejaron sin aliento. Aunque Seshru me parece una villana algo caricaturesca, siento que funciona bien con el público al que va dirigido y el tono del libro. Disfruté leerla y conocerla, a pesar de ser un personaje algo cliché.
Los combates son geniales y muy bien manejados. Hace cuatro libros que vengo disfrutando mucho de las escenas de lucha de Paver, pero noto un patrón negativo que no se quiebra: la batalla final es corta y tiene un desenlace abrupto. Casi no da tiempo a asimilar lo que ocurre antes de que termine todo muy velozmente.
De cualquier forma, es un detalle que no me impide gozar de esta saga en absoluto. -
'Ik moet zeggen dat het me verbaast dat je hem dat nooit hebt verteld. Als hij je vriend is... Als je net zo veel om hem geeft als hij om jou, en dat is veel, heel veel... Maar je hebt het hem niet verteld, en dat was een grote vergissing.'
Ik moet iets toegeven, en het is iets waar ik niet trots op ben: ik vond dit vroeger een rotboek.
Mijn excuses.
Alles eraan stoorde me. Wat Torak allemaal doet, wat Renn heeft gedaan, een hoop gebeurtenissen in het algemeen.
Ondertussen ben ik gaan inzien dat dit echt een magnifiek boek is, eigenlijk.
Wat het meeste opvalt, bij het begin, is misschien wel dat dit bijna een direct vervolg is op Boek 3. Dat eindigde, als enige in de reeks, op een soort semi-cliffhanger. En daarmee waren de pionnen voor Verstoten ook meteen klaargezet. Daarnaast worden er in Boek 4 meteen een paar hints gegeven die Boek 5 inleiden.
Het is een prachtverhaal. Ik wordt er bij momenten nog steeds depressief van - kun je nagaan hoe erg dit verhaal erin hakt, hoe levendig het is. Op bladzijde 199 - meer daarover zo meteen - voel ik elke keer weer rillingen over mijn rug lopen. Ik krijg het er echt koud van.
De plot is geniaal bedacht en uitgewerkt. Misschien nog meer dan de andere boeken gaat dit verhaal in op hoe mensen in die periode leefden. Het biedt bovendien ook inzicht in de leefwereld van Torak en Renn in het bijzonder: ze weten veel meer over de Zieleneters en alles wat met hen gepaard gaat dan de rest. Ze zijn, om het zo te stellen, vrijwel ingewijden, en dat zet hen af van de rest in de wereld.
Bovendien wordt ook in dit boek duidelijk dat ze allebei volwassen aan het worden zijn. Tuurlijk, Toraks stem wordt zwaarder en Renn krijgt haar eerste maanbloeding, maar hun manier van doen is ook anders, al wat meer doordachter en dergelijke dan vroeger. Een mooie ontwikkeling!
Torak ondergaat een verschrikkelijk lot, je voelt heel erg met hem mee. Begaat hij vergissingen? Ja, absoluut, maar uiteindelijk kom je weer met hem in het reine. Hoe dan ook ligt de focus wat mij betreft niet bij hem in dit verhaal, maar bij iemand anders.
Renn. Renn steelt hier absoluut de show. Tot nu toe hebben we al wel heel wat geleerd over Toraks achtergrond, maar eigenlijk wisten we nog maar weinig van Renn vóór het verhaal begon in Torak en Wolf. Daar komt nu verandering - en hoe! Paver werkt maar weinig met échte plotwendingen, maar hemeltjelief, op bladzijde 199 van dit boek zit er een. En wat voor een! Het zit geniaal in elkaar. Als je de reeks herleest, dan zul je merken dat er doorheen de boeken al wel gehint wordt naar hoe de vork in de steel zit. Vooral in Boek 3 wordt dat duidelijk, en in Boek 4 bouwt het helemaal erg op. De alinea's voor de effectieve onthulling vormen één lange, knappe aanloop. Meesterlijk gedaan.
Wat me vreselijk tegenstaat is Toraks reactie, natuurlijk, maar goed, hij draait gelukkig wel weer bij, zoals altijd. En nu ze ouder worden, begint stilaan duidelijk te worden dat hier meer gaande is dan gewoon vriendschap. Op sommige momenten wordt het zelfs al redelijk expliciet gemaakt. En ja, ik ben een absolute shipper van hen, dus natuurlijk ben ik daar zo enthousiast over.
Knappe vertaling van Uiterweer ook, zoals we gewend zijn. Er steken altijd een paar een beetje rare kronkels tussen, maar ik vind eigenlijk dat die bijdragen aan de sfeer. Daarnaast staan er wel een paar typfouten in, dicht bij het einde staat onder andere twee keer 'Ren' in plaats van 'Renn', maar goed, het is te doen.
Nagenoeg perfect, dit.
9,8/10 -
Oooh I liked seeing Torak slowly lose his connection to the forest, reminds me of myself when i'm in the wild :^) It was a little annoying that there was yet ANOTHER secret that Renn/Torak kept from each other, and predictably another blow up lol.....like ok can we have another twist? You'd think they'd at least be even now with the number of secrets they kept from another. Anyway, if they don't end up together I'm gonna be pissed, THEY ARE LINKED TOGETHER BY HEART NOW OK
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"I am your pack, Torak said."
Paver does it again. These books are really quite incredible and I absolutely love them. I cannot wait to read the last two in the series. I have been taking my time with these and they are just so enjoyable. Torak, Wolf, Renn and Bale make up this adventure…and an adventure it is! The growing relationship between Torak and Renn is starting to make me nuts haha…but I'm loving it, I'm hopeful Paver will continue to develop these two. This time we find Torak being Outcast…and I was pretty upset with the way this story started off, but soon Torak and Wolf were on their own in that lively forest they call home and I was lost in the story. I particularly enjoyed seeing Bale return to the series and befriend Renn and the ending was one of my favourites. Looking forward to Oath Breaker next. And once again…hvala Matic <3
"Because that's how it is. Everything changes, all the time. Mostly, you don't notice."
"Wolf gave a startled yelp- Torak burst into the sunshine in a glitter of droplets - and they wrestled. Wolf play growling, Torak shouting with laughter. He was happy. He could live like this for ever." -
Outcast follows Soul Eater, and is as dark as its predecessor.
Picking up two months later, Torak's Soul-Eater tattoo is discovered during a brawl, and he is outcast by the clans, his only allies Renn and his Seal-Clan cousin Bale.
Out of all the novels, it's the most painful to read. Both Torak and Renn go through the meat-grinder in this one, physically and psychologically.
I preferred Soul Eater to this one, probably because Outcast is so tragic a read. Alone, without Wolf, and becoming sicker by the hour, Torak falls foul of the machinations of Seshru the Viper Mage. Outcast is very surreal and chaotic, but with a tight, engaging, fast-paced plot that grabs you by the throat and won't let go.
Michelle Paver must be congratulated on her character development - neither Torak, Renn, Fin-Kedinn or Wolf ever become static over the course of the six novels, nor have the plots become formulaic. Book by book, more is revealed about the culture, survival skills and beliefs of the clans, and that world is fascinating.
Not the very best of the series, but a strong, tragic and well-written entry nonetheless. -
Torak menjadi buangan ketika tato pemakan arwah yang dipasang paksa diketahui para pemimpin klan. Hidup menyendiri, bahkan tanpa Serigala, membuat roh Torak sakit. Dukun Klan Ular, Sessru, salah satu pemakan arwah, adalah sosok dibalik kegilaan Torak. Usaha Sessru memanfaatkan kemampuan klanaroh Torak demi membunuh Renn ternyata memiliki rahasia terselubung. Selain itu, Sessru juga ingin mendapatkan batu Baiduri terakhir yang ternyata selama ini tanpa sadar berada di dekat Torak.
Sedih baca seri keempat Chronicle of Ancient Darkness, hampir semua tokoh utamanya menyimpan kesedihan. Torak, sebagai manusia buangan, selalu merasa kesepian dan sendiri; Renn, yang terus menerus mencari Torak dan memikul beban rahasia yang berat untuk sampaikan, sedang Serigala yang 'diusir' Torak selalu bertanya-tanya dan menyimpan rindu. Untuk kisah cinta, seri kali ini lebih kentara dibandingkan seri-seri sebelumnya, terlihat dari terbersitnya bayangan satu sama lain dan rasa cemburu antara Torak dan Renn.
Recommended deh!