Michelle Paver was born on September 7, 1960, in Malawi, but moved to England as a young child. With a rich and diverse career, Paver initially embarked on a path in law, becoming a partner in a city law firm after obtaining a degree in biochemistry from Oxford University. Nevertheless, her deep-seated passion for animals, anthropology, and the distant past eventually led her to become a full-time writer.

She is best known for her children's historical fantasy series, Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, set in prehistoric Europe. This series, along with her other children's series, Gods and Warriors, and novels for adults, including the Daughters of Eden trilogy and several standalone books, have marked her as a significant figure in literature.

Paver's commitment to authenticity and depth in her storytelling is evident through her extensive research for her books. She has traveled to Finland, Greenland, Sweden, Norway, Arctic Canada, and the Carpathian Mountains, engaging in experiences from sleeping on reindeer skins to swimming with wild orca and coming face-to-face with polar bears and wolves, to bring her stories to life.