The Jaguar Princess [Import] [Paperback]

Clare Bell (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Tor 1/1/1995 1/1/1995 (1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0330339397
• ISBN-13: 978-0330339391
• Shipping Weight: 7.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

More About the Author

Born in England in 1952, I moved to the US with my family in 1957. I worked in oceanography, electrical engineering, test equipment design and mechanical engineering before I wrote my first book, Ratha's Creature (Atheneum-Argo Margaret K .McElderry 1983) , the story of a prehistoric wildcat who learns to tame fire.

Since then I have continued to write fantasy and science fiction for children and adults. I continue to be fascinated by big cats, as showcased in Tomorrow's Sphinx (cheetahs in Tutanhkmen's Eygypt) and Jaguar Princess (were-jaguars in Aztec and Olmec Mexico).

My stories tend to show sociological themes as well, exploring the changes that are brought about in culture through technology. I also enjoy creating plausible and workable alien critters ( the aronan fliers in People of the Sky). The central theme of my fiction is evolution, having been influenced early by the works of C.S. Lewis, Olaf Stapledon , and Arthur C. Clarke.

I have degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering, biology and chemistry and have continued working in technical areas in addition to writing fiction. I became involved in building and designing electric vehicles and spent a year in Norway working on a production EV. I have also participated in electric vehicle racing in the Arizona Public Service Company-sponsored Solar and Electrics competitions, held from 1991 to 1998. My electric Porsche 914, known by her racing number, 13, was a well-known competitor in these races. I was also involved with the Women's Electric Racing and Educational Team (WE'RE-IT) when we raced the Porsche and our converted race-Rabbit, #6 Hop-along.

After moving to a remote site in California's coastal mountains, I and my partner put together our own solar and wind systems and experimented with a power-generating waterwheel. A naturalized citizen of the US, I now live with my partner-become-husband, Chuck Piper, in the hills west of Patterson, California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the greatest books I've ever read!, April 12, 2001

By 

Amber (Jonesboro, Ga USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Jaguar Princess (Hardcover)

I first read this book when I was nine years old, and even nine years later I hace never forgotten the gripping emotions I feel when reading it. I am quite an avid reader, usually going through as many as ten books in a week. Naturally, I have come across many different types of books ranging from horrid to wonderful. This story not only managed to enthrall me, it drew me into the story and made me feel like I was there with Mixcatl all throughout the story. I am currently reading it to my eleven-year-old and eight-year-old brothers, and they love it almost as much as I do! This is a fantastic story that every fantasy fan should not be without!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome historical fantasy!, June 9, 2010

By 

Jem (MD, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Jaguar Princess (Paperback)

I picked this up at a used book store (the original paperback printing) for a dollar because the cover attracted me. And it turned out to be one of the best shapeshifter novels I have ever read! I am delighted to see it re-released in a beautiful new trade edition.

The Jaguar Princess melds shapeshifter fantasy with historical fiction set during the Aztec Empire. Mixcatl is a young girl stolen from her jungle village to become a slave in the capital city. Her artistic talents soon come to light and she becomes a scribe. But, she has another talent even more rare. She is one of the jaguar people; descended from ancient rulers of this land. Will she be the one to free her people from the cruel Aztec king whose sacrifices grow more and more demanding?

I enjoyed the story so much because I immediately identified with the protagonist. She is spirited, intelligent and curious. One of my favorite scenes is at the beginning when, upon arriving in the city, she hears the rumor that if a slave touches the walls of the palace, they are freed. Naturally, she makes a run for it! She doesn't succeed, yet after she becomes a scribe she doesn't try again. The author shows that a person can change as they grow. Mixcatl has been indoctrinated to her new society - readying her to remain here and fulfill her destiny.

An exciting adventure, a great heroine and even a love story all work to make this a fantastic novel. There is a lot of humor, and very good character development. Though the actual shapeshifting doesn't occur until the end, the book is a real page turner. I'm so glad to see it back in print!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Enthralling!!!, May 19, 2005

By 

J.D. "Book-Pythiyum" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Jaguar Princess (Paperback)

Although meant for young adults, this book is certainly one that any adult could enjoy.

For starters, I don't believe there are many fictional books which are incorporated with information regarding the ancient Olmecs and Aztecs. Bell's book is the first I've come across that provides the reader with more than just a brief insight into those ancient cultures. Further, Bell takes her time in developing the plot, prolongs it as much as she can without boring the reader (but who could get bored with anything dealing with wondrous ancient civilizations anyway?), and leads us to a climatic ending. The combination of non-fictional history and a fictional storyline that is absolutely enthralling not only makes the reader not want to put the book down for a minute, but makes the reader feel one with the protagonist and leaves him craving for more. This book has fanned the flames of my love of the history of ancient civilizations. Anyone who enjoys anything to do with ancient history should read this book.