Ratha and Thistle-Chaser [Paperback]

Clare Bell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 26, 2011

Maimed and traumatized by a childhood incident too frightening to remember, a solitary cat named Newt struggles to survive, haunted by nightmares of a huge monster she calls the Dreambiter. In spite of the trauma, Newt lives a peaceful life in harmony with the sea creatures of her ocean beach.

When the Named arrive on her beach in search of a temporary refuge from drought, Newt clashes with Ratha, leader of the Named, over the sea animals that Newt protects. The two cats have more in common than either of them suspects, and to resolve the present, Ratha and Newt must face the demons of the past.

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: Imaginator Press (November 26, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974560383
• ISBN-13: 978-0974560380
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #431,152 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book of the Series, February 25, 2008

By 

Laura Jennings "Droemar" (Austin, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ratha and Thistle-Chaser: The Third Book of the Named (Mass Market Paperback)

I always thought Ratha could just as easily be a villain as a hero. She is rash, uncompromising, and ruthless in her upholding of the law, and never hesitates to use the Red Tongue. However, in this book, the character of Newt is a genuine heroine. Sympathetic but not pitiable, Newt battles against her haunted past and the deformity that it left upon her. Newt is a survivor, and you love to see how she does it.

The emotional journey of the two characters is riveting. Ratha, who has always believed that the ends justify the means, is forced to see herself in a shocking new light. Newt must battle against her own half-Named heritage, overcoming obstacles of speech and the terrible fits that plague her. Worst of all, the cats of the Named must struggle with the most difficult part of sentience: forgiveness.

With rich themes of reconciliation and acceptance, this book was the one that really made Ratha come alive for me, as she becomes a leader who comes to see all of the vibrant, bitter colors of the world, instead of the black and white dichotomy of the Named and the Unnamed.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Plot and Great New Heroine make this Book Wonderful, July 1, 2008

By 

Gwen O' Connell "dragon lover" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ratha and Thistle-Chaser: The Third Book of the Named (Mass Market Paperback)

I just recently finished this book,and I say in all honesty that that it is AWESOME!!!The added viewpoints of Ratha's daughter Thistle-Chaser(a.k.a.Newt) and Thakur give the story more depth.I loved Thistle-Chaser!Her challenges of a crippled leg,learning speech,and seizures in which she dreams of Ratha biting her are daunting,and I was impressed with the courage she showed in facing them.Although I like Ratha a lot,she is definiteltly an ambivalent,'gray' character,who is complicated and messed up.Thistle-Chaser is messed up,too,due to the trauma she went through as a cub,but she is more of a true heroe than her mother;she is gentler,more likeable,more forgiving.Thakur,of course,was great.I have always liked his kind,open-minded nature,and I loved the way he helps Thistle-Chaser throughout the book.The ending is great,and I can't wait to read the next book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Thistle-Chaser is a Great Character in a Wonderful Story, March 28, 2009

By 

Saffed - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ratha and Thistle-Chaser: The Third Book of the Named (Mass Market Paperback)

This is by far my favorite book of the first three in the series! Thistle's character development is so well done! Thistle-Chaser's psychological and physical wounds inspire compassion, and yet her strength of body and spirit shines through loud and clear! To me, Thistle is the true hero of the series. She confronts challenges with brave determination, and is able to gain wisdom from every success and defeat, no matter how difficult. Thistle is a deep, courageous, believable character whose story is told in a captivating way. I couldn't put this book down, and even read it while eating dinner! Well done, Ms. Bell. Very well done!!!!