Crippled and tortured by paralyzing nightmares, Newt, a solitary cat, finds a new life for herself with the strange tusked creatures of the seashore until her peaceful existence is disrupted by Ratha's scout Thakur who brings welcome companionship but also forces Newt to face her terrifying past.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up-- Drought has come to the prehistoric world of the Named in this sequel to Ratha's Creature (1983) and Clan Ground (1984, both Atheneum). Under the leadership of the strong-willed Ratha, the clan of intelligent cats searches out new grazing land for the herd beasts upon which their survival depends. Miles away, on the coast, a young wild cat battles desperately for her own survival. Rejected by the languageless unnamed cats, and lamed physically and emotionally by a cubhood trauma, Newt forges a symbiotic relationship with a group of docile sea mammals. When Thakur, one of the Named, discovers her, he is intrigued by her ingenuity and tenacity. In a series of well-crafted scenes, Thakur teaches Newt to speak and she gives voice to the intelligence and humor within her. Readers soon realize that Newt is Thistle-chaser, the daughter whose memory has haunted Ratha since the first book when--convinced that her own cubs were genetically unfit--she rejected the litter, maiming her favorite in a moment of rage and anguish. Slowly the story brings mother and daughter closer until, in a dramatic conflict, both cats must face the single event that has tormented their lives. There are no easy answers in this book; young readers are challenged to understand the ambiguities of love and leadership, as well as the moral limits of even the most well-meaning intellect. The clear-sighted portrayal of Newt's emotional trauma is both painful and healing in its accuracy. Among the joys of this series are the well-observed feline protagonists who chew at fleas and sense first with their noses, all the while observing their primitive world with acuity and catlike humor. Skilled readers of fantasy who demand excellent craftsmanship, complex characters, a compelling plot, and fresh insights into family and society will be more than satisfied with this powerful novel. --Carolyn Polese, Gateway Community School, Arcata,
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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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.
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.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Absolutely enchanting",
By A Customer
This review is from: Ratha and Thistle-Chaser (Hardcover)
This is one of the best books I have ever read. (And I've read a lot.) This book has all the elements that make the first 2 wondeful and bring back the trauma from the first. This is also continued in the 4th book.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Favorite Series Revisited,
By
This review is from: Ratha and Thistle-Chaser (Hardcover)
This and 'Ratha's Challenge' were the two latest in the 'Ratha' series (even though this book, published in 1990, is now some 15 years old) that I never read as a child. I absolutely loved the first two books and was excited about receiving this one after a decade and a half of waiting. I did notice many similarities between Clare Bell's treatment of the 'Ratha' series and Jean M. Auel's 'Clan of the Cave Bear' & the Gear's 'Prehistoric America' series, including themes of loss, abandonment, alienation and exile.
It's beautifully written although the final battle between Thistle-Chaser & Ratha reads somewhat awkwardly. I spent most of my time reading the book alternately laughing and crying. I could feel Thistle-Chaser's righteous anger at the Clan's treatment of her watery friends, and I could fully appreciate Ratha's abrasive personality. She always carries over strongly and even Clare Bell's evolution as a writer hasn't dulled Ratha one bit.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just as GREAT as the first,
A Kid's Review
This review is from: Ratha and Thistle-Chaser (Hardcover)
I read this series a year ago and fell in love with them the minute I picked them up. This book answers a lot of questions I wanted to know about Thistle-Chaser, and I was so happy to get it. I was 11 then but I totally understood what was going on the whole time.I own all these books now. I'm so happy my parents let me buy them even though they cost like 100 dollars. Clare bell is the best writer in the world and I hope I can read other books of hers.
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