In Ratha and Thistle-Chaser, the third volume of Clare Bell’s saga of great sentient prehistoric cats, a drought has forced the Named clan to seek temporary relief near the coast. Much to their surprise, they find a young, clever cat named Newt, whose own clouded history is intertwined with the Named and their leader, Ratha.

Rejected by the Un-Named, carrying emotional and physical scars from a childhood incident she can’t remember, Newt suffers from nightmares of a huge monster she calls the Dreambiter. Newt discovers some small solace with the gentle sea creatures of her ocean beach, but she soon finds herself clashing with Ratha over their protection. In many ways, these two large cats are alike. Perhaps in ways too painful to remember…

With Ratha and Thistle-Chaser, Bell explores complex ideas of family and adversity while providing the thrilling plots and captivating adventure her readers have come to love.

Love cats? You’ll really love these cats. See the other volumes here.

“Excellent craftsmanship, complex characters, a compelling plot, and fresh insights into family and society.”
—School Library Journal

Twenty-five million years in the past, a clan of sentient, prehistoric big cats called “the Named” have their own language, traditions, and law. Led by Meoran, the Named herd horses and deer for food. They keep order and peace, fending off predatory raiders–the UnNamed–from all sides. But, the battle has taken its toll, and the Named are skirting the edge of survival.

Much to the displeasure of Meoran, a young female named Ratha discovers a powerful defense against the UnNamed. She calls it “the Red Tongue,” and it is a creature of incredible power. Red Tongue is fire, a force of both life and destruction that must be at once nurtured and tamed.

Sensing that Ratha’s mastery of fire threatens his power, Meoran banishes her from the clan. As she travels out amongst the savage UnNamed, Ratha learns about both them and herself. But, her tribe needs her. Can she return? Will the Named survive constant attacks without the Red Tongue? Will the power of the Red Tongue change the clan forever?

Author Clare Bell crafts a serious adventure and coming-of-age story, filled with triumph and heartbreak. Ratha’s Creature, the first book of the Named series, sets this quintet of fantasies in motion. The fifth and final novel, Ratha’s Courage, is also available from E-Reads and we will be filling in volumes 2-4 in due course.