More reviews

Ratha has 35 five-star Amazon.com reviews! Link

Seven of these are new, posted after the re-issue date of 7/18. Check it out.

Here's the Ratha's Creature Amazon link.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/0142408433/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_top/102-5678383-8243342?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books#customerReviews

Here are the most recent reviews, mirrored from the Amazon book page:

Tested By Fire . . ., August 22, 2007

By	Shanshad "shanachie_shadowfax" (Discworld) -

There are plenty of cat stories out there in the publishing universe. I can honestly say I've never read any cat story that's quite like the work of Clare Bell. Don't look for cuddly bright eyed kittens here! Part Clan of the Cave Bear, part Jungle Book, Clare's prehistoric feline fantasy takes us into the world of a clan of sentient cats called the Named and one spirited yearling named Ratha. Back in print after many years, these works are back on the shelf and in the hands of eager readers again.

This first book is Ratha's story, her journey in discovering her own strength as she changes roles from herder, to rebel, exile and heroine. When a spirited Ratha discovers ways to handle the fire that so terrifies her people, she doesn't realize that her actions will lead to exile, and a loss of all she's ever known. As Ratha is forced to grow up and struggle through hardship to find her way, she must learn what road to travel, despite the price she pays to walk it. When the Clan who exiled her is threatened with being destroyed, she must decide if she will be the key to their survival against the attacks of the Unnamed.

Reading this again after so many years I was pleasantly surprised to find this book has lost none of its impact and strength. Ms. Bell has created a harsh prehistoric world that her cat clan lives in. This is not a land of magic or easy choices. Each choice leads to inevitable consequences, even when it may be the right choice to make. The author's deft handling of her characters allows for readers to suspend their disbelief and really visualize this band of sentient cats that herd animals for food. The cats still have to contend with the lack of hands and the demands of their nature, but the personalities and societal pressures are very familiar and all too human.

While the tale moves quickly and is relatively short, this is not a light story--there are extremely poignant moments, and triumph is often mixed with tragedy. The author manages to pull the reader into the world without lengthy scene setting or world building detours. The book moves fast--but the tale never stumbles over itself in the telling. It's a powerful story. It's the story of what makes a leader and what kinds of roads they often travel. It's the story of love and loss and betrayal. It's a story of big cats in an unforgiving wilderness and how they survive.

This is not a cute or cuddly story. It's a serious adventure and coming of age tale that will likely appeal to young teen and young adult readers. Given some of the mature elements in the story, this may not be as appropriate for younger readers: the complex characters and mature relationships make for demanding reading! If you want to read more about Ratha and her clan, take heart! There's more to the The Named series. "Clan Ground", "Ratha and Thistle Chaser", and "Ratha's Challenge" are all back in print and the brand new "Ratha's Courage" is due out soon! If you like cat stories like these, you might want to check out "Tailchaser's Song" by Tad Williams and the "Catfantastic" story anthologies edited by Andre Norton.

Happy Reading! ^_^ Shanshad

Original Power and Beauty, August 19, 2007

By	J. Feldes "CoyoteWoman" (Las Vegas, NV) -

This is probably one of the most original story lines ever created. Even now, some 20 years after its first publication, there really isn't anything like "Ratha's Creature", Clan Ground (The Named), Ratha and Thistle-Chaser: The Third Book of the Named or Ratha's Challenge: The Fourth Book of the Named.

When I read this book as a 'pre-teen', I was absolutely swept into Ratha's world. I was already a fan of sci-fi and fantasy, and like many girls my age, anthropomorphic animals. A clan of talking cats that harnassed the power of fire was right up my alley. While Ratha's story could have taken place here on earth, it was also alien and new. As a role model a prehistoric animal seems a little far-fetched, but Ratha was courageous and willing to explore new ideas, even if they were outside the grain of her society. She discovered the inner strength necessary to stand up for her newly discovered 'creature' and for her own inner fire.

A few years later, after reading Jean Auel's "Valley of Horses", I saw a lot in common between Ratha and Auel's leading lady, Ayla. While the characters and themes (discoveries, exile, loss and self-awareness) are similar, the adventures of the Named are more age-appropriate for younger audiences, even with the sexual and violent imagery prevalent in the series.

Personal Discovery, August 17, 2007

By	Benjamin Cook (California, USA) -

My own discovery of Clare Bell's Ratha series began in high school, in a geometry class, somewhere between 1998 and 2000...

The book, lightly dusting over the years, lay on a shelf near a window in the classroom and constantly attracted my eye each day. The day came that I resolved to steal it away and bring it home to read... and I don't remember putting it down after I did. It was the first book in a series whose books I never found anywhere else afterward and, though I loved Ratha's first story, I returned the book to its dusty place on the shelf near the window. Maybe it would catch another set of curious eyes...

And up until the 9th of August this year, the memories of Ratha and her adventures were faint but fond to think upon. It was this day the author herself was seeking and discovering her many fans, I among them. An author with a tale to write about big, sentient cats exhibiting complex social behaviors and communications, harboring values and personal weaknesses, standing through triumphs and failures... Some might feel more could be added to this mind-absorbing read, but I contest against such a suggestion. The power to draw a reader's mind into a story character's is what made this story such an attractive read.

Ratha's Creature stands on its own two feet--or, four paws. It carries an involving substance throughout its narrative, leading imaginative readers deeply enough into a world of these pre-historic felines and their very human-like efforts to conquer a barely known or tamed and unforgiving world.

More than an enjoyable read, in summation.

A Classic Which Transcends the Cat Fantasy/Science Fiction Genres, August 15, 2007

By	'The Virginiaprograsser' "Always Have a Song ... (Tidewater, Virginia) -

As an educator, social work clinician, and long-time feline fiction fan, I find Clare Bell's introduction to The Named series to be a success on so many different levels. Young writers (and seasoned writers alike) would do well to examine how expertly plot and character development, setting, and other essential elements of written language are handled by the author. Bell's characters are multi-dimensional and complex. This book - and series - transcends the 'feline/cat fantasy' genre in that students and adults who are looking for memorable characters, gripping action, and emotional/psychological complexity yet are not particularly feline fans will nonetheless find 'Ratha's Creature' and all of The Named series compelling reads. And that goes triple for cat-lovers! :)

Highly recommended.

Steve Sikes-Nova, M.Ed., M.S.W.
Tidewater, Virginia, USA

A fantastic book for those who love animal stories., August 14, 2007

By	Emily Kuznia -

This book has been my favorite for years. Now that it's being re-printed, I've been recommending it to my friends. Anyone who enjoys a good animal story definitely shouldn't miss out on this masterpiece.

A classic series!, August 14, 2007

By	Cassandra Zaruba -

This book follows the life of the prehistoric cat, Ratha, from when she was a young cub to all grown up. She is part of a clan, among other cats such as Thakur and Fessran, but breaks away to be on her own for a while. She makes an interesting discovery, and uses that to later return to her home and challenge an oppressive clan leader.

The series is smart, touching, and enjoyable for all ages. I first read Ratha's Creature in 4th grade, but it has remained my all-time favorite book these 15 years later!

Ratha's Plight moved me , August 12, 2007

By	Nicole Walker "Glacier_grrl" (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) -

I devoured Clare Bell's Ratha series when i was 13 years old and they left me in utter amazement. They were the first books I read where after I read them, I cried. Not because the story was sad, but because the series was over and there was no more to learn about Ratha's clan. I can't wait for the fourth book to come out because my dream of 'reading more!" will be fulfilled! I was ecstatic when i found out that the books had been re-issued because the copies of the books at my local library had been lost. These books are definitely worth picking up because the characters and landscapes are so vividly described that they draw you in to a whole new world. I love these books! I can't wait to re-read them now, 14 years later! I am so glad it's back in print because over the past 14 years i had searched for it in libraries and on the internet but was never able to purchase it. I can't wait to own them all!

My Absolute Favorite Books!, August 10, 2007

By	M. Gilbert (Doylestown, PA) -

Finally! After years of scouring the internet, scanning used book stores, and stalking copies at the library... they're back!

This is an absolute magical series of books. When I first found them I couldn't believe that they had gone out of print! Ms. Bell is a wonderful storyteller; the settings are lush and believable, the characters sensitive and deep, and the story lines engaging. You never for a moment think that this couldn't be happening.

I'm repurchasing the series, even though I've long since acquired my copy from the above-mentioned techniques. Everyone should read this series at the very least, but please purchase it, so that it never goes out of print again!

Back in print... finally!, August 5, 2007

By	Laura C. Hohman (Bloomington, IN) -

Wow! This is one of my favorite series of young adult books. I tore through all of the author's books when I was younger, and it took years for me to acquire them again as an adult. They stood the test of time, and I strongly recommend them. My copies have an honored place on my keeper shelf, but I've been too paranoid to loan them out since they've been out of print for quite some time. Readers are now in luck, as they are being re-released with gorgeous new cover artwork. Go buy them all! I guarantee you will not regret it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Ratha's Creature, August 4, 2007

By	Luna "An avid reader" -

I first found out about this amazing series after reading another excellent book by the author (Tomorrow's Sphinx). They were hard to come by as they were out of print, but I fell in love with the characters and the story. I was thrilled when I discovered the series was being reprinted with gorgeous cover art (and not to mention a new book in the series!)

Ratha's Creature is one of the books that stays with you long after you've turned the last page. There is hardship as Ratha struggles to survive after being exiled from the Named, a clan of sentient, prehistoric felines. It is an amazing book that I would recommend to anyone. I can't wait to finally own and re-read the next books!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

A Must Read!, July 30, 2007

By	Audrey "Audrey" (AZ) -

I first read 'Ratha's Creature' back when I was in middle school. I have always been an avid book reader, but never before had I found myself so caught up in a world or caring so much for the characters. The plot, setting and characters are wonderfully unique and Ratha makes for a brilliant strong female main character. Ratha's journey in 'Ratha's Creature' - the first book of the series - makes you care about her and the fate of her clan. It's a very difficult book to put down once you've started, and will leave you eager for your next venture into Ratha's world. Very highly recommended!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Rich and startling fantasy that works for all ages, July 30, 2007

By	M. E. Perkins -

I first read these books when I was a pre-teen, and now in my late 20s they are just as impressive. I'm so glad they're being reprinted; they absolutely deserve the attention. What strikes me most are the intense relationships between characters, and the rich, tangible details about what it's like to be a cat.

Ratha is a prehistoric wild cat who learns to tame fire and is exiled from her clan for the ability. She must learn to survive on her own, without the herds of herbivores her group maintains for food. But who are the Un-Named outsiders who raid the herds? Ratha's group has always thought they lack the intelligence for speech, but she soon learns otherwise. In what becomes a recurring theme of the series, Ratha finds that her preconceptions are wrong, and learns the value of not making hasty judgments about those who are different.

A truly amazing find. Enough imagination and adventure for young readers, along with serious themes and complexity to satisfy adults.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Ratha's Creature is a wonderful book., February 8, 2005

By	Makie Knight -

Highly origanal. I really loved it. It is one of the few books that I have read the is not just a re-telling of another book. It's a shame it went out of print.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

The best book!!!!, April 25, 2004

Reviewer: A reader

I think this book is one of the best books I've ever read. (and I've read a lot) The author wrote this book so good! The way she writes you actually feal all of Ratha's feelings and I usually don't cry over books but I did for this one. It's awful this book is out of print. I hope someday i can read the others!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

Yay!, May 18, 2003

By	"tiliey" (USA) -

Ratha's Creature is a fabulous book with characters that stick with you well after you have finished it. The plot and setting are ingenious and highly original. I don't believe I have ever seen another book with that setting. Excellent book, one of my favorites.

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