Ratha and Thistle-Chaser

The prehistoric clan of wild cats must face its past when they find another cat capable of speech in this "e;intriguing, well written fantasy/adventure"e; (Kirkus Reviews). A drought has forced the Named a clan of sentient, prehistoric big cats 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, the third book of the Named series, author Clare Bell explores complex ideas of family and adversity while still providing the thrilling plots and captivating adventure her readers have come to love.