Book of the Named Series

One brave feline, exiled from her clan, must fight to survive in this PEN Award–winning author’s epic fantasy adventure about a tribe of prehistoric cats. 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? Acclaimed author Clare Bell crafts a serious coming-of-age story filled with adventure, triumph, and heartbreak. Perfect for readers of Jean M. Auel’s The Clan of the Cave Bear, Ratha’s Creature will have readers hooked and clamoring for more stories of these big, noble cats.  

A prehistoric tribe of wild cats learns the power of fire in this “page-turner full of suspense and action” from the PEN Award–winning author (Booklist). With her mastery over fire—known as “the Red Tongue”—Ratha now leads the Named, a clan of sentient, prehistoric big cats with their own language, traditions, and law. But her control becomes threatened with the arrival of an outsider. An Un-Named stranger with orange eyes arrives, bringing political savvy and a desire to use “the Red Tongue” for his own purposes. As the clan begins to worship the Red Tongue, they see their territory expand, but at what cost? The Red Tongue is an unthinking master of great force, able to destroy those who fail to reign in its power. Ratha may have the solution, but does she truly desire the responsibility of ruling her clan and the Red Tongue? Do the Named have a future without her? Author Clare Bell returns with Clan Ground, the second book of the Named series. Readers who fell in love with the noble cats and suspense of the first book will love this captivating tale that grabs you from the very first page.

The prehistoric clan of wild cats must face its past when they find another cat capable of speech in this “intriguing, well written fantasy/adventure” (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.

From the PEN Award–winning author: The Named series continues as the prehistoric tribe of sentient cats confronts a rival tribe of feline hunters. Twenty-five million years in the past, a clan of sentient, prehistoric big cats called “the Named” have their own language, traditions, and law. Ratha, a female Named, has brought fire to the clan and serves as their leader. In RATHA'S CHALLENGE, Ratha faces a separate clan of hunter cats, entranced by the telepathic song of their leader, True-of-voice. When that clan's future becomes entwined with that of the Named, Ratha faces the difficult task of deciding everyone's fate. Her daughter, Thistle-Chaser, is her only hope for guidance in making the right decision, but Thistle-Chaser is plagued by nightmares of the "Dreambiter," a distant half-memory that threatens to tear apart her mind. Author Clare Bell crafts a serious adventure and coming-of-age story, filled with triumph and heartbreak. RATHA’S CHALLENGE, the Fourth Book of the Named in the series, finds Ratha struggling to gain the maturity needed to be both a leader and a mother. This story of large, noble cats is a larger story, indeed. 

In the final chapter of the Named series, the prehistoric tribe of cats shares the power of fire with another clan—igniting the ultimate clash. "Screeching in pain and terror, the rogues backed off, but they didn't flee like the Un-Named raiders did. Something seemed to force them back into the fray, making them ignore their fright and their agony to attack again. The flame-bearers' attack faltered as eyes met eyes and the enemy's ability to withstand the Red Tongue was passed quickly among the Named. Firekeepers ... Above the commotion, Ratha heard an agonizing shriek, so raw that she didn't recognize the voice. She whirled, thinking one of the Named had been mortally struck. Instead she saw Bira, not in the battle but on the edge. Her ears were back, her mouth was open, but the sound from her throat wasn't a battle cry but a horrified scream. "They're killing the cubs!" Bira paused only long enough to gather breath and shriek again, even louder. "They're attacking the nursery! They're killing the cubs!"