Book details
Ratha's Creature
Description
Ratha's Creature, the first book in The Named series by Clare Bell, follows the story of Ratha, a young female prehistoric big cat who is a member of the Named, a clan of intelligent and sentient cheetah-like creatures. Ratha discovers the secret of fire, which she calls 'The Red Tongue,' and learns to control it, giving her clan an advantage over other animals and rival clans. However, her discovery is met with fear and resistance from her own clan members, leading to her exile. Throughout her journey, Ratha struggles with the responsibilities of her discovery, her own identity, and the challenges of survival. She faces numerous adversaries, including the predatory Un-Named cats. Eventually, Ratha must confront the leader of her clan to prove the worth of her discovery and to fight for her rightful place within the clan. The book explores themes of innovation, leadership, and the complexities of societal acceptance of change.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
264 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Engaging Storyline: 'Ratha's Creature' offers a captivating and unique tale that follows the journey of a young prehistoric big cat. The story is rich with adventure, character development, and a well-constructed plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
- Thought-Provoking Themes: The book explores complex themes such as identity, belonging, and the struggle for survival in a harsh world. It encourages readers to think about the nature of leadership, the importance of community, and the challenges of innovation and change.
- Immersive World-Building: Clare Bell has created a vivid and believable prehistoric world, complete with its own culture, language, and social structure. The attention to detail in the setting and the behaviors of the creatures makes the world of the Named come alive for the reader.
- Character Growth and Development: The protagonist, Ratha, undergoes significant growth throughout the book. Readers can relate to her struggles and triumphs, making her journey a compelling reason to read the book. The character development is a strong aspect of Clare Bell's writing, adding depth to the narrative.