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The Named #4
Ratha's Challenge
An encounter with a group of unusual cats helps bring Ratha, leader of the prehistoric cat clan called the Named, and her estranged daughter, Thistle, to a better understanding of each other. Reprint.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
8 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Clare Bell
34books213followersI've been really busy with the Ratha's Creature Graphic Novel project! The idea of adapting Ratha's Creature as a graphic novel is now moving much closer to reality. Our Kickstarter is 75% funded, with 5 days left.
Tod, Dani, Ian, and Sheila have put together a real treat for Ratha fans -- a music video about how the artists are developing and visualizing Bonechewer for the Ratha graphic novel.
See it here at:
To promote it, project artist Tod Wills
is doing a Livestreaming art marathon:
His info headquarters for the livestream is:
Here is a graphic you are free to use to link to the kickstarter:
Quick Kickstarter link
If you like what you see, please pledge on Kickstarter.
A sample page from the Graphic Novel and the promo image are in my ŷ photos, so take a peek.
I've put more info in the blog below:
If this graphic novel takes off, I will also be further inspired to write more Ratha books!
Another good thing is happening! Imaginator Press and I are exploring the possibility of doing a Ratha's Creature graphic novel! To measure reader interest, we have a survey here, so please participate.
By filling out the survey, you'll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate from the offline or online bookstore of your choice. Help us out and perhaps win something nice to read.
Many good things have happened since my last update. The first, and best is that Sheila Ruth of Imaginator Press worked with me to get all of the Ratha books back into print. You have probably seen them on this site, in trade format, and gorgeous new covers by artist Lew Lashmit, re-copyedited (though not word of the story changed!) and lovely new interior and graphic design by 1106 Design.
The books are also available in many formats from E-Reads, Amazon, and other sites. I've set up an online bookstore on my webpage so that people can by autographed editions.
I've been publicizing the series by attending many conventions and events. Sheila and I also ran a Ratha fan art contest on the Facebook series fan page ( ) and Wildfire, which was great fun and the artists enjoyed it. We also showcased about 10 artists by posting interviews and images on my upgraded webpage, .
Even though many of these activities took me away from ŷ, I'm glad to be back and to support Imaginator Press's Ratha's Creature giveaway.
I've also been reading lots of good books and I will be cataloging and commenting on those as well.
Clare Bell
11/7/2011
Wow, it has been a great Spring 2009!
From March 14 to May 9, I posted an experimental Ratha novelette on Twitter, entitled "Ratha's Island", which kept me very busy. You can find the entire story archived here:
First archive for Ratha's Island on the Forum
While visiting the Forum, check out the Named role-play at:
Ratha's Courage was a finalist for the Ursa Major Awards, and is still in the running for the ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Award/
In January, I attended Further Confusion 09 in San Jose as a Guest of Honor and had a great time. I plan to go again to FurCon 2010.
Ratha's Courage is on the Ursa Major Awards Recommended Reading List for Novels. The Ursa Major Awards are the furry/anthropomorphic community's equivalent of the SF world's Hugo Awards
Ratha and the Named on Twitter! See the ClanChirps,
Tod, Dani, Ian, and Sheila have put together a real treat for Ratha fans -- a music video about how the artists are developing and visualizing Bonechewer for the Ratha graphic novel.
See it here at:
To promote it, project artist Tod Wills
is doing a Livestreaming art marathon:
His info headquarters for the livestream is:
Here is a graphic you are free to use to link to the kickstarter:
Quick Kickstarter link
If you like what you see, please pledge on Kickstarter.
A sample page from the Graphic Novel and the promo image are in my ŷ photos, so take a peek.
I've put more info in the blog below:
If this graphic novel takes off, I will also be further inspired to write more Ratha books!
Another good thing is happening! Imaginator Press and I are exploring the possibility of doing a Ratha's Creature graphic novel! To measure reader interest, we have a survey here, so please participate.
By filling out the survey, you'll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate from the offline or online bookstore of your choice. Help us out and perhaps win something nice to read.
Many good things have happened since my last update. The first, and best is that Sheila Ruth of Imaginator Press worked with me to get all of the Ratha books back into print. You have probably seen them on this site, in trade format, and gorgeous new covers by artist Lew Lashmit, re-copyedited (though not word of the story changed!) and lovely new interior and graphic design by 1106 Design.
The books are also available in many formats from E-Reads, Amazon, and other sites. I've set up an online bookstore on my webpage so that people can by autographed editions.
I've been publicizing the series by attending many conventions and events. Sheila and I also ran a Ratha fan art contest on the Facebook series fan page ( ) and Wildfire, which was great fun and the artists enjoyed it. We also showcased about 10 artists by posting interviews and images on my upgraded webpage, .
Even though many of these activities took me away from ŷ, I'm glad to be back and to support Imaginator Press's Ratha's Creature giveaway.
I've also been reading lots of good books and I will be cataloging and commenting on those as well.
Clare Bell
11/7/2011
Wow, it has been a great Spring 2009!
From March 14 to May 9, I posted an experimental Ratha novelette on Twitter, entitled "Ratha's Island", which kept me very busy. You can find the entire story archived here:
First archive for Ratha's Island on the Forum
While visiting the Forum, check out the Named role-play at:
Ratha's Courage was a finalist for the Ursa Major Awards, and is still in the running for the ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Award/
In January, I attended Further Confusion 09 in San Jose as a Guest of Honor and had a great time. I plan to go again to FurCon 2010.
Ratha's Courage is on the Ursa Major Awards Recommended Reading List for Novels. The Ursa Major Awards are the furry/anthropomorphic community's equivalent of the SF world's Hugo Awards
Ratha and the Named on Twitter! See the ClanChirps,
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 2, 2011
I read Clan Ground - the second book in this series - many times as a young adult and loved it. I've never actually seen any of the other books in the series until I happened upon this one (book four) at the library book sale.
I didn't really get into this book; maybe I lost something by not reading book 3 first? I didn't know the history between Ratha and Thistle and so their conflict was difficult to understand.
As for the plot with the telepathic clan, I was not particularly impressed. I didn't think it was explained enough how these cats functioned day-to-day listening to 'the song' and having no free will. I was also curious as to how True-of-Voice intended them all to survive when they massacred their herd of mammoth before the migration, leaving them nothing to hunt/eat later in the year. Stupid cats.
I didn't really get into this book; maybe I lost something by not reading book 3 first? I didn't know the history between Ratha and Thistle and so their conflict was difficult to understand.
As for the plot with the telepathic clan, I was not particularly impressed. I didn't think it was explained enough how these cats functioned day-to-day listening to 'the song' and having no free will. I was also curious as to how True-of-Voice intended them all to survive when they massacred their herd of mammoth before the migration, leaving them nothing to hunt/eat later in the year. Stupid cats.
December 27, 2018
My favourite part was when True-of-voice was saved and became friends with the Named. My least favourite part was when he fell of the side of the cliff when he made all of his followers drive the mammoths over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2017
maybe like a 3.5?
like it wasn't awful but
idk the whole telepathic hunter tribe was a little too weird for me
like the Named maintained this sense of realism even tho it was clearly made up
but stepping into the sci-fi realm was kinda a shock
and it didn't rlly work for me in the setting that the books had set up
like there was never a real explanation as to the song and where it came from and like ??? what it really was??? like idk it was too abstract compared to what the other books had established
it was still not bad tho
more character development, especially for ratha and thistle
which is something i do love about the series still
like it wasn't awful but
idk the whole telepathic hunter tribe was a little too weird for me
like the Named maintained this sense of realism even tho it was clearly made up
but stepping into the sci-fi realm was kinda a shock
and it didn't rlly work for me in the setting that the books had set up
like there was never a real explanation as to the song and where it came from and like ??? what it really was??? like idk it was too abstract compared to what the other books had established
it was still not bad tho
more character development, especially for ratha and thistle
which is something i do love about the series still
December 3, 2022
Continuing the story of Ratha and her clan, the fourth entry in the Book of the Named series sees the core characters attempting to overcome a puzzling new challenge in the form of a strange group of big cats, and while its narrative lacks the weight or intensity of earlier novels, the further development undergone by both Ratha and her daughter make the book a worthwhile read for fans of the series. [6/10]
January 21, 2022
The bossy, discriminatory leader cat we know well appears in another book! This time Ratha is having trouble with her rejected teenage daughter, Thistle-chaser. The book mostly focuses on how they need to work on their communication, with some other stuff spliced in about mind-controlled cats being controlled by a dictator who almost dies in the end. I would definitely read it again :)
Currently reading
March 27, 2013John Jones
3/26/13
2nd block English
Ratha’s Challenge by Clare Bell
Ratha’s Challenge by Clare Bell tells a unreal story that most teens will enjoy. It focuses on two different clans the Named and the face tails. They have what you might call a dramatic and thrilling relationship with their land. Some people would call the book a “fantasy novel�, “but I would call it as an “epic novel�.
While Ratha struggles to reunite with Thistle-chaser, on the other hand, the Named are stuck in a problem they are dealing with a strange clan of hunting cats that are motivated by their leader the True-of-Voice at the point where there is death to the leader. Ratha must chose whether or not to chose to destroy or save the cat hunters clan.
I enjoyed reading this book because the characters sound so fierce and powerful to make the future different. I could understand the situations going on through the entire story. This story uses figurative language throughout the book that makes the reader have different emotions. This story was much likely similar to an everyday person who has to make choices for themselves that will make them who they are now, and help them learn different things as each day goes by, to let them know that there is good and bad things that occur when some thing is caused. If you like novels that are about battles and or making good choices you should read this book. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it kept me into what was going on and the details that were used to describe the characters sounded so creative and made me think that I should keep on reading and not put this book down. I hope that you will enjoy this book.
3/26/13
2nd block English
Ratha’s Challenge by Clare Bell
Ratha’s Challenge by Clare Bell tells a unreal story that most teens will enjoy. It focuses on two different clans the Named and the face tails. They have what you might call a dramatic and thrilling relationship with their land. Some people would call the book a “fantasy novel�, “but I would call it as an “epic novel�.
While Ratha struggles to reunite with Thistle-chaser, on the other hand, the Named are stuck in a problem they are dealing with a strange clan of hunting cats that are motivated by their leader the True-of-Voice at the point where there is death to the leader. Ratha must chose whether or not to chose to destroy or save the cat hunters clan.
I enjoyed reading this book because the characters sound so fierce and powerful to make the future different. I could understand the situations going on through the entire story. This story uses figurative language throughout the book that makes the reader have different emotions. This story was much likely similar to an everyday person who has to make choices for themselves that will make them who they are now, and help them learn different things as each day goes by, to let them know that there is good and bad things that occur when some thing is caused. If you like novels that are about battles and or making good choices you should read this book. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it kept me into what was going on and the details that were used to describe the characters sounded so creative and made me think that I should keep on reading and not put this book down. I hope that you will enjoy this book.
September 28, 2011
Magical. A literate story perfect for older-readers. A novel I just couldn't put down. It all starts with Thakurr; he leads a herding party to add Face-tails (mammoth-like beasts) to the Named's herds. It all goes wrong, however, when True-of-voice and his clan of wild cats interfere and claim the Face-tails as their own. Meanwhile, Ratha is trying to reconcile with her daughter she almost killed: Thistle-chaser. When Ratha hears the news about a clan just like them, she's excited - only for that excitement to turn to hatred upon seeing True-of-voice and the way he controls his cats: through a strange telepathic song that tells 'the way.'
Thistle is the only one who can hear the song. But when disaster strikes, can she convince her Mother to save True-of-voice?
One thing is for sure - a relationship between mother and daughter is hanging by a thread.
A captivating, luxuriant, beautiful novel about intelligent wild cats living millions of years ago. A must-read.
Thistle is the only one who can hear the song. But when disaster strikes, can she convince her Mother to save True-of-voice?
One thing is for sure - a relationship between mother and daughter is hanging by a thread.
A captivating, luxuriant, beautiful novel about intelligent wild cats living millions of years ago. A must-read.
May 25, 2015
Ratha's Challenge (The Named Book 4) Summary: Twenty-five million years in the past, a clan of sentient, pre-historic 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 their mind.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
Opening Line: "Stones flew over Thakur's head and rattled against the bark of a tree behind him."
Quote:"All right, I admit I have made a misjudgment."
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
Opening Line: "Stones flew over Thakur's head and rattled against the bark of a tree behind him."
Quote:"All right, I admit I have made a misjudgment."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2013
CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I really liked this book. I didn’t like the Hunter’s at first. I understood the thing with the “song�, but I just wouldn’t like to be kept like that. Not being able to do things on my own. I was surprised that Ratha decided to help save True-of-voice after they killed all the elephants. What a waste. It was a good decision though because both clans came together as friends. Thistle got a treeling and a mate! Quiet hunter is just like her. They are perfect for each other. I’m glad Dreambitter is gone. Now Ratha and Thistle are on good terms. I felt bad for Bira because her treeling choose Thislte over her, but she was a good sport about it.
I really liked this book. I didn’t like the Hunter’s at first. I understood the thing with the “song�, but I just wouldn’t like to be kept like that. Not being able to do things on my own. I was surprised that Ratha decided to help save True-of-voice after they killed all the elephants. What a waste. It was a good decision though because both clans came together as friends. Thistle got a treeling and a mate! Quiet hunter is just like her. They are perfect for each other. I’m glad Dreambitter is gone. Now Ratha and Thistle are on good terms. I felt bad for Bira because her treeling choose Thislte over her, but she was a good sport about it.
November 5, 2014
I think one was okay(don't think I like the beginning of the book?). Not my favorite out of the five books but I stilled enjoyed it.However,I do think the fourth book not only had one of the most important moments for character development but for sure of the most emotional moments. The author Clare Bell, I feel did amazing job of giving the characters such depth and conveyed their emotions that I truly felt it. Reading Ratha's feelings of being upset that she could not protect her daughter just stuck something. I sat back and said, "wow". It's such a shame to think this book probably gets a passing glanced and is labeled as simple child's book. Was worth the read.
January 17, 2023
Entertaining fourth book of The Named Series
Wonderful and Entertaining fourth book of The Named Series. In this book we join Ratha, Thakur, Bira, Khushi and Thistle-chaser in a new adventure. The Named has been considering adding a new animal to their herds, new large lumbering beasts that they call a face-tails which are probably woolly mammoths. While scouting out the face-tails they come across another group of cats. When they try to speak to them without success they realize that they are very different and only Thistle-chaser with her unusual gifts can communicate with the strangers.
Wonderful and Entertaining fourth book of The Named Series. In this book we join Ratha, Thakur, Bira, Khushi and Thistle-chaser in a new adventure. The Named has been considering adding a new animal to their herds, new large lumbering beasts that they call a face-tails which are probably woolly mammoths. While scouting out the face-tails they come across another group of cats. When they try to speak to them without success they realize that they are very different and only Thistle-chaser with her unusual gifts can communicate with the strangers.
March 5, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ Ratha and Thistle learned a lot about each other in this book, and started resolving their issues together, which I really enjoyed. It was interesting to see how Ratha accepted herself as the Dreambiter and used that to make it into the Dreamhealer, no longer an enemy to Thistle. The way Thistle calls her Ratha-mother is adorable. Thistle is the best character of this book.
It was a bit weird with True-of-Voice and his mind speak, but I can see that as believable in this world, and Thistle was the perfect character to bridge the gap between them. I’m glad she wrote another book after this one, I want to see more with Thistle and Quiet-Hunter, and Thistle and Ratha becoming closer.
It was a bit weird with True-of-Voice and his mind speak, but I can see that as believable in this world, and Thistle was the perfect character to bridge the gap between them. I’m glad she wrote another book after this one, I want to see more with Thistle and Quiet-Hunter, and Thistle and Ratha becoming closer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2014
This is the fourth book in the series, which starts with Ratha's Creature, Clan Ground, and Ratha and Thistle-Chaser. In terms of plot it's far more similar to Ratha and Thistle-Chaser, since it's mainly about the internal struggle both Ratha and Thistle-chaser have with accepting each other. Very psychological, and the external events were almost beside the point, but still a powerful read. I would strongly encourage reading the other books in the series first, since it'll give even more perspective on the struggle, but even by itself I think it's readable. Highly Recommended.
September 5, 2019
A little hard to get into, as I found the rhythm of the book more difficult than the previous one, which I loved. I was not feeling particularly attached to the new tribe or its leader or the song. It struck me as hokey. But as the book reached its conclusion, I felt more involved with wanting the outcome to be favourable, and I fell even more in love with Thistle. She is a neat little cat. Meow.
January 19, 2010
I had originally read this series back in the 80's and was thrilled to see that two new books were written. In this installment Ratha and her daughter Thistle-Chaser mend their relationship after encounters with a different group of wildcats. Ratha was one of my favorite literary characters as a child and I love that her saga continues!
Read
October 29, 2011Really Good and intense
September 2, 2016
I remember picking this up back when there were no "young adult" sections in the library, only a sad little cove for "JH" books to be shelved away from the "Juvie" books.
December 29, 2017
I love the characters' progression in this book!
January 24, 2017
I like the series, but it gets boring in some parts of the story
July 8, 2021
A good book that unfortunately suffers from bad pacing and a ton of repetition.
Full review at:
Full review at:
April 14, 2022
This book is written on a YA concept, but with the graphic nature of an adult book. It was a pleasant read, but torn between the two ages.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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