DAVID RANDALL; In The Shadow Of The Bear Series

Author: David Randall
Novel: In The Shadow Of The Bear Series: Clovermead, Chandlefort, Sorrel and Ursus
Release date: 2004, 2006, 2007 and Ursus not yet published.
Category: Fantasy

Blurb: (Clovermead) Twelve-year-old Clovermead Wickward dreams about the thrill of a sword fight, the excitement of heroic quests, and the clash of mighty armies. The last thing she expects is for those dreams to come true. But it seems her beloved father, Waxmelt, is not who she has believed him to be, and as Clovermead becomes aware of strange new powers within herself, she realises her father is harboring secrets that threaten to tear their small family apart.

At the same time, the good nuns of Lady Moon are waging an epic battle against the on slaughter of the evil bear-preists of Lord Ursus, whose power are fed by blood and carnage. When Clovernead finds herself thrust into the middle of this war, she comes to understand that the clash between good and evil is raging not only on the battlefield but also within herself. The fate of the land and her family hang in the balance, and Clovermead must determine which force is strongest within her.

A richly imagined and stunning novel that will resonate in the minds and hearts of readers everywhere.

Review: Okay the reason I have decided to review all four books at the same time is because due to economical problems Ursus is not going to be published (at least not by the original publishers) but I still want everyone to know how much I like this series. It is possible to lay your hands on a copy of Ursus as David Randall is happy to email the latest draft to any who ask.

I have read this series at least twice and I enjoyed the story both times. Clovermead is a strong willed girl and I liked her despite the annoying errors she kept making. David has written it in such a way that Clovermead’s mistakes are taken on board and her character learns from them. By the last book she is still not perfect but is growing into a responsible and happy young lady destined to rule. Sorrel, her best friend throughout, was my favorite as he was different to everyone else around Clovermead and send a fresh breath of air every time he talked.

The personal good vs evil battle within Clovermead was at such a level that many of the characteristics could be related with. Her want to do the right thing and her need for knowledge about her family, history and her parents life weighed heavily on her heart and as I said she did not always make the right choices. I liked this inner battle because I though it made her character 3D even if I would occasionally yell out a frustrated warning that she could not hear.


I will give this series 3 out of 5 and advice any one interested not to be alarmed by the lack of Ursus on the bookshop shelves. Give David a call and he will be happy to answer.