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In the Shadow of the Bear #2
Chandlefort: In the Shadow of the Bear
It has been just months since Clovermead Wickward discovered that she is really Demoiselle Cerelune Cindertallow -- daughter of Lady Melisande Cindertallow, the sovereign of Chandlefort -- and that the man she had called Father all her life was actually an embittered servant who stole her away when she was a baby. Since then, she has learned that she doesn't wholly care for life inside the walls of Chandlefort, and that she doesn't much like her mother's expectations for how a Demoiselle should behave -- especially the bit about not changing shape anymore. When you can turn into a bear, being forced to stay human can be deadly dull. Now Clovermead must confront dangerous secrets from her family's troubled past when a mysterious stranger appears in Chandlefort. Perhaps he is the old friend of Clovermead's real father, as he claims to be -- or perhaps an old enemy of the Cindertallows who seeks a final revenge. When Clovermead unintentionally puts her mother's life in mortal peril, her only chance to make amends and save the mother she has just begun to know is to set off on a dangerous journey to a distant abbey. The life of her mother, the salvation of Chandlefort, and the freedom of the bears enslaved by the overwhelming power of Lord Ursus all depend on Clovermead In this intense and compelling sequel to Clovermead , David Randall explores the strength of love, courage, and forgiveness in the battle of good and evil.
304 pages, Paperback
First published December 26, 2006
About the author
David Randall
13 books17 followersthe link above has some more information
While still a graduate student, David Randall wrote Clovermead: In the Shadow of the Bear, a fantasy adventure novel. The story tells of Clovermead Wickward, a twelve-year-old tomboy, as she attempts to assist the innkeeper Waxmelt, a man who has raised her as if she were his own daughter. Clovermead's journey leads her into a battle between good and evil that allows her to see past society's many deceptions and find her own place in the adult world.
Jennifer Mattson, in a review of Clovermead for Booklist, commented on Randall's decision to add a dark side to his young heroine's personality, noting that it "puts an intriguing spin on the otherwise archetypal fantasy plot." A Kirkus Reviews contributor called Clovermead "vivacious, loquacious, precocious," and "a delightful heroine," while in School Library Journal, Jane G. Conner deemed the novel "a challenging high fantasy for those who can keep straight many details and forces, and who don't mind a good bit of violence." Dubbing Randall "a writer to watch," a Publishers Weekly contributor concluded that Clovermead will attract "fantasy buffs" due to its "fast-paced plotting and the turn of events at the end."
In discussing his novel and its influences, Randall explained: "Clovermead looks with admiration to L.N. Montgomery, Lloyd Alexander, Ursula K. LeGuin, C.S. Lewis, and of course, J.R.R. Tolkien. Unlike my heroine, I am not twelve years old, blonde, or female, but I have been known to fence, and I am told we talk alike."
(an interview with David Randall http://mistysmess.blogspot.com/2010/0...)
While still a graduate student, David Randall wrote Clovermead: In the Shadow of the Bear, a fantasy adventure novel. The story tells of Clovermead Wickward, a twelve-year-old tomboy, as she attempts to assist the innkeeper Waxmelt, a man who has raised her as if she were his own daughter. Clovermead's journey leads her into a battle between good and evil that allows her to see past society's many deceptions and find her own place in the adult world.
Jennifer Mattson, in a review of Clovermead for Booklist, commented on Randall's decision to add a dark side to his young heroine's personality, noting that it "puts an intriguing spin on the otherwise archetypal fantasy plot." A Kirkus Reviews contributor called Clovermead "vivacious, loquacious, precocious," and "a delightful heroine," while in School Library Journal, Jane G. Conner deemed the novel "a challenging high fantasy for those who can keep straight many details and forces, and who don't mind a good bit of violence." Dubbing Randall "a writer to watch," a Publishers Weekly contributor concluded that Clovermead will attract "fantasy buffs" due to its "fast-paced plotting and the turn of events at the end."
In discussing his novel and its influences, Randall explained: "Clovermead looks with admiration to L.N. Montgomery, Lloyd Alexander, Ursula K. LeGuin, C.S. Lewis, and of course, J.R.R. Tolkien. Unlike my heroine, I am not twelve years old, blonde, or female, but I have been known to fence, and I am told we talk alike."
(an interview with David Randall http://mistysmess.blogspot.com/2010/0...)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 3, 2012
Warning - this review contains minor spoilers.
In my opinion, Chandlefort far surpasses the previous book in the Shadow of the Bear series - Clovermead. Perhaps my favorite thing about it is that though there is an antagonist and a protagonist, the antagonist, Mallow, is so well written, we get to know him so well, that I find it impossible to hate him even though Clovermead does at times. We spend so much of our time while reading the other books in the series, feeling hatred for one character or another, but for me at least the overpowering emotion in this book is sorrow, and empathy.
For anyone, who, like me, has had their love spurned by someone that has led them on, intentionally or otherwise, this book will certainly tug at your heartstrings, for want of a better phrase. Many of us have felt ourselves to be in the same situation as Mallow, or Clovermead - minus the dead bears and sword fighting and all that, of course. And for that reason, this book can be a wonderful companion, story, and a kind of comfort for those of us who need to be reminded that we are not alone.
Mallow, the antagonist, is a man who has been raised from the dead by Lord Ursus. His hatred and need for revenge on the woman who led him on, then tore out his heart and felt "only a pale regret", has survived the grave. That woman is Clovermead's mother, Lady Cindertallow, or, as she is called by both Mallow and Ambrosius - Melisande. Through the dust that he gives Clovermead in exchange for her heart's blood, and through Melisande's own rendition, we hear the story of a wonderful, if slightly arrogant young lord who comes to love a beautiful young woman, the Lady Cindertallow, only to have his fragile heart broken when he's thrown over for the carpenters son. We hear of his descent into despair, his death, and the sorrow that Melisande's heartless decisions brought upon innocent people. Mallow's sorrow is so great that I, for one, cannot help but feel sorry for him, and there is nothing abhorrent in his personality to warrant an antagonist aside from his burning need for revenge and his willingness to do anything to get it.
Another new character that we are introduced to in Chandlefort is the Lady Saraband - the young, beautiful dancing lady, who was once the Demoiselle when Lady Cindertallow had no heir. Aside from that, she gains Sorrels heart as they spend a pleasurable evening dancing together, and Clovermead is left on the outside - scarred and alone, just like Mallow. The delightful banter between Clovermead and Sorrel that provided a wonderful distraction in Clovermead is not so prolific in Chandlefort, being taken over by Clovermead's jealousy. Perhaps that is the strangest thing about this book - the protagonist, Clovermead, who reaches out to the antagonist, Mallow, for comfort and understanding in her loneliness. Through the exchange of blood and dust they each begin to know each other a little better - and though I may be wrong, it seems to me that Mallow comes to love Clovermead almost as much as he once loved Melisande. In any case, Saraband is an interesting introduction, and we would perhaps like her if it were not for Clovermead's prejudices, and Saraband's annoying stubbornness on some matters.
Sorrel is, as ever, a wonderfully fun character, still kind and polite and funny, treating Clovermead as a cherished friend - even though that is perhaps not how Clovermead wants to be treated. His interlude in a field surrounded by a lot of playful bears that call him "little snack" and do not want to let him off the haystack is very diverting and entertaining. And though he conducts a romance with Saraband, it does not change his character at all - which is a relief.
In Lady Cindertallow, we see more of the woman that was hinted at in the first book - a good mother, with a heart that used to love fiercely until her husband was killed, but at the same time she can be a ruthless, proud and cold woman, too used to wielding power - making it easier to cast people aside, just like Mallow. We learn of her love for Ambrosius, and see her tears over he husbands grave, but also learn of her cruelty not just in Mallows case, but in that she admits that she would have killed any of Ambrosius (Clovermead's father) friends who broke their imposed exile, merely because it would have been too painful for her to see them. It is wonderful however, to see through both Mallow's dust and Clovermead's dreams, who Ambrosius was before he was killed, and how he was responsible for the shape-changing abilities that Clovermead has.
My only slight problem with the book is a slightly superficial one perhaps - Mallow is described as being a handsome, pretty man with ringlets and amazing strength, and I found it vaguely disturbing and annoying that Clovermead cut off many of his fingers - the destruction of beauty is always abhorrent to me, and anyone else who would find the severing of limbs distasteful would do well to watch out for that.
Overall, I found the writing style of this book to be both compelling and engaging, the scenery beautifully described, the plot involved and provoking empathy, the characters delightful and interesting, and even for those who cannot see the connection between lost love and their own lives, it is a wonderful read which I would recommend for any lovers of good fantasy.
In my opinion, Chandlefort far surpasses the previous book in the Shadow of the Bear series - Clovermead. Perhaps my favorite thing about it is that though there is an antagonist and a protagonist, the antagonist, Mallow, is so well written, we get to know him so well, that I find it impossible to hate him even though Clovermead does at times. We spend so much of our time while reading the other books in the series, feeling hatred for one character or another, but for me at least the overpowering emotion in this book is sorrow, and empathy.
For anyone, who, like me, has had their love spurned by someone that has led them on, intentionally or otherwise, this book will certainly tug at your heartstrings, for want of a better phrase. Many of us have felt ourselves to be in the same situation as Mallow, or Clovermead - minus the dead bears and sword fighting and all that, of course. And for that reason, this book can be a wonderful companion, story, and a kind of comfort for those of us who need to be reminded that we are not alone.
Mallow, the antagonist, is a man who has been raised from the dead by Lord Ursus. His hatred and need for revenge on the woman who led him on, then tore out his heart and felt "only a pale regret", has survived the grave. That woman is Clovermead's mother, Lady Cindertallow, or, as she is called by both Mallow and Ambrosius - Melisande. Through the dust that he gives Clovermead in exchange for her heart's blood, and through Melisande's own rendition, we hear the story of a wonderful, if slightly arrogant young lord who comes to love a beautiful young woman, the Lady Cindertallow, only to have his fragile heart broken when he's thrown over for the carpenters son. We hear of his descent into despair, his death, and the sorrow that Melisande's heartless decisions brought upon innocent people. Mallow's sorrow is so great that I, for one, cannot help but feel sorry for him, and there is nothing abhorrent in his personality to warrant an antagonist aside from his burning need for revenge and his willingness to do anything to get it.
Another new character that we are introduced to in Chandlefort is the Lady Saraband - the young, beautiful dancing lady, who was once the Demoiselle when Lady Cindertallow had no heir. Aside from that, she gains Sorrels heart as they spend a pleasurable evening dancing together, and Clovermead is left on the outside - scarred and alone, just like Mallow. The delightful banter between Clovermead and Sorrel that provided a wonderful distraction in Clovermead is not so prolific in Chandlefort, being taken over by Clovermead's jealousy. Perhaps that is the strangest thing about this book - the protagonist, Clovermead, who reaches out to the antagonist, Mallow, for comfort and understanding in her loneliness. Through the exchange of blood and dust they each begin to know each other a little better - and though I may be wrong, it seems to me that Mallow comes to love Clovermead almost as much as he once loved Melisande. In any case, Saraband is an interesting introduction, and we would perhaps like her if it were not for Clovermead's prejudices, and Saraband's annoying stubbornness on some matters.
Sorrel is, as ever, a wonderfully fun character, still kind and polite and funny, treating Clovermead as a cherished friend - even though that is perhaps not how Clovermead wants to be treated. His interlude in a field surrounded by a lot of playful bears that call him "little snack" and do not want to let him off the haystack is very diverting and entertaining. And though he conducts a romance with Saraband, it does not change his character at all - which is a relief.
In Lady Cindertallow, we see more of the woman that was hinted at in the first book - a good mother, with a heart that used to love fiercely until her husband was killed, but at the same time she can be a ruthless, proud and cold woman, too used to wielding power - making it easier to cast people aside, just like Mallow. We learn of her love for Ambrosius, and see her tears over he husbands grave, but also learn of her cruelty not just in Mallows case, but in that she admits that she would have killed any of Ambrosius (Clovermead's father) friends who broke their imposed exile, merely because it would have been too painful for her to see them. It is wonderful however, to see through both Mallow's dust and Clovermead's dreams, who Ambrosius was before he was killed, and how he was responsible for the shape-changing abilities that Clovermead has.
My only slight problem with the book is a slightly superficial one perhaps - Mallow is described as being a handsome, pretty man with ringlets and amazing strength, and I found it vaguely disturbing and annoying that Clovermead cut off many of his fingers - the destruction of beauty is always abhorrent to me, and anyone else who would find the severing of limbs distasteful would do well to watch out for that.
Overall, I found the writing style of this book to be both compelling and engaging, the scenery beautifully described, the plot involved and provoking empathy, the characters delightful and interesting, and even for those who cannot see the connection between lost love and their own lives, it is a wonderful read which I would recommend for any lovers of good fantasy.
August 24, 2014
Clovermead is one of my favourite characters - I love that she isn't perfect, and that in her imperfections she is intriguing, as she grows and develops in new directions.
It's a well told adventure story, and a really enjoyable set of imperfect characters.
It's a well told adventure story, and a really enjoyable set of imperfect characters.
January 22, 2018
When I bought this book, I didn't realise it was No. 3 in a series, so I found it a bit confronting. The way so many of the characters switched so quickly from innocent aimiability to raging viciousness and back made me think they were children to start with, but these are no children. Perhaps if I had started at the beginning of the series, I might have got into this, but it was not to my taste.
October 18, 2021
David Randall does a great job conveying the emotions of the characters. As a teenager, I really related to the character's heartbreak and uncertainty for the future.
Warning: this book does cover some heavy topics that brush close to thoughts of suicide.
Warning: this book does cover some heavy topics that brush close to thoughts of suicide.
May 4, 2008
Reviewed by K. Osborn Sullivan for TeensReadToo.com
CHANDLEFORT is the sequel to the young adult fantasy novel, CLOVERMEAD: IN THE SHADOW OF THE BEAR. It continues the tale of 13-year-old Clovermead, who discovers that she is not actually a commoner, but instead is royalty and next in line to rule Chandlefort. The discovery complicates the simple life she once led. She must learn how to be a ruler from her iron-willed mother, while training herself to act like a proper young lady. Being a shape shifter does not make things any easier; neither does finding herself caught in a revenge plot involving her royal mother and a long-dead suitor.
CHANDLEFORT is an odd mix of elements, some of which I liked, while others seemed either confusing or downright irritating. My favorite part of the novel is a pair of parallel love triangles in which Clovermead finds herself enmeshed. One of the love stories was taking place in the present day, and the other was decades old, but still causing trouble. Clovermead's involvement with both sagas causes no end of difficulty for her and those she loves.
The times when I liked and understood Clovermead the best were when she was struggling with her unrequited interest in a handsome young man and his apparent infatuation with another girl. The insights she gained from this hurtful experience offered her the opportunity to see the book's main villain as more than just one-dimensional.
Unfortunately, there were also a number of things happening in this novel that I was less enthusiastic about. For one thing, Clovermead possessed some abilities that came and went with little clear explanation. She could turn herself into a bear, as well as communicate telepathically with real bears. She could also use her mind to communicate with a select few other individuals who were many miles away, but I had no idea how or why that was the case. She didn't seem to fully understand the source of her powers either, but she seemed completely unfazed by them. Also, her sword glowed brightly on occasion, and, while no one knew why, everyone treated that oddity with little more than mild curiosity.
Perhaps the thing that bothered me most was that Clovermead was constantly making the kind of bad decisions that cause readers to want to scream at fictional characters. Why would anyone make a bargain with a disembodied stranger's voice that suddenly pops into her head? And yet, it happened more than once.
Overall, it was an interesting book that had some problems. No doubt many lovers of young adult fantasy should be able to overlook those shortcomings and enjoy the journey to Chandlefort.
CHANDLEFORT is the sequel to the young adult fantasy novel, CLOVERMEAD: IN THE SHADOW OF THE BEAR. It continues the tale of 13-year-old Clovermead, who discovers that she is not actually a commoner, but instead is royalty and next in line to rule Chandlefort. The discovery complicates the simple life she once led. She must learn how to be a ruler from her iron-willed mother, while training herself to act like a proper young lady. Being a shape shifter does not make things any easier; neither does finding herself caught in a revenge plot involving her royal mother and a long-dead suitor.
CHANDLEFORT is an odd mix of elements, some of which I liked, while others seemed either confusing or downright irritating. My favorite part of the novel is a pair of parallel love triangles in which Clovermead finds herself enmeshed. One of the love stories was taking place in the present day, and the other was decades old, but still causing trouble. Clovermead's involvement with both sagas causes no end of difficulty for her and those she loves.
The times when I liked and understood Clovermead the best were when she was struggling with her unrequited interest in a handsome young man and his apparent infatuation with another girl. The insights she gained from this hurtful experience offered her the opportunity to see the book's main villain as more than just one-dimensional.
Unfortunately, there were also a number of things happening in this novel that I was less enthusiastic about. For one thing, Clovermead possessed some abilities that came and went with little clear explanation. She could turn herself into a bear, as well as communicate telepathically with real bears. She could also use her mind to communicate with a select few other individuals who were many miles away, but I had no idea how or why that was the case. She didn't seem to fully understand the source of her powers either, but she seemed completely unfazed by them. Also, her sword glowed brightly on occasion, and, while no one knew why, everyone treated that oddity with little more than mild curiosity.
Perhaps the thing that bothered me most was that Clovermead was constantly making the kind of bad decisions that cause readers to want to scream at fictional characters. Why would anyone make a bargain with a disembodied stranger's voice that suddenly pops into her head? And yet, it happened more than once.
Overall, it was an interesting book that had some problems. No doubt many lovers of young adult fantasy should be able to overlook those shortcomings and enjoy the journey to Chandlefort.
November 25, 2009
Chandlefort begins a few months after the end of Clovermead. Clovermead is still adjusting to life as the daughter of Lady Cindertallow, who she hasn't really warmed up to. The refined expectations of a noblewoman don't fit with her tomboyish personality to say the least.
But when her mother is severely injured, Clovermead must take a perilous journey through territory controlled by the enemy forces of Lord Ursus.
Chandlefort also continues Clovermead's inner moral struggle as well as exploring her changing feelings for her friend Sorrel.
Randall further develops the characters of Clovermead and Sorrel, as well as her cousin, Sarabande. These books strike a good balance between entertaining adventure, and ethical and philosophical explorations of political power, forgiveness and other themes.
Judging by the feel of the language, this trilogy seems to be aimed at a junior high audience. However, the moral complexities in it may make it appealing to older readers as well.
But when her mother is severely injured, Clovermead must take a perilous journey through territory controlled by the enemy forces of Lord Ursus.
Chandlefort also continues Clovermead's inner moral struggle as well as exploring her changing feelings for her friend Sorrel.
Randall further develops the characters of Clovermead and Sorrel, as well as her cousin, Sarabande. These books strike a good balance between entertaining adventure, and ethical and philosophical explorations of political power, forgiveness and other themes.
Judging by the feel of the language, this trilogy seems to be aimed at a junior high audience. However, the moral complexities in it may make it appealing to older readers as well.
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September 18, 2007Randall, David
Read
January 9, 2010Amazon received
November 19, 2013
Enjoying this series as a read aloud with my daughter. Clovermead, the heroine, is fleshed out intricately and is very likable even with her flaws. Very moving and intense story line.
May 8, 2015
This deals with Clovermead's jealousy of her cousin and how quickly love can turn to hate...
March 27, 2008
I particularly enjoy this series for its very strong, very flawed, very interesting heroine.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews