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Klawdia #1
Bear Heart
“Women serve men, and you must prove that you can be a man before you may lead.”
The Bear tribe have always ruled the Nation of Ruxdor, though with no male heirs to continue the line, Klawdia, the chieftain’s daughter and only child, must compete in a bestial rite of passage against four other tribal boys to retain her family’s sovereignty.
The competition is set amongst the perils of the Death Peak Mountains and pits representatives from Ruxdor's five strongest tribes—Bear, Lion, Wolf, Snake, and Hawgrald—against each other in a race to slaughter their tribe’s animal and return home. Each competitor is overseen by an opposing tribe’s elder to discourage dishonesty.
Klawdia is seriously injured by the bear she must slaughter, and a rival both saves her life and sabotages her chance of victory by cheating. When elders start disappearing from the competition, Klawdia must draw on the last of her strength to expose the truth and save her family’s lineage.
The Bear tribe have always ruled the Nation of Ruxdor, though with no male heirs to continue the line, Klawdia, the chieftain’s daughter and only child, must compete in a bestial rite of passage against four other tribal boys to retain her family’s sovereignty.
The competition is set amongst the perils of the Death Peak Mountains and pits representatives from Ruxdor's five strongest tribes—Bear, Lion, Wolf, Snake, and Hawgrald—against each other in a race to slaughter their tribe’s animal and return home. Each competitor is overseen by an opposing tribe’s elder to discourage dishonesty.
Klawdia is seriously injured by the bear she must slaughter, and a rival both saves her life and sabotages her chance of victory by cheating. When elders start disappearing from the competition, Klawdia must draw on the last of her strength to expose the truth and save her family’s lineage.
- GenresFantasy
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2013
About the author
K.J. Colt
20 books101 followersU.S.A Today Bestselling author Kylie J. Colt writes fantasy with a psychological twist. By threading common psychological pathologies such as anxiety, depression and mood disorders, into her storytelling she creates deeper, more dynamic characters.
Located on the sunny Gold Coast of Australia, she has been writing for three years. Her favourite writers are Kristin Cashore, Robin Hobb, Trudi Canavan and Maria V. Snyder. She has an honours degree in psychology and counselling, enjoys road trips, gaming (Skyrim / Civilisation / Assassin's Creed / Bioshock / Banished), music festivals (electronica), playing pool, meditation, yoga, bushwalking, and gobbles up anything fantasy-related. Her favourite shows include Game of Thrones, Homeland, Dark Mirror, Downton Abbey, X-Files, House of Cards, Hannibal, Trueblood, IT Crowd and anything created by Hayao Miyazaki.
Located on the sunny Gold Coast of Australia, she has been writing for three years. Her favourite writers are Kristin Cashore, Robin Hobb, Trudi Canavan and Maria V. Snyder. She has an honours degree in psychology and counselling, enjoys road trips, gaming (Skyrim / Civilisation / Assassin's Creed / Bioshock / Banished), music festivals (electronica), playing pool, meditation, yoga, bushwalking, and gobbles up anything fantasy-related. Her favourite shows include Game of Thrones, Homeland, Dark Mirror, Downton Abbey, X-Files, House of Cards, Hannibal, Trueblood, IT Crowd and anything created by Hayao Miyazaki.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 12, 2013
Is this book worth reading being free? To be honest I would've been willing to pay for it.
It's a first person perspective book full of wilderness survival and action. It's quite a contrast to KJ Colt's Concealed Power ((The Healers of Meligna, Book #1)), which has virtually no action in it. But despite the two being very different in that sense, they're both excellent stories in their own right.
This story occurs in the same world as Concealed Power, maybe about 15 years before it. Klawdia is a character in both stories, and Bear Heart is telling the story of the short version told to Adenine. But despite us already knowing the outcome, this story gives us the details of what occured to bring her to where she ended up.
The characters are great, I really liked Klawdia and the situation she was in, reading her thoughts and feelings as she dealt with the politics of the tribes and her own struggles for survival alone in the wilderness. At one point she gets placed in an impossible scenario, with all options sucking. It was difficult to not empathise with such a plight, a few choices, all of which requiring enormous sacrifice.
The action is quite different from what I generally read in novels. Often I'm able to just glance over the action quite quickly, my mind filling in the blanks. But I couldn't in this case. The action was paced so well, with the slow methodical approach of a skilled hunter, every beat in the story reflecting a step Klawdia takes toward her prey. Be it toward an animal or a person, there was something about the way the action was written that forced me to hang on every line.
Overall, great story, great writing, I'll be reading the next in the series for sure.
It's a first person perspective book full of wilderness survival and action. It's quite a contrast to KJ Colt's Concealed Power ((The Healers of Meligna, Book #1)), which has virtually no action in it. But despite the two being very different in that sense, they're both excellent stories in their own right.
This story occurs in the same world as Concealed Power, maybe about 15 years before it. Klawdia is a character in both stories, and Bear Heart is telling the story of the short version told to Adenine. But despite us already knowing the outcome, this story gives us the details of what occured to bring her to where she ended up.
The characters are great, I really liked Klawdia and the situation she was in, reading her thoughts and feelings as she dealt with the politics of the tribes and her own struggles for survival alone in the wilderness. At one point she gets placed in an impossible scenario, with all options sucking. It was difficult to not empathise with such a plight, a few choices, all of which requiring enormous sacrifice.
The action is quite different from what I generally read in novels. Often I'm able to just glance over the action quite quickly, my mind filling in the blanks. But I couldn't in this case. The action was paced so well, with the slow methodical approach of a skilled hunter, every beat in the story reflecting a step Klawdia takes toward her prey. Be it toward an animal or a person, there was something about the way the action was written that forced me to hang on every line.
Overall, great story, great writing, I'll be reading the next in the series for sure.
September 19, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Klawdia in the Healers of Meligna series and was excited when I found that she's got her own books.
I was surprised to finish the book so quickly, it was very fast paced. I thought K.J. Colt did an excellent job describing the scenery.
Klawdia was an easy character for me to like. She tries hard to be strong but her walls crack a time or two. I know he didn't get loads of page time, but I also really like Jeykal. He seems like a very loyal friend. I hope we get to see more of him in the next book.
Everyone should read this book :)
I was surprised to finish the book so quickly, it was very fast paced. I thought K.J. Colt did an excellent job describing the scenery.
Klawdia was an easy character for me to like. She tries hard to be strong but her walls crack a time or two. I know he didn't get loads of page time, but I also really like Jeykal. He seems like a very loyal friend. I hope we get to see more of him in the next book.
Everyone should read this book :)
May 10, 2014
Interesting premise, though I was really disappointed with the heroine of the book, Klawdia. Her poor decision making skills may be a testament to her age (15, I think) but also leads me to believe she really would be a terrible leader.
Anyhow, short story so it's an easy read.
Anyhow, short story so it's an easy read.
June 7, 2017
Actual rating: 2.5 stars.
June 27, 2017
Girl tries to make good for the Bear Clan but everyone is in her way. She's trying to prove to her father that she not useless and prove to the clan that she's leadership material. Klawdia is sent on a rite of passage for and the results of the rite decide who the next leader is. When her crush tries seducing her she thinks he's trying to make a move on her but is that all? Or is he trying to mess up her chances of being leader?
Personally, I had a few issues with the story. I don't' care for weak females and Klawdia could be that warrior if she got it into her that she is fierce. She walks around almost in tears and crying about being cheated instead of fighting back. I think Klawdia will get a rude awakening next book. I need to read 'The Rogue' because guess what folks, it's is continued...
Personally, I had a few issues with the story. I don't' care for weak females and Klawdia could be that warrior if she got it into her that she is fierce. She walks around almost in tears and crying about being cheated instead of fighting back. I think Klawdia will get a rude awakening next book. I need to read 'The Rogue' because guess what folks, it's is continued...
October 23, 2018
4 and half stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Written well and very enjoyable to read. Loved the storyline and its very fresh and new to read. Couldnt put down.
I liked how tge storyline progressed and how strong the female lead is. Finished in a place that leaves you looking for the next book! Im really interested to find out what happens to our female lead and if she meets any new and excitibg characters.
Recommend to anyone who likes to read with strong female characters. Mature reader +13yrs.
Written well and very enjoyable to read. Loved the storyline and its very fresh and new to read. Couldnt put down.
I liked how tge storyline progressed and how strong the female lead is. Finished in a place that leaves you looking for the next book! Im really interested to find out what happens to our female lead and if she meets any new and excitibg characters.
Recommend to anyone who likes to read with strong female characters. Mature reader +13yrs.
January 12, 2014
Bear Heart is book one in this YA fantasy series. It begins with a ceremony preceding the Bestial Passage. The Bestial Passage is a test of strength and skills that the first born young from 4 of the main tribes of the land must take part in. Klawdia is the daughter of the ruling Bear tribe, Skelkra is the son of the Wolves. Jeykal is the son of the Hawgrald Birds, Ketnal is son of the Lions and Lild is the son of the Snakes.
The teenagers are drugged and taken to the Death Peaks mountains where they must each win a trophy. Klawdia must return with the head of a bear and each of the others must face their own challenges. They are given few weapons or resources and are watched by elders to make sure they complete the tasks without cheating.
Klawdia is under a lot of pressure from her father, she is the only girl and the Bear Tribe have been the rulers for centuries and her father wants to be able to hand over to her as rightful winner of the Bestial Passage. However the other tribe leaders are restless and want their own sons to win.
The challenge takes place under extreme dangerous conditions and the Death Peaks take their own victims. When the remaining challengers return to Ruxdor whose story of events will be believed? Klawdia may be declared the winner but as she flees from her father's anger she acts more like the loser. I hope her tale continues in the second book in the series.
The teenagers are drugged and taken to the Death Peaks mountains where they must each win a trophy. Klawdia must return with the head of a bear and each of the others must face their own challenges. They are given few weapons or resources and are watched by elders to make sure they complete the tasks without cheating.
Klawdia is under a lot of pressure from her father, she is the only girl and the Bear Tribe have been the rulers for centuries and her father wants to be able to hand over to her as rightful winner of the Bestial Passage. However the other tribe leaders are restless and want their own sons to win.
The challenge takes place under extreme dangerous conditions and the Death Peaks take their own victims. When the remaining challengers return to Ruxdor whose story of events will be believed? Klawdia may be declared the winner but as she flees from her father's anger she acts more like the loser. I hope her tale continues in the second book in the series.
January 23, 2014
For a short novella Bear Heart defiantly packs a punch. Klawdia being a female must partake of a challenge (the first in more than 200 years) against 54other boys from the neighboring tribes (Wolf, Snake, Hawgrald and Lion) In order to be able to rule the Bear clan after her father dies.
From the get-go the book was fast paced and mesmerizing. I loved Klawdia's tough character and she defiantly made some hard choices during the trial and afterwards. Not that it was easy for her, Skelkra of the Wolves was defiantly a great bad guy and made me want to punch him in his naughty bits quite a few times. He just had that air of "I do what i want to get what i want no matter who it hurts or how badly i ruin someone" and that is what a great antagonist is all about.
Jeykel and the other boys did not get much play time but they add to the story. Klawdia's father was another one I wanted to punch, since Klawdia was a girl she was below the males and thus could be hit, slapped, beaten without recompense. It bothers me a lot when this happens in books but i think that is what the author wants, emotion: and this book will give you that for sure!
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a short day read or a fan of fantasy and wants something different. The only complaint i think i have is the cover, it is god-awful creepy! I do not like it and I do not picture Klawdia looking so "I'm going to eat your soul"-ish. Other than that, great book.
From the get-go the book was fast paced and mesmerizing. I loved Klawdia's tough character and she defiantly made some hard choices during the trial and afterwards. Not that it was easy for her, Skelkra of the Wolves was defiantly a great bad guy and made me want to punch him in his naughty bits quite a few times. He just had that air of "I do what i want to get what i want no matter who it hurts or how badly i ruin someone" and that is what a great antagonist is all about.
Jeykel and the other boys did not get much play time but they add to the story. Klawdia's father was another one I wanted to punch, since Klawdia was a girl she was below the males and thus could be hit, slapped, beaten without recompense. It bothers me a lot when this happens in books but i think that is what the author wants, emotion: and this book will give you that for sure!
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a short day read or a fan of fantasy and wants something different. The only complaint i think i have is the cover, it is god-awful creepy! I do not like it and I do not picture Klawdia looking so "I'm going to eat your soul"-ish. Other than that, great book.
March 29, 2014
Hmm. Discovered this book somewhat by chance (browsing through LibraryThing and then noticing it was permanently free on Amazon for Kindle), and overall, I'm impressed with the level of world-building it packs into a fairly short novella. The characterization is also handled quite well, and I felt like, in a short book, I still got to understand several characters and their motives somewhat--if not deeply.
I think my main problem with the book, though, is the level of melodrama. From Chapter 1, you hear (fairly explicitly) about Klawdia's attraction to Skelkra; There was always something exciting happening, but I think the pacing felt somewhat frenetic to me. It ultimately left me feeling like I didn't really get to understand the characters, or the world, or the events, as well as I might have had the development been slower and the book a bit longer.
It was a quick read, and a page-turner, and one that certainly leaves me curious about what will happen next. Overall, I think Colt writes well. However, I think I'll still have to sample more of her writing to see if I want to continue and read more of her full works.
I think my main problem with the book, though, is the level of melodrama. From Chapter 1, you hear (fairly explicitly) about Klawdia's attraction to Skelkra; There was always something exciting happening, but I think the pacing felt somewhat frenetic to me. It ultimately left me feeling like I didn't really get to understand the characters, or the world, or the events, as well as I might have had the development been slower and the book a bit longer.
It was a quick read, and a page-turner, and one that certainly leaves me curious about what will happen next. Overall, I think Colt writes well. However, I think I'll still have to sample more of her writing to see if I want to continue and read more of her full works.
January 10, 2015
I want to let you know that I do not read fantasy genre books EXCEPT for those written by KJ Colt. I received a free copy of the first book in the Concealed Power series (Healers of Meligna). I did not know what to expect but I had committed to read it in exchange for a review. Suffice it to say that I was enthralled by the style and skill of the author.
I read on the author's blog that she was writing a series about Klawdia during her formative years. Klawdia is a somewhat minor character in the Concealed Power series! She is a key pivotal player that added much to that series. So I jumped at the chance to read the Klawdia series.
The Concealed Power series is a wonderful trip into a different but viable world. This initial book about Klawdia is well written and has some elements I was hoping to see. It is enjoyable and a good read and shows insights into why she became the warrior that we see in the Co9ncealed Power series. I think that you will enjoy this introduction into the making of Klawdia.
KJ Colt is a talented and creative writer that I hope to read for many years to come. Purchase all her books for some intriguing stories. Then leave reviews to spread the good word. I am now going to start book #2 in this series - Refuge.
I read on the author's blog that she was writing a series about Klawdia during her formative years. Klawdia is a somewhat minor character in the Concealed Power series! She is a key pivotal player that added much to that series. So I jumped at the chance to read the Klawdia series.
The Concealed Power series is a wonderful trip into a different but viable world. This initial book about Klawdia is well written and has some elements I was hoping to see. It is enjoyable and a good read and shows insights into why she became the warrior that we see in the Co9ncealed Power series. I think that you will enjoy this introduction into the making of Klawdia.
KJ Colt is a talented and creative writer that I hope to read for many years to come. Purchase all her books for some intriguing stories. Then leave reviews to spread the good word. I am now going to start book #2 in this series - Refuge.
May 1, 2016
First thought: different, thought it would be a shifters, but turned out to be a kind of historical, prehistoric kind of story, which I actually loved very much!
Allthough this was not what I was hoping for, the story turned out to be pretty great! It was really well written, nice and short (only a hundert pages) which makes this in my book a novella. I thought Klawdia was a strong character, I like her but in some cases she was a bit naive. But on the other hand, the betrayal came as a bit of a suprise even for me too. Ok another great thing about this book are the original names!! They sound a bit Scandinavian, also they go very well with the setting and the tribes.
All in all I enjoyed this very much and I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series, because the author left us with a big cliffhanger! If you enjoy short reads with lots of action, a historical feel and strong hero this is for you!!!
Find my full review here:
English: http://www.icecoldpassion.com/2013/09...
Nederlands: http://www.ijskoudepassie.com/2013/09...
Allthough this was not what I was hoping for, the story turned out to be pretty great! It was really well written, nice and short (only a hundert pages) which makes this in my book a novella. I thought Klawdia was a strong character, I like her but in some cases she was a bit naive. But on the other hand, the betrayal came as a bit of a suprise even for me too. Ok another great thing about this book are the original names!! They sound a bit Scandinavian, also they go very well with the setting and the tribes.
All in all I enjoyed this very much and I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series, because the author left us with a big cliffhanger! If you enjoy short reads with lots of action, a historical feel and strong hero this is for you!!!
Find my full review here:
English: http://www.icecoldpassion.com/2013/09...
Nederlands: http://www.ijskoudepassie.com/2013/09...
October 11, 2015
Interesting, but gets caught up a bit consistencywise in politics/social mores. Not sure exactly where, but maybe it was just the weight of all the little pieces that didn't quite fit. The "you can be a female chief if you beat everyone else" totally fits, cool. But somehow after that, I couldn't quite buy the "no babies out of wedlock" EXTREME value with the apparently *equally* extreme "OMG NO ABORTIONS EVER" value, given that the stated reason for the value was population... that said, current society can be dumb about consistency as well. I don't know, it just seemed to get a little tied up in what freedoms she did or didn't have politically and socially.
That said, still not bad
That said, still not bad
July 6, 2013
Bear Heart is the story of Klawdia's test to retain her right to rule the Bear Clan. Ruxdor is a male dominated nation and The Bear Clan has ruled for many generations but now with no male heir Klawdia must win a competition against the male heirs of the other clans to earn the right to rule. It is a coming of age story with lots of action, betrayal, friendship and Klawdia's determination to complete the quest and prove herself. While the ending finishes the story it leaves an opening for future novellas. I would recommend this as a quick read for those that enjoy fantasy.
September 1, 2016
This was a free e-book from Librarything and now I can't wait to read book II.
Klawdia was a daughter of the tribal leader so she had to go into a competition against four male participants to gain control of the tribes. Her family (the Bears) have been ruling for many years and the Bears wanted to keep it that way. Killing a bear with a knife was hard to do but could she survive? What a great fantasy ebook!
Klawdia was a daughter of the tribal leader so she had to go into a competition against four male participants to gain control of the tribes. Her family (the Bears) have been ruling for many years and the Bears wanted to keep it that way. Killing a bear with a knife was hard to do but could she survive? What a great fantasy ebook!
November 23, 2013
An excellent novella that kicks off what appears to be an exceptional series. The world-building is quite amazing. The story reminds me of a mash up of a fantasy version of The Clan of the Cave Bear and The Last of the Mohicans. A great book for readers looking for a strong female lead. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
September 19, 2016
This was my first foray into the world K.J. Colt has created although now that I know this is part of a larger universe I'm keen to learn more.
This is pretty much a novella although that's not a bad thing in the slightest. You're thrown straight into the action with Klawdia and there's no real let up until the end. So it's short, but a fun read and then on to the next one.
This is pretty much a novella although that's not a bad thing in the slightest. You're thrown straight into the action with Klawdia and there's no real let up until the end. So it's short, but a fun read and then on to the next one.
August 11, 2013
I enjoyed this little novella even though it was an off shoot from another series it's fine to read without reading the original series. Warning there is a major cliff hanger and the need for the next book is massive!!!
August 24, 2013
I really enjoyed this fast-paced, action-packed novel. It was short so I read most of it in one sitting. It reminded me a bit of The Hunger Games. I liked all the characters and the chemistry between them.
May 7, 2014
I received a copy of this book as part of LibraryThing Member Giveaway program. Though the story line is similar to Hunger Games, the adventures of Klawdia makes it an enjoyable read. Hope to enjoy the next book of the series as well.
March 3, 2015
Bear Heart (Klawdia series book 1)
Loved reading about Klawdia in her youth and can't wait to read the next book. So glad I already purchased it and it's waiting for me on my Kindle.
Loved reading about Klawdia in her youth and can't wait to read the next book. So glad I already purchased it and it's waiting for me on my Kindle.
March 31, 2018
Vibrant
Great story from the beginning. The story makes you understand Klawdia better and why she is who she is in the Healers of Meligna series
Great story from the beginning. The story makes you understand Klawdia better and why she is who she is in the Healers of Meligna series
September 1, 2015
see FIERCE: Sixteen Authors Of Fantasy
June 3, 2017
After falling in love with Adenine and Klawdia in the Healers on Meligna series I had to learn more about Klawdia. This book did not disappoint and left me wanting to get straight into the next story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews