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Bear Daughter
A twelve year old awakens one morning to discover that she has been transformed into a human girl, instead of a bear, and embarks on a dangerous journey through both mortal and immortal worlds to restore her past, confront her fears, and preserve the lands in which she walks, in a mythological fantasy. A first novel. Original.
422 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 3, 2015
After reading Bear Daughter for the second time, I still feel it merits 5 stars. It is no wonder that Terri Wendling, the author and founder of the Endicott studio, praised it so highly and put it on her Mythic Fiction list. I was told it is out of print when I wanted to buy my own copy. I guess it did not sell well. This is unfortunate because it is really an amazing novel! I think some of it may have to do with the cover. I read that the author was also not happy with it calling it “problematic”. Not only does the girl on the cover look Caucasian, but the cover is misleading because it gives the impression that the novel is both YA and Native American. In fact the story takes place in an alternative universe resembling the Pre-Colombian Pacific West Coast. Berman, an anthropologist combines both First Nation and European myths and legends to create a new story. In her interview Begman says that while Bear Daughter is indeed inspired by the indigenous traditions of the Pacific North West, she was also influenced by Old World traditions:
http://www.strangehorizons.com/2005/2...
This second read I paid more attention to what the Native American elements and the Old World Traditions. might be. The Native American influences are of course The “First People” and just in general the lifestyle of the characters their clothing, food, canoes, housing and so on, while the Old World influences would be the idea of a quest, the wizards, the many hidden boxes Cloud had to open. I was struck between the similarities between the First People and Faeries. The ”Center-of –Heaven” part reminded me of a European Fairy Tale, but I cannot remember which one. The feeling of this book is much more like an Epic Fantasy. Parts of Clouds journey-quest seemed too long and could have been condensed, but that would be my only criticism of this book. It is also very much a coming-of age story with great character development. Cloud with her struggles to come to terms with both her Human and Bear self seems like a real person and it is both wonderful and sometimes painful watching her grow. After reading this novel I wish Judith Berman would write more novels taking place in this universe that she is created. I would simply read on and on!
http://www.strangehorizons.com/2005/2...
This second read I paid more attention to what the Native American elements and the Old World Traditions. might be. The Native American influences are of course The “First People” and just in general the lifestyle of the characters their clothing, food, canoes, housing and so on, while the Old World influences would be the idea of a quest, the wizards, the many hidden boxes Cloud had to open. I was struck between the similarities between the First People and Faeries. The ”Center-of –Heaven” part reminded me of a European Fairy Tale, but I cannot remember which one. The feeling of this book is much more like an Epic Fantasy. Parts of Clouds journey-quest seemed too long and could have been condensed, but that would be my only criticism of this book. It is also very much a coming-of age story with great character development. Cloud with her struggles to come to terms with both her Human and Bear self seems like a real person and it is both wonderful and sometimes painful watching her grow. After reading this novel I wish Judith Berman would write more novels taking place in this universe that she is created. I would simply read on and on!
September 9, 2007
Bear Daughter is quite obviously set among pre-contact west-coast natives. Berman is an anthropologist specializing in west-coast natives, but I was a bit uneasy reading something so saturated in native folklore written by a white woman. However, at no point did I feel that she presumed, although obviously, I am not an expert. I was also reassured by reading the author's essay on her struggle not to appropriate. [http://www.vectormagazine.co.uk/artic...]. It's a thoughtful essay, and one which I recommend.
That out of the way, it was nice to read a story in which no white people appeared (discluding the girl on the cover who could only look whiter if she were blonde). The culture was treated as normal, rather than a deviation from the norm, and the author made the interesting choice, which I decided I liked, to use the less exotic word whenever one was available: house, instead of longhouse, feast instead of potlatch.
The story is long, and comfortably inhabits the liminal space between the mundane and the spiritual. Cloud, the protagonist, is at times self-centered, cowardly, and sullen, and yet remains likable, somehow, perhaps because of her loyalty to those she loves. I liked that the culture's patriarchal tendencies were not white-washed, and that the class system's fundamental injustice was treated frankly.
Recommended for those who want an unconventional quest story and good writing.
That out of the way, it was nice to read a story in which no white people appeared (discluding the girl on the cover who could only look whiter if she were blonde). The culture was treated as normal, rather than a deviation from the norm, and the author made the interesting choice, which I decided I liked, to use the less exotic word whenever one was available: house, instead of longhouse, feast instead of potlatch.
The story is long, and comfortably inhabits the liminal space between the mundane and the spiritual. Cloud, the protagonist, is at times self-centered, cowardly, and sullen, and yet remains likable, somehow, perhaps because of her loyalty to those she loves. I liked that the culture's patriarchal tendencies were not white-washed, and that the class system's fundamental injustice was treated frankly.
Recommended for those who want an unconventional quest story and good writing.
October 25, 2007
I know this may be an odd thing to say - but one of the things that I LOVED about this book - is that it sort of read like a video game. What do I mean by that? The way that you begin in one location, learn and experience things there, then move on to other locations. When you come back to the original location, you see it in a completely new way - remembering how you pictured it when you first saw it - but now see it through a more mature lens. That may make sense to no one but me - but it was one of the things I loved about the book - the character progresses, opening up and exploring new areas.
February 5, 2017
Bear Daughter is an inspiring Fantasy novel, which follows a young bear cub turned girl named Cloud. Now a human child, Cloud must learn human manners and avoid the wrath of her mother's husband, Rumble. I did love the various character names and how they all tied in with the theme of nature.
Aged thirteen and threatened with imminent death, Cloud is chased from the home she came to know, to seek a better life for herself elsewhere. As she travels, she finds herself plagued by dark dreams that will lead her to fulfill her long awaited destiny.
I loved the comparison between mortal and immortal people in this world. The juxtaposition of flawless creatures of surreal beauty with dark intentions had me hooked and unable to put the book down. Strong themes included those of identity, loss of self and others, in addition to mortality.
The plot was fast moving, with great structure to the author's writing. Cloud's emotional state was well explored and helped me to better identify with her character. This magical world was one that I instantly felt a pull toward. So many mysteries await the read in its pages.
The one small issue I had with the book was the ending of part four, where we are introduced to a character at random after a major time leap. This was initially confusing, but by the end of the section, all of my confusion was put to rest. I just wish the sudden change in scenario had been made clear from the start of that particular segment.
Many elements of Bear Daughter are drawn from rich indigenous oral literature of the North American Northwest Coast. The events of the novel stem from a group of traditions from the aforementioned area, that are collectively known as the Bear Mother Story. Author Judith Berman found themselves greatly affected by learning of such traditions and responded by writing this masterpiece.
I loved this book and would happily recommend it to everyone I know. I shall be buying my partner their own copy. 5/5 stars.
Aged thirteen and threatened with imminent death, Cloud is chased from the home she came to know, to seek a better life for herself elsewhere. As she travels, she finds herself plagued by dark dreams that will lead her to fulfill her long awaited destiny.
I loved the comparison between mortal and immortal people in this world. The juxtaposition of flawless creatures of surreal beauty with dark intentions had me hooked and unable to put the book down. Strong themes included those of identity, loss of self and others, in addition to mortality.
The plot was fast moving, with great structure to the author's writing. Cloud's emotional state was well explored and helped me to better identify with her character. This magical world was one that I instantly felt a pull toward. So many mysteries await the read in its pages.
The one small issue I had with the book was the ending of part four, where we are introduced to a character at random after a major time leap. This was initially confusing, but by the end of the section, all of my confusion was put to rest. I just wish the sudden change in scenario had been made clear from the start of that particular segment.
Many elements of Bear Daughter are drawn from rich indigenous oral literature of the North American Northwest Coast. The events of the novel stem from a group of traditions from the aforementioned area, that are collectively known as the Bear Mother Story. Author Judith Berman found themselves greatly affected by learning of such traditions and responded by writing this masterpiece.
I loved this book and would happily recommend it to everyone I know. I shall be buying my partner their own copy. 5/5 stars.
September 8, 2009
This was a chance find. I went to the library looking for books for the Fall Challenge at the Seasonal Reading Challenge Group, and while I was browsing the fantasy books, my eyes happened to fall on this one. And what a stroke of good fortune that was!
I'll admit, the book started a little slow, by which I mean I spent the first half thinking it would be 4 stars instead of 5. Sometimes, Cloud was hard to empathize with, and sometimes her self-pity was annoying. Mostly, it was an understandable response to being thrust into circumstances that you have no idea how to deal with. I liked Cloud a lot for the entire book, both when she was a confused child and when she became a brave woman. She's a really great character, the kind that I definitely want to see more of.
I also really enjoyed the mythology aspect. I know pretty much nothing about the mythology of the Native Americans of the West Coast, so this book felt entirely fresh to me. I really liked reading something with a basis that wasn't Greek or Roman or medieval. I wasn't left wondering how the characters could be so stupid as not to understand how things worked, because I was just as clueless as them, a rather nice change. And I don't know where line between mythology and imagination was drawn, but either way, it was fascinating to follow all the twists and turns that the plot took.
In short, I really enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it.
I'll admit, the book started a little slow, by which I mean I spent the first half thinking it would be 4 stars instead of 5. Sometimes, Cloud was hard to empathize with, and sometimes her self-pity was annoying. Mostly, it was an understandable response to being thrust into circumstances that you have no idea how to deal with. I liked Cloud a lot for the entire book, both when she was a confused child and when she became a brave woman. She's a really great character, the kind that I definitely want to see more of.
I also really enjoyed the mythology aspect. I know pretty much nothing about the mythology of the Native Americans of the West Coast, so this book felt entirely fresh to me. I really liked reading something with a basis that wasn't Greek or Roman or medieval. I wasn't left wondering how the characters could be so stupid as not to understand how things worked, because I was just as clueless as them, a rather nice change. And I don't know where line between mythology and imagination was drawn, but either way, it was fascinating to follow all the twists and turns that the plot took.
In short, I really enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it.
June 1, 2010
**SPOILER ALERT**
This is an AWESOME book! I recommend it to everyone,especially young women. The lead character is given-born to-gifted with many skills, friends and opportunities. She does everything she can to deny what, who and how she is what she is. Throughout the book I repeatedly wanted to slap her; throw her over my knee and spank her 'till her bum was lobster red; and most of the time I felt the need to shake her as hard as possible while screaming at her "you inconsiderate, rude, selfish, scared, too-proud,sniveling,prissy,poor thing!" She consistently makes the same mistakes we all do in relationships. Most of the time her emotions have a head start on reason or logic, and she speaks before thinking 99.9% of the time. All the fear and pride she has seems to control her mouth. She personifies everything we fear to do and do do, during all those times when we know we are wrong, we know we can/should admit we are in the wrong, but don't. Regardless of what is best for us we allow our fear and pride to speak out instead and dig ourselves deeper.
This habit of hers both frustrates me and endears her to me. I recognize so much of my own fears in relationships and pride, and the book resonates with the clean truth of why we allow fears and pride to chose our paths so often.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2016
One day a bear wakes up as a 12-year-old girl, and her life is changed.
Cloud is the human Thrush's daughter, but also Lord Stink's--the bear king. When she awakens as a girl Thrush's current husband Rumble ostracizes her, and her Aunt Glory takes her into her own home and teaches her how to be human. But when Rumble killed Lord Stink and Cloud's brothers, he took on some of Lord Stink's power, and that power is corrupting him and the human world.
Haunted by dreams of her ghost brothers, Cloud must go on a quest to rescue the bones of her bear family and rid the human world of corruption, but to do so she must acknowledge both the human and the bear within her.
Bear Daughter combines Native American spiritual mythology with a more Western quest narrative that reminded me of the wild swans fairy tale (an analogy she also makes in this wonderful interview: http://www.strangehorizons.com/2005/2...). It's a unique fantasy novel, and I enjoyed the mythology and the connection with the wild. I did feel frustrated by the middle--Cloud pursues the same quest throughout the novel, but the quest is constantly thwarted, over and over in countless ways. It becomes a bit annoying, after a while. However, I loved both the beginning and end, as well as the mythos. Thanks to Jalilah for recommending this one! 3.5/5
Cloud is the human Thrush's daughter, but also Lord Stink's--the bear king. When she awakens as a girl Thrush's current husband Rumble ostracizes her, and her Aunt Glory takes her into her own home and teaches her how to be human. But when Rumble killed Lord Stink and Cloud's brothers, he took on some of Lord Stink's power, and that power is corrupting him and the human world.
Haunted by dreams of her ghost brothers, Cloud must go on a quest to rescue the bones of her bear family and rid the human world of corruption, but to do so she must acknowledge both the human and the bear within her.
Bear Daughter combines Native American spiritual mythology with a more Western quest narrative that reminded me of the wild swans fairy tale (an analogy she also makes in this wonderful interview: http://www.strangehorizons.com/2005/2...). It's a unique fantasy novel, and I enjoyed the mythology and the connection with the wild. I did feel frustrated by the middle--Cloud pursues the same quest throughout the novel, but the quest is constantly thwarted, over and over in countless ways. It becomes a bit annoying, after a while. However, I loved both the beginning and end, as well as the mythos. Thanks to Jalilah for recommending this one! 3.5/5
June 15, 2013
Confusing as this book can sometimes be,the writing is strong and confident,like bear daughter herself,most of the time. This mythological tale does not pretend to be an authentic retelling,but as an original fantasy it is nevertheless evocative of native tribal ways,long ago when the borders between worlds were more fluid.Like the original myths,this one too has a moral that we can apply to our own lives with less difficulty than the plucky heroine,who faces the ultimate of identity crises.
It is a familiar theme,the quest for self,and this book underscores what is often too easy to forget:to be yourself,you first have to know,and accept,who you are.That means facing your fear of the implications. Then and only when you are ready,you get to transcend that limit and use your personal power to accomplish the task only you can perform.
It is a familiar theme,the quest for self,and this book underscores what is often too easy to forget:to be yourself,you first have to know,and accept,who you are.That means facing your fear of the implications. Then and only when you are ready,you get to transcend that limit and use your personal power to accomplish the task only you can perform.
February 15, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow... I simply couldn't put this book down. I was very surprised to quickly learn that I was actually reading a book that consists of mythology.
I was instantly captivated and really enjoys the style of writing; I was completely enveloped in Clouds (main character) story. I felt her pain, confusion, frustration- one that we can probably all relate to; one of finding life's purpose; from a child to suddenly being thrust into adulthood.
Cloud struggles with accepting who she is. She fights against it- there a some harsh lessons for her to learn, but that's all part of her story and believe me... you suffer along with her and rejoice with her; as if you were her!
Brilliant.
Wow... I simply couldn't put this book down. I was very surprised to quickly learn that I was actually reading a book that consists of mythology.
I was instantly captivated and really enjoys the style of writing; I was completely enveloped in Clouds (main character) story. I felt her pain, confusion, frustration- one that we can probably all relate to; one of finding life's purpose; from a child to suddenly being thrust into adulthood.
Cloud struggles with accepting who she is. She fights against it- there a some harsh lessons for her to learn, but that's all part of her story and believe me... you suffer along with her and rejoice with her; as if you were her!
Brilliant.
May 27, 2017
This is an epic. It is visionary. Many times throughout reading it I am reminded of Neil Gaiman's writing style. And at the end Berman explains the path she takes to find her story. It leaves you thinking.
June 25, 2024
Very fast moving with intricate descriptions of a familiar-yet-not landscape. Cloud’s transformation and growth throughout the story is captivating and her journey takes her to the ends of the earth in more ways than one
April 23, 2020
A 12-year-old bear transforms into a Native American girl. Good use of folklore.
September 4, 2015
So-so in my opinion. It drags in certain places, but it was interesting enough for me to push through.
Bear Daughter seems to be heavily based on North American folklore. While this is an interesting and definitely appealing trait of the book, it feels distracting in some places. It also creates some plot holes in my opinion, especially in regards to Cloud's family.
The amount of character development disappointed me a lot. Cloud seemed to be the only character that changed throughout the novel. I think a lot of the side characters could have been more developed and therefore more likable. Since so few of the characters changed, it gave the book a stagnant feeling.
Further adding to the stagnancy of this novel, I do not think Cloud changed significantly enough for me to feel like the story has concluded. To me, the story's main conflict focused on Cloud, not on Rumble's rule. Although Cloud may have solved her external conflict, I am unsatisfied with how her internal conflict ended. Cloud still does not feel comfortable living in society, even though it sounds like she wants to. I think she still has not accepted herself even if she did go through that whole journey where she was supposed to learn how to. In general, I think the situation changed, but the characters did not, despite the fact that the main conflict was a character versus self one.
Cloud's constant maltreatment also made the story seem repetitive. Even the good things felt overshadowed with bad. It could just be my personal tastes, but I think it would have been nice to have been given a happy moment every once in a while.
The imagery was beautiful and it made for some really great settings. It did, again, drag and slow the conflict down.
Overall, even though I feel like this book had a lot of potential, I feel disappointed with the lack of character building and resolution. I will not be going back for a reread.
Bear Daughter seems to be heavily based on North American folklore. While this is an interesting and definitely appealing trait of the book, it feels distracting in some places. It also creates some plot holes in my opinion, especially in regards to Cloud's family.
The amount of character development disappointed me a lot. Cloud seemed to be the only character that changed throughout the novel. I think a lot of the side characters could have been more developed and therefore more likable. Since so few of the characters changed, it gave the book a stagnant feeling.
Further adding to the stagnancy of this novel, I do not think Cloud changed significantly enough for me to feel like the story has concluded. To me, the story's main conflict focused on Cloud, not on Rumble's rule. Although Cloud may have solved her external conflict, I am unsatisfied with how her internal conflict ended. Cloud still does not feel comfortable living in society, even though it sounds like she wants to. I think she still has not accepted herself even if she did go through that whole journey where she was supposed to learn how to. In general, I think the situation changed, but the characters did not, despite the fact that the main conflict was a character versus self one.
Cloud's constant maltreatment also made the story seem repetitive. Even the good things felt overshadowed with bad. It could just be my personal tastes, but I think it would have been nice to have been given a happy moment every once in a while.
The imagery was beautiful and it made for some really great settings. It did, again, drag and slow the conflict down.
Overall, even though I feel like this book had a lot of potential, I feel disappointed with the lack of character building and resolution. I will not be going back for a reread.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2007
Cloud has spent the first twelve years of her life as a bear, the happy daughter of a human woman called Thrush, and a bear father, called Lord Stink, who is one of the First People. The book opens at some point after her stepfather, Lord Rumble, has killed, and eaten the heart of, her father, and taken her mother for his woman.
A lot of people are surprised that Cloud became human. No one expected it. Cloud's lost her memories, too. The only things she remembers are glimpsed in dreams and images. There's an empty place in her, one that no food will fill. Her mother's forced to reject her, and Lord Rumble wants her dead. I mean, what's a girl to do, but run away from home when her stepfather tries to kill her?
Thus begins Cloud's journey, a travel among and between the mortal and immortal worlds, in a search to find the bones of her father and brothers, and take them to the Edge of the World so that they can be born anew, even though she doesn't quite feel up to the task laid before her. It is a journey where she will learn to accept herself, her origins, and embrace both her past, and her future, while trying to learn how to live as a human girl.
With Native American mythology as its base, Cloud's story engages you from the beginning, as you follow her quest, which is as much coming to terms with who and what she is, as to save the spirits of her father and brothers.
On a more focused level, this is a story about one young woman's struggle to come to terms with herself, a voyage of discovery to find out who she is, what is her purpose in life, to stretch and surpass her limits. It is a story of acceptance, and self-acceptance.
And, quite frankly, it's a good read.
A lot of people are surprised that Cloud became human. No one expected it. Cloud's lost her memories, too. The only things she remembers are glimpsed in dreams and images. There's an empty place in her, one that no food will fill. Her mother's forced to reject her, and Lord Rumble wants her dead. I mean, what's a girl to do, but run away from home when her stepfather tries to kill her?
Thus begins Cloud's journey, a travel among and between the mortal and immortal worlds, in a search to find the bones of her father and brothers, and take them to the Edge of the World so that they can be born anew, even though she doesn't quite feel up to the task laid before her. It is a journey where she will learn to accept herself, her origins, and embrace both her past, and her future, while trying to learn how to live as a human girl.
With Native American mythology as its base, Cloud's story engages you from the beginning, as you follow her quest, which is as much coming to terms with who and what she is, as to save the spirits of her father and brothers.
On a more focused level, this is a story about one young woman's struggle to come to terms with herself, a voyage of discovery to find out who she is, what is her purpose in life, to stretch and surpass her limits. It is a story of acceptance, and self-acceptance.
And, quite frankly, it's a good read.
June 19, 2015
I think this book is seriously underrated; it was definitely one of the most unique and intriguing books I've read in a while.
I would call it a "realistic epic fairytale." The fairytale part is obvious: it's full of robes that allow someone to change shape, magical boxes and tools, houses located at the edge of the world, trips to the underworld, and monsters that lure people away to eat them. Although the mythology is apparently based on Canadian First Nations/Native American folklore (I actually saw a lot of similarity to coastal British Columbia in the setting), it definitely taps into a much broader sense of legendary tradition. If you wanted to, you could identify many similarities and comparisons to Greek mythology and Germanic fairytales, for instance. In the sense of drawing on a sort of collective mythological consciousness, it has a kind of universal appeal.
The story is epic in that it covers long journeys, heroes facing off against villains, and battles among spirits and wizards. And it is realistic in the sense that the author makes you almost taste the food, smell the scents, and feel the injuries. Even more than that, it is realistic in that the people are very believable. The villains are often victims of their own worst natures, like one driven insane by jealous obsession, and the "friendlies" are often flawed and less than accommodating.
Overall, it's very much a story about people, about growing up and overcoming one's weaknesses...or not overcoming them, all woven into an amazingly vivid tale of immortals, wizards, monsters, and humans. I highly recommend this book.
I would call it a "realistic epic fairytale." The fairytale part is obvious: it's full of robes that allow someone to change shape, magical boxes and tools, houses located at the edge of the world, trips to the underworld, and monsters that lure people away to eat them. Although the mythology is apparently based on Canadian First Nations/Native American folklore (I actually saw a lot of similarity to coastal British Columbia in the setting), it definitely taps into a much broader sense of legendary tradition. If you wanted to, you could identify many similarities and comparisons to Greek mythology and Germanic fairytales, for instance. In the sense of drawing on a sort of collective mythological consciousness, it has a kind of universal appeal.
The story is epic in that it covers long journeys, heroes facing off against villains, and battles among spirits and wizards. And it is realistic in the sense that the author makes you almost taste the food, smell the scents, and feel the injuries. Even more than that, it is realistic in that the people are very believable. The villains are often victims of their own worst natures, like one driven insane by jealous obsession, and the "friendlies" are often flawed and less than accommodating.
Overall, it's very much a story about people, about growing up and overcoming one's weaknesses...or not overcoming them, all woven into an amazingly vivid tale of immortals, wizards, monsters, and humans. I highly recommend this book.
March 30, 2015
Book content warnings:
sexual assault
I stumbled across this book completely by chance in a used bookstore. I hesitated to get it because of the (obviously) white girl on the cover, but after seeing this interview by the author that other reviewers provided, I decided to grab it. Judith Berman talks about cultural appropriation, the research that went into the book, and her displeasure with the cover.
Bear Daughter is a book set in an alternate world, based on the cultures of the Northwest Coast Native Americans and with a plot that follows many Old World European myths and traditions: a great journey, underworlds, and wizards whose power sources are found in hidden, locked boxes. Cloud, the MC, is a bear-girl, borne of one of the First People and a mortal. Her father, a bear, and her brothers, all murdered, call out to her in her sleep. They won't stop haunting her until she can find their bones and free their spirits.
Immediately, I fell in love with the writing style, Cloud, and the plot. I could not stop reading. Even at the beginning, which is fairly slow, but never boring. It's addicting, dark, and lovely, evoking gorgeous imagery. The plot meanders, sometimes a little too much, but I couldn't bring myself to mind, because I was just too caught up in the writing and the journey.
I'm pretty sure this is a book that will be one of my favorites for a very long time.
sexual assault
I stumbled across this book completely by chance in a used bookstore. I hesitated to get it because of the (obviously) white girl on the cover, but after seeing this interview by the author that other reviewers provided, I decided to grab it. Judith Berman talks about cultural appropriation, the research that went into the book, and her displeasure with the cover.
Bear Daughter is a book set in an alternate world, based on the cultures of the Northwest Coast Native Americans and with a plot that follows many Old World European myths and traditions: a great journey, underworlds, and wizards whose power sources are found in hidden, locked boxes. Cloud, the MC, is a bear-girl, borne of one of the First People and a mortal. Her father, a bear, and her brothers, all murdered, call out to her in her sleep. They won't stop haunting her until she can find their bones and free their spirits.
Immediately, I fell in love with the writing style, Cloud, and the plot. I could not stop reading. Even at the beginning, which is fairly slow, but never boring. It's addicting, dark, and lovely, evoking gorgeous imagery. The plot meanders, sometimes a little too much, but I couldn't bring myself to mind, because I was just too caught up in the writing and the journey.
I'm pretty sure this is a book that will be one of my favorites for a very long time.
March 4, 2013
This is definitely a fantasy adventure novel. At around the age of 8 or so, Cloud, the heroine, turns from a bear into a human girl. She's born into a community with an evil king. Her mom is the queen, of course. The only way to rid the community of evil is for Cloud to go find her bear father's bones and send them onto the next world. While she is doing this, she goes on all kinds of adventures to different lands and stuff happens. It's a lot more violent than I thought it was going to be. I had a hard time visualizing what was going on in a lot of the scenes, and it was hard for me to follow the action because of that, but other than that it was an alright read!
July 15, 2017
Cloud goes to sleep a bear and awakes to discover she has transformed into a human girl. A sweet children's fairytale you might think, well you could not be more wrong. She has to flee from the town ruled by her human mothers husband fearing for her life. So begins a journey through spirit worlds full of mythical creatures animal and human, as she bravely battles to survive.
Be warned there is also graphic violence.
I will be honest I cannot say I understood all the nuances of the story, but nevertheless thoroughly enjoyed it. This book is very well written descriptive, engaging imaginative, intriguing and very entertaining, and I very much recommend it.
Be warned there is also graphic violence.
I will be honest I cannot say I understood all the nuances of the story, but nevertheless thoroughly enjoyed it. This book is very well written descriptive, engaging imaginative, intriguing and very entertaining, and I very much recommend it.
February 19, 2009
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. The heroine, Cloud, got on my nerves at times, but she grew and changed over the course of the book. It's a coming-of-age story, a story about learning to accept responsibility and fulfill obligations, a story about wanting and giving. Most of all I think Cloud comes to know herself--she looks back at her past mistakes and wants to do better. Recommended.
April 28, 2010
I really enjoyed this one--I thought it was going one way, and the story totally went in a different direction. I did feel that the heroine was a little suspicious about Black Fin's motives, but considering her background & previous treatment by her step-father, it makes sense. I think a sequel would be fun, but I don't want to create a spoiler so I won't say who I would like to hear more about. : ) Hope to see more novels from this author.
October 28, 2014
It's about a bear who wakes up a girl one morning and has to try to become human, though there's really a lot more to it than that. It's got a very nice setting; the people remind me somewhat of Indians, but they have their own distinct and vivid culture. The prose was nice and easy to read, but the content was at times a bit disturbing. The main character nearly gets raped once (by her step-father, no less), and an awful lot of gore. Neutral because of the vast amount of violence.
December 18, 2016
I really wanted to like this book, but in the end I found it simply exhausting; about half-way through I just wanted it to be over and done with. The main character went through so many harrowing and redundant journeys that I wound up skimming sections throughout the last three-quarters of the book. Although I love fables and magical realism, I was not touched by this story. There was much repetitive over-the-top violence and so few interpersonal connections, the story just did not resonate.
November 1, 2012
Such an unusual book! I loved how the native mythology was used to create this wonderful fantasy setting. Every twist was a surprise, nothing happened as I expected it.
The characters were vibrant and realistic, the language easy to follow, but still descriptive and imaginative. Overall an unexpected, pleasant read.
The characters were vibrant and realistic, the language easy to follow, but still descriptive and imaginative. Overall an unexpected, pleasant read.
October 2, 2007
A novel that in some respects is as raw as its protagonist. Riddled throughout with emotion, adventure, toil, tricksome spirits, and bodily fluids of all varieties. Fans of fantasy that draws on Native American traditions will especially enjoy the themes and imagery.
February 14, 2011
The phrase that comes to mind is, "ghastly beyond belief". Even the girl on the cover looks as sick as a parrot. It's rare for me to find a book so awful. Perhaps it's my time of the month.
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November 20, 2011
I really loved this story. Non-typical setting--similar to the Northwest coast (pre-European)--interesting exploration of a Haida-like, folkloric-type story. Interesting character development, and a mature, non-cliche resolution.
April 5, 2013
I was intrigued by the concept of the story, but ultimately, I set it aside. It may be because I didn't read it all in one sitting but read it in pieces over a long stretch, but it never fully engaged me. I'm not intrigued enough to give it another try.
August 5, 2007
It was a very tasteful action pack, romantic (though not much, Intesnse book. I recomend it to anyone who like's fantasy.
August 21, 2007
Brilliant weaving of Native American myths into a coherent fantasy-scape. Luminous prose, masterful plotting, and a believable herione.
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