CLOVERMEAD: In the Shadow of the Bear

As Randall's debut novel opens, 12-year-old Clovermead Wickward is leading a quiet life with the innkeeper Waxmelt as father and daughter. The author creates a compelling bond between the two, as well as an appealing setting when knights still went on pilgrimage and a fine feast made a day's toil worthwhile. But Waxmelt is not the man she believes him to be. He has stolen something of great value from the monarch Lady Cindertallow, and he has been hunted for years by a follower of the dark Lord Ursus, Snuff—who put Waxmelt up to the task and was betrayed by him. When fearsome Snuff stumbles upon the inn, Clovermead and Waxmelt must take to the road to escape. The author puts an interesting twist on a familiar plot device: after a skirmish with Snuff, Clovermead comes to possess the bear tooth he wears as a necklace, a relic of the bear-priests of Ursus. The talisman begins to speak to her, exuding a narcotic effect on her soul and turning her into a creature with bloodlust—literally—sprouting fangs and fur. The attraction of Lord Ursus's power becomes more credible as Clovermead comes to the realization of the depth of her betrayal by the adults around her, but at times her inner struggle between good and evil grows convoluted, and several characters' changes of heart come abruptly. Still, this is a writer to watch, and fantasy buffs will get enjoyment from the fast-paced plotting and the turn of events at the end. Ages 12-up. (June)