The Named Series by Clare Bell

Ratha and her clan are the Named, a band of intelligent wild cats whose society is based on herding deer. The Named have laws, language, traditions, and leaders. They also have enemies. The predatory raiders of the un-Named are driving them close to the edge of survival. Then Ratha, a mere yearling, discovers what she calls the Red Tongue: fire. Her new weapon gives the Named a new defense, but it also rouses the ire of Meoran, the tyrannical clan leader... moreRatha and her clan are the Named, a band of intelligent wild cats whose society is based on herding deer. The Named have laws, language, traditions, and leaders. They also have enemies. The predatory raiders of the un-Named are driving them close to the edge of survival. Then Ratha, a mere yearling, discovers what she calls the Red Tongue: fire. Her new weapon gives the Named a new defense, but it also rouses the ire of Meoran, the tyrannical clan leader. Soon Ratha finds herself in exile among the un-Named, but determined to survive. less

The wildcat Ratha, leader of the Named, thanks the flickering Red Tongue for her power. All her clan offers homage to the fire. An Un-Named cat hopes to worship with them and move among them. Ratha fears and respects the flame in the newcomer's eyes. Quelling her doubt, Ratha grants the stranger's wish, and calls him Shongshar. She has yet to find out whether trust or fury burns beneath his gaze.

Drought has come to the prehistoric world of the Named. Under the leadership of the strong-willed Ratha, the clan of intelligent cats searches out new grazing land for the herd beasts upon which their survival depends. Miles away, on the coast, a young wild cat battles desperately for her own survival. Rejected by the languageless unnamed cats, and lamed physically and emotionally by a cubhood trauma, Newt forges a symbiotic relationship with a group of docile sea mammals... moreDrought has come to the prehistoric world of the Named. Under the leadership of the strong-willed Ratha, the clan of intelligent cats searches out new grazing land for the herd beasts upon which their survival depends. Miles away, on the coast, a young wild cat battles desperately for her own survival. Rejected by the languageless unnamed cats, and lamed physically and emotionally by a cubhood trauma, Newt forges a symbiotic relationship with a group of docile sea mammals. When Thakur, a scout for the Named, discovers her, he is intrigued by her ingenuity and tenacity. He does not realize that Newt and Ratha have an unexpected bond. . . . less

The Named believe that they are the only cats who can think and speak, so they are shocked and intrigued to discover a mammoth-hunting tribe of cats who also speak. The other tribe, united in a kind of group mind, is so different that understanding them appears impossible, and conflict threatens... moreThe Named believe that they are the only cats who can think and speak, so they are shocked and intrigued to discover a mammoth-hunting tribe of cats who also speak. The other tribe, united in a kind of group mind, is so different that understanding them appears impossible, and conflict threatens. Should Ratha increase her efforts to talk to these strange cats, or should she destroy them with the Red Tongue so the Named can take their mammoths? Ratha’s daughter Thistle-chaser, has strange gifts that could lead to a solution, but she can’t do it alone. Mother and daughter must challenge the darkness of their shared past before they can work together. less

Ratha, the fiery and determined female leader of the sentient prehistoric cat clan called the Named, continues her story in this new novel. In Ratha's Courage, the Named attempt an alliance with the other clan of "face-tail" (mammoth and mastodon) hunting cats introduced in Ratha's Challenge.The hunter clan's group mind, and strange, frighteningly effective unity fascinates yet repels the independent-minded Named, creating a dangerous potential for conflict... moreRatha, the fiery and determined female leader of the sentient prehistoric cat clan called the Named, continues her story in this new novel. In Ratha's Courage, the Named attempt an alliance with the other clan of "face-tail" (mammoth and mastodon) hunting cats introduced in Ratha's Challenge.The hunter clan's group mind, and strange, frighteningly effective unity fascinates yet repels the independent-minded Named, creating a dangerous potential for conflict. The contrasting values of two very different cultures lead to misunderstanding, tragedy, and war. Ratha learns that reaching out to others, especially when the chasm is so wide, takes true courage. less