Great Bear Lake (novel)

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Great Bear Lake
Great Bear Lake Book.jpg
The cover of Great Bear Lake
Author Erin Hunter (Cherith Baldry)
Cover artist Wayne McLoughlin
CountryUnited Kingdom, United States
LanguageEnglish
Series Seekers
Genre Fantasy novel
Publisher HarperCollins
Publication date
10 February 2009
Pages320
ISBN 0060871253
Preceded by The Quest Begins  
Followed bySmoke Mountain 

Great Bear Lake is the second novel in the Seekers series written by Erin Hunter, which is a pseudonym used by authors Cherith Baldry, Kate Cary, Tui Sutherland and editor Victoria Holmes. This specific novel was written by Cherith Baldry. The novel follows the adventures of three bears, Toklo, Kallik, and Lusa. Each bear finds the other by coincidence and form a bond. The declining environment and racism among the bears are two of the themes present in the novel. The novel was released in the US on 10 February 2009 and has also been released in the UK, Canada and translated into Russian. Critical reception was positive with reviewers praising the realistic behavior of the bears and the honest approach to various themes.

Contents

Synopsis

Great Bear Lake continues the story of Kallik, Lusa, Toklo, and Ujurak as the bear cubs try to find their way to the Arctic. It starts with Lusa meeting Toklo and Ujurak. She tries to deliver Oka's message to Toklo, but he doesn't want to hear what his mother said. Lusa earns a little respect from Toklo when she saves his life, but he still doesn't want to talk about Oka. Ujurak, due to his kinder personality, befriends Lusa and welcomes her on his mission. Kallik is traveling alone, trying to find her brother Taqqiq. She eventually makes it to the Great Bear Lake. Lusa, Toklo and Ujurak go to the Great Bear Lake too, and Lusa befriends a black bear cub named Miki. However, he is later kidnapped by selfish and bullying white bears, which includes Taqqiq. Kallik tries to convince him to stop, but he ignores her. She ends up in the lake and nearly drowns. Lusa, who is looking for Miki, luckily hears her cries and carries her to safety. Grateful that Lusa saved her life, Kallik teams up with the black bear cub, along with Toklo and Ujurak to save Miki, and stop the white bears from causing more damage. They succeed and Taqqiq leaves his friends to travel with the four bears.

Publication history

Great Bear Lake was first published in the United States as a hardcover and audiobook on 10 February 2009. [1] [2] The book was also released as a paperback on 5 January 2010 [3] and as an e-book on 6 October 2009. [4]

The books have also been released in the United Kingdom and Canada. Canada received the second book on 1 January 2010. [5] It was released in the United Kingdom on 28 June 2012. [6] The first three books have also been translated into Russian. [7]

Themes

Children's Literature comments that the book deals with familiar themes to the Warriors series such as youth versus age, new versus tradition, and the discovery that others are not very different from oneself. [8] KidsReads states that the theme of racism is honestly dealt throughout the book along with the fact that a strong message about the environment is sent. [9] A reviewer from Voice of Youth Advocates finds that themes like adolescent rebellion, habitat destruction and global climate change are found in the book. [10]

Critical reception

Great Bear Lake reached number 68 on Publishers Weekly's Children's Fiction Bestsellers during the week of 22 March 2010, having sold 150,000 copies. [11]

Booklist comments that the story is told with a balance between anthropomorphic characterization, realistic behavior and the brutalities of life in the wild. [8] Children's Literature notes the similarity of themes to the Warriors series and that fans will appreciate new clans and traditions. The reviewer comments that it is not as action packed as the Warriors series, as suggested by the title. [8] Chris Shanley-Delliman from Kidsreads praises the book for it vivid descriptions. He states that Hunter takes on the theme of racism through a "honest approach" - three bears of different color and background meeting together. The reviewer also states that the book deals with an environment theme. [9] The Horn Book Magazine states in a review for Great Bear Lake and Smoke Mountain that the latter may leave readers wondering where the series is heading to while noting that fans will enjoy the mix of fantasy adventure and realistic animal behavior in both books. [10] Voice of Youth Advocates notes that the book is not "great literature" but nevertheless is a good story. The reviewer notes that the bears are "appealingly bearlike" despite being anthropomorphized and having human issues like conflicts with friends and adolescence. The reviewer also mentions the theme of habitat destruction and global climate change. Readers are advised to read the series in order as the volume does not provide a summary of the first novel. [10]

Related Research Articles

<i>Warriors</i> (novel series) Series of juvenile fantasy novels by Erin Hunter

Warriors is a series of novels based on the adventures and drama of multiple Clans of feral cats. The series is primarily set in fictional forests. Published by HarperCollins, the series is written by authors Kate Cary and Cherith Baldry, as well as others, under the collective pseudonym Erin Hunter. The concept and plot of the pilot series were developed by series editor, Victoria Holmes.

Erin Hunter is a collective pseudonym used by the authors Victoria Holmes, Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, Clarissa Hutton, Inbali Iserles, Tui T. Sutherland, and Rosie Best in the writing of several juvenile fantasy novel series which focus on animals and their adventures. Notable works include the Warriors, Seekers, Survivors, Bravelands, and Bamboo Kingdom book series. For each book, Holmes creates the plot and the others take turns writing the books. Dan Jolley, though not an official Erin Hunter author, also writes the stories for manga published under the Hunter name. James L. Barry, Bettina M. Kurkoski, and Don Hudson are included under the pseudonym as the illustrators of the Warriors mangas. Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter are also included as the illustrators of the upcoming graphic novel adaptation of The Prophecies Begin.

Cherith Baldry is a British children's fiction and fantasy fiction writer. She also publishes under the pseudonyms Adam Blade, Jenny Dale, Jack Dillon, and Erin Hunter.

<i>Into the Wild</i> (novel) 2003 novel by a team with the pseudonym Erin Hunter

Into the Wild is a fantasy novel about the lives of fictional cats, written by a team of authors using the pseudonym Erin Hunter. The novel was published by HarperCollins in Canada and the United States in January 2003, and in the United Kingdom in February 2003. It is the first novel in the Warriors series. The book has been published in paperback and e-book formats in twenty different languages. The story is about a young domestic cat named Rusty who leaves his human owners to join a group of forest-dwelling feral cats called ThunderClan, adopting a new name: Firepaw. He is trained to defend and hunt for the clan, becomes embroiled in a murder and betrayal within the clan, and, at the end of the book, receives his warrior name, Fireheart, after a battle with another clan. The novel is written from the perspective of Fireheart.

<i>Forest of Secrets</i> 2003 novel by Erin Hunter

Forest of Secrets is a children's fantasy novel, the third book in the original Warriors series, written by Cherith Baldry under the pen name of Erin Hunter. The plot is about Fireheart, a ThunderClan warrior, attempting to prevent his best friend Graystripe from falling in love with Silverstream, whom Graystripe is not allowed to fall in love with. Silverstream later dies giving birth to Graystripe's kits. When RiverClan claims the kits, Graystripe makes the difficult decision to join RiverClan. Fireheart also becomes deputy after Tigerclaw, the deputy, attempts to kill the leader, Bluestar. The main theme of the book is forbidden love. Forest of Secrets takes place in a fictional forest based on many natural locations.

<i>A Dangerous Path</i> 2004 novel by Erin Hunter

A Dangerous Path is a fantasy novel, the fifth book in the Warriors series, written under the pseudonym of Erin Hunter. This individual book was written by Cherith Baldry. The story centers around Fireheart, deputy of ThunderClan, as he attempts to keep his Clan safe with the help of his ailing leader, while fighting off outside threats such as dogs and enemy Clans.

<i>Moonrise</i> (novel) 2005 novel by Erin Hunter

Moonrise is a children's fantasy novel, the second book in the Warriors: The New Prophecy series. The book, which illustrates the adventures of four groups of wild cats, was written by Erin Hunter, with cover art by Wayne McLoughlin. Moonrise follows six cats, Brambleclaw, Squirrelpaw, Crowpaw, Feathertail, Stormfur, and Tawnypelt, as they return to their forest home from a journey to the ocean. They travel through the mountains, where they meet the Tribe of Rushing Water, a new group of cats first introduced in this novel. The Tribe cats are being attacked by a savage mountain lion called Sharptooth. The Clan cats eventually agree to help the Tribe get rid of Sharptooth. Series editor Victoria Holmes drew inspiration from locations such as the New Forest and the Scottish Highlands.

<i>Starlight</i> (novel) 2006 novel by Erin Hunter

Starlight is a children's fantasy novel, the fourth book in Erin Hunter's bestselling Warriors: The New Prophecy series. The hardback was released on 4 April 2006 and in paperback on 27 March 2007.

<i>Twilight</i> (Hunter novel) 2006 novel by Erin Hunter

Twilight is a children's fantasy novel in the Warriors novel series written by Erin Hunter, a pseudonym used by multiple authors. It is the fifth book in the series The New Prophecy and continues the cat clans' adventures while seeking a new home. It was generally well received by critics.

<i>Warriors: Power of Three</i> Third arc in the Warriors series

Warriors: Power of Three is the third arc in the Warriors juvenile fantasy novel series about anthropomorphic feral cats. The arc comprises six novels which were published from 2007 to 2009: The Sight, Dark River, Outcast, Eclipse, Long Shadows, and Sunrise. The novels are published by HarperCollins under the pseudonym Erin Hunter, which refers to authors Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, Tui Sutherland and plot developer/editor Victoria Holmes. Power of Three details the experiences of protagonist of the first series Firestar's three grandchildren, initially known as Jaykit, Hollykit, and Lionkit, whom a prophecy foretells will have "the power of the stars in their paws". The arc's major themes deal with forbidden love, the concept of nature versus nurture, and characters being a mix of good and bad. Though the novels have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List and have been nominated for several awards, none of the novels in Warriors: Power of Three have won a significant literary award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tui T. Sutherland</span> Venezuelan-American childrens book author

Tui Tamara Sutherland is an American children's book author who has written more than 60 books under her own name and under several pen names. In 2009, she won $46,200 over three games on Jeopardy! She is best known for writing the Wings of Fire series of epic dragon fantasy novels. Sutherland's books have sold over 15 million copies.

<i>Seekers</i> (novel series) Book series by Erin Hunter

Seekers is a novel series written by Tui T. Sutherland and Cherith Baldry under the pseudonym Erin Hunter, who also wrote the Warriors series. Seekers follows the adventures of four bear cubs: Kallik, Lusa, Ujurak, and Toklo. Led by Ujurak, the four bears search for a place where they can live in peace without human interference and harassment. The first book of the first series, The Quest Begins, was released on 27 May 2008 and was followed by five other books, ending with the last book of the first series, Spirits in the Stars, which was released on 8 February 2011. A second series of novels subtitled Return to the Wild, also six books in length, began publication with Island of Shadows, released on 7 February 2012. The series has been well received, with critics praising the realistic behavior of the characters, the world building, and the book's themes surrounding environmentalism.

<i>Firestars Quest</i> 2007 novel by Erin Hunter

Firestar's Quest is a volume in the Warriors novel series by Erin Hunter.

<i>The Quest Begins</i> Book by Erin Hunter

The Quest Begins is the first novel in the Seekers series. It was written by Erin Hunter, which is a collective pseudonym used by authors Cherith Baldry, Kate Cary, and Tui Sutherland and editor Victoria Holmes. The novel details the adventures of four bears, Toklo, Kallik, Lusa and Ujurak, who are stranded together in the wild and must learn to survive. The declining environment around the bears is a theme explored throughout the novel. The development of the Seekers series began as a result of a request from HarperCollins for another series about animals to the authors who wrote the Warriors series about feral cats under the name of Erin Hunter. The novel was published on 27 May 2008. The book sold well and had generally positive critical reception with reviewers suggesting the series would appeal to fans of Warriors.

<i>SkyClans Destiny</i> 2010 novel by Erin Hunter

SkyClan's Destiny is a children's fantasy novel, the third super edition in the Warriors series. It was written by Cherith Baldry under the pen name of Erin Hunter. Victoria Holmes revealed in an AuthorTracker email that she had developed the general idea for the book quickly, but it took a while to find the right ending. The book follows SkyClan six months after Firestar and Sandstorm left the gorge. The Clan experiences internal conflict regarding house cats who train in SkyClan during the day, but leave at night to return to their human owners. Later, four loners, Stick, Cora, Coal and Shorty, cats that Firestar met on his quest also become a topic of debate in the Clan. The major themes in the book are rebellion and the fact that SkyClan has to figure its destiny without the help of other Clans or their warriors ancestors.

<i>Yellowfangs Secret</i> 2012 novel by Erin Hunter

Yellowfang's Secret is a children's fantasy novel written by Cherith Baldry under the pseudonym Erin Hunter. It is the fifth "Super Edition" in the Warriors novel series. Yellowfang's Secret was first released in hardcover on 9 October 2012.

<i>Survivors</i> (novel series) Childrens book series

Survivors is a novel series written by a team of authors under the pseudonym Erin Hunter. Survivors follows the adventures of a group of former domestic dogs who form a pack with the help of protagonist Lucky, after an earthquake separates them from their owners. The first book, The Empty City, was released on 21 August 2012, and was followed by eleven more books written between 2013 and 2019.

<i>Warriors: The New Prophecy</i> Second arc in the Warriors series

Warriors: The New Prophecy is the second arc in the Warriors juvenile fantasy novel series about cats, who live in four established clans and follow a code to keep the peace between them from breaking apart completely. The arc comprises six novels which were published from 2005 to 2006: Midnight, Moonrise, Dawn, Starlight, Twilight, and Sunset. The novels are published by HarperCollins under the pseudonym Erin Hunter, which refers to authors Kate Cary and Cherith Baldry and plot developer/editor Victoria Holmes. The New Prophecy details the Clans' journey to a new home when humans destroy their original territories. The arc's major themes deal with forbidden love, the concept of nature versus nurture, and characters being a mix of good and bad. Though the novels have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List and have been nominated for several awards, none of the novels in Warriors: The New Prophecy has won a significant literary award.

<i>Warriors: Omen of the Stars</i> Fourth arc in the Warriors series

Warriors: Omen of the Stars is the fourth arc in the Warriors juvenile fantasy novel series about feral cats who live in Clans. It is made up of six novels published by HarperCollins from 2009 to 2012: The Fourth Apprentice, Fading Echoes, Night Whispers, Sign of the Moon, The Forgotten Warrior, and The Last Hope. The novels were written by Erin Hunter, a pseudonym that refers to authors Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, and Tui Sutherland, as well as plot developer and editor Victoria Holmes. Omen of the Stars details the experiences of Jayfeather, Lionblaze, and Dovewing, who, as part of a prophecy, have special powers. The arc's themes deal with forbidden love and the effect that being different can have on relationships. Though the Warriors series has appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list, none of the novels in Warriors: Omen of the Stars have won a significant literary award.

Warriors: The Prophecies Begin, originally known as Warriors, is the first story arc in the Warriors juvenile fantasy novel series about feral cats. The arc comprises six novels which were published from 2003 to 2004: Into the Wild, Fire and Ice, Forest of Secrets, Rising Storm, A Dangerous Path, and The Darkest Hour. The novels are published by HarperCollins under the pseudonym Erin Hunter, which refers to authors Kate Cary and Cherith Baldry and plot developer/editor Victoria Holmes. The sub-series details the adventures of the housecat Rusty, who joins ThunderClan, one of four Clans of feral cats living in a forest which adjoins the human town in which he originally lives. The arc's major themes deal with forbidden love, the concept of nature versus nurture, and characters being a mix of good and evil. Though the novels have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List and have been nominated for several awards, none of the novels in the Warriors sub-series have won a significant literary award.

References

  1. Hunter, Erin. "Seekers #2: Great Bear Lake - Erin Hunter - Hardcover". HarperCollins US.
  2. Hunter, Erin. "Seekers #2: Great Bear Lake - Erin Hunter - Digital Audiobook". HarperCollins US.
  3. Hunter, Erin. "Seekers #2: Great Bear Lake - Erin Hunter - Paperback". HarperCollins US.
  4. Hunter, Erin. "Seekers #2: Great Bear Lake - Erin Hunter - E-book". HarperCollins US.
  5. Hunter, Erin (1 January 2010). Great Bear Lake. Turtle Back Books. ASIN   0606147551.
  6. Hunter, Erin (28 June 2012). Great Bear Lake. Egmont. ASIN   1405246103.
  7. OZON.ru — Книги – Дымная гора – Эрин Хантер – Smoked Mountain – Странники – Купить книги: интернет-магазин / (in Russian). Ozon.ru. 2010. ISBN   978-5-373-03479-1 . Retrieved 27 August 2010.
  8. 1 2 3 Noble, Barnes &. "Great Bear Lake (Seekers Series #2)". Barnes & Noble.
  9. 1 2 "Seekers #2: Great Bear Lake - Kidsreads". kidsreads.com.
  10. 1 2 3 Hunter, Erin $0(DLC)471823; Hunter, Erin (9 August 2017). Great Bear Lake. Seekers. HarperCollins. OCLC   232977539 via kcls Library Catalog.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  11. "Facts and Figures 2009: Meyer's Reign Continues". publishersweekly.com.