The Princess and the Bear (The Princess And The Hound Book 2)

This stand-alone sequel to The Princess and the Hound (HarperCollins, 2007) examines and critiques humanity by contrasting animals and people. Here, in what the author calls a parallel novel, the legend of King Richon is told. Because of his cruelty to those with magic, he was transformed into a bear 200 years earlier. The hound Chala, from the previous volume, gradually becomes his constant companion. Meanwhile, "unmagic" is spreading, and they must travel back in time in order to save the kingdom. King Richon, who returns to his human form, aims to make amends for his tyrannical rule. Chala, choosing to give up her hound state, must reconcile herself to her human limitations as she wonders if she sacrificed too much. Their mutual respect and deep friendship subtly and convincingly grow into love while they explore their magical shape-shifting powers and restore peace to the kingdom. Told in third person, the chapters alternate between the points of view of the bear and the hound. The plot pacing is even and taught. Deep exploration of the main characters' flaws and values blends smoothly with an exploration of good versus evil. Some well-drawn descriptions of bloody battles between animals and humans may be too intense for some readers, but the love story is as compelling as the characters are strong and complex. The message of ecological responsibility is slightly heavy-handed but readers will find the relationship between independent Chala and pensive Richon appealing. He was once a king, turned into a bear as punishment for his cruel and selfish deeds.She was a once a princess, now living in the form of a hound.Wary companions, they are sent — in human form — back to a time when magic went terribly astray. Together they must right the wrongs caused by this devastating power — if only they can find a way to trust each other.But even as each becomes aware of an ever-growing attraction, the stakes are rising and they must find a way to eliminate this evil force — or risk losing each other forever. He was once a king, turned into a bear as punishment for his cruel and selfish deeds. She was a once a princess, now living in the form of a hound. Wary companions, they are sent—in human form—back to a time when magic went terribly astray. Together they must right the wrongs caused by this devastating power—if only they can find a way to trust each other. But even as each becomes aware of an ever-growing attraction, the stakes are rising and they must find a way to eliminate this evil force—or risk losing each other forever. A hound who was once a princess and a bear who was once a king travel back in time to save a kingdom and find their human selves