Randall, David 1972-

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Randall, David 1972-

PERSONAL:

Born March 25, 1972; married. Education: Swarthmore College, B.A.; Columbia University, M.F.A., 1996; Rutgers University, Ph.D., 2005.

ADDRESSES:

Home—New York, NY.

CAREER:

Writer and novelist.

WRITINGS:

"IN THE SHADOW OF THE BEAR" SERIES; YOUNG-ADULT FANTASY NOVELS

Clovermead, Margaret K. McElderry Books (New York, NY), 2004.

Chandlefort, Margaret K. McElderry Books (New York, NY), 2006.

Sorrel, Margaret K. McElderry Books (New York, NY), 2008.

SIDELIGHTS:

While still a college student, David Randall wrote Clovermead, a fantasy adventure novel and the first book of the "In the Shadow of the Bear" series. The story tells of Clovermead Wickward, a twelve-year-old tomboy, as she attempts to assist the innkeeper Waxmelt, a man who has been caring for her as if she were his own daughter. Clovermead's journey leads her to a battle between good and evil that allows her to see past the deception of the adults in her life and take the next step toward her own adulthood. A shapeshifter, Clovermead must also learn to deal with her ability to change her physical form into that of a bear. Jennifer Mattson, in a review for Booklist, commented on Randall's decision to insinuate darkness into the character's very soul, a choice that "puts an intriguing spin on the otherwise archetypal fantasy plot." In a piece for Kirkus Reviews, a contributor commented that "vivacious, loquacious, precocious Clovermead is a delightful heroine." Jane G. Connor, reviewing the book for the School Library Journal, called Clovermead "a challenging high fantasy for those who can keep straight many details and forces, and who don't mind a good bit of violence."

In the next book of the series, Chandlefort, Clovermead has discovered her true identity and reluctantly accepted her unexpected role as Demoiselle Cerelune Cindertallow, royal heir of the sovereign of Chandlefort. Clovermead struggles with the requirements of noble life, learning the necessary ceremonies and protocol, but longs to reclaim her now-forbidden ability to turn into a bear. Worse, she finds it difficult to interact with her mother, Lady Cindertallow, whose cold and aloof air masks a genuine desire to keep Clovermead safe. When Lady Cindertallow is injured by an old enemy, the once-dead but now resurrected Mallow Kite, Clovermead must join with longtime friend Sorrel and her cousin Lady Saraband to find a way to help her. Elsewhere, complicating events mount as Lord Ursus assembles his bear and human army for an attack on Chandlefort. Adolescent jealousies begin to simmer when Clovermead realizes that Sorrel seems to prefer the company of her more ladylike cousin, Saraband. Clovermead's emotions are even further roiled when she realizes that Mallow Kite holds an unrequited love for her mother, and when she develops a righteous anger at Lord Ursus's enslavement of the bears. Lisa Prolman, writing in the School Library Journal, found the novel to be "full of interesting characters and situations." The "lack of moral absolutes in David Randall's world, one of the most interesting aspects of the first book, is fully evident in this sequel in which even the antagonist is not entirely unsympathetic," observed Jennifer Mo, writing on Rambles.net. "Dramatic action sequences interspersed with charming interludes offer everyone in the supporting cast an opportunity to shine," noted a Kirkus Reviews critic.

In Sorrel, third book of the series, Clovermead has become her mother's envoy in seeking help among regional groups against Lord Ursus. Setting out on her ambassadorial mission, she is accompanied by Sorrel, now a full-fledged soldier. As their already-rocky relationship develops further, Sorrel hopes for Clovermead's help in rescuing his own mother, who has been captured by evil forces. When Clovermead spends too much time focused on her own royal mission, Sorrel decides that his only recourse is to break away and rescue his mother on his own. The maturing Clovermead agonizes over this event, but realizes that the greater good must take precedence. "This struggle between personal love and civic duty helps overcome the sometimes-rambling plot in this fantasy," noted Lesley Farmer in a Kliatt review. Clovermead "continues to be a complex and appealing character," while even her enemies "display realistic motivations and a sense of honor," observed a Kirkus Reviews contributor.

Randall told CA: "I like to think that Clovermead owes a lot to Lloyd Alexander's ‘Chronicles of Prydain’ and L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables."

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Booklist, July, 2004, Jennifer Mattson, review of Clovermead, p. 1834; November 15, 2007, Diana Tixier Herald, review of Sorrel, p. 38.

Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 2004, review of Clovermead, p. 580; December 1, 2006, review of Chandlefort, p. 1225; October 1, 2007, review of Sorrel.

Kliatt, November, 2007, Lesley Farmer, review of Sorrel, p. 13.

Publishers Weekly, August 2, 2004, review of Clovermead, p. 71.

School Library Journal, July, 2004, Jane G. Connor, review of Clovermead, p. 112; July, 2007, Lisa Prolman, review of Chandlefort, p. 109.