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The Bear: The Rising

From the Spanish missions to the war against Mexico. From the discovery of gold to the rise of cattle ranches, California has always been a land where dreams were made and nothing is what it appears. The Bear shares the stories of the settling of this state. Captain Juan Diego de La Vega, a conquistador, arrives in San Diego to command the Presidio. Running afoul of the mission padres, De La Vega is banished from the army. Hunted like a common criminal, he takes refuge with a Luiseño tribe. Fifteen-year-old Sean McGuire flees famine-ravaged Ireland and arrives in the territory as war commences. Jedediah McCabe, a mountain man and scout, befriends McGuire and together they fight to liberate California from Mexico. After the war, McGuire establishes the Oso Negro, a preeminent ranch in the area. Lee Sing leaves China for “Gum Saan,” only to find death and discrimination until he partners with McGuire as the Oso Negro’s cook. As one of Chinatown’s leading citizens, Lee Sing navigates a perilous course in a Tong war that could cost him his family. Kathleen O’Neil, a strong-willed Irish woman saves McGuire’s life and becomes his wife. She’s the brains behind the McGuire wealth and the family’s rise in society. The tales of these characters are woven as a tapestry against the backdrop of a region that became paradise for some and a dead end for others. California is the land of dreams. This is the story of those who dared to dream.

Author

John Kerr

Litlinks Review

The Bear: The Rising by John Kerr is a gripping tale of survival, power, and human resilience set against the majestic yet unforgiving wilderness. Combining elements of adventure, suspense, and personal transformation, the novel is a thrilling exploration of man’s relationship with nature and the primal instincts that arise in the face of danger. 

The story follows protagonist as they confront the perils of a wilderness fraught with both natural and human threats. At the heart of the narrative is the rise of the titular “Bear,” a symbol of both fear and strength, which serves as a powerful metaphor for the challenges faced by the characters. The book navigates themes of survival, identity, and the delicate balance between humanity and the wild. Kerr expertly uses the wilderness as both a setting and a character, creating an atmosphere that is as beautiful as it is menacing. The bear itself is not merely a creature but a force of nature that drives the plot and shapes the characters’ journeys.

The novel’s vivid descriptions transport readers to an immersive natural world, bringing to life the stark beauty and danger of the wilderness. Kerr’s storytelling is fast-paced and emotionally charged, keeping readers on edge as the stakes rise. The characters are well-developed, with their internal struggles adding depth to the external challenges they face. Kerr’s writing shines in his exploration of human endurance and the primal instincts that surface in life-or-death situations. The bear’s presence looms large, creating a palpable tension that grips the reader from start to finish.

While the novel is captivating, some readers may find the action-heavy sequences to overshadow character development at times. Additionally, certain plot points may feel predictable for seasoned readers of survival or adventure fiction, though Kerr compensates with his evocative prose and immersive world-building.

The Bear: The Rising is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of survival stories and nature-based adventures. John Kerr delivers a compelling tale of courage, transformation, and the indomitable spirit of both man and beast.

It’s a book that reminds readers of the raw power of nature and the strength required to face it head-on.

 

Country of Origin

USA

Available Formats

hard cover, paperback