Continuing the saga of The Form Benders: The Sheep in Wolf's Clothing, our hero Ripley finds himself in a new form with new trials to face as he navigates the magical world of the Form Benders in the sequel, The Form Benders: The Bear Essentials.
The life-stealing poison from the bite of the Aldrich will threaten to take the life of his mate and beloved Whitemane. Ripley, together with those of the bender clan—Malador, Oren, Skerrin, and others—will join ranks and set out to find the mysterious Kirradar, a legendary tribe living in the high country above his new home, Haven's Rest. Able to shape shift into animals, Ripley is trapped in his new bear form and must traverse the Sierra Nevada Mountain range with his companions in an effort to find the elusive Kirradar. It is rumored these beings possess the ancient knowledge of an antidote that can save his Whitemane from certain death.

Learning to face his fears head-on, Ripley must conquer his terror of heights and make his way through a sinister forest filled with creatures who want to destroy him. Forced to overcome his own weaknesses, the trial of the Kirradar warriors will demand everything he has in an effort to rescue his love and to demonstrate his loyalty to the leader of their tribe.

Within the Twisting Tribunal, Ripley will need to dig deep within himself to survive the warrior's way and surmount the test before him.

Will he be able to conquer his fear without his companions by his side? Will he make it back to Haven's Rest in time to save his mate?

As the evil plot by Kestler is uncovered, and Remenion disappears, the form benders realize how little they truly know about the Form Benders Eradication Force and Kestler, herself. It will take a journey into the bowels of the catacombs beneath the streets of Fresno to bring Ripley face-to-face with a friend, an ally, and a betrayal, before he can rest.