cloudstar's journey: part two

Cloudstar stands with the other leaders on the Great Rock. He lies, and tells them things are going great in his clan. He says the twolegs and their monsters are on the edge of his territory, but they will leave. As the gathering breaks up Fawnstep tells him that the other medicine cats have had visions of SkyClan's destruction. 

Cloudstar lay with the elder Petalfall, who is dying. He leaves to go survey the damage that the twolegs have done, only to discover they are building nests. He returns to camp to find out Petalfall has died while he was gone. Later on Buzzardtail sends out a hunting patrol near the twoleg border. Oakpaw fell into a hole while chasing a squirrel. Cloudstar tells Buzzardtail they must not risk hunting there anymore as it is no longer safe for the SkyClan cats. 

Cloudstar has Buzzardtail focus on fighting instead of hunting. He has decided they must take the territory back from ThunderClan or they will all starve to death. After a day spent training they attack ThunderClan, but they are so weak from hunger that ThunderClan easily overpowers them. Cloudstar is forced to call a retreat.

Back at camp Cloudstar tells his warriors that ThunderClan wanted the land more than they did and next time they must try harder. He feels guilty for laying the blame on his starving clan, but he hopes that by doing this next time they will win. That night while he sleeps Fawnstep wakes him. She has had a dream that at the next gathering their territory will be completely destroyed and the other clans will drive them from the forest.

Birdflight gives birth to their kits. Cloudstar feels this should be the happiest day of his life, but it is not. Their territory is completely destroyed. All that is left is their camp. He dreams of StarClan but no cat will speak to him. He takes his entire clan to the next Gathering, to the shock of everyone as even kits and sickly elders show up. He begs the leaders for territory but they turn him away. Redstar and Swiftstar (the WindClan leader) tell them to leave, and even Molepelt (ShadowClan's medicine cat) sides with them. Other medicine cats speak out against this, but since the leaders will not change their stance Cloudstar has no choice. Birdflight tells Cloudstar that their kits will not make the journey. Cloudstar feels despair as Kestrelwing, the ThunderClan medicine cat, says his clan will take them. Cloudstar realizes that if he wasn't the leader he could abandon his clan to be with Birdflight as loners. Having lost his home, his mate, and his kits Cloudstar leads the remained of his clan away. Redstar calls out for StarClan to go with them, but Cloudstar feels StarClan and the warrior code has betrayed them, and vows his cats will have nothing to do with StarClan anymore.

Even though I knew how this story would end it was still so sad. Cloudstar lost everything, even his faith in the warrior code and StarClan. The only thing he has left is being leader of a dying clan. Reading his story it is easy to see why the other clans were ashamed of their part in this story and chose to pretend that SkyClan never existed. 

I feel like I already read this story, but the other stories were not familiar to me. I did find an excerpt from it in Battles of the Clans, so maybe it is that. But I wonder if maybe when I bought the book over a year ago if I skimmed the ending. Short of rereading the field guides I guess I won't know.

cloudstar's journey: part one

Cloudstar and Buzzardtail, his deputy, are out patrolling the SkyClan/ThunderClan border. Seedpelt, ThunderClan's deputy, catches them and mocks Cloudstar for doing the patrol himself. Buzzardtail is upset with the way Seedpelt is talking to his leader, but Cloudstar smooths things over. Buzzardtail bemoans how Duskstar gave away part of their territory to ThunderClan. Cloudstar stands by their former leaders decision, stating he had his reasons and ThunderClan might have starved if Duskstar had not done it - and there needs to be five clans. Back at the camp the hunting patrol returns with only one squirrel. They are upset, blaming the twolegs and their monsters on the edge of the territory for scaring away the prey. Stoatfur tells Cloudstar that he thinks they shouldn't hunt by the monsters anymore. Cloudstar assures them it was just a bad hunt and things will be better tomorrow.

Cloudstar dreams of StarClan and three SkyClan leaders who have passed over - Maplestar, Rowanstar, and Duskstar. He questions Duskstar's decision to give away the land. Duskstar states he could not let ThunderClan starve, and it is the duty of a leader to preserve the five clans. The cats tell him that SkyClan will endure forever. Fawnstep wakes Cloudstar, wishing to speak with him in private. The medicine cat tells him of signs she has read, speaking of problems for their clan. Cloudstar tells her not to worry, that StarClan visited him in his dreams, assuring him that the clan is going to be fine. 

Cloudstar takes the apprentices out to train them on climbing trees and jumping from branch to branch. They move through the trees and find themselves by the twolegs and their monsters. Cloudstar orders them to turn back but before they can the tree they are in is attacked and falls down. Cloudstar protects the apprentices then helps pull them from the rubble. Mintpaw is injured. Cloudstar carries her as everyone runs back to camp. 

Back at camp Cloudstar tells everyone what happened while Fawnstep treats everyone. Buzzardtail asks if they have lost that border and Cloudstar tells him they have. Everyone is panicking over the future of their clan. Cloudstar calms them down and that night he takes a patrol to assess the damage, which is extensive. The warriors in the patrol are afraid of what will happen next. Cloudstar insists that everything will be fine and stays to watch the border during the night.

Cloudstar returns to camp the next day, informing everyone that the twolegs are now dragging the trees away. He asks Fawnstep if she has had any more omens, finally acknowledging that there might be a problem, but she has had none. Later he has to go on a patrol along the ThunderClan border with Stoatfur. Redstar, the ThunderClan leader, sees Cloudstar and tries to get information out of him about the monsters and why Cloudstar is leading a patrol, but Cloudstar gives the rude leader nothing. When they leave Redstar, Stoatfur suggests asking for their territory back but Cloudstar feels that would be disrespectful to Duskstar. He assures his cats everything will go back to normal soon. However, when they get back to camp Cloudstar sees how little prey there is. He goes out hunting by himself but isn't able to catch much. He decrees that cats can only eat once a day now, as prey is too scarce. Buzzardtail is upset with this decision as it means the cats might starve. Upset, Cloudstar snaps at his deputy then retreats to his den.

Poor Cloudstar. He has such faith in StarClan to solve their problems but it isn't going to work. On the other hand it is interesting to see ThunderClan as the bad guys for once. Redstar and Seedpelt are pretty disrespectful towards Cloudstar, who just wants to keep the peace. They seem the vultures waiting to pounce the moment SkyClan falls. I suppose they know SkyClan's territory will become their own. One would think, however, that they would fear being the next to be driven away. After all, why stop with just SkyClan's territory? ThunderClan is right next door. It doesn't work out that way, though. ThunderClan will get to expand.

mistystar's omen: part two

Mistystar defends Peeblefoot, but Antpelt is uninterested in their excuses. Ashfoot, the WindClan deputy, defuses the situation while making it clear Mistyfoot and her cats are in the wrong. Reedwhisker is upset with how Ashfoot handled the situation but Mistystar defends the WindClan deputy. Days later it is time for the meeting at the moonpool. Mothwing sends Willowshine in her place and Mistystar realizes that Leopardstar should have realized something was wrong with Mothwing. The next day Mistystar reaches her decision. She tells Mothwing that she will retire to the elders den and Willowshine will take over all medicine cat duties. The two medicine cats are upset but they have no choice but to agree.

Mistystar decides maybe it is time to expand their territory, since food is so scarce. Before she leaves on a patrol to search for new hunting grounds Mothwing tries to talk to her about Rushpaw and Hollowpaw and how they keep disappearing, but Mistystar is dismissive of her concerns. Mistystar's patrol finds a nest of baby mice, which they bring back to the camp. Rushpaw and Hollowpaw eventually return. They are offered the mice but they turn them down, saying they are not hungry.

Beetlewhisker mentions to Mistystar that some of the big fish are coming back, but Mothwing has told them not to hunt them yet so they can lay eggs to repopulate the water. Upset, Mistystar confronts Mothwing about this even though she agrees with he logic. Mothwing accuses her of not trusting her judgement in anything and Mistystar confirms this. She leaves her and runs into Reedwhisker, who tells her Hollowpaw and Rushpaw are trapped by some dogs. Mistystar races with him to join his patrol save the apprentices. They are able to save the apprentices but Reedwhisker gets badly injured in the process.

They rescue Reedwhisker and the apprentices admit they were eating kittypet food. They felt it would help save the clan if they didn't have to eat. They get Reedwhisker back to camp. Mothwing starts to treat him when Mistystar forces her to step down. Mistystar feels Reedwhisker needs StarClan's help and Mothwing cannot offer that. Willowshine is forced to care for Reedwhisker alone while an upset clan watches on. Unable to watch, Mistystar leaves. Stonefur visits her and tries to explain to her that being a clan cat isn't just about StarClan, but also instinct. He leaves her and Mistystar watches as a moth hatches from it's cocoon and takes fight on its own, by instinct. Mistystar realizes that Stonefur is trying to tell her to let Mothwing be the medicine cat she is supposed to be.

Mistystar returns to camp and asks Mothwing to leave the elders demand return to the medicine den. She admits she was wrong in forcing Mothwing to step down. She leaves the camp to go to the moonpool. On the way she tells Beetlewhisker that RiverClan is blessed to have two medicine cats, knowing this will spread. At the moonpool Mudfur, Mothwing's mentor, comes to her. He tells her he knew Mothwing did not believe but it did not matter because she loves her clan and wishes to care for them, and that is all that matters. Mudfur leaves her and Mothwing comes, and the two cats make peace.

This story had a nice resolution, even though Mothwing was actually forced into the elders den for a few hours. I didn't realize Mothwing was that old. All too soon her time will pass... I would like to believe she will find StarClan then, but I doubt it.

mistystar's omen: part one

Mistyfoot watches the water. The damn has been destroyed, but the fish have not returned. Leopardstar joins her, upset that the danger has passed but nothing has changed. They return to camp, but Leopardstar collapses on the way. Mistyfoot gets Mothwing. They get warriors to help Leopardstar return to her den. Mistyfoot says with her leader, who tells her this is her last life and she is dying. She apologized to Mistyfoot for what she did to her when she aligned herself with Tigerstar. Mistyfoot tells her that she blames Tigerstar and Blackfoot, not Leopardstar. Leopardstar tells Mistyfoot she wishes she had children, and that she views Mistyfoot as a daughter. Mistyfoot lays down with her her leader and tells her to sleep.

When Mistyfoot wakes Leopardstar is dead. She goes to the shore to think and Mothwing joins her. Mistyfoot is scared of the future and Mothwing comforts her. They return to the camp to let everyone know and plan for the future. Mistyfoot realizes she will have to pick a deputy. Willowshine offers to come to the moonpool with Mistyfoot and Mothwing, but Mistyfoot tells her that is not necessary. That night Mistyfoot names Reedwhisker as her deputy. As Mistyfoot sits vigil with Leopardstar her brother, Stonefur, comes to her. He tells her she will need courage for what lies ahead. Afraid, Mistyfoot wakes Mothwing and insists they go to the moonpool now instead of after Leopardstar is buried.

At the moonpool Mistyfoot dreams and receives her nine lives. When she wakes she realizes Mothwing wasn't there. She confronts her friend who admits she doesn't believe in StarClan.

Mistystar is upset, but Mothwing insists she can heal her clan and care for them without a belief in StarClan. They leave the moonpool and visit ThunderClan so Mistystar can tell Firestar what has happened. Mothwing gets some herbs from Jayfeather and they leave. Mistystar asks Mothwing is Jayfeather knows the truth about her lack of belief in StarClan and Mothwing tells her yes. Mistystar is upset with ho calm Mothwing is and privately she questions how good of a medicine cat can she be if she cannot interpret signs from StarClan. They pass a WindClan border and let them know what has happened. Back at camp Reedwhisker offers to take the news to Blackstar and Mistystar agrees. They bury Leopardstar. The next days she confronts Willowshine about Mothwing. Willowshine admits the truth but says it does not matter as Mothwing is a great medicine cat and Willowshine herself has received training from Leafpool on listening to StarClan. Mistystar feels this isn't enough, though, and confronts Mothwing, telling her she must step down as medicine cat.

Mothwing is upset with Mistystar's decision but she is unable to convince her friend not to do this. Mistystar tells Mothwing she needs time to think on this and joins a hunting patrol. While out hunting Pebblefoot accidentally crosses the WindClan border while chasing a squirrel and is caught by a passing WindClan patrol.

I know in the end Mothwing does not step down, but this story is very sad. Mothwing has had such a hard life. Her mother abandoned her and her brother because she thought is was the best for them. Then she thought she found acceptance and destiny inside the clan as a medicine cat just for her brother to destroy it and her belief in StarClan. The other medicine cats know the truth but treat her as an equal, but now her friend and clan leader is taking her place away from her. What will Mothwing's place be now? Will Mistystar force her back to being a warrior? Truth be told I'm surprised this hasn't come out sooner. Everyone knows how Cloudtail feels about StarClan. But I am surprised Mothwing hasn't found any faith. She knows clan leaders have nine lives. Where does she think that comes from? Then again, Cloudtail was able to justify that somehow so maybe it isn't so odd.    

hollyleaf's story: part two

Hollyleaf longs to be outside. Fallen Leaves catches her watching the woods from the tunnels. She wants him to leave the tunnels with her but he refuses. They argue and Fallen Leaves tells her to go if she wishes to. She says she will, feeling upset that he doesn't ask her to stay with him. On her own she makes a nest and hunts. She tries not to think about her clan but it is all she can think of. She comes across the fox kit she rescued and approaches him, thinking he will remember her. But he only sees prey and attacks. She escapes to a tree and sleeps. When she wakes, injured, she returns to the tunnels looking for Fallen Leaves.

Fallen Leaves cares for her again. When she is better she tells him about finding the fox and it attacking her. Fallen Leaves is both amused and upset with her story. She tells him she was just so lonely and wanted a friend. Fallen Leaves tells her that he is her friend. Later she asks him if he misses his family and he says yes, but he can barely remember them. Hollyleaf is shocked as she has forgotten nothing. Fallen Leaves tells her about his mother and Hollyleaf finds herself confessing that she has two mothers. She stops short of confessing to Ashfur's murder. Fallen Leaves realizes she misses her clan and tells her she should check on them.

Hollyleaf spies on her clan and leaves when she realizes Brambleclaw suspects someone is spying on the camp. She rushes back to Fallen Leaves and tells him everything she saw and heard. She ends up confessing to Fallen Leaves that she killed Ashfur. Fallen Leaves hints that maybe she should return, but Hollyleaf insists she cannot. Time passes and she spies again, hearing that the clan is running out of yarrow and Cherrykit needs it. Hollyleaf remembered where some yarrow is growing, not on any clan territory. She gathers it and leaves it by the camp entrance and runs away. 

Hollyleaf excitedly tells Fallen Leaves all about how Cherrykit is now cured, but he doesn't care about the news. Hollyleaf realizes he is probably jealous. She goes hunting for special prey to share with him, wondering if why he never eats is because he doesn't like any of the prey she tries to share. After eating half of a squirrel she leaves half of it for him (he will never eat it) and sleeps. He wakes her because two of her clanmates (Ivypool and Blossomfall) are trapped in the tunnels and he wants them gone. She finds them, and keeping to the shadows leads them about by an incredibly complicated route that doubles back on itself. She hopes by doing this they will never come into the tunnels again. Time passes and Hollyleaf tries to keep away from her clan. She knows her constant visits to watch her clanmates upsets Fallen Leaves. But she cannot keep away. She rescues some marigold from a hungry rabbit and saves Cherrypaw and Molepaw from a fox.

She confesses to Fallen Leaves that she wants to return home. He tells her that he wished she would stay but understands she cannot. She does not leave right away, unsure when the right time is. One day Fallen Leaves finds WindClan cats in the tunnels and realizes something bad is happening. Ivypool and Dovewing are also in the tunnel and Fallen Leaves tells her she must get her clanmates out and warn her clan. She approaches Ivypool and Dovewing, offering to lead them out so ThunderClan can be warned. But the two cats do not trust her and suspect her to be with the WindClan cats. Hollyleaf reveals herself to be Hollyleaf so she can gain their trust.

Poor Fallen Leaves. I wish he would find peace. At least Hollyleaf finds it in the end. She will return to her clan, fight against the Dark Forest, and die having made peace with Leafpool. I wonder if she goes to StarClan? Or back to the tunnels to wander them with Fallen Leaves? I imagine StarClan is the answer. I just wish Fallen Leaves would not be so alone.

hollyleaf's story: part one

Hollyleaf lies in the tunnels under some stones. As she slowly crawls her way out she remembers what happened - Ashfur trying to murder them, Squirrelflight revealing the truth that she wasn't their mother, murdering Ashfur, revealing the truth about everything at the Gathering. Hollyleaf tries to justify her actions while feeling distraught over them. Out from under the rocks, she tries to stand up. Her leg buckles beneath her and she passes out. 

Hollyleaf comes to and finds herself in the care of Fallen Leaves. He recognizes her as Hollypaw, not realizing her name has changed. She tells him she is now Hollyleaf. He tells her once she gets better she can return to her friends, but Hollyleaf rejects that idea, knowing she can never return home. As Hollyleaf heals she tries to question Fallen Leaves, believing him to possibly be a tribe cat, but he is evasive in his answers and insists the caves are his home now. 

Hollyleaf's leg mends, and she starts to build a friendship with Fallen Leaves. She finds it odd that he never seems to eat or sleep and how she cannot track his scent or feel any warmth from his body, but she enjoys his company. He teaches her how to maneuver around the tunnels and find her way in the dark.

Time passes and they settle into their new life, even having mock patrols, though they never go near the tunnels that lead to ThunderClan. Fallen Leaves speaks a bit more about his past and his training to be a sharpclaw. Hollyleaf tries to convince him to return to his kin but Fallen Leaves rejects that idea. He runs from Hollyleaf and she realizes she might not be the only one with a terrible secret. She leaves Fallen Leaves be and walks through the tunnels. She scents fox and finds a fox kit trapped in the tunnel, unable to leave because a dog is at the entrance, blocking it. She becomes trapped by the fox kit until a twoleg comes and takes the dog away.

Hollyleaf tries to sleep but cannot. The fox kit is lost in the tunnels and the noise he makes is keeping her awake. She finds the kit and it takes her a while but she is able to lead him out. she watches him run to his mother, who has been looking for him, and she feels sad, missing her family.

I wonder if Hollyleaf will puzzle together that Fallen Leaves is dead? He never eats, he never sleeps, he has no scent... Then again, why would she think she is living with a ghost cat? Poor Fallen Leaves. He is such a tragic character. Trapped in the tunnels until his kin returns, but they left and went to the mountains to become the Tribe of Rushing Water. Jayfeather knows his secret, but Jayfeather has moved on. He is no longer an adventurous kit or apprentice but a medicine cat now. His focus is on caring for his tribe not chasing ghost cat mysteries.  

secrets of the clans

This was a quick read, like the rest of the field guides. It was also a bit of a combination of Cats of the Clans and Code of the Clans. Or, maybe, Cats of the Clans and Code of the Clans was a more specialized version of this book. You visit the four clans and both of their territories, as well as StarClan. This book gives a deeper look into the leaders and medicine cats, which I thought was great. There are also sections on their important ceremonies and prophecies. Lastly, it tells a bit about the mythological clans - LionClan, TigerClan, and LeopardClan. All of the sections give a little story or interview of relevant events, which was nice (and also seems to be a theme for these books). My favorite part of this book was the full map that showed how to get from the old territory (the forest) to the new (the lake)! That was exciting to see. My biggest complaint is there is zero mention of SkyClan. I assume they were already established when this book was published, but maybe not. But when they spoke of the clans being formed they talked of Shadow, Thunder, Wind, and River but there was no mention of Sky. Meanwhile, the Tribe of Rushing Water and Rock made a brief appearance. But, like I said, maybe this book was written before the SkyClan story line was thought of.

12 books in 12 weeks: block 1

So I mentioned in this post that for 2021 I'm breaking the year into five sections of 12 weeks. Friday February 12th marked the end of the first 12 week block which means block 2 started on Saturday. My goal for block 1 was to read 12 books. How did I do? I did awesome, with 20 books!!! Considering I didn't even think I would make 12 books I see this as a major win! I did, briefly, consider setting my block 2 goal at 18 (50% more than block 1) or 20 (at least meeting my block 1 end number) but I've decided to keep it at 12. If I do awesome again this block then maybe I will change my goal number. The main goal here is to try and set aside some of the stress of 2020-2021 and get back into reading, not get back into reading then make reading stressful. I would love to make the goal of 100 books for 2021 but I'm worried if I set the bar too high (or, in this case, just below my normal amount) I won't make it. So what 20 books did I read?  

Block 1:

1. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: 9 From the Nine Worlds
2. Mrs Jeffries Turns the Tide
3. Mrs Jeffries Rights a Wrong
4. Mrs Jeffries Delivers the Goods
5. The Witch's Book of Self-Care
6. Little Guide to Love Magic
7. Mrs Jeffries and the Alms of the Angel
8. Falling Kingdoms
9. The House Witch
10. You Are Magical
11. The Nameless City: The Stone Heart
12. The Adventure Zone: Petals to the Metal
13. The Nameless City: The Divided Earth
14. Mrs Jeffries Demands Justice
15. Warriors: Path of a Warrior
16. The Wheel of Time: The Path of Daggers
17. Warriors A Vision of Shadows: The Apprentice's Quest
18. Warriors A Vision of Shadows: Thunder and Shadow
19. Warriors Field Guide: Secrets of the Clans *
20. Warriors: The Untold Stories * 

Now, I'm pretty sure I have mentioned before that I have decided to shelve buying a new book series until I complete (or abandon, like I did with Goddess Girls) all the ones I am currently reading. If I didn't mention this before, I think I made that goal 3 years ago? I was looking at my pile of unread books, which numbered in the hundreds. And I don't mean hundreds as in 201, I mean hundreds as in over 500. I had just bought about a dozen new books for myself over the previous few weeks. It was a treat. I hadn't really bought myself a new book in probably four years at that point. There was just too much going on in my life with my marriage falling apart, moving across the country, finding a job, helping my kids adapt to school (from homeschooling), etc. I wanted to treat myself, and I usually treat myself with books. I bought a bunch. And since I don't really care for standalone books, the new ones I bought were all book 1 in a series.

Well, looking at my new purchases next to the 500+ books I had been sitting on for quite a few years, I realized I had a book buying problem. 

Part of it was I was focusing on too many series at once. So many, as a matter of fact, that I set some aside to come back to "later" - then never did. Good examples of this are The Ranger's Apprentice, The Last Apprentice, How to Train Your Dragon, and Warriors. I would read the first couple of books, go "I really like this series - but I'm reading too many series right now. I will come back to this later," then I would never come back to it. I had to accept I had too many. Some, I donated - like How to Train Your Dragon. Some I started back up - like Warriors. Some, The Ranger's Apprentice and The Last Apprentice, are still sitting in my TBR pile and I am okay with that.

Another part of the problem was my kids wanted to share their favorite books with me. Suddenly new series like Wings of Fire as well as hundreds of graphic novels were added to my TBR pile. 

And since I had so many series going on at once and I was shelving them for years at a time that when I finally came back to them, I completely forgot what was going on. So I'm skimming through previous books to figure out the plot, like with The Mortal Instruments/The Dark Artifices. 

It was all too much. I donated most of the books and started working on others. I'm probably down to 150 right now and that number really doesn't change. For every Warriors book I read I buy a new one. I'm making a dent in that series, though. 

So, why am I getting into all of this right now? Because the day I sat down and did a book purge, I made a list of series I own, then split that list up even further into different categories of what I wanted to focus on. And, I am happy to say, it has worked. I'm moving seriously along that list by focusing on just a couple of series at a time.

As of right now, with this post, I have FINISHED the Mrs Jeffries series. Now, more books will come out. The series is not done yet. But, I am completely caught up on a series I really enjoy. To me, this is a major accomplishment! Also, as of this post, I'm now at the point in the Warrior series where I have more books in my finished pile than my TBR pile. That might change when the newest hexalogy (The Broken Code) is released as a box set, but I hope not. With my Mrs Jeffries accomplishment out there now I need to pick out a new secondary series to focus on.  

So, I just wanted to take a moment to shine on a major reading accomplishment for me. I was pretty excited when I realized I could officially cross a book series off of my list! It was not the first, of course. Percy Jackson was on that list, as was Magnus Chase. But I wasn't looking at 20+ books to read in each of those series, whereas I was with Mrs Jeffries and still am with Warriors. 

I'm off to pick out book #1 for Block 2 now!

* Posts are written and will be posted soon

**(This post has been edited to reflect the new ending date of block 1 and beginning date of block 2.)

thunder and shadow: part five

Unsuccessful at getting the herb, ThunderClan arrives to take Twigpaw away. Violetpaw tries to get Twigpaw to hide, but her sister doesn't understand why as she wants to return home. She happily returns to her clan and ShadowClan is too sick to stop her. Violetpaw feels crushed and betrayed by her sister. Meanwhile the clan starts to turn on Crowfrost for letting Twigpaw go. Violetpaw keeps helping Puddleshine care for the sick cats but Kinkfur dies. Distraught over everything that has happened, and questioning her decision to leave Needletail, Violetpaw runs from camp to get some air. She makes her way towards the rogue border and runs into Needletail and Rain. Needletail treats her with contempt for abandoning her, and threatens to take he prisoner. Rain convinces Needletail to let Violetpaw go as she is no threat. Rain tells Violetpaw that she hasn't seen the last of them. Violetpaw returns to camp as the cats start to sit vigil with Kinkfur. Crowfrost is revealed to be sick as well and Violetpaw realizes that not only does ShadowClan no longer have any leadership, but the sickness might destroy the clan.

Alderpaw heads to the moonpool with everyone else. As the medicine cats gather they discuss the current problem in ShadowClan. Alderpaw speaks up, asking why the clans don't just come together and force Onestar to surrender the herb. Kestrelflight believes he has a more peaceful solution, but he must talk with StarClan first. The cats settle down and dream. Yellowfang meets with Alderpaw, but she won't give him any more information about the prophecy. Instead she tells him she is glad he is standing up for what he believes in. When the cats wake Kestrelflight is excited. StarClan has answered him. He has everyone follow him and Harespring, WindClan's deputy and his only guard, to the lungwort. Harespring had the idea of giving it to the clans behind Onestar's back and StarClan has given Kestrelflight their blessing to go through with the plan. Later on, back at camp, Jayfeather tells Alderpaw that he is proud of him and that he is ready to become a full medicine cat.

Violetpaw surveys her clan as they start to recover. Some cats accept their situation and move forward without complaining, but others are very vocal about how unhappy they are with Rowanstar and Crowfrost (who has now died). Some cats are even openly disrespectful towards Rowanstar and Violetpaw is beginning to feel like ShadowClan is no better than the rogues. Later on Rowanstar organizes who is going to the Gathering that night, but rebellion happens instead. Some of the warriors have invited in the rogues and Dartktail and Rowanstar fight. Violetpaw is horrified as none of her clanmates help Rowanstar. Eventually Tigerheart, Tawnypelt, and Dawnpelt come to his aid. Defeated, and having lost his clan, Rowanstar leaves with his mate and son. Dawnpelt stays behind as her kits have joined with Darktail and she cannot abandon them after just losing her mate, Crowfrost. Puddleshine wants to go with Rowanstar but cannot, as he cannot abandon the cats who are still sick. Rowanstar tells him he understands. Violetpaw goes to leave with them but Needlepaw calls out to her, begging her not to leave her again, saying they are kin. Violetpaw agrees to stay as she has always felt that way about Needlepaw.

Twigpaw waits impatiently for ShadowClan to come to the Gathering so she can hopefully see her sister and explain why she had to leave. But ShadowClan never comes, so the meeting starts without them. As the leaders talk Rowanstar, Tigerheart, and Tawnypelt arrive. Rowanstar takes his place and tells them his clan has recovered, no thanks to WindClan. Onestar gets angry and says they recovered without the herb just fine, and Rowanstar reveals Harespring and Kestrelflight's secret. Before Onestar can recover from this betrayal, Rowanstar tells everyone that ShadowClan has fallen willingly to the rogues after going days without leadership. Onestar blames Rowanstar for this but the other clans disagree. Even some of his own warriors start to blame him. Bramblestar offers shelter to the exiled ShadowClan cats. The nest day Twigpaw and her mentor head to the ShadowClan border. Twigpaw is worried about her sister as she might be a prisoner of the rogues, and Ivypool is worried about her sister as Tigerheart is in the camp. They find Needletail and Rain, and a reluctant Needletail goes and gets Violetpaw. But the reunion Twigpaw was hoping for doesn't happen. Violetpaw is cold to her, and tells her they have each found their own clan. Needletail tells them to leave, then attacks Twigpaw for not moving fast enough. Ivypool attacks Needletail but Twigpaw breaks up the fight and the ThunderClan cats leave.

The medicine cats gather, but Puddleshine never shows up. Jayfeather makes Alderheart a full medicine cat and they go to sleep. Alderheart dreams of the prophecy and of a fivepointed leaf and he realizes that they still must look for SkyClan.

I cannot believe Violetpaw chose the rogues over ShadowClan! I don't care that Needletail is there! After all of that hard work, going out of her way to make herself fit in, and defending Rowanstar she threw it all away, knowing how cruel Darktail is. I thought more cats would side with Rowanstar. I cannot believe only Tawnypelt and Tigerheart joined him. I understand why Puddleshine stayed behind, but I am incredibly disappointed in the rest - especially Violetpaw!

And I am glad everyone started to come to their senses about Onestar, but it is too little too late as ShadowClan has been destroyed.

thunder and shadow: part four

On the way to the Gathering Sparkpelt fills Alderpaw in on all the ShadowClan/WindClan gossip. Alderpaw only half listens, worrying about how the clans will act at the Gathering that night. The cats settle in but ShadowClan is late. With his thoughts on Onestar refusing ShadowClan the herb, Alderpaw asks Leafpool if clans have really let cats die before and Leafpool sadly tells him yes. In the end the three leaders decide to start the meeting. Bramblestar says that since Rowanstar is not there he will tell some of Rowanstar's news. He informs everyone that Violetpaw has returned to ShadowClan. RiverClan is happy with this news but Onestar accuses her of being a rogue spy. Onestar then accuses ShadowClan of sending an invasion but ThunderClan speaks in their defense, stating that the cats were just there for an herb. ShadowClan arrives then, and Crowfrost takes Rowanstar's place. He tells them that Rowanstar is sick, as are many other clanmates, and Onestar has denied them the healing herb. Onestar stands by his refusal. Mothwing asks for permission to gather the herb and Onestar gives it to her - on the condition that it not be given to ShadowClan. Arguments break out but Onestar holds his ground. He will not surrender the herb unless ShadowClan drives away the rogues. The meeting breaks up. Alderpaw begs his father to help, but Bramblestar feels there is nothing he can do.

Twigpaw is thrilled. Bramblestar has given permission for her to go on a journey to find her mother. Ivypool and Fernsong will accompany her. Alderpaw asks for permission to go as well since he knows where the nest was. They make the journey and find the nest, and Twigpaw realizes Alderpaw did not steal her from her mother, that if Alderpaw left her and Violetpaw there they would have died. They return home and Twigpaw accepts that her mother is dead.

Violetpaw is half asleep in her nest when Twigpaw shows up. She wants to talk to her sister about their mother but Violetpaw is freaking out. ShadowClan has just started to accept her and Twigpaw's appearance can destroy that. She tries to get Twigpaw out of the camp before she is discovered but Twigpaw is so wrapped up in what she is trying to tell Violetpaw that she isn't paying attention. Dawnpelt discovers them and demands to know what is going on. Twigpaw explains that she wanted to tell Violetpaw that their mother is dead. Dawnpelt is confused as this isn't new news, but Violetpaw explains it is for Twigpaw as she had never accepted their mothers death. Violetpaw asks her mentor to let Twigpaw go as no one needs to know she was ever there. But before Dawnpelt can make a decision other cats wake up and discover her. Crowfrost lectures Twigpaw, telling her she must speak to her sister at a gathering or send a message through Bramblestar. He is about to let her go when Scorchfur suggests holding her hostage so ThunderClan will get the herb for them. Crowfrost agrees. At first Violetpaw is upset with the plan but Crowfrost assures that Twigpaw will be safe. Twigpaw is upset but Violetpaw is happy to have time with her sister.

Ivypool wakes Alderpaw, looking for Twigpaw. Everyone wonders where she is when Crowfrost shows up with some warriors. He explains that Twigpaw entered their camp in the middle of the night and she will stay as their guest until ThunderClan gets some lungwort herb, as the sickness is spreading and now Snakekit is ill. Everyone argues over what should happen next and Bramblestar orders the ShadowClan cats to be escorted back to the border while he decides what to do. Bramblestar and Squirrelflight decide that Leafpool and Alderpaw should approach WindClan and speak with Kestrelflight and try to reason with Onestar. They are worried Onestar won't listen but they feel they have no other option. Leafpool and Alderpaw enter WindClan territory, find a patrol, and ask to speak with Kestrelflight. They are brought to him and ask him for the herb but he feels he cannot go against his leader. They then appeal to Onestar, explaining that now a kit is sick, but he will not listen and stands by his decision. 

ShadowClan treats Twigpaw well. She is horrified by some of their behaviors - Birchpaw and Lionpaw get into a fight with claws unsheathed and none of the warriors seem to care - but tries to make herself useful. She helps Puddleshine tend to the sick cats since she is not allowed to leave the camp and she does have a basic knowledge of herbs. Violetpaw helps her and she feels relief as she was worried her sister was just as callous as the rest of ShadowClan. When Twigpaw and Violetpaw finally settle down for the night, exhausted, they promise that being sisters will always be more important than anything else including denmates and clanmates.

I understand ShadowClan's desperation, but I don't think ThunderClan will attack WindClan for the herb. ThunderClan and ShadowClan could form an alliance to fight the rogues, but I'm not sure ShadowClan would agree because they want their clanmates to return home. Meanwhile Onestar's hatred will kill ShadowClan if something doesn't change.

Meanwhile Violetpaw needs to make up her mind about Twigpaw. She's hot then she's cold. Now she's back to liking Twigpaw but how long will that last for?

thunder and shadow: part three

Violetkit sits outside the nursery, wishing she could actually leave it. She's upset Darktail actually walked into the camp, getting her in trouble with ShadowClan. However, some of the apprentices and younger warriors now view her differently since she knows the rogues. Suddenly Rain, Raven, and Flame walk into the camp with fresh kill. They offer it as a gift, stating they want to join the clan. Rowanstar rejects their offer and is furious they hunted on ShadowClan land. Crowfrost tells the rogues to leave, with their prey, when Needlepaw speaks up, challenging Rowanstar and Crowfrost. She argues they should keep the prey and show no loyalty to WindClan. The rogues are escorted out of the camp but Needlepaw doesn't stop. She starts arguing about how ShadowClan used to be great, but now it is weak due to its alliance with the other clans and because ThunderClan has forced them to be peaceful. Other apprentices start agreeing with her. Rowanstar says they don't know what loses a real battle and bring and tells them he is now going to be strict about them following the warrior code. Needlepaw rejects this, and says she is leaving with the rogues. Other apprentices state they will follow her, much to the clans shock.  Violetkit asks Needlepaw not to leave, and Needlepaw says she is taking her with her. Leafpool begs her not to do this, as Needlepaw has a destiny with the clans but Rowanstar tells her to take the kit, as he feels Needlepaw and Violetkit are nothing but trouble.

Alderpaw is at the Gathering wondering where ShadowClan is when they finally arrive, clearly having been in a fight. Leafpool joins the other medicine cats but refuses to tell Alderpaw what is going on with ShadowClan. The leaders start naming their new warriors, and as everyone cheers Alderpaw notices that some of ShadowClan's new warriors' littermates are missing from the list. Rowanstar then makes the announcement that some of the rogues asked to join his clan and he turned them away - but some of the apprentices left with them and they took Violetkit. Everyone is furious that Rowanstar let Violetkit be taken, but he argues that she isn't the special cat of the prophecy and she is Needlepaw's problem anyway. Everyone wants to go rescue Violetkit but then Rowanstar tells them that they attacked the rogues and lost - and another apprentice and two warriors left the clan to join the rogues. Everyone is shocked by this news. Rowanstar insists his cats will realize their mistake and come back, but the other leaders aren't as sure. A decision is reached that it is too dangerous to rescue Violetkit now, as the rogues might kill her rather than let her be taken. Onestar wants to attack the rogues but Rowanstar cannot bear to attack his clanmates. It is decided for now to wait and see what happens and the gathering is brought to an end.

Moons have passed and Twigpaw is now Ivypool's apprentice. As they train Ivypool realizes that Twigpaw doesn't feel like the clan is her kin. She tells her it is a pity that Squirrelflight's patrol never found her mother. Twigpaw knows nothing of this, and after she gets away she asks Alderpaw. Alderpaw confesses that Squirrelflight wasn't actually looking for Twigpaw's mother but he cannot tell her what she was really doing. Twigpaw feels betrayed and feels that Alderpaw stole her from her mother. She races away to the edge of the territory where she runs into Violetkit, now Violetpaw. She is happy to see her sister finally but Violetpaw does not return the feeling. Twigpaw tries to talk to her about their mother and how she might still be alive but Violetpaw feels she is dead so there is no point in dwelling on this. Needletail shows up and says the rogues are Violetpaw's family now. Twigpaw wants Violetpaw to help her look for their mother but Violetpaw refuses. She and Needlepaw leave, so Twigpaw unhappily returns home. 

Violetpaw feels guilty for leaving her sister as she follows Needletail. They run into Rain and Sleekwhisker, who were out hunting. Violetpaw can't help but feel the rogues are disorganized, as much as they try to act like a clan. The borders change daily based upon who marks them and the hunting patrols are more interested in napping than feeding the group. When they return to camp Darktail is furious over how little prey Rain has been bringing back lately and refuses to let him eat. The two cats fight and Darktail wins. Rain surrenders and Darktail blinds him in one eye so he can never challenge his authority again. Needlepaw is devastated and Violetpaw is horrified. That night Needlepaw tends to Rain with the help of Nettle, who knows a little about herbs but not enough. Violetpaw realizes she cannot stay here any longer. She feels bad for betraying Needlepaw, but she sneaks out of the camp and leaves. She decides to return to ShadowClan and see if they will take her in. She catches prey and enters the camp, asking to return. Some of the cats are angry that she has come back, others are sympathetic as she was just a kit and Rowanstar did throw her out. Rowanstar is upset that only Violetpaw has returned - he was hoping everyone would come back - but he lets her stay and names Dawnpelt as her mentor.

Violetpaw becomes determined to be the best apprentice ever and helps the clan in any way she can. One day she tries to help Puddleshine with some sick ShadowClan cats by offering to collect herbs, but he tells her the herbs are not working. Later he has a dream. Runningnose came to him and told him how to cure the sickness. Rowanstar has fallen ill as well so Crowfrost sends them on a mission to find the herb, which only grows on WindClan land. Violetpaw is thrilled that she is trusted enough to join the cats. They pass a ThunderClan patrol. Dovewing calls out to them but Tigerheart deliberately looks away. Puddleshine wants to stop and talk to them, to warn them of this new illness, and Violetpaw is happy as her sister is with Dovewing, but Twigpaw ignores her. Tigerheart and Dovewing act cold towards each other. After relaying the news they rush on to WindClan land where they run into a hostile patrol. They are brought to WindClan's camp where Onestar denies them the herb. Kestrelflight pleads on their behalf but Onestar will not listen and the ShadowClan cats are sent away with the threat of an attack.

Onestar has always been grumpy but this is extreme, even for him. Condemning cats to potentially die and threatening a medicine cat is really taking things too far. I wonder if he is going senile? I think he is older than Firestar. If nothing else he is the same age and Firestar is dead while Graystripe is an elder.

As for the rogues, I do not understand them at all - or their appeal. They mock the clan cats yet they try to act like a clan anyway. Granted a more vicious clan, but still. Border patrols, hunting patrols, etc - these are things the clan cats do. And how can Needletail prefer this to ShadowClan?!? Darktail just blinded Rain!!! I am glad Violetpaw left - and that ShadowClan took her back in. I think she would be happier with ThunderClan. RiverClan and WindClan always struck me as different, but ShadowClan is really just a prouder, darker version of ThunderClan. They are what ThunderClan would be if ThunderClan was more worried about being warriors than peacekeepers. I am glad Violetpaw is finding acceptance in her clan but she would have found peace alongside acceptance in ThunderClan, and I think she needs that more.

thunder and shadow: part two

Violetkit is lost in her thoughts about the rogues when Needlepaw has her sneak out again. This time Sleekpaw is with Needlepaw. Sleekpaw is rude to her but Needlepaw sticks up for Violetkit. Violetkit thinks they are sneaking out to see Twigkit, which Sleekpaw mocks her for, but instead, much to Violetkit's shock and horror, they are meeting with the rogues. Viletkit is shocked by the things Needlepaw and Sleekpaw say about their clanmates, but she tries to stick up for them. However, Darktail works on her feelings of isolation and loneliness by pointing out ShadowClan doesn't really care about her.

Twigkit overhears some warriors talking about her and Violetkit, the prophecy, and how ordinary Twigkit is. Twigkit becomes upset, worrying that ThunderClan will kick her out if she isn't special. She goes to the medicine den to see Alderpaw but Jayfeather is grumpy she is there. She overhears Jayfeather mention they need to collect more watermint tomorrow. Deciding to prove to Jayfeather and all of the clan that she is special, she decides to sneak out and get the watermint herself. However, while trying to collect the watermint she falls off of a rock and almost drowns. While drowning she can hear her mothers voice speaking to her. Then, Sparkpaw rescues her. Back at the medicine den Alderpaw comforts her while Jayfeather tends to her. She confesses to Alderpaw that she was trying to collect watermint to prove she belonged in the clan. Alderpaw tells her she doesn't need to worry. Sparkpaw arrives and tells Alderpaw that because she rescued Violetkit she is going to have her warrior assessment.  

After Sparkpelt's warrior ceremony Jayfeather and Alderpaw go to the moonpool. Kestrelflight is accompanied by some warriors. He explains that since the rogue attack Onestar has been acting odd, making up new rules to keep the clan safe. Everyone is stressed out because there are so many new rules they cannot keep them straight - so they keep accidentally breaking them and getting in trouble. No one is allowed to leave the camp unaccompanied now, so Kestrelflight has a guard. Jayfeather grills Puddlepaw. He wants Puddlepaw to take over as soon as possible so Leafpool can return home. Leafpool comes to Puddlepaw's rescue and the cats settle down to talk to StarClan. But the next morning everyone wakens, and StarClan has spoken to none of them. Leafpool tells Alderpaw that she is worried about ShadowClan. She says the apprentices have no respect and the warriors cannot figure out how to make them obey the rules. She says they even talk about rejecting StarClan and Needlepaw has been sneaking Violetkit out of the camp. Alderpaw asks her why she cannot do anything and Leafpool points out she is a ThunderClan cat. Leafpool hopes that this is just a phase that the ShadowClan apprentices will outgrow and Alderpaw worried how Violetkit can become a true warrior in an environment like that.

Violetkit and Needlepaw return to camp and are caught by Tawnypelt. Needlepaw lies and says she was taking Violetkit hunting. Tawnypelt reaches her breaking point with Needlepaw and takes them to Rowanstar. But things only get worse from there as Needlepaw is rude and insolent to Rowanstar and the other apprentices take notice of her behavior. Eventually they start speaking up, much to the clan's shock. The apprentices start complaining about everything, including how weak and peace loving their clan now is. Their parents and mentors are horrified and Rowanstar decrees that clan rules have been ignored for two long. Needlepaw is told to care for the elders until further notice as punishment. Later, she convinces Violetkit to meet with Rain since she cannot and she is worried Rain will think she is no longer interested. She tells Violetkit that she will cover for her if she gets caught. Violetpaw sneaks out that night and finds the rouge camp on her own. An owl attacks her but Rain saves her. She passes on the message and Darktail insists she eats and rests before returning home. She wakes up the next morning, realizing she overslept. Darktail, Rain, and Roach take her back to camp, insisting on walking her in through the entrance. Violetkit knows she is in trouble now and hopes Needlepaw will speak up for her, but instead her friend makes a feeble excuse for why Violetkit is out of camp. The rogues arrival causes a continuation of the argument between the clan and the apprentices so the rogues leave.

Twigkit and Alderpaw sneak off to the ShadowClan border to meet up with Needlepaw and Violetkit. However, instead of their friends they run into a ShadowClan patrol with Tigerheart in it. He asks if Dovewing is there, which confuses Alderpaw. He seems disappointed when Alderpaw says no. Alderpaw explains away his and Twigkit's presence to the satisfaction of the warriors. Twigkit asks after her sister and Tigerheart assures her she is being taken care of, while also saying she and Needlepaw keep sneaking out together. The two cats return to their camp and the warriors go on their way.

For the record, I am upset to be correct about Needlepaw. And even worse she is taking along other apprentices and Violetkit. I don't see this going well. The apprentices will deflect. The question is will they leave? Or help the rogues attack? And will Needlepaw take Violetpaw with her? And Darktail had to know that escorting Violetkit into the camp would cause problems for everyone - including Violetkit. I wonder what his thought was. Gauging the clan's strength? Defense? Seeking out the mood to see if more cats are receptive to joining him? Just causing trouble? All or some of the above?

Also, I thought Dovewing was over Tigerheart. I mean, I know she is not because in Tawnypelt's story it is established that she left her clan for him, but I am surprised by the sudden interest the two of them are showing again.

thunder and shadow: part one

Echosong has a vision while she sleeps. A cat who has appeared to her before comes again. She hopes he will tell her how to find her clanmates but instead he tells her the same prophecy the clan cats at the lake were told. He also tells her that they are currently scattered, like leaves in the wind. While Echosong tries to figure out his vague words the vision fades, leaving her alone again.

Bramblestar summons Leafpool, Jayfeather, and Alderpaw. They arrive to find Rowanstar there. They are informed that Littlecloud is dying and ShadowClan needs their help. Leafpool volunteers to care for Littlecloud and ShadowClan for now. After everyone leave Bramblestar speaks to Alderpaw in private, telling him that Squirrelflight is leading a small patrol to look for SkyClan under the guise of searching for Twigkit's mother. Alderpaw leaves his father to go get ready and Twigkit stops him, asking if she can come along. Alderpaw sadly explains to her why she cannot. She gives Alderpaw a feather, asking him to give it to Violetkit. Alderpaw helps Leafpool carry herbs. They meet with Tawnypelt who leads the patrol that escorts them to ShadowClan's camp. Sleekpaw is a part of that patrol and she acts callous about Littlecloud's upcoming death. When they reach the camp Leafpool is horrified to see how Littlecloud is being treated. His pelt is uncared for and his nest is old. Rowanstar and Crowfrost speak with Leafpool and ask her to stay awhile and train an apprentice, Puddlekit. She is upset that the apprentice was chosen by Rowanstar and not StarClan or Littlecloud but agrees since there seems to be no other option. Needlepaw and Alderpaw are sent to gather moss for Littlecloud. Needlepaw acts disrespectful about, but helps. Alderpaw asks after Violetkit, but she has no information since she doesn't care to hang out with a kit. She does take Alderpaw to see her, though, and gives Violetkit the feather. Alderpaw realizes just how lonely and uncared for Violetkit is, so he suggests to Needlepaw that they sneak the kits out of their camps to meet in secret. Needlepaw agrees, as she loves secrets.

Violetkit is in the nursery, thinking. She overheard some of the cats implying she wasn't really a ShadowClan cat. She asks Pinenose, the queen who is caring for her, and Pinenose is dismissive of Violetkit's worries. Grassheart goes into labor and the kits are kicked out of the nursery so Leafpool can attend to her. They are sent to the apprentices den to spend the night. Other cats are outside, mourning the passing of Liddlecloud and sitting vigil with his body. Needlepaw waylays Violetkit and sneaks her out of the camp. She taker her to the ThunderClan border for a surprise - a meeting with her sister. Violetkit is thrilled to be with her sister again and the two kits play until they are exhausted. Then it is time to part and Violetkit is devastated, as she had hoped to be with her sister for good. Violetkit cries to Needlepaw that she is so lonely and no one wants her. Needlepaw sees herself in Violetkit and resolves to be her friend from this moment forward.

Squirrelflight returns with her patrol and they meet with Bramblestar and Alderpaw. They report that the gorge is empty - the rogues are gone and SkyClan has not returned. Bramblestar feels that SkyClan is lost to them. Jayfeather and Alderpaw are in the medicine den caring for the clan's cats. Twigkit in underpaw, casing Jayfeather to be sharper than usual. Briarlight takes Twigkit out of the den. Jayfeather and Alderpaw get into an argument over Twigkit, Jayfeather's attitude in general, and Alderpaw's training. Their argument is interrupted by a patrol racing in, yelling for Bramblestar. The patrol witnessed a fight between WindClan and some rogues inside of ThunderClan's border. Bramblestar takes some warriors, Jayfeather, and Alderpaw and races to the fight. They join in while Alderpaw and Jayfeather watch on, waiting to help the injured cats. Alderpaw realizes he knows some of the rogues, and Darktail recognizes him. Darktail calls a stop to the fight and warns Bramblestar that they aren't going anywhere. Jayfeather and Alderpaw tend to the seriously wounded WindClan cats. One WindClan cat, Furzepelt, is dead, much to everyone's shock and Onestar loses a life. When Onestar recovers he wants to chase after the rogues but Brambleclaw talks him out of it. He then wants to take his warriors home but Bramblestar talks him out of that as well, as the journey could kill his remaining warriors who are badly wounded. Everyone returns to ThunderClan's camp, except for Cloudtail and Rosepetal who sit with Furzepelt, protecting her body. Alderpaw helps Jayfeather tend to the wounded WindClan cats then he goes to tell Bramblestar about the rogues. He overhears Onestar tell Bramblestar that he saw the rouges and crossed into ThunderClan's territory intending to chase them away then report what had happened to Bramblestar. Alderpaw speaks with his father in private, telling him it is the same rogues as the ones at the gorge, confirming Bramblestar's fears. Bramblestar calls a clan meeting. Onestar wants to leave with his warriors but Jayfeather and Bramblestar convince him to let the warriors stay for now. Instead Bramblestar offers some of his warriors as an escort and to carry Fursepelt's body. Onewhisker unhappily agrees. Bramblestar announces that two patrols will inform ShadowClan and RiverClan of what has happened. Twigkit wants to go with the group to ShadowClan to check on her sister. Permission is denied, but it is given to Alderpaw so he can check in with Leafpool and check on Violetkit. 

The ThunderClan cats find rouge scent while they wait by the border of ShadowClan. A patrol comes by and Dovewing is happy to see Tigerheart, but he is cold to her. Tawnypelt notices the rogue smell and says they have found it all over their territory. Bramblestar asks to speak with Rowanstar. Tigerheart brings the ThunderClan cats to the camp while Tawnypelt and some others follow the rogue scent. Bramblestar tells Rowanstar about the rogues. he asks for permission to help search for them. At first Rowanstar is dismissive but his deputy, Crowfrost, is not. When Bramblestar hints that Onestar lost a life Rowanstar takes him seriously and lets them search the territory with Crowfrost and some other ShadowClan cats. After they are done Alderpaw asks to go back to the camp to speak with Leafpool. After speaking with Leafpool he checks in with Needlepaw and Violetkit, who seem to be getting along great. Needlepaw is distracted, though, and Alderpaw worries their friendship might be over.

While I only have a quick glance at ShadowClan here my fears seem to be true - but not about the warriors. They seem at their wits end with the apprentices.

Needlepaw's attitude about secrets makes me happy for the SkyClan secret, but not the rogues secret. While I think she will hold both secrets close I worry she will betray her clan to the rogues because she loves Rain. I also suspect she is sneaking out to see him... And while I am glad she is opening up to Violetkit, I worry that she will take her down the wrong path.

As for Onestar... he has always been Jayfeather levels of crotchety, but not to the point where he is willing to risk killing clanmates. He has been in a foul mood since this book series started and I wonder what is going on there.

the apprentice's quest: part five

Alderpaw wants to find the others, but Needlepaw convinces him they need to sleep. The next day they backtrack to find their friends scent, then follow it. They realized their friends must have passed them while they slept and that the river probably washed their scent away. They realize they need to cross the river so they can go home but cannot find a way to do so. With Needlepaw's urging they enter an area filled with twoleg nests and ask a kittypet for help. He tells them how to cross a river and asks if they have anything to do with the three cats who came that way earlier. Alderpaw is thrilled to realize his clanmates are on the same path as them. Alderpaw asks the kittypet if another large group of cats has come through, but they have not. The kittypet shares his food with Needlepaw, who eats it much to Alderpaw's horror, and then they move on. Needlepaw asks Alderpaw why he isn't happier and he tells her it is because he failed.

Needlepaw tells Alderpaw that he is being ridiculous, as clearly SkyClan was driven away long before his vision - so therefore his vision must mean something else. They travel for many day and the scent of the  ThunderClan cats grows weaker when they come across the farm they passed on the way to the gorge. Needlepaw races ahead and slips into the barn for shelter for the night. That night Alderpaw dreams of Sandstorm, who tells him he hasn't failed yet, he just needs to take a different path.

Alderpaw and Needlepaw reach the thunderpath they had to cross and wait for an opening. Alderpaw tells Needlepaw of his vision. Needlepaw finds a tunnel going under the thunderpath and decides that is the "different path" they have to take. Alderpaw disagrees but Needlepaw is insistent. In the tunnel Alderpaw finds two kits whose mother is missing. Realizing the kits will die they care for them and name them Violetkit and Twigkit. They wonder if this is what Alderpaw's vision was about.

The cats reach the lake. They are happy to be home but that happiness quickly turns into a fight over the kits. Alderpaw feels it was his vision so he should take them both. Needlepaw feels it was her idea to go into the tunnel so they should go to ShadowClan. After arguing Needlepaw suggests they each take one. Before they can resolve this a ThunderClan patrol arrives. They were sent by Brambleclaw to find the missing apprentices. Birchfall takes over and says the kits will go to ThunderClan while their fate is decided at the next Gathering. 

The kits thrive in ThunderClan while Bramblestar debates what to do. He has a meeting with Squirrelflight, Leafpool, Jayfeather, and Alderpaw to determine the kits fate and how they fit in to the prophecy, but nothing is resolved beyond Bramblestar's wish to keep the kits. At the Gathering, however, things do not go as hoped. Rowanstar accuses ThunderClan of stealing the kits when Needlepaw helped find them. Bramblestar points out that Needlepaw shouldn't even have been there, much to Rowanstar's embarrassment. But it pointed out that the prophecy applies to all of the clans, not just ThunderClan. It is decided ShadowClan gets one of the kits. Rowanstar takes Violetkit, and the kits scream as they are separated. Alderpaw locks eyes with Needlepaw, but she coldly turns away. Alderpaw comforts Twigkit, determined to take care of her. 

I have to say, I like Needlepaw, but I am worried. She is traveling down a dark path. She is very selfish and self-centered. I understand her wanting ShadowClan to be involved with the kits, and I understand her feeling ShadowClan has a claim on them. However, her clan doesn't seem like a very friendly place right now. There is blatant disrespect for every cat going around. How can Violetkit be cared for in a hostile environment where the warrior code is getting tossed out? And how can Needlepaw not see this? I think she has feelings for Rain and has a mindset of "every cat for himself" but there is no foresight in that - because it means creating an environment where anyone who becomes injured is tossed out. I'm thinking of Jagged Peak and Clear Sky right now. She is bringing a kit into an environment where no one will want to care for her because right now everyone only cares for themselves. She is so obsessed with having one of the kits she does not care if it kills the kit.

Speaking of which, how on earth did Rowanstar let his clan fall apart like this? It cannot just be the apprentices who are disrespectful. They must be learning this behavior from some of the warriors, otherwise they would be put in their place and given extra chores until they learned proper behavior. Hopefully the next book gives more insight and it is not as bad as it appears. But if the apprentices are acting like rogues, and the elders are complaining about the lack of respect, and everyone seems to be out for himself... Well, I'm not optimistic. 

the apprentice's quest: part four

After many more days of travel, Alderpaw is excited to finally see the camp he has dreamed about. Everyone is torn over what to do but Needlepaw believes they should just approach the camp - so they do. A hostile group of cats come to meet them. Alderpaw explains they are looking for SkyClan. The cat in charge, Rain, takes them to their leader who is named Darktail. Alderpaw explains he is there to bring SkyClan to the lake to join with the other clans. Darktail tells Alderpaw that he needs time to think over this and invites the cats to stay with them. Alderpaw doesn't understand why things are so different from his vision. The cats look nothing like the ones he saw and they don't have correct warrior names. Things grow even more confusing when a hunting patrol returns. The cats attack each other over the food, leaving just scraps for the elders and queens. Outraged, Sparkpaw confronts Darktail but he seems amused by her outburst He explains that SkyClan has founded their own warrior code, one that honors the strongest. The clan cats decide to discuss amongst themselves what to do. Some wish to leave but Needlepaw points out that they are looking for something in the darkness and these cats are very dark in their manner. Meanwhile Alderpaw feels Bramblestar and his vision could not have been so wrong and he asks his friends for more time. Even though everyone wants to go they agree.

There is a sick she cat who keeps coughing and Darktail yells at her. Alderpaw decides to intervene and points out that she just needs some herbs. Darktail has no clue what he is talking about and Alderpaw is shocked to realize they do not have a medicine cat. He offers to treat the sick cat. While looking for herbs he finds the abandoned medicine cat's den and some old herbs which he gives to the sick cat. While he treats her Darktail grills him on how to treat different sicknesses and wounds. Alderpaw wonders if maybe his vision is not about saving SkyClan, but returning them to the warrior code. Darktail has Alderpaw teach Rain all about herbs That night he wonders why he hasn't had any visions from StarClan and wonders if it is because they cannot reach him in this dark place. While trying to sleep Alderpaw overhears Darktail talking to his most trusted cats about leaving soon, and Alderpaw hopes this means they will come to the lake with them. Then he overhears Needlepaw talking to Rain and isn't sure he likes the way Rain sounds.

Unwilling to fight other cats for their food, the ThunderClan cats go out to hunt. Alderpaw is hunting a bird when another, mangy, cat tries to catch it first. It is Mistfeather, one of the cats from his vision. Mistfeather tells Alderpaw all about how Darktail and his rogues showed up, driving them out of their territory. Some cats died and the rest scattered. He has no clue where SkyClan is, and he stayed behind because his mate died in the fight. Suddenly everything makes sense to Alderpaw and realizes he and his friends are too late to save SkyClan. Darktail reveals himself, having overheard everything. He kills Mistfeather.

Darktail takes Alderpaw prisoner and brings him back to the camp. He takes all of the clan cats prisoner, accusing them of conspiring with SkyClan. Needlepaw tries to argue that that doesn't make any sense, since they arrived looking for SkyClan unsure if they even existed but Darktail will not listen. While under guard of Raven, one of Darktail's most trusted cats, they try to decide what to do. Some of the cats are upset with Needlepaw for trying to reason with Darktail instead of escaping, but Needlepaw defends her action insisting that if they escaped Darktail would have followed them back to the clans.

Raven falls asleep, and the cats make their escape. Sparkpaw argues that maybe they should stay but Alderpaw overrules her, pointing out that their lives are in danger and they need help from back home. He says the quest is a failure. Even though it is the wrong way, they cross the river so the rogues will lose their scent. They use a tree branch to cross. Everyone but Alderpaw and Needlepaw make it safely across. The branch breaks under those two apprentices, sweeping them down the river and over a waterfall. The two make their way out of the water, completely lost.

So, I did already know that Darktail is an evil cat, unfortunately. But, I didn't realize he was never a part of SkyClan. I thought maybe he was welcomed and took over or something. I am glad Alderpaw found Mistdeather, but now he is no closer to finding the SkyClan cats and everyone is returning home in defeat. 

Darktail is obviously going to follow them, since he destroys ShadowClan. But I do wonder just how scattered SkyClan is since the exiled ShadowClan cats find them.

And what, exactly, was the point of this? SkyClan was clearly driven away a while ago. Why is everyone just now having visions about this?

the apprentice's quest: part three

The cats travel more then stop to hunt as night approaches. Molewhisker tries to help Alderpaw hunt but it is a disaster again. After they eat Sandstorm tries to help them cross the thunderpath, but things are thrown out the monsters at them. terrified, the cats run away and hide, making a quick den for the night and sleeping. The next day they cross the thunderpath and Alderpaw no longer feels as if someone is watching them. They make good progress and start to make a camp for the night when Alderpaw and Sandstorm both hear something. Sandstorm goes to investigate when Sparkpaw sees a fox.

The fox attacks Sandstorm, so Alderpaw attacks the fox. He wonders why his clanmates are not helping him when he sees them fighting a second fox. Suddenly another cat comes to Alderpaw's rescue and they fight off the fox together. Everyone checks for injuries and the strange cat is revealed to be Needlepaw. The older ThunderClan cats are upset to find a ShadowClan apprentice off on her own, following them, but Needlepaw is unperturbed and defiant. She wishes to go along so the cats go off to the side so Alderpaw can check their wounds and they can discuss Needlepaw's involvement. In the end it is decided that Needlepaw can come along since she did help them and she could just ignore them and follow them anyway. Needlepaw is pleased to be included, and a bit arrogant about it. Alderpaw feels there is an air of loneliness about her.

The next day Alderpaw tends to everyone's wounds again. Then the cats go hunting. Needlepaw returns with a bunch of prey but Sparkpaw is outraged, as Needlepaw ate prey before bringing some back for the others. Exhausted, everyone goes right back to sleep. While sleeping, Alderpaw has another vision about SkyClan. They are calling out, begging someone to save them. Alderpaw tries to talk to them, to tell them they are coming, but the other cats don't hear him. He wakes up disturbed. He talks to his clanmates, telling them they need to leave immediately but they don't see any reason to rush. He finds Sandstorm and tells her he had another vision. Sandstorm understands his urgency and agrees they need to leave. He checks her wound and realizes it is beginning to show signs of an infection. He wants them to stay so she can rest but she refuses. As they leave to tell everyone to get ready Alderpaw realizes Nedlepaw was eavesdropping.  

They travel and Needlepaw tries to get information out of Alderpaw about the quest without any real success. They come to a fence around a farm and cannot find a way around it or under it. The decision is made to climb it. Everyone does well but Sandstorm, who falls and hurts herself on the way down. They make their way through the farm and Alderpaw can see Sandstorm is unwell. He wants to stop for the night but she insists they leave the farm first. They go over the fence again and Sandstorm does worse than before. Alderpaw insists they stop for the night so he can help Sandstorm, who is bleeding badly. They nest for the night and when they wake up Alderpaw can see that Sandstorm is even sicker. Everyone goes to look for herbs for him and Needlepaw brings Sandstorm some water. Sandstorm passes back out again.

Alderpaw dreams of Sandstorm, who is with StarClan now. Alderpaw feels he has failed Sandstorm, but she assures him this is the way it was meant to be and tells Alderpaw how to reach SkyClan. When Alderpaw wakes he hopes it was just a dream but he finds Sandstorm's lifeless body. Alderpaw's grief wakes the other cats and everyone mourns Sandstorm's passing, while wondering if they should continue the quest or turn back. After the vigil Molewhisker, Cherryfall, and Sparkpaw bury Sandstorm while Alderpaw wonders what to do and how to convince his clanmates to go on. Needlepaw confronts him and tells him he must tell the others the truth of the quest so they will follow him. At first he is upset with her advice but then he hears the wisdom of it. They go hunting together and he helps Needlepaw catch a rabbit. While he didn't catch the rabbit himself he is proud that he helped. They bring the prey back and after everyone has eaten he tells them the truth of his quest and SkyClan. Needlepaw is right and the cats unite behind him.

So Sandstorm did die... I thought she would at least make it to the SkyClan camp first and see her old friends. Hopefully Alderpaw is able to bring everyone there in time to help them. 

As for Needlepaw... she is a bit complex. She clearly is indifferent and even disrespectful at times to the warrior code and her clan, yet at the same time she does come through with wisdom and her own version of loyalty.

the apprentice's quest: part two

 Alderpaw is doing much better with his training, and Jayfeather even praises him. Jayfeather leaves to go speak with Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight, and Leafpool is out seeing Littlecloud, so Alderpaw is left behind with Briarlight. Sparkpaw bursts in looking for Jayfeather. Cherryfall has fallen and her leg is cut. Alderpaw freezes, not knowing what to do. Briarlight directs Sparkpaw to Brambleclaw's den. Jayfeather gathers Alderpaw and they head to Cherryfall. Alderpaw keeps freezing while Jayfeather tries to treat the injured cat. They get Cherryfall back to the medicine cat den and treat her. Jayfeather dismisses Alderpaw for the day. Upset, he sits with is sister, who tells him he just needs more confidence in himself.

Since they are almost out of catmint, Leafpool and Alderpaw go out to get some. They run into a ShadowClan patrol led by Tigerheart. Tigerheart is rude to them but escorts them to where they are going. Alderpaw talks with one of the ShadowClan apprentices, needlepaw, from the Gathering and starts to confide an odd dream he had when Leafpool cuts him off. Later, they go to the Moonpool where Leafpool officially introduces him to StarClan. Alderpaw dreams of Firestar, who shows him a vision of a group of cats. Alderpaw doesn't know the cats, but they are clearly doing a warrior ceremony. When he wakes up he is excited to have had a vision and wants to confide in the other medicine cats. But when no one else speaks up, stating they have had a vision he doubts himself and decides to keep his dream to himself for now.

Alderpaw is left in the medicine cat den while Jayfeather and Leafpool tend to other matters. Cherryfall comes in, her paw hurting again. Alderpaw checks it for infection then gives her more poultice for her paw. He feels proud of himself for knowing what to do, but when Jayfeather finds out he is angry. He reminds Alderpaw that he is just an apprentice and shouldn't do things like that without himself or Leafpool there. Then he sends Alderpaw to go check the elders for ticks. Only Sandstorm is there and she can see something is wrong. She convinces Alderpaw to open up to her. He tells her about the dream he had and Sandstorm becomes excited, as she recognizes the cats as being SkyClan cats. She tells Alderpaw to go tell Leafpool and Jayfeather about his vision. Alderpaw is worried they will be upset but instead they are pleased. Alderpaw is thrilled to have had his first vision - until Jayfeather tells him it is not his first, as Jayfeather saw him there when Firestar gave the vision to all of the medicine cats. Leafpool and Jayfeather go to tell Bramblestar about the vision.

While Jayfeather and Leafpool are with Bramblestar, Cherryfall goes to the medicine den as Sparkpaw is hurt. Worried and without thinking, Alderpaw leaves the camp with Cherryfall to see his sister. He realizes her leg is dislocated and instructs the other cats on how to help him. They are dubious but help and Alderpaw is able to fix his sister's leg, impressing everyone. Elated, Alderpaw races back to camp until he realizes he left without the permission of his mentors. When he gets there he sees Bramblestar looking for him and assumes he is in trouble. But the opposite is true. Bramblestar wants Alderpaw to go on a quest to find the cats from his vision. He tells Alderpaw all about SkyClan, but also warns him that he cannot tell anyone else the truth about their clan.

Bramblestar and Sandstorm argue about Alderpaw's quest. Sandstorm wants to go, Bramblestar forbids it as she is now an elder. In the end Sandstorm wins the argument, much to Squirrelflight's dismay. Bramblestar announces to the clan that Alderpaw is going on a quest and Sandstorm will be accompanying him. He looks for volunteers amongst the cats. Sparkpaw wishes to go so Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight discuss it among themselves. Bramblestar agrees, and assigns Cherryfall and Molewhisker to accompany them. The cats take their traveling herbs and leave. They pass WindClan territory unnoticed and actually leave the lake area. They make a good distance and stop to eat. While eating Alderpaw feels he is being watched, but he does not see or scent anything.

I wonder who is watching them? Because I do believe Alderpaw is correct. He doubts himself too much. I also worry Sandstorm will die on the journey. After all, she is an elder now.

the apprentice's quest: part one

Jayfeather and Leafpool go to the halfmoon meeting at the Moonpool. On the way there Jayfeather wonders why Littlecloud hasn't taken on an apprentice, since the ShadowClan medicine cat is getting on in his years and currently ShadowClan has an abundance of apprentices. Everyone settles down around the pool and sleeps. When they wake Jayfeather is shocked that he can see the other cats, as he has lost the ability to enter other cats dreams with the defeat of the Dark Forest. The other medicine cats are equally as surprised. They move off to greet their ancestors and Jayfeather watches Leafpool greet her father, Firestar. Jayfeather, however, notices there are a lot of strange cats with StarClan and demands to know who they are. Instead of answering him Firestar seeks permission from the other StarClan cats to speak for them all and is granted it. He gives the medicine cats a shared prophecy, as it affects them all. Jayfeather is annoyed with how obscure the prophecy is, but before he wakes he notices another, living, cat is with them and this cat smells of ThunderClan. 

Alderkit is getting ready for his apprentice ceremony with his sister Sparkkit. He is worried he is going to mess everything up and envies Sparkkit's confidence. However the ceremony goes just fine and he is given the mentor Molewhisker while Sparkpaw is given the mentor Cherryfall. Molewhisker is so serious Alderpaw worries about being his apprentice, but he resolves to do his best. Their first task is to get ticks off of the elders, which neither he nor his sister wants to do, but they do it. As they care for the elders Alderpaw decides that maybe this isn't so bad, caring for the elders. Then he sees Jayfeather and Leafpool watching him and he worries he is messing up as an apprentice already.

The next day Cherryfall and Molewhisker take the apprentices on a tour of their territory. Alderpaw does great with listening to his mentor's questions and figuring out the answers while Sparkpaw bounces around excitedly. Then the mentors have the apprentices try to hunt. Sparkpaw gets prey on her very first try but Alderpaw overthinks everything so much he fails. Back at the camp Bramblestar asks for an update and realizes how upset his son is. He pulls Alderpaw aside and tells him a funny story about how he used to make mistakes as an apprentice. Alderpaw feels better and resolves to do better in the future.

Alderpaw and Sparkpaw go to their first Gathering. They end up meeting some ShadowClan apprentices and sit with them. The ShadowClan apprentices are nice and welcoming, but they are also very rude. They make disparaging remarks about the other clans, their mentors, their leader Rowanstar, the elders, and even StarClan. Alderpaw is shocked by their behavior. When Rowanstar speaks he mentions that two apprentices have just been made warriors - and now have apprentices of their own. Everyone cheers for the first announcement but are completely shocked by the second one. Rowanstar defends his decision and states that when a ShadowClan cat is named a warrior they are ready for anything. The ShadowClan apprentices tell Alderpaw and Sparkpaw that right now ShadowClan has so many apprentices Rowanstar doesn't know what to do with them all. The medicine cats then share their shared vision together. Lots of cats start asking questions and offering suggestions. Cloudtail asks if the prophecy is for everyone, or just Jayfeather. Jayfeather answers he believes it is for everyone. As the apprentices talk about solving the prophecy Alderpaw notices Leafpool staring at him. 

Molewhisker grows frustrated with Alderpaw as he cannot figure out hunting or fighting. Back at camp Molewhisker and Bramblestar meet with Leafpool and Jayfeather. Then, the four cats tell Alderpaw that his destiny is to be a medicine cat. Alderpaw sees this as a punishment for failing Molewhisker but everyone assures him that isn't the case. Sparkpaw is excited for him but Alderpaw worries he will fail at this just like he failed at being a warrior. The next day Jayfeather teaches Alderpaw all the herbs he has to memorize but Alderpaw can't keep them straight, further cementing his fears he will fail.

First of all I am thrilled that Jayfeather is still the grumpy, crotchety cat that I love! Second of all, the prophecy to "embrace the shadows to clear the sky" hints to me that the clans have to learn the truth about SkyClan and embrace it in order to save SkyClan. And, it was probably SkyClan cats that Jayfeather sensed.

Of course, unfortunately, I already know SkyClan will come back thanks to the Tawnypelt and Shadowstar novellas. Also, what is with ShadowClan always getting destroyed? I assume Darktail and his nefarious plot will be along any minute now. But why is is always ShadowClan? Why not WindClan or RiverClan?

And on the topic of ShadowClan what was up with those apprentices? Disrespecting everyone and everything both in their clan and not? And even going to far as to imply StarClan is a myth? That was crazy. I was hoping Alderpaw would say something to Molewhisker but no luck. All I know is this doesn't bode well.

Then, at first I was surprised that Cloudtail believed the medicine cats and actually asked questions. After all, he has said in the past that he doesn't believe in StarClan. Then I remembered he did fight alongside StarClan against the Dark Forest. I suppose that irrevocable proof is enough for anyone, even someone who has rejected StarClan his entire life.

Lastly, how is Purdy still alive?!? He was old before Sandstorm and Graystripe became elders!?! He is probably immortal or something. I certainly hope he gets to go to StarClan when he passes. I know he isn't a warrior, but ThunderClan loves him as their own since they adopted him. On that token I hope the same for MothWing. She deserves to find peace and acceptance in her afterlife - and a chance to be reborn accepting the beliefs she wishes were real.