warriors: the new prophecy

I really struggled with this series. Actually, I feel like the series is in two halves. The first half/three books, I felt, were really long and drawn out with nothing really happening to move the plot forward. It was a long journey to the lake and then a long journey back home with lots and lots of empty filler. I was starting to get worried that the first series was it and I wasn't going to enjoy another Warriors book ever again and that all subsequent novels were just riding on the coattails of success from the first series. The second half/three books, however, proved me wrong by actually being really good. Those books covered Brambleclaw's struggle with his relationship with his father, sister, and half brother. Moreover, it introduced the Place of No Stars/Dark Forest, which was a really interesting alternative to StarClan, as well as gave a fascinating, manipulative, and devious villain in the form of Hawkfrost, who I really enjoyed (and still believe he was lying about never having been to the Dark Forest before). I was disappointed by how quickly Hawkfrost was written off, however he did have a respectable story arc and I did get to see his return later on. Also, this book series as a whole gave Brambleclaw the opportunity to grow and become more then just Tigerstar's son - which was very obvious as the story went on but was very clear when he chose a dying Firestar over everything else. And, it set up a great twist for Ashfur later on. It also gave us perspective from the cats of other clans - which while I wasn't in love with this, it was good to see things from a point of view that wasn't ThunderClan.

Warriors: The New Prophecy

1. Midnight
2. Moonrise
3. Dawn
4. Starlight
5. Twilight
6. Sunset

dawn: part six

The cats continue on their journey. Squirrelpaw is out hunting. Things are getting harder for the clans. Stormfur is trying to find the tribe cats. When she goes to attack a falcon another cat attacks her instead. It is Talon of the tribe. He is happy to see her but upset when he finds out that she and the clans are trying to cross the mountains this time of year. He insists that everyone must come to the cave. They reach the clans in time to see an eagle attack. They chase the eagle off. Stormfur comes running up to say he has scented the tribe only to find them already there. The tribe cats lead them to the waterfall.

Leafpaw is excited to learn about the similarities between the clans and the tribe. Stoneteller even shows her and Cinderpelt the Cave of the Pointed Stones. That night while Leafpaw sleeps Spottedleaf visits her. In the morning she tells Cinderpelt, who is glad that StarClan is speaking to them. The snow is bad so the cats need to stay for a bit. They help with the hunting and Leafpaw talks more with Stoneteller. That night Stoneteller holds a feast with the tribe and the clans in honor of Feathertail and her friends. Tallstar names Crowpaw a warrior and Crowpaw makes the request that his name be Crowfeather in honor of Feathertail. Tallstar agrees. Crowfeather sits vigil and as Leafpaw watches him she thinks she sees Feathertail and Silverstream.

Squirrelpaw and Stormfur go hunting before it is time to leave. While out Stormfur tells her that he is leaving RiverClan. He has lost his father and sister, he wants to be with Brook now. Squirrelpaw is upset. Brambleclaw asks her what is wrong and she tells him. As they talk she realizes that Brambleclaw mistakes her sorrow for heartbreak. She tells him that Stormfur is a friend and it is he she is in love with. The clans are ready to leave and Stormfur announces he is staying and Leopardstar lets him. The cats exit the mountains unsure where they are going next.

As they travel Leafpaw and Sorreltail talk about where they are. It is a good place to make a new home but they have not recieved a sign from StarClan yet. The cats are unsure what to do and Cinderpelt has Leafpaw confess to her dream - a dream of water with silverpelt reflected in it with Spottedleaf nearby. As the cats start to move along Leafpaw sees a vision of silverpelt reflected in water and knows they have found their new home.

I am surprised that Stormfur went with the tribe now - I figured it wouldn't happen until book six - but I am not surprised by his choice. This is where Feathertail is buried and Brook lives. Even if Graystripe were here, despite how close he is to his father I think he would have left.

I am glad the story of their journey is over with. I wonder now how things will play out. My guess still is Hawkfrost.

A final note - and I did mean to say this earlier but I forgot - I cannot believe that Firestar and Cloudtail left without saying goodbye to Princess. She was constantly in the shadows in the other books and here she never gets a voice or to say goodbye - or even to know what happened to her brother and son. I hope a goodbye happened off the page and just was not mentioned to us.

dawn: part five

The four clans finally meet in WindClan territory and begin their journey. A dog catches  scent of them and gives chase. The dog's Twoleg catches it and Squirrelpaw realizes they are officially off of clan territory.

Squirrelpaw and the others reach Ravenpaw's farm. Ravenpaw is grieved to learn of Graystripe's capture and the clans departure. He takes the cats to an old barn to hunt and rest. In the morning the queens and elders do not want to leave, arguing that the prey is rich here. Firestar and Leopardstar point out the dangers of staying so close to the Twolegs and their dogs. The cats of the prophecy also speak up, saying this is not where StarClan is leading them. There is grumbling, but the cats agree to leave. Ravenpaw escorts them as far as Highstones. The leaders and medicine cats go in for the last time to speak to StarClan. Leafpaw is left behind. Squirrelpaw goes with her friends to discuss where they should go next when a star falls across the sky. They realize this is the dying warrior and they must follow the star.

Leafpaw wakes up. Ravenpaw tells Firestar goodbye, and that he will look out for Graystripe. Cinderpelt confesses to Leafpaw that while StarClan spoke to her she could not hear them. The cats of the prophecy come bounding over, telling everyone that they saw the sign. They realize that the great rock Midnight spoke of was Highstones. As the cats travel the barriers between their clans slowly break down. They slowly go from four clans to one as they travel towards the mountains. Hawkfrost, however, still remains arrogant.

The cats travel through the mountains and Squirrelpaw is unsure if they are going to correct way. The journey is hard between the cold and the path they have to travel. Smokepaw, a ShadowClan apprentice, falls to his death when a rock becomes dislodged under him. Only Stormfur seems at home in the mountains. The clans cats learn of the dangers from the eagles when one attacks their camp - almost taking Birchkit - and even worse it starts to snow.

Nothing much is happening here. The cats continue on their journey. I do wonder if they will meet the tribe cats and how Stormfur will feel towards Brook now. He left upset over his betrayal and his sister's death. I feel like their journey must be coming to an end soon, which does imply there must be another story arc for the remaining three books. I do hope that between Cody and Ravenpaw that somehow Graystripe will find his way home.

dawn: part four

Firestar gives everyone their orders (deliberately leaving Tallstar away from the danger) and they rush in to save the cats. Squirrelpaw, Brambleclaw, and others gather kits and herd cats out as quickly as they can. Everyone saved, they leave as the monsters are tearing through. Tawnypelt realizes Tallpoppy and her kits are missing. The cats hear them crying out in terror and rush towards them. They work to get Tallpoppy and her kits to safety but a tree falls on Onewhisker. Firestar pushes him out of the way, the tree falling on him instead, taking one of his lives. Squirrelpaw, Brambleclaw, and Leafpaw find Firestar and wait for him to return from StarClan. Firestar awakens but a Twoleg comes. Squirrelpaw distracts the Twoleg so her clanmates can escape. She then doubles back to join them and all the cats escape.

They reach the other side of the Thunderpath and a rest is called for. Mistyfoot wants to take her warriors home but Firestar asks for her help in bringing ShadowClan to Sunningrocks. Blackstar wants to know why there and Firestar tells them that their camp has been destroyed. Leafpaw and Mothwing help Littlecloud. As Mistyfoot leaves she tells Firestar that Leopardstar said if the ShadowClan camp was destroyed they would leave. ShadowClan agrees to leave as well and Firestar plans for all cats to leave at dawn. Brambleclaw is unsure where the cats should go since they never recieved their sign from StarClan so he decides they should head toward Highstones for now and the sun-drown-place if no sign comes.

Cody tells Leafpaw she is leaving. Leafpaw is sad but cannot stop her. She asks Cody if she needs a warrior to take her but she says no, the woods are quiet enough now. She offers to keep a lookout for Graystripe. The ShadowClan cats keep separate from the ThunderClan cats. Leafpaw is frustrated but Cinderpelt points out to her that the lines that divide them run deep. Leafpaw tells her father that Cody has left. He understands her sorrow but points out that clan life is not for everyone and Cody never adapted to it. Cinderpelt mixes traveling herbs for everyone. She makes sure to mix enough for ShadowClan as well so she can offer the leftovers to Blackstar without dishonoring him. Leafpaw is distributing them but the elders refuse to take them, saying they will never make the journey and they want to die in the forest. Firestar overhears this and respects their wishes but refuses to leave Longtail behind. He tells Longtail he is too young, and all his senses but his eyes are still sharp. Stormfur arrives and says that RiverClan cannot leave, Mudfur is dying. Frostfur and Speckletail offer to stay with Mudfur since they are not making the journey anyway. Firestar brings his clan, along with Runningnose, to RiverClan while ShadowClan goes ahead to wait for them. Cinderpelt offers the extra traveling herbs and Blackstar accepts them. He also offers to take Longtail with him to the meeting place. The ThunderClan cats arrive at the RiverClan camp and Leopardstar is angry. Firestar offers Speckletail and Frostfur to stay behind but Leopardstar says there is no need.

Mudfur dies and the elders of both clans stay with him. The two clans meet up with the others and Sasha is there to ask her kits to leave with her. Mothwing considers her offer but Leafpaw is upset, appealing to Hawkfrost to stay. Firestar points out the choice is theirs and Sasha reveals that Tigerstar is their father. The RiverClan cats are stunned. Firestar argues they should stay because they clearly inherited Tigerstar's courage. Leopardstar stands with Firestar on this, saying that her clan needs them. Some of the cats are angry and Squirrelpaw speaks up on their behalf, saying that their parentage doesn't mean they are not loyal. The two cats decide to stay but there is some grumbling over the decision.

I am glad the clans are finally leaving. I feel like this decision has been in the making for three books and I am glad to finally see the end result. I am curious where the story will go from here, though. I cannot image it will take them three books to reach their new home - and I have a nagging feeling that Hawkfrost will play a large part in the next three books.

I am surprised that Leafpaw appealed to Hawkfrost to stay seeing how she feels about him, but I understand her wanting Mothwing to stay and Mothwing does defer to her brother a lot. Squirrelpaw also speaking up surprised me since I know how she feels.

I do wonder if Leopardstar knew the truth about the cats. Unfortunately her reaction was not given...

dawn: part three

Squirrelpaw is out with a patrol with her father when they scent a rogue. They chase it across the RiverClan boarder where Hawkfrost greets it. Firestar seems shocked by Hawkfrost's appearance. After recovering he asks him about the rogue, and finds out it is Sasha. The ThunderClan cats start to leave when Firestar asks if Tigerstar is the father. Sasha confirms it and Brambleclaw is shocked that Hawkfrost and Mothwing are his kin. Hawkfrost voices his envy that Brambleclaw at least knew their father. Brambleclaw responds that Firestar taught him more then Tigerstar ever did.

Firestar asks the cats with him to keep Hawkfrost and Mothwing's parentage a secret for now, feeling that the two cats should be judged for their own deeds. They return to the camp to find out Shrewpaw died, hit by a monster while hunting. Squirrelpaw and Brambleclaw talk about Shrewpaw's death and Ferncloud's grief since this was another of her kits. The talk turns to Tigerstar, as Brambleclaw insists that loyalty to a clan is more important then shared blood with Hawkfrost, Mothwing, and even Tawnypelt. As they talk Squirrelpaw notices that the river is very shallow for this time of year. Stormfur arrives and talks to them. Talk turns to Hawkfrost and Stormfur says that Hawkfrost stepped down from deputy when Mistyfoot returned. As they talk Squirrelpaw realizes that Stormfur does not know who Hawkfrost's father is.

It is the half moon, and both Firestar and Cinderpelt feel it is too dangerous for the medicine cats to go to Highstones. Leafpaw is disappointed, she was hoping that StarClan would share with her that night. Squirrelpaw speaks of her frustrations that the clans cannot come together as one - even when there is shared blood. Squirrelpaw also states that she does not trust Hawkfrost and Leafpaw tries to assure her that Hawkfrost is his own cat. That night Leafpaw is awakened by Mothwing. Mudfur is dying. She gets Cinderpelt and the cats travel to RiverClan territory. Cinderpelt does what little she can and Leafpaw is happy to realize that Mothwing has found some confidence I  being a medicine cat. Leafpaw realizes how thin the cats look and asks Mothwing about it. She admits they are starving too, but Leopardstar refuses to leave. Hawkfrost joins the conversation and talk turns to Tigerstar. Hawkfrost says the problem with his father was that he was loyal only to himself and not a clan. Mothwing tells Leafpaw not to mind her brother but Leafpaw is worried and does not trust Hawkfrost.

Squirrelpaw returns from hunting as Tallstar arrives. He has come to beg Firestar to leave. Firestar is upset to see his old friend slowly starving to death. As they start to talk about what to do Tawnypelt bursts in looking for help - monsters are about to destroy her camp. Warriors from both camps prepare to go - including Tallstar (who is on his last life) despite objections. Leafpaw speaks up to all about RiverClan. The cats mistake her meaning and think she means to turn to them for help but Squirrelpaw understands what she means is Hawkfrost might attack in their absence. Firestar sends Brambleclaw to speak to RiverClan and Squirrelpaw warns him to make sure he speaks to Mistyfoot and that Hawkfrost comes too. Brambleclaw races off and comes back with Mistyfoot and some warriors, including Hawkfrost, and the three clans go forward to ShadowClan.

I am glad that it is out in the open (at least somewhat) about Hawkfrost and Mothwing. I do wonder if Leopardstar knows (especially since Stormfur does not) and that is why she agreed to take the kits in. But, I gotta say, as much as Hawkfrost seems suspicious I think he has both parents to blame. Sasha's exchange with Firestar was a bit disturbing, with how cold and evasive she was. Mothwing seems to have turned out alright, and her coldness could be like Tawnypelt - constant fear of screwing up combined with a constant need to prove oneself. Hawkfrost, however, is clearly out for all he can get. At least he recognizes that his mother and father are the same, but he is still power hungry, even if he claims it is for the good of his clan. And, Leafpaw makes me roll my eyes. She clearly does not trust Hawkfrost, and actually fears him, but sticks up for him when talking with Squirrelpaw. And then when they have to go to ShadowClan she fears Hawkfrost will attack their unguarded camp - proving that she really does not trust him.

I wonder now if the clans will finally leave. ShadowClan should be ready with their home being destroyed. The question is will Leopardstar be ready to give up? Yes, her clan is going hungry, but it hasn't been for nearly as long as the other clans. Other clans have actually been losing cats to hunger. RiverClan's hunger had only just begun.

dawn: part two

The cats talk to Sasha and she asks how her kits are. Leafpaw tells her Mothwing is well, but doesn't respond to questions about Hawkfrost since she doesn't know what to say. Mistyfoot assures Sasha that last she knew Hawkfrost was fine. Sasha is relieved and Leafpaw is shocked at how happy Sasha is. Cody points out to Leafpaw that of course Sasha feels that way, Hawkfrost is her kit. When the Twoleg comes to feed them one of the rogues becomes injured. Leafpaw helps the cat best she can locked in her cage. She resolves that they need to escape.

The cats all meet at the Great Rock and they have brought their leaders. No sign happens and an argument breaks out among the cats. RiverClan is refusing to leave since they are not in any danger. ShadowClan says they are going to BloodClan's old home. Tallstar says that WindClan will follow Firestar, but Firestar feels they cannot leave without the other clans, because the fifth clan might not follow. Tallstar says StarClan will always be with them and warns Firestar that his pride could kill both clans.

Squirrelpaw dreams of hunting a mouse through the forest, but another cat scares it away. It is Spottedleaf, and she shows her where her sister is trapped. In the morning Squirrelpaw tries to find Firestar but he is away from the camp. She turns to Brambleclaw for help, but he tells her to wait for Firestar's return. Sorreltail overhears their exchange and tells Squirrelpaw she will help her. The two cats race off and find a Twoleg loading the cats into a monster. They race back to camp, upset, where Graystripe sees them. He asks what is wrong and they tell him. He quickly grabs some cats and they race off. Some cats attack the Twoleg while other open the cages. As more cats are let out they help. Soon all the cats are loose and running away, but Graystripe is captured.

Leafpaw watches as Graystripe is loaded into the monster and the cats are powerless to stop it. Cody goes with the ThunderClan cats back to their camp, where they have to tell Firestar what happened. He is happy to have his daughter back but grieves the loss of his friend.

Leafpaw and Cody are asleep when Fernpaw crying wakes them. Another of her kits has died. Cody offers to look after Ferncloud and Birchkit. Firestar thanks her and tells her that as soon as it is safe he will have warriors escort her home. Leafpaw overhears Squirrelpaw and Brambleclaw talking about what to do and joins them. They ask her about the fire and tiger prophecy that Graystripe slipped about when they returned and she tells them. Hollykit's death has shaken everyone. Dustpelt now feels that they should leave the forest - and appoint a new deputy. He feels that Brambleclaw should be appointed since he is a chosen one of StarClan's, other cats feel Brackenfur should be. Firestar insists they will not leave until all clans are ready. When be is pressed about Graystripe, Firestar says that for now he will divide Graystripe's duties up between the senior warriors - including Brambleclaw. Firestar speaks to Leafpaw privately, asking if she has had any word from StarClan. She tells him no, but that what divides the clans and makes them four is also what unites the clans and makes them one and they need faith in that and StarClan.

I feel like Leafpaw is being a bit foolish - of course Sasha cares for Hawkfrost. Leafpaw might be questioning if he is a Tigerstar junior but all Sasha sees is her kit.

I am glad the cats were rescued but now I wonder for the plot. How much of the book is going to be spent sitting around waiting to leave.

And as much as I like Graystripe, he is not a very good deputy. I know he is Firestar's best friend, but being the best friend of a leader does not make you a leader. I understand Firestar's reluctance to replace Graystripe so soon - and, in a way, support it, actually because despite my complaining I do want Graystripe back - but the clan cats need clear leadership right now. They need a deputy. So far as I know Firestar has only lost the one life so there is no danger of him dying for good any time soon, but there is clearly a danger of cats being separated. There does need to be a clear chain of command. And, if course, in my opinion Graystripe is more of a loyal, but hotheaded, best friend not a future clan leader. I really miss Whitestorm.

I do wonder how Hawkfrost will respond to no longer being clan leader now that Mistyfoot is returned...

On a final note, as much as I do not care for Blackstar he clearly cares about his clan even though he is not clan born. And it does not come across as a power thing, either. Yes, he is arrogant and aloof but so is the rest of his clan. He did not have to stay when things got tough, but he did. And while some of his orders are questionable he does seem to want to take care of the cats in his charge.

dawn: part one

Firestar and his clan head to the Gathering. They are a mixture of desperate and afraid - and Sandstorm is worried that their daughters will be unable to find them. Firestar insists that at this Gathering the other clans must finally listen to him, but when they reach Fourtrees they see a horrible sight: the Twolegs are cutting the four trees down.

The clan cats return home and are worried about returning to their leaders. They cross into WindClan and a patrol finds them. The patrol looks like they are starving to death and threaten to attack the cats even though they clearly are in no condition to fight. Crowpaw says he must see Tallstar but the cats seem indifferent to both his return and his insistence to see their leader. The cats plan to meet at Fourtrees the next night and Webfoot, who overhears them, tells them that Fourtrees is destroyed. Crowpaw leaves the group and they move forward. They see the damage at Fourtrees and Tawnypelt leaves to return to her clan. Stormfur goes on with Brambleclaw and Squirrelpaw, wishing to tell his father about Feathertail.

Leafpaw awakens in a cage stacked with other cages. Some have cats in them, some are empty. She thinks she hears voices she recognizes but falls back asleep. When she wakes up again the cat in the cage next to her, Cody, tells her that they plan to escape. Leafpaw finds Brightheart, Cloudtail, Mistyfoot, and Gorsepaw (a WindClan apprentice that Mistyfoot was chasing). The Twolegs arrive with another cage and in it is Sasha.

Squirrelpaw, Brambleclaw, and Stormfur arrive at the ThunderClan camp but it is empty, and the clan scent is stale. As they search for the missing cats Cinderpelt attacks Squirrelpaw, not realizing who she is. Cinderpelt tells Squirrelpaw that Leafpaw has been taken and the camp has moved. She is shocked to find out that StarClan spoke to Brambleclaw and three other cats and insists the cats come with her to tell the clan.

Squirrelpaw and Brambleclaw find their clan weary from hunger. Some cats are angry at them for leaving, others are relieved the cats are back. Firestar and Graystripe arrive, and Stormfur has to break the news of his sister's death to their father. Graystripe is devastated. Stormfur leaves Brambleclaw and Squirrelpaw to report to their clan. They speak of Brambleclaw's dream and their journey - and how a dying warrior will show them the way at a great rock. Firestar decides to go with the cats when they next go to the Great Rock to meet the others. Some are shocked at the thought of leaving the forest, but Firestar is determined to hear StarClan out.

So clearly the forest is done here. WindClan has been starving to death for a while now, Blackstar is having his cats eat diseased rats, and ThunderClan is going hungry and has moved. Only RiverClan seems to be untouched - but I imagine that is just a matter of time. But, I imagine that the clans will not see a sign at the Great Rock unless RiverClan is ready to leave - plus the captured cats have to be rescued first. I wonder if this book will largely be sitting around waiting for a sign.

This book seems to be from Squirrelpaw's point of view. I had thought that six cats, six point of views but Feathertail is now dead without one and the books have always been ThunderClan books - but it was nice to hear from Stormfur for a change. But he has always been half ThunderClan because of how deeply he is attached to his father.