warriors: dawn of the clans

This was a nice series and it really brought things full circle. Jayfeather had already discovered the ancient cats left the lake and moved to the mountains to become The Tribe of Rushing Water. Now, here, we discover some tribe cats left and joined with some rogues to create something different - the five clans surrounding fourtrees. Ultimately, the clans will leave fourtrees and return to the lake. Of course, SkyClan is still missing, off on their own. But, it is not like the clans returned to the Tribe so I suppose it is what it is.

It was both sad and exciting to see the birth of the clans. I wish there was more on the moonstone and the birth of the medicine cats, but the focus was more on the birth of the clans themselves (including StarClan). I am hopeful that Moth Flight's Vision will solve this problem, but we will have to see. It was nice seeing where the clan names came from.

Like The Power of Three this series also had no villain. It is easy to paint Clear Sky as the villain, but in actuality he was just misguided and afraid. Instead, if we were to point at a villain, the villain was really themselves. Their inability to realize that different things made different cats happy. Some preferred the moor, others the open forest. Some preferred the river, others the dark forest. The inability to accept this, the desperation of holding everyone together when they just wanted to be free, this is what the villain was. In that light one could even argue Gray Wing was just as guilty as Clear Sky. Where Clear Sky was very totalitarian Gray Wing wanted everyone to stay together.

My only complaint with this story is RiverClan was shoved into the background. Clear Sky had his story and Gray Wing had his (with Shadow Star and Thunder). River Ripple was off doing his own thing for most of the series. Eventually Shadow Star and Thunder would leave Gray Wing but River Ripple was separate from the start and we saw very little of him and the birth of his clan.

While this series was definitely more of a prequel to give background to the main story line it was solid enough to stand on its own and was very good.  

Warriors: Dawn of the Clans

1. The Sun Trail
2. Thunder Rising
3. The First Battle
4. The Blazing Star
5. A Forest Divided
6. Path of Stars

path of stars: part five

Thunder and his cats head to Fourtrees to meet with everyone else. They are going ro do a special ceremony for the rogues officially making them members of their groups. The cats are allowed to take on new names if they wish, as well. Everything goes fine but Ember becomes hostile. Slash arrives, mocking the cats, calling them his weakest cats, and Ember asks to join him. Slash allows him and Thunder worries that other cats might switch their loyalties too - but the rest of the rogues choose to stay with their new homes. Thunder tells Slash that they didn't take his weakest cats, but his strongest. Slash makes a comment about how they pay for defying him.

Gray Wing immediately thinks of Star Flower and her kits. He looks to Clear Sky and realizes he is thinking the same thing. But Slash tells them it isn't Clear Sky he wants revenge against, but Gray Wing. Wind Runner realizes this means Gray Wing's kits. Everyone races to their own territory to make sure everything is okay, but Thunder, Owl Eyes, Pebble Heart, and Sparrow Fur join the moor cats. At the moor camp they find Spotted Fur and Slate badly wounded. Two of the kits are safe but Black Ear is missing. Gray Wing's breathing problems start up again and he is forced to stay behind as everyone races to find the kit. 

Thunder, Owl Eyes, and Sparrow Fur race off while Pebble Heart stays behind with Gray Wing. They follow a trail to a den where Bee must have stayed with the kit during the meeting. A fox is there now and they have to fight it. Clear Sky arrives and helps them. After checking on Star Flower he came to help. They follow the path and reach the Thunderpath where they see the rogues with Black Ear. Swallow is carrying the kit, and as the rogues race across the Thunderpath she drops him.

The rogues race away leaving the kit in danger. Clear Sky runs across, grabbing the kit and bringing him to safety, wounding his tail in the process. It is decided they should all head to Tall Shadow's camp so the kit can be warmed up and Clear Sky's tail can be looked at. Sparrow Fur leaves to fetch Gray Wing while everyone else heads to the pines. Clear Sky sleeps and wakes to find everyone has gone home but Thunder, who is watching over him. The two cats talk and make peace finally. A frantic Slate arrives looking for Black Ear. She insists she has to take him home to say goodbye to Gray Wing. 

Though he can barely breathe Gray Wing waits outside for Slate to return with Black Ear. She arrives with Black Ear and Gray Wing gets to be reunited with his kits. He returns to his den with them, then Thunder arrives with Clear Sky, Jagged Peak, and Pebble Heart. Though his kits don't understand what is going on he gets to say goodbye to his family. He names the groups clans and when his kits ask him what their clan is named he says WindClan. He and his kits give all of the clans their names. Bright Stream, her kits with Clear Sky, and Turtle Tail arrive to take him away. He says goodbye and finds he no longer has any problems breathing. 

I am glad their family could heal in the end. Everyone made peace with each other and Gray Wing got to leave knowing that everything was okay and everyone would be just fine.

path of stars: part four

Clear Sky and his cats head to a meeting at Fourtrees. Clear Sky assumes the meeting is about the rogues that everyone took in. Clear Sky did not take in any if the rogues but he did take in a stray, Red, who had been chased by dogs. At the meeting some cats complain about the rogues struggle or refusal to adapt to group life. Others comment that some of the rogues are doing a great job adapting. Despite some tensions it is decided that they have to continue to trust the rogues and welcome them in the hopes that they will eventually fit in. When everyone finds out that Clear Sky took in a stray named Red, Thunder tells him who exactly Red is and how he led the dogs into Slash's camp. Clear Sky feels uneasy as he had previously trusted Red completely. He takes this moment to apologize to Thunder for not being a better father. At first it seems Thunder might open up to him but he changes his mind. Clear Sky is sad but respects that Thunder needs time.

Gray Wing dreams of racing off through the dark, chasing after his dead friends. He wakes up to Slate going into labor. Reed and Wind Runner kick him out of his den so they can help her. Fern is thrilled his kits are coming and keeps Gray Wing company. She does ask him if she has done anything wrong since she sees the way Wind Runner watches her. Gray Wing assures his friend that their leader just needs time. When Slate is done they have three kits and Gray Wingis both shocked and pleased to realize that while he loves them as deeply as he can imagine, he doesn't love them any more then the kits he has already raised. Gray Wing is resting with Slate and their kits when Jagged Peak and Tall Shadow visit him to see the kits. He and Jagged Peak talk about how Gray Wing already raised so many hits and about leaving the mountains. Jagged Peak admits to always feeling guilty that Gray Wing had to leave the mountains to follow him. Gray Wing assures him that while he didn't want to leave he couldn't imagine his life any other way. As they talk he suddenly struggles to breathe, which catches him off guard since he wasn't exerting himself. He assures Jagged Peak he is fine but his brother looks worried. Another camp mate arrives with news that Fern has been badly wounded. 

Everyone races to Fern, who tells them that another one of the rogues who joined them, Bee, attacked her. Everyone is upset and Wind Runner becomes even more convinced that she cannot trust any of the rogues. Moth Flight helps care for the injured Fern. Later on Wind Runner posts guards to watch the camp. Gray Wing is upset that she wouldn't let him guard and used his new kits as an excuse. As he lies next to Slate he struggles to breathe and fears what this could mean.

Clear Sky is watching his kits and his camp when Gorse Fur arrives with the news of Bee's betrayal. This causes Clear Sky to worry about Red and he hatches a plan to find out if Red is loyal or not. He has Nettle and Red hunt for the group, giving Nettle instructions to goad Red into behaving disloyal. However, no matter what Nettle says or does Red will not betray Clear Sky. When Red starts to attack Nettle for his behavior Clear Sky steps in and explains everything. Red accepts that Clear Sky needed to know the truth and Clear Sky accepts Red's loyalty. 

In Thunder's camp Violet is fitting in but Ember isn't. Thunder decides to check on things with River Ripple. Violet comes with him and they confess their feelings to each other. Thunder also tells Violet that if anything were to happen to him, Lightning Tail would be the next leader. River Ripple says his rogues are doing fine and suggests that maybe Ember should leave the group, an idea that Thunder has considered. Violet, however, is opposed and feels that Ember just needs more time. 

I am glad Gray Wing doesn't love his own kits more. I think that would have taken away from him and from his relationships with those he has raised. As much as Gray Wing focuses on raising Turtle Tail's kits and Thunder he never comments on raising Jagged Peak - but he kind of did. Jagged Peak was still a young kit when he left the mountains - not a baby anymore but certainly not grown. Probably the equivalent of an apprentice. He raised him and cared for him before Jagged Peak left ro live with Clear Sky, and when a lame Jagged Peak returned. All his life Gray Wing has raised other cats kits. It seems wrong that he won't get to live to raise his own... Because I am betting he dies before the book is done...

On another (less sad) note, I wonder if Thunder will formally name Lightning Tail as his deputy? At least he and Clear Sky starting to heal their rift. And it looks like Moth Flight is a future medicine cat. Things are wrapping up in the next couple of chapters so I guess we aren't seeing the Moonstone this series, despite Pebble Heart's dreams of it. 

path of stars: part three

Clear Sky has called another meeting so Thunder brings his cats. Everyone talks about how the rogues keep stealing their prey. They share their battle moves with each other so they can become better fighters. Star Flower even shows some of the rogues moves and how to counteract them. Everyone leave the meeting and heads home but Thunder wants to see the rogue camp for himself. He takes Lightning Tail and they hunt, so if they are caught they can claim they are bringing prey. But they get to the camp undetected and are able to spy undetected as well. They see Slash treat his cats horribly, making them starve while he and his friends gorge themselves and fresh prey rots. They see that most of his followers hate him. Thunder also watches as he picks on a cat named Violet, trying to force her to be his mate. Eventually the rogues fall asleep allowing Thunder and Lightning Tail to slip away, but before they do so they hear that Slash intends to attack Wind Runner's camp. They take their prey and leave.

Gray Wing is out hunting with his friends. The past three days he has spent in his nest, struggling to breathe. He feels better now but everyone goes out of their way to make sure he doesn't over exert himself. Everyone is extra vigilant now that they have been warned by Thunder that the rogues intend to attack. As they hunt the rogues do attack. They are badly outnumbered and Gray Wing begins to struggle to breathe. But Reed arrives with the rest of their camp mates and helps drive the rogues off. As Gray Wing tries to get his breath back Slate tells him she is pregnant. 

Thunder wants to go spy on the rogues again, but Lightning Tail sees through him and knows it is because of Violet. However he agrees and they leave. When they reach the rogue's camp they see Violet leading away a hunting patrol. Inside the camp they see Slash training his cats to fight, only he is letting his friends seriously beat them up. As they watch one of the cats who went with Violet, Red, races through the camp with dogs on his trail. Red escapes in the chaos and Lighting Tail plunges in to save the kits who live there. Thunder joins in the fight and they start to beat back the dogs. But when Thunder goes to help a cat cornered by the dogs Slash stops him, saying that the cat needs to prove she is not a burden. Thunder watches as the cat is killed. In the end there are two dead cats and one seriously wounded. Slash demands to know what Thunder and Lightning Tail are doing there and one of his cats accuses them of being spies.

Thunder and Slash get into an argument with Slash mocking his cats and Thunder defending them. In the end his cats turn against him, saying they don't need them and would be better off with the group cats. This shocks Thunder, who never intended to take any cats in. Slash leaves with his followers. Lighting Tail fetches Pebble Heart, Violet and her group return, and Thunder is left trying to figure out what to do with all of these cats.

Lighting Tail fetches Gray Wing and tells him everything that has happened. Gray Wing doubts this will be the end of Slash. He follows Lighting Tail to the rogues camp and helps Thunder figure out what to do with everyone. In the end it is decided that they should spend the night at Wind Runner's camp. They bury their dead and take a badly wounded Frog with them. But Frog dies on the journey and Wind Runner is upset with Gray Wing's decision. In the end she respects it, telling them they can bury Frog then go to her camp for the night.

I feel like this is it. The clans are growing, all the rogues have been absorbed, borders are being established. I'm impatiently waiting for the Moonstone but I'm beginning to doubt it is going to happen. And I'm sure this isn't the last of Slash. When will they become clans? When will they take their names? 

path of stars: part two

Gray Wing, Lightning Tail, Leaf, and Reed meet with Fern, who tells them where Star Flower is being kept. While Lighting Tail and Leaf distract the guards Gray Wing and Reed recuse a half-starved Star Flower. The rogues quickly realize what is happening and attack. One of the knocks Star Flower down roughly. Gray Wing tells Reed to get Star Flower out of there. During the fight Gray Wing has a hard time breathing but manages to get away. He hears a cry and realizes it is Star Flower. He races to her and Reed, where Reed tells him the kits are coming - far too soon.

Even though Gray Wing can barely breathe he races to Tall Shadow's camp for help. Mouse Ear, Sun Shadow, Holly, and Pebble Heart help. They reach Star Flower and bring her back to camp while Gray Wing searches for Clear Sky. He finds him with the other leaders. Wind Runner returns with the cats so she can help Star Flower. The kits are born safely and it is agreed that Star Flower should stay for a few days until it is safe to move the kits. 

Thunder goes to visit the kits and finds Clear Sky's camp under guard to make sure Slash doesn't attack again. Clear Sky won't let him see the kits as they are still too young, but he is happy to see Thunder. Despite this Thunder feels a bit sad over how protective of these kits Clear Sky is. He worries that Clear Sky will retaliate against Slash but Clear Sky assures him he won't. However, Thunder feels they haven't seen the last of Slash. Back at his camp Thunder finds his cats arguing - Slash and his rogues stole prey from the hunting patrol. Lighting Tail suggests they train to fight and everyone is happy with this decision. 

Gray Wing heads towards the meeting that Thunder has called with his group. Wind Runner is upset that Slash has been stealing their prey and Gray Wing believes it is probably happening to all of the groups. At the meeting it is revealed that everyone but River Ripple's group has been stolen from. It is also decided that everyone is going to practice fighting moves and that Gray Wing will spy on the rogues. Gray Wing reaches Slash's territory and talks with Fern who tells him that Slash won't stop and while he is full most of the cats in their group go hungry. She also tells him that if it comes down to a fight some of the rogues will fight on the side of the mountain cats. Gray Wing returnshome, struggling to breathe, and reports to Wind Runner.

Clear Sky and some camp mates are out hunting when they run into Slash, who takes their prey. Clear Sky won't let his cats fight him and his rogues. Slash mockingly let's Clear Sky keep a rabbit and leaves. Clear Sky brings it to Star Flower but she refuses to eat it until everyone else has eaten. Another patrol comes back with a little more food so Star Flower trades the rabbit for something smaller so there is enough food for everyone. 

I'm glad Star Flower's kits seem to be doing fine - and that she is turning into a real warrior cat. Refusing the prey so the group can eat was very good of her.

I'm also glad to see so many things falling into place. The full moon meetings, warrior training, patrols, etc. When will they become clans? When will they discover the Moonstone that Pebble Heart has dreamed of?

path of stars: part one

Gray Wing dreams of Turtle Tail, who tells him she is happy he found Slate. She tells Gray Wing of how loved he is, and how he will be loved even after- but here she breaks off. Gray Wing asks her what she means but instead of getting an answer he wakes up to find himself happy and beside Slate.

Clear Sky returns to his camp to find that Quick Water has already broken the news of Star Flower - only she has made it sound like Star Flower left willingly. Clear Sky tells them that she was kidnapped and won't be returned unless they share their prey. Everyone has differing feelings on whether or not Star Flower should be rescued but some cats agree to go with Clear Sky and speak with the other leaders.

Thunder and his cats are going about their lives. He is worrying about what would happen if he were to die. Would the group stay together? Would they join other groups? Would they become rogues? Clear Sky's arrival interrupts his thoughts. He comes with the news of Star Flower's abduction and the demand for prey. At first Thunder wants to help his father get Star Flower back - without sacrificing prey - but his camp mates are dead set against helping. And Thunder is forced to privately admit that Clear Sky has never helped him. In the end he turn Clear Sky down. Clear Sky is angry that Thunder won't help him and claims it is because Star Flower chose him over Thunder. Clear Sky and his cats go to speak with the other leaders. 

Gray Wing is out with a hunting patrol that includes Moth Flight. Everyone is frustrated by how oblivious Moth Flight is, especially when Gray Wing chases a rabbit right past her. Then, to make things worse, Moth Flight is more worried about Gray Wing's breathing then the rabbit that just got away. Slate convinces Gray Wing to go back to the camp and rest. When they reach there they find Clear Sky with Tall Shadow. Slate fetches Wind Runner while Clear Sky tells Gray Wing of Star Flower's abduction. However, when Wind Runner gets back to camp she has no interest in helping Clear Sky. Gray Wing convinces her to attend the meeting. Clear Sky and Tall Shadow leave to speak with River Ripple. They do tell Gray Wing that Thunder has refused to help. Gray Wing tells Clear Sky he will speak with Thunder. The visiting cats leave and Gray Wing tells Wind Runner he has a plan.

The time of the meeting comes and Clear Sky is worried how it will go - and whether or not Thunder will arrive. He gets there and is happy to find his son, but also feels resentful that Gray Wing was able to convince him where he was not. But he does admit to himself that Gray Wing is Thunder's father. The meeting happens but Slash didn't bring Star Flower and everyone refuses to share their prey. Clear Sky panics, begging Slash for his mates return and promising all the prey he can catch. But Slash is uninterested and leaves. Clear Sky is devastated that his friends wouldn't save Star Flower, but they tell him he is overreacting and tell him to come with them.

So, Gray Wing is going to die. This is so devastating. Probably right after he has kits with Slash because that would be so typical. 

While I do feel for Clear Sky, and I do believe Star Flower is loyal to him, I am glad to see that she is still working on gaining everyone's trust - even cats in her own group. I'm sure she will get there one day and I do feel bad for Clear Sky that not everyone believes Star Flower was taken against her wishes but really after the way she behaved...

a forest divided: part seven

Slate and her brother, Cricket, are out hunting when they run into a fox. Slate realizes the fox is starving, just like them, and just might actually kill them. Slate gets badly wounded and Cricket freezes. As she creams his name he snaps out of it and attacks the fox. But Slate doesn't see anything else as she passes out from her injuries.

Slate wakes to find a strange cat checking on her. He is relieved to find her alive but when he breaks the news of her brother's death she wishes for death. He tells her he will get his mate and kits to watch over her while he gets help. The mate and kits arrive, but the mate is clearly hostile. She introduces herself as Wind Runner and as she and Slate talk Slate comes to realize Wind Runner is just worried for her kits. Gorse Fur returns with Cloud Spots. Cloud Spots tends to her wounds and then informs the moor cats that Slate has to go with them to their den to rest and recover. Wind Runner is clearly unhappy and wants Cloud Spots to take her to stay with his group. But Cloud Spots says she is too wounded and Wind Runner's camp is closer. Slate insists she is going off on her own but quickly realizes that isn't happening as she is too injured. Wind Runner allows her to stay - with the understanding it is only temporary.

Time has passed and Slate is healing well. She knows she will have to leave soon. Wind Runner and Gorse Fur's kits are sad about this but Slate says she will visit. She asks where their parents are and they tell her they are out looking for the fox. Gorse Fur and Wind Runner come back and ask Slate if she will watch their kits while they try to kill the fox. Slate feels this is an awful idea as the fox is exceptionally vicious - and if Wind Runner and Gorse Fur die they will be leaving behind their kits. Slate insists she go after the fox. It is decided that Slate and Wind Runner will go after the fox. Slate wants to avenge her brother's death and she figures she will die in the process and get to join her brother. The next day they go after the fox and defeat it. Slate's wound opens during the fight and she realizes she doesn't want to die after all. She wakes up back in Wind Runner's home with everyone - including Cloud Spots - watching over her. Wind Runner invites her into their group and Slate happily accepts.

Poor Slate. Losing her brother like that. At least she realized she didn't want to die and found a group who (eventually) welcomed her. And now she has Gray Wing. Though, Gray Wing wasn't in "Thunderstar's Echo"... He was spoken of in the past tense...

a forest divided: part six

Thunder wakes Clear Sky so he can go to his mother. Clear Sky is leery of entering the den but Star Flower encourages him. He enters and Quiet Rain starts talking to Shaded Moss - who no one else can see. She is happy her sons are here and Shaded Moss explains to her why she needs to forgive Clear Sky, that nothing could avert the battle. Quiet Rain tells Clear Sky to forgive himself - though he is unsure for what - and she dies.

Thunder sits vigil with his kin and Sun Shadow. When it is time they decide to bury Quiet Rain's body at Fourtrees. They decide River Ripple should be present so Star Flower volunteers to go get him. They also decide to continue to give Wind Runner her space. They bring Quiet Rain's body to Fourtrees and bury it. The spirit cats arrive to greet her. Bright Stream greets Clear Sky and Thunder looks to Star Flower to see if she sees what is going on, but the she is absorbed with being there for Sun Shadow and doesn't notice. S

Bright Stream tells Clear Sky that they must forget their past, no matter how much they love it, and choose their paths. When the spirit cats leave Clear Sky feels this means they must unite, but everyone disagrees with him. Thunder feels awful, but he tells him that he cannot return, that he must go be with his own cats, but that Clear Sky will always be his father. When he looks to Clear Sky he is surprised to realize that his father is making peace with his decision. Thunder heads home, where he finds Lightning Tail has made a nest for him and that Leaf and Milkweed are inseparable. 

Clear Sky and Star Flower leave. Gray Wing starts to go with his group but stops and tells Tall Shadow he must leave her. He says his goodbyes to Pebble Heart, who tells him be must follow his heart, and seeks out Wind Runner's camp. He asks her if he can stay and she welcomes him - as does Slate, who is happy he has returned for good.

Clear Sky lays next to Star Flower in their nest. He thinks back on his return to camp. Everyone was happy to see him return - not so much Star Flower, who everyone had assumed ran away. He wonders if there was gossip about Star Flower while he was gone. He wishes everyone could see how loyal she is and reflects that even Tall Shadow, Gray Wing, and Thunder saw her loyalty. He sleeps and dreams of Storm. Storm tells him he must forgive himself and look to the future, not the past. He wakes when he thinks he hears his name. Star Flower isn't in their nest but he hears her cry and so he seeks her out. He finds her with three other cats, one of whom is Slate. He realizes quickly that something is wrong when Star Flower is too scared to leave them. Slate says he was a friend of One Eye, and that he and Star Flower were to marry. Slate also tells Clear Sky that once the rogues hunted for them but now all the rogues have been recruited by the groups. Slate wants a new system where the groups hunt for him and his cats. He wants a meeting with all the leaders to discuss this or he will kill Star Flower. He and his cats leave - and drag Star Flower away with them. Clear Sky finds Quick Water, who heard everything. She feels Star Flower is back with her own people and was in on it with Slash. Clear Sky refuses to believe this but Quick Water tells him none of the other leaders will fight Slash and bid cats for Star Flower. Clear Sky leaves her, feeling the other leaders must help him no matter what.

I am inclined to believe Star Flower wants to stay with Clear Sky and not Slash, however Quick Water has a valid point. But, she swayed Thunder so for now I will believe in Star Flower. But Quick Water is right - the other leaders might turn their backs on Star Flower. 

I am glad Gray Wing has returned to the moor. Now we need the full moon meetings at Fourtrees and the new moon meetings at the moonstone and I will be happy. (Also, Wind Runner has to return to the fold.) 

a forest divided: part five

It all comes out about the division of territories, the battle, and the deaths. Quiet Rain is furious. She sends away Gray Wing and Jagged Peak. Alone with Clear Sky she disowns him. Clear Sky leaves and Star Flower comforts him.

Thunder wakes up in Tall Shadow's camp. He has sent Lightning Tail on home. He watches Jagged Peak's kits for a bit but Jagged Peak gets upset, feeling that they are playing dangerously and Thunder isn't stopping them. He debates asking Tall Shadow if he can hunt but then Pebble Heart needs him to help get some herbs down Quiet Rain. Thunder is able to get the prickly elder to take them by eating one himself. Thunder finds himself talking to Quiet Rain about his father, even defending him. Quiet Rain observes that he must love his father very much, which catches Thunder off guard. Thunder and Quiet Rain hear Clear Sky and Star Flower arguing outside Pebble Heart's den. Star Flower is telling him to go in there and be with his mother before it is too late; Clear Sky is arguing she doesn't want him. The two cats come in and as Thunder watches Quiet Rain with her son he realizes just where Clear Sky got his bad traits from. When Quiet Rain finds out that Star Flower is pregnant she remarks to Thunder that he will have siblings. This shocks him and he is sad to realize he will never really know them now that he lives in a different camp. Jagged Peak and Gray Wing also come in and the three brothers quickly start fighting. Star Flower breaks them up and Thunder realizes that he would never have been happy with her, but she might be exactly what Clear Sky needs. Outside the den Holly starts to panic as she cannot find her kits.

Everyone quickly splits up and offers to take different areas - even Fern helps. Gray Wing is left in the camp to watch over Pebble Heart and Quiet Rain. Clear Sky is shocked to see Thunder and Star Flower go off together to search. He himself searches an area of the pine trees and finds the kits up in a tree trapped by a crow. He saves them from the crow and gets them down.

As Gray Wing sits with Quiet Rain she wakes up. When she asks where everyone is he tells her everyone is out looking for Jagged Peak's kits. She is annoyed that Jagged Peak let them wander from the camp, but she also admits that he has done good for himself since he has a mate and kits. She asks Gray Wing why he does not have a mate and Gray Wing admits that Turtle Tail was his mate and he helped her raise her kits, but she died. Quiet Rain is happy to hear that he finally noticed Turtle Tail but she wishes for him to stop mourning her death. Clear Sky returns with the kits who are freezing. They cuddle with Quiet Rain to warm up, as she has a fever. 

Everyone seems to be waiting for Quiet Rain to die. As for Sun Shadow, he seems to be finding a place in Tall Shadow's group. Same with Fern. Gray Wing, however, needs to move on already.

I was surprised to see Thunder work with Star Flower so willingly. I am glad he realizes she is not the cat for him. Looks like Star Flower might not be playing any games. This is a good thing as I think everyone needs to heal and move forward. Her and Clear Sky being together still feels wrong to me, but if Thunder can find happiness and peace in the situation that is all that matters. 

a forest divided: part four

Thunder is worried about Quiet Rain and tries to bring her back to his camp to see Cloud Spots but she refuses. He tells them be will be back, he just needs to let his cats know where he is going. He finds Milkweed hunting near the camp and tells her what is going on. He goes back to the mountain cats and takes them by way of River Ripple's land so he can avoid Clear Sky, using the argument that the moor is easier to cross. They meet River Ripple who tells Sun Shadow that his father was a fine cat. Sun Shadow realizes his father is dead and Thunder is forced to tell him what happened. River Ripple realizes Thunder is deliberately leaving out certain information and keeps silent. He helps Thunder lead them on. It comes out that Thunder is Clear Sky's son and Quiet Rain asks after Bright Stream, assuming she must be Thunder's mother. But Thunder is forced to tell her that Bright Stream died long ago and that Storm is his mother - and then that even Storm is dead. The four cats cross the Thunderpath and search out Tall Shadow's camp. Thunder wonders how Tall Shadow will break the news of the rift between Quiet Rain's sons.

They reach Tall Shadow's camp and at first the reunion is happy but then Tall Shadow admits that Gray Wing is missing and bad been for days. Pebble Heart quickly intervenes by treating Quiet Rain. River Ripple leaves and Thunder tries to follow but Tall Shadow asks him to stay. Jagged Peak arrives but that doesn't help things since Quiet Rain feels that his kits are rude and she is devastated to find him lame. Tall Shadow asks Thunder to find his uncle. 

Gray Wing is happy with Wind Runner's group. He feels he should return home but finds excuses to keep delaying. Thunder arrives looking for Gray Wing and finds him. He tells him how he found Quiet Rain and Sun Shadow and brought them to Tall Shadow. Gray Wing leaves with him. On the privacy of the moor Gray Wing asks why not take them to Clear Sky. Thunder admits to the falling out between him and his father. On the way to Tall Shadow's camp Gray Wing gets caught in a Twoleg trap and becomes injured. They realizethe smell of blood will draw other animals but they cannot figure out how to free him. Fern arrives and is able to help. Thunder is suspicious of her but Gray Wing is welcoming. She tells him that Slash has been redirected but it won't last for forever. They reach the camp but instead of finding comfort in Gray Wing, Quiet Rain only becomes more upset as he is freshly injured. 

Thunder sits with Gray Wing and Fern, wondering if he should leave. Fern too wonders if she should go but Gray Wing convinces her to stay. Tall Shadow is not happy that Gray Wing had invited an outsider to their camp but when Fern offers to leave Tall Shadow insists she can stay. Thunder wonders if he should mention Slash but decides that is Fern and Gray Wing's business. Jagged Peak is hostile towards Fern, but Holly is welcoming. When Jagged Peak makes a comment about strays Thunder finds himself speaking up in Fern's defense. Quiet Rain wishes to see Clear Sky so Gray Wing asks Thunder to go get his father. Thunder doesn't want to as he hasn't spoken to his father since their fight. He and Gray Wing argue over this but Thunder agrees to go. He leaves the camp and stops by his own to check in and give everyone an update. He finds Leaf and Milkweed getting along great. Lighting Tail goes with him to Clear Sky's camp. Everyone wakes up when he arrives and he discovers Clear Sky and Star Flower are expecting kits. He tells Clear Sky about Quiet Rain. Star Flower wishes to go with him but he insists she stay behind because of her condition. Thunder rudely tells her she isn't family. Acorn Fur calls him out on his rudeness but Thunder doesn't care because he is hurt that Clear Sky clearly cares more for these kits then he ever did for him. They reach Tall Shadow's camp. Clear Sky speaks to his mother while Gray Wing apologizes to Thunder for his earlier harshness. Star Flower arrives, much to everyone's shock. Clear Sky leaves Pebble Heart's den to collect his brothers as Quiet Rain wishes to speak with them all at once.

I don't remember Quiet Rain being this difficult of a cat. I get she arrived and found nothing like she expected but still. She is awfully sharp. A bit like MouseFur but lacking something that MouseFur had.

a forest divided: part three

Thunder over sleeps, which causes he and his father to get into a fight when he finally wakes up. Clear Sky refuses to let him go on any of the hunting patrols - or even to leave the camp. Thunder repeatedly tries to convince but only succeeds in irritating himself and his father. Clear Sky insists Thunder has to stay in the camp so he can go patrol the borders alone. Suspicious, Thunder agrees. He asks Lightning Tail to watch the camp so he can follow his father but his friend insists on going with him. They leave Leaf in charge and follow Clear Sky. They discover he is meeting with Star Flower in secret. Thunder feels a mixture of emotions ranging from betrayal to shock. Lightning Tail assures him that Clear Sky cannot possibly be falling for a trick of Star Flower's and they leave.

Thunder angrily waits for his father to return to camp. When he does he confronts Clear Sky about his rules for the cats hunting. They get into an argument because Thunder wants to send out more patrols over the whole of their territory but Clear Sky feels he needs no cats advice -and that he rules absolutely. This leads to an even bigger argument when Thunder admits to spying on his father. He tells him he is just worried that Star Flower will manipulate Clear Sky too and begs him not to see her anymore. Clear Sky says he will think on Thunder's advice and tells him to go hunt, since that will make him happy. Thunder runs into Star Flower who confronts him about following her. Thunder tells her he was following Clear Sky and warns Star Flower to stay away from him. Star Flower responds she didn't realize Thunder still had feelings for her and tells him they can never be together. Thunder insults her then gathers Owl Eyes to go hunting. Leaf asks to go as well and Thunder let's him. As they hunt Leaf starts to talk about how unhappy he is with Clear Sky. Ever since the battle he feels Clear Sky is being soft. He is especially upset that Milkweed and her kits were taken in since he feels they are dead weight. After they hunt Thunder happily returns to camp with prey only for Lightning Tail to tell him Clear Sky left with Star Flower. Thunder realizes this is the real his father sent him hunting. Furious, he settles down to wait for Clear Sky's return. 

Clear Sky races through the forest with Star Flower. They go to snakerocks and talk. Star Flower wishes to be with him and feels that Thunder will get over it. Clear Sky wishes this is true and justifies being with Star Flower by telling himself his son wouldn't wish him to be lonely. They return to camp to find everyone fighting. Leaf is furious that Milkweed and her kits ate his catch. Blossom defends them saying they are starving while Leaf is not and that everyone is sharing the prey they caught. This leads to a new argument over how everyone should be hunting and contributing to the camp (like Milkweed, who Clear Sky will not allow to hunt). Clear Sky tries to put his foot down by pointing out he is the leader, he decides who hunts, who leaves camp when, and how much hunting should be done. He tells Leaf if he is so unhappy he should leave, because only cats who wish to be there belong there. Thunder speaks up, saying he agrees with Clear Sky so he is going. Clear Sky is shocked, as this is not what he meant. He asks Thunder why and Thunder responds that he cannot stay and watch cats starve. This leads to an argument between father and son with Thunder accusing Clear Sky of being so determined to be right that he would refuse to admit it if he were wrong. Leaf speaks up, saying he is leaving with Thunder. Lightning Tail, Owl Eyes, Cloud Spots, and Pink Eyes also announce they are leaving. Clear Sky cannot believe this is happening and asks Thunder to speak with him in private. As they talk Thunder explains that he cannot live with a cat who has no respect for his ideas and he cannot watch his father be with Star Flower. Clear Sky accuses him of acting like a spoiled kit but Thunder counters that Clear Sky refuses to listen to anyone but himself. Clear Sky retorts that if Star Flower had picked Thunder he wouldn't leave. Thunder responds that Star Flower would never have chosen him because he is not enough like One Eye. Thunder and his cats leave while Clear Sky is reeling from Thunder's accusation. Star Flower comforts him, telling him it is best that Thunder goes so only loyal cats are left behind. 

Thunder leaves camp with the cats he is now responsible for. Lightning Tail asks why he didn't tell him he was planning on leaving. Thunder responds it was a quick decision. Owl Eyes says he hears someone following them but Thunder brushes him off. Leaf goes to check it out when everyone else hears it too. Pink Eyes strains and becomes panicked, sending Thunder after Leaf. Thunder finds Leaf and Milkweed arguing. He allows Milkweed and her kits to join them, much to Leaf's annoyance. They find a sheltered ravine to sleep in and settle down for the night.Day later Thunder is out hunting for his group when he runs into a strange cat. The cat comes from the mountains and has a companionwho is sick. Thunder goes with the cat and meets Quiet Rain. He gives her his prey. As they talk he discovers the other cat is Sun Shadow and they are looking for Gray Wing, Clear Sky, Jagged Peak, and Moon Shadow. The thinks on Clear Sky and decides not to go there. Instead he tells them he knows Tall Shadow, Gray Wing, and Jagged Peak. He tells them that they live in the pines and he will take them there.

I knew this would happen. I mean, there is the obvious ThunderClan/SkyClan situation, but Thunder and Clear Sky just clash to much. Clear Sky is a control freak whereas Thunder is willing to lead with others. The forest needed to divide and there needed to be five groups. And now it is that way.

I just hope Clear Sky isn't being a fool over Star Flower since it just cost him his son.

I also bet Thunder will not find Gray Wing in the pines since his heart (in more way then one) lies on the moor.

a forest divided: part two

Thunder sits with Clear Sky, watching as Acorn Fur trains Owl Eyes and Sparrow Fur how to hunt. Clear Sky butts in to her training session and overrules her. Thunder notices Acorn Fur is upset but she says nothing. She and the kits leave and Lightning Tail arrives, looking for his sister. Clear Sky tells him she just left. Lighting Tail can't smell her trail which annoys Clear Sky. Thunder assures him that with time he will be able to differentiate between the forest smells. He asks Clear Sky if he wants to go for a walk, but Clear Sky becomes offended, accusing Thunder of trying to show him around his own territory. Thunder assures him that is not the case but Clear Sky won't listen. Instead he says he will patrol his boarders and asks Thunder if he wants to come along. Thunder is frustrated by how Clear Sky turned everything into a battle, but agrees. Lighting Tail whispers a comment to Thunder about Clear Sky's attitude. Father and son take off and Thunder feels that Clear Sky is deliberately picking the most difficult trial for Thunder to follow. Since Thunder keeps tripping over roots he follows a trail parallel to Clear Sky, but that only makes Clear Sky angry. When Clear Sky freezes Thunder thinks there is danger ahead, but it is only kittypets. Clear Sky contemplates asking kittypets to join them when they run into Star Flower. She and Thunder clash over her father - and what both of them perceive as the others betrayal. Clear Sky intervenes, saying the blame for One Eye should go to him, not his son. Star Flower plays on Thunder by hinting she might starve to death. Clear Sky doesn't want anything to do with her but Thunder convinces him to take her in. Clear Sky agrees with the understanding that Thunder explains her presence.

Gray Wing is out hunting. He catches a lizard when Pebble Heart finds him. Pebble Heart insists he come back to camp and get treated for his breathing. Pebble Heart, Holly, and Gray Wing get talking about making better nests. Pebble Heart leaves to get some herbs and when Gray Wing looks anxious (because he is thinking of Slash and Fern) Mud Paws offers to go with him. He starts to help Holly with building her den but Jagged Peak pushes him away, saying it is his kits and he will help build it. Gray Wing diplomatically leaves and notices Tall Shadow looking uneasy. Slate arrives for a visit and asks Gray Wing to visit, but he feels he cannot when he doesn't know what is going on with Slash and Fern. Mouse Ear talks about hunting so Gray Wing starts to organize a hunting patrol. This angers Tall Shadow and Jagged Peak, who accuse him of bossing the cats around and trying to take leadership back. Gray Wing tries to defend himself but Tall Shadow won't listen - and tells him that he isn't as healthy as he used to be. Mid-argument Gray Wing takes off because he smells Fern. Tall Shadow calls after him, telling him she was only thinking of his health, but he is determined to prove her wrong.

Gray Wing finds Fern and confronts her. He realizes that although she has been spying on them she really knows nothing. He tries to convince her to tell Slash to leave them alone. She tells him she will lie to Slash and say they found a rich hunting ground beyond the pines, but that it is only a temporary solution and Slash will come eventually. After that he goes hunting a catches a rabbit. He realizes another cat and her kits were tracking the rabbit too. As they are half starved he gives them the rabbit and tells them to seek out Clear Sky's camp. Exhausted, he sleeps on the moor. 

He finds himself in Stoneteller's cave. She tells him that he cannot change the past, just the future. He wakes up to Slate screeching. He finds her under attack from a fox. After he helps her fight the fox off she brings him back to Wind Runner's camp so Reed, a cat who lives with them, can treat his wounds. Gray Wing finds Wind Runner happy in her new home, though overprotective of her kits. He keeps trying to leave, worried that his friends might be worried about him, but everyone convinces him to stay and rest. He falls asleep, deciding he will return home after a nap.

Clear Sky watchesover his camp in satisfaction. He also watches Star Flower, feeling she is a bit arrogant since she doesn't contribute much. He thinks back to when Star Flower joined their camp, and how upset Leaf and Lightning Tail were. However, he has to admit, she is trying to fit in. As Clear Sky watches Star Flower he realizes Thunder still has feelings for her - and that Star Flower knows this. He decides he has to talk to Thunder, but he feels he needs to wait for the right moment so his son will listen to him. Clear Sky decides to patrol the borders on his own. Star Flower follows him. The two cats talk and Clear Sky begins to wonder if he has finally found a cat who will be loyal to him. He orders her to obey and gain his trust. She agrees to do that.

First of all, I hope Clear Sky isn't going to be an idiot and fall for his son's ex - especially when that ex betrayed everyone. And, more importantly, that would be a massive betrayal of his son. Second of all, Clear Sky wants to unite the cats but he is acting like an arrogant jerk and is only succeeding in driving them away. Now I'm even more convinced that this title is about Clear Sky and Thunder splitting into two groups with the way Clear Sky is treating his son.

Meanwhile Gray Wing, Tall Shadow, and Jagged Peak clearly need to have a talk. And Gray Wing really needs to tell everyone about Slate and Fern. But instead he runs off mid argument to confront Fern - which is good but instead of returning home he escapes to the moor. He needs to settle things with Tall Shadow before finally realizing he is in love with Slate. More importantly, I'm sure everyone is freaking out over his disappearance. 

a forest divided: part one

Clear Sky finds himself with the spirit cats. He sees the other leaders there too. Storm approaches him and tells him that they grow tired of waiting. Clear Sky is confused by what she means. She reminds him that they are to grow and spread like the blazing star. Storm leaves to talk with Thunder and Fluttering Bird comes over, furious with him for not obeying them. She tells him he just follow his heart and find his home. When he wakes up he decides that Fluttering Bird meant the cats should all live together so they can grow and spread.

Clear Sky heads to his brother's camp so he can share Fluttering Bird's news. He catches a rabbit along the way and enters the camp. He finds Thunder and Gray Wing discussing hunting and the weather. Thunder is upset to discover Clear Sky hunted on their land. Clear Sky is confused since he thought the cats were growing closer and he brought it for Jagged Peak and Holly. Clear Sky is eager to talk to them and Tall Shadow. When Tall Shadow arrives he talks about their dream with the spirit cats and how the spirit cats want all of them to band together. However, Thunder, Gray Wing, and Tall Shadow disagree with him. Tall Shadow wishes to move to the pine trees, Thunder tells him he can't kill cats over the borders that he created then reject them, and Gray Wing tells him that other cats have feelings about where they want to live too. Clear Sky is devastated that they are rejecting his plan outright. Thunder flat out tells him to leave. Tall Shadow suggests waiting until the storm passes. Upset, Clear Sky goes.

Thunder feels guilty, feeling maybe he was too hard on his father. Tall Shadow sends him after to make sure Clear Sky gets home okay. He meets up with Clear Sky but then they run into a badger. Clear Sky gets wounded so Thunder takes him back home. Everyone is upset with him for bringing Clear Sky back but Thunder felt he had no choice. Thunder and Jagged Peak get talking and Jagged Peak decides that too much time has passed. He jumps up on the rock next to Tall Shadow and tells her they need to settle this. Thunder feels that they should wait until Clear Sky is gone but Dappled Pelt tells him they have already waited too long. Everyone gets swept up in the excitement of leaving the moor and it is decided that stones will be used to make their decision. 

Everyone gets a stone and it is decided that four circles will be made: one for Clear Sky's camp, one for the pine trees, one for the moor, and one for River Ripple's camp. Wind Runner is not included as she wants space from all the cats for now. Everyone is excited that they get to pick where they want to live. Gray Wing tells everyone that Turtle Tail said they should follow their hearts. Thunder is shocked, since that is what Storm told him, but he is unsure of what to pick. Sparrow Fur and Owl Eyes pick Clear Sky's camp. Gray Wing is sad, but tells them they must follow their hearts. Pebble Heart chooses to go with Tall Shadow so Cloud Spots chooses to go with Clear Sky. Pebble Heart is worried to lose his mentor, but Cloud Spots assures him he will do fine and points out that the healers should split up. As everyone picks their group Thunder is shocked - and a little upset - by Jagged Peak's boldness. He tries to tell himself that Jagged Peak's confidence is a good thing. Unsure, Thunder picks Clear Sky's group. It is what Lightning Tail has picked and he sees the desperate look in Clear Sky's eyes. He feels his father needs him and some support for right now. He says his goodbyes to Gray Wing, who is sad to be losing two of Turtle Tail's kits. But Gray Wing feels he must stay with Pebble Heart and Tall Shadow for a bit longer. 

Gray Wing says goodbye to his kits. He watches as Pebble Heart and Cloud Spots say goodbye to each other. They agree to meet at every new moon at Fourtrees. Gray Wing falls behind the group. He overhears two cats - Slash and Fern. Slash is cruel and is forcing Fern to spy on them in their new home. Slash mentions Star Flower betraying him. Gray Wing catches up to everyone and because of his breathing Jagged Peak has to help him cross the road. Gray Wing doesn't want to spoil Tall Shadow's happiness so he decides to keep quiet for now about what he overheard. Jagged Peak makes a comment about Gray Wing's state that upsets him. He snaps at his younger brother and Tall Shadow diplomatically intervenes. Gray Wing feels becoming a father hasn't made Jagged Peak confident, just arrogant. 

Three things.

One, Clear Sky is clearly misinterpreting what the spirit cats want, however for once I don't think it is because he feels he knows best and everyone else knows wrong. He genuinely seems to want to bring everyone together. I don't know how he would really feel about having too many leaders in one camp, though. I just hope Thunder and I are right about his motives. Clear Sky can be an arrogant, know-it-all jerk.

Two, speaking of arrogant jerks... What is up with Jagged Peak? Both Thunder and Gray Wing feel put off by the way he is acting. Will he become Tall Shadow's new second-in-command? Will someone tell him to knock it off? I'm glad he has found a new level of confidence, but that doesn't give him the right to treat others the way he is treating them. Once he would have been beyond mortified if someone told him he was acting like Clear Sky - now I think he would just be furious.

Three, Gray Wing really should have told Tall Shadow about Slash and Fern... I have a bad feeling about this...

Actually, four things. Does the title - "A Forest Divided" - refer to Clear Sky and Thunder? Thunder will never be happy in his father's camp. And we know he eventually goes on to form his own. With only one book left that has to happen soon. At least they have finally broken into four camps. But they need five - Thunder and Clear Sky still need to split.

No, five things. I was so excited to see the birth of the new moon medicine cat meetings - even if they are taking place at fourtrees. When will they discover the moonstone? Especially since Pebble Heart has been dreaming of it since he was a kit?

the blazing star: part seven

Sun Shadow is out exploring the tribe's territory. He knows he needs to get home soon - his mother, Dewy Leaf, worries about him and her new mate, Sharp Hail, will be upset with him for upsetting his mother. He finds a cave and looks into it but a bunch of bats startle him. He heads home after dinner to Sharp Hail's anger. His punishment is taking care of Stoneteller. Normally Sun Shadow doesn't see this as a punishment, but Stoneteller has been sick. Stoneteller is sleeping so he leaves her den. Thinking on his father he wishes to follow him on the sun trail. Quiet Rain sees Sun Shadow is hungry and shares her food with him. Sun Shadow talks about his father, Moon Shadow. He wishes to know him and feels that his father is a hero for leaving the tribe. Quiet Rain points out that in leaving the tribe, Moon Shadow also left behind his pregnant mate. He realizes how lonely Quiet Rain is since she has no mate and all her kits have either died or followed the sun trail. He returns to Stoneteller. She is speaking to cats he cannot see - one of whom is Fluttering Bird. He realizes she is speaking to them about her upcoming death.

Stoneteller's vision fades and Sun Shadow leaves her. He goes to his family's sleeping spot. His mother is awake and he asks her what would happen if Stoneteller were to die. She seems frightened of this possibility but assures Sun Shadow that a new leader would step forward. She hints that it could be Sharp Hail. This news upsets Sun Shadow, as he feels like he would lose what little freedom he has. He returns to Stoneteller and cares for her. Stoneteller assures him that after her death a new Stoneteller will be named. She then tells Sun Shadow that he won't see this. Leaving her to rest he goes outside, where a hawk attacks him. After fighting it off he realizes he must leave. He returns to Stoneteller to let her know he has made his decision. That night as everyone sleeps he tells his family goodbye. Quiet Rain stops him from leaving but before she can say anything Stoneteller dies. Sun Shadow races away before anyone notices and can stop him. He runs blindly, only seeking to place distance between himself and his tribe. A voice calls out after him. It is Quiet Rain. He fears she will try to make him return, but instead she wants to join him. They race off into the night before they can be stopped.

I was a little confused at first over this story, but as Sun Shadow continued to speak I realized he needed to leave. He felt stifled by his family and had a burning desire to meet his father. Poor Sun Shadow, he will reach the clans only to find his father dead. I hope he finds the life he is looking for. And I hope Quiet Rain is happy with her decision to leave her dead daughter behind. I hope she finds her sons and is able to find a life with them.

the blazing star: part six

Gray Wing is upset that his battle plans fell apart, but he is even more upset by the betrayal of Thunder. The cats are forced to retreat, abandoning Clear Sky, but a new plan is quickly formed by River Ripple and Gray Wing. The cats double back and climb a tree, using Sparrow Fur as bait. They then attack One Eye and his rogues. In the end it is Thunder who kills One Eye. Star Flower grieves the death if her father but Thunder orders her driven away.

Star Flower begs Thunder to forgive her, telling him that she really does care about him, but he does not believe her. Tall Shadow leads an expedition to get the flower they need for the sickness. Clear Sky is wounded and Gray Wing goes with Tall Shadow, leaving Thunder in charge. Thunder again tells Star Flower to leave. She asks for her father to be buried. Thunder agrees. When he announces this everyone is upset since they feel One Eye does not deserve it - but Thunder points out that they are different then One Eye. Everyone approves his words and Clear Sky supports his decision. After One Eye is buried, Star Flower gives him a loving eulogy much to the shock of all the cats. River Ripple speaks up and gives One Eye a short, carefully worded eulogy. Cloud Spots returns to the forest with Clear Sky so he can tend to the cat's wounds. Some of the moor cats go with them. Star Flower leaves and River Ripple assures Thunder that there will be other cats, but Thunder is not sure.

Clear Sky heads to his camp with the moor cats. Acorn Fur finds them and is thrilled that they have come to save them. Clear Sky tells her that One Eye is dead and he is here to take back leadership. She tells him to come quickly, giving the impression that something is wrong. She leads them to Petal and her kits, vanished from the camp and dying from the sickness. Petal dies before they can do anything. Cloud Spots stays with the kits to wait for the blazing star. Clear Sky enters his camp, but finds his leadership challenged by Snake. Sparrow Fur arrives and attacks Snake, snapping the other cats into action. They support Clear Sky and Snake leaves, refusing to live under Clear Sky. Tall Shadow arrives with the flower, and the news that Holly is having her kits early.

At the moor cat camp Thunder realizes that Tall Shadow wishes to live in the swamps. When he confronts her about it she refuses to answer him. Holly is in labour but Thunder knows he would just be in the way so he goes to sleep. Gray Wing wakes him up. They are being called away by the spirit cats. They arrive at fourtrees to find the other leaders there. They realize this is a dream and that is why only the leaders are there. The spirit cats tell them that while they have dealt with One Eye they still need to spread like the blazing star. The dream ends. Thunder and Gray Wing discuss it and decide to see in the morning if Tall Shadow also had the dream. She did so the three cats go back to Fourtrees. There they find the rest of the leaders and discuss the dream. Gray Wing tells them that he believes he knows what it means.

One Eye is defeated and I am willing to bet Gray Wing is going to suggest they break into five groups. With so much resolved (or about to be resolved) I wonder what will happen next?

the blazing star: part five

Clear Sky and his companions make their way back to the moor camp. Jagged Peak is upset as he tells Gray Wing of their failure. Gray Wing, however, is not surprised by this turn of events and is happy they ran away. He has a plan which he reveals later on that night. He wants to lure One Eye to an area where they can attack him and drive him away. Thunder insists they don't kill him, feeling they would be no better then One Eye if they were to do so. Clear Sky agrees, but privately feels that is impossible. Star Flower shows up, asking about their plans and offering to help them fight. Lightning Tail makes it clear she isn't wanted. He quickly destroys the plans Gray Wing has drawn into the earth, but Clear Sky notes that she has already seen them. Star Flower leaves, with a promise to see Thunder later. Thunder begs her to stay but she refuses. Thunder is upset with everyone for refusing to act more welcoming but he stays so the plans can be finished. Clear Sky volunteers to lure One Eye to the spot, since he knows One Eye hates him.

Gray Wing goes to survey the area for the battle and runs into a fox. Slate saves him and he finds himself confessing their plans. She offers to help by watching Wind Runner and Gorse Fur's kits for them.

Thunder and Lightning Tail go to ask Wind Runner and Gorse Fur for help. On the way they get into a fight when Thunder finds out Lightning Tail is expecting an apology from him for going off with Star Flower to watch the sunset. Lightning Tail has no real complaint against her other then a gut feeling and the fact that she is a rogue. Thunder angrily points out that he himself was born a rogue. They speak to Wind Runner then move off to River Ripple's territory. On the way there they get into another fight and actually attack each other. They speak to River Ripple then return home. Star Flower is there, waiting for Thunder. Lighting Tail stalks off, disgusted. Star Flower tells Thunder she has found some of the flower they need and she will take him to it. Thunder isn't as happy as she expects, and she comments on this. Thunder realizes he is suspicious of her motives. He brushes off his feelings and goes with her, telling her all about their battle plans along the way.

Clear Sky watches the cats in the camp as he thinks on Star Flower. The flower she led Thunder to was the wrong type. Clear Sky is unsure if the cat is trustworthy but Thunder is clearly in love. He leaves to go set their plan into motion. He approaches the trees where Acorn Fur finds him. She tells him that she has been volunteering for extra border patrols in the hope of finding him. He tells her of their plan. The rogues call out to her and she tells them she has an important message for One Eye.

Thunder and Lightning Tail wait. Thunder wonders where Star Flower is. He and his best friend start to get into yet another fight over the rogue, but Lightning Tail admits he is just worried that Thunder will get hurt. This starts to heal the rift between them. They watch Clear Sky wait for One Eye. The rogue shows up, having traveled through the tunnels. The fight between Clear Sky and One Eye starts. Thunder and his friends race to help when suddenly One Eye's rogues show up. Thunder wonders how One Eye could have possibly learned their plans when he hears One Eye call out to his daughter - Star Flower.

I was beginning to feel like Lightning Tail was overreacting when it came down to Star Flower. I'm glad to see that is not the case. Though, Thunder was a fool to tell her their plans like that. I don't care if he is in love with her and trusts her - she is not a part of this battle so she should never have been given this sensitive information. Hopefully the fight goes well for Gray Wing's group now that their surprise attack has been foiled.

the blazing star: part four

Clear Sky heads back to camp when Petal confronts him, feeling there is something wrong with Alder. Clear Sky dismisses her concerns, feeling that Alder is just tired, but Petal is unconvinced. One Eye appears, telling Clear Sky that he said this would happen. Clear Sky realizes his cats are not standing up to One Eye, and One Eye declares that he has taken over the group. One Eye let's Clear Sky leave, feeling that this will hurt more then a fight. Unsure that his cats even want him there, Clear Sky heads out. On his way, however, he breaks Sparrow Fur out of a makeshift prison that One Eye has her in. Together, the two cats race from the forest.

Gray Wing realizes it is time to go home, so he leaves River Ripple. On his way he meets Wind Runner, who tells him that she is starting her own group. She admits that right now it is just her, Gorse Fur, and their kits but she hopes more cats will join them. Her friend Slate is visiting her. Slate walks Gray Wing part of the way home. When he gets there Tall Shadow is happy to see him, but he is unsure that this is where he belongs.

Thunder is out hunting with Lightning Tail and Owl Eyes. Owl Eyes is worried about Gray Wing, and feels it is his fault his adoptive father won't come home. After catching some prey the cats head home. They run into Star Flower, who wants Thunder to spend some time with her. Lightning Tail becomes upset when Thunder agrees to go off with her. Star Flower shows Thunder a secret spot to watch the sunset. He asks her about the blazing star and Star Flower says she knows all about it, and that it is a healing plant. Thunder feels so happy watching the sunset with her, but once it is done she becomes very brisk and leaves him. He heads back to camp to find Gray Wing and Clear Sky there with the news that Clear Sky has been kicked out of his own group. Jagged Peak interrupts them to say that Holly is sick.

Clear Sky is forced to admit to everyone not only how awful One Eye is but also that Sparrow Fur was in a trap. Thunder tells everyone that the blazing star is a healing herb. Everyone wants to go off after the blazing star and One Eye at once. Gray Wing calms everyone down and points out that it is too soon to go after One Eye - he will be expecting it. Gray Wing says the priority is gathering the flower. Thunder admits that Star Flower told him it is a healing herb and Lightning Tail is furious, feeling that Star Flower is probably lying. Thunder wants to lead the expedition to get the flower but Gray Wing tells him no, he is needed to protect the camp. Instead he makes Jagged Peak leader of the expedition, much to Clear Sky's shock. He also realizes just how badly he has damaged his younger brother's self esteem. Jagged Peak wants to stay with Holly, but she insists he go. Gray Wing also picks Lightning Tail. Clear Sky realizes this is because the young cat is on edge and will be on the lookout for trouble. Clear Sky volunteers to go as well. Gray Wing is unsure, but tells Clear Sky he can on the condition that he understands this is Jagged Peak's mission. Clear Sky agrees, but privately he has reservations.

Clear Sky stays in Gray Wing's den, sleeping, until it is time to go. As they make the journey Clear Sky and Jagged Peak start to heal the rift between them by talking about Jagged Peak's upcoming kits. Clear Sky even apologizes to Jagged Peak for kicking him out of their group. Lightning Tail is still upset, feeling that Star Flower is lying to and using Thunder - though, he does admit he can't figure out why. The cats make it safely across the Thunderpath to collect the flowers, but on the way back One Eye and his rogues attack them. Acorn Fur attacks the rogues, giving her brother and friends a chance to escape.

Things are moving along here. One Eye was never going to go away. Clear Sky should have been better prepared for this. He did the right thing by saving Sparrow Fur, however. He is starting to change as a leader and that is good. And he is working to heal things between himself and his younger brother. This is also good and shows a lot of growth on his part that he can admit his own shortcomings.

As for Star Flower, part of me feels like Lightning Tail is overreacting but another part feels like he might be correct. However, I can't see how Star Flower is a bad guy. So far all she has done is pretend to be mysterious and flirt with Thunder. But her briskness after watching the sunset confuses me. Is she actually flirting with Thunder or is she just leading him on? If she is flirting she is acting odd. If she is leading him on I cannot figure out why.

On a final note, two things. One, it looks like Gray Wing might have found a new mate. Two, Wind Runner might have left the moor cats but she clearly isn't ready to forget all that she has learned. I am convinced she is the Wind of WindClan, but she has left the group so clearly she needs to return. Or maybe the moor cats will leave? I suspect Tall Shadow wishes to leave.

the blazing star: part three

Clear Sky watches on as One Eye and Tom train his cats in fighting moves. Tom leaves to find a rock at One Eye's order and Sparrow Fur arrives, looking for her father. One Eye challenges her as an intruder. He tells her that she must fight him and win to prove she deserves to see Tom. Clear Sky decides to put a stop to it, but One Eye points out that she challenged him so she should fight him, arguing that life outside of their groups operates differently and she needs to understand this. Clear Sky agrees, feeling uncomfortable but finding logic in One Eye's words. However, the fight does not go as Clear Sky imagined it would and One Eye tries to kill Sparrow Fur. Everyone is horrified and Clear Sky tries to stop him. Tom returns and attacks One Eye while Clear Sky and the others race to Sparrow Fur. Everyone works to stop the bleeding. They realize the fight between One Eye and Tom is over with. Clear Sky turns to them to deal with them and finds Tom dead. One Eye is dismissive of killing Tom, arguing that Tom challenged him so it was fine to kill him. Clear Sky sends everyone back to the camp. Then he tells One Eye to get out. One Eye is furious, mocks Clear Sky's rules, and implies more cats will die. He leaves but doubles back and attacks Clear Sky. He leaves again but implies that this isn't over.

Gray Wing wakes up to discover he has slept in. One of Wind Runner's kits has the sickness and she is upset. Gray Wing also discovers that Jagged Peak has given Sparrow Fur permission to visit Tom. He is furious with his younger brother, feeling that Sparrow Fur is too young to go to the forest alone. As upset as his is,though, Jagged Peak calms his down by pointing out the kits have to grow up sometime. He then tells Gray Wing that Holly is pregnant and he is going to be a father. Gray Wing realizes that in protecting his brother he might have held him back. Thunder returns from gathering herbs and makes an announcement about the sickness. He then pulls Gray Wing aside to ask him for advice but Gray Wing decides he has to let Thunder figure out being a leader on his own and declines to help. Gray Wing spots Clear Sky racing over, wounded.

Clear Sky breaks the news to Gray Wing about One Eye and Sparrow Fur. Gray Wing angrily blames Jagged Peak. Jagged Peak apologizes but points out he could not have foreseen this. Gray Wing wants to hurt him as badly as he is feeling and even goes so far as to say Jagged Peak doesn't deserve to be a father. Jagged Peak attacks Gray Wing and the two cats fight until Holly and Clear Sky break them up. Holly is furious with Gray Wing. Clear Sky wants Gray Wing to take Sparrow Fur from his camp, feeling she isn't safe there. Gray Wing tries to take Owl Eyes and Pebble Heart with him but Pebble Heart feels he has to stay with Wind Runner's kit. Owl Eyes goes with Gray Wing. Gray Wing asks him why Sparrow Fur would visit Tom. Owl Eyes tries to explain that they just want to know their father but his words hurt Gray Wing, and Owl Eyes can see that. Gray Wing tells him that Tom is now dead. Owl Eyes is too upset to go and get his sister so Gray Wing has to go on alone. Gray Wing reaches Clear Sky's camp but Sparrow Fur won't go home with him. He is upset but relents when he sees how tired she is. He leaves and heads for Fourtrees. While there he contemplates how no one seems to need him and how he keeps seeming to get in the way. River Ripple arrives and invites Gray Wing to come home with him. Gray Wing accepts.

Thunder watches for Gray Wing. It has been three days and still he has not returned home. They have already checked with Clear Sky and sent out a search party but no one has found the cat. The next morning Thunder sees someone approaching the camp. Thinking it is Gray Wing he races off to greet him. He is disappointed to find Clear Sky instead. Clear Sky has come to discuss the sickness. Tall Shadow suggests they all meet at Fourtrees at sunset. As Thunder waits for sunset Morning Whisker, Wind Runner's sick kit, dies. They bury the kit then Wind Runner announces she and her family are leaving the hollow. As Wind Runner and Gorse Fur leave with their kits, Thunder wonders if he will ever see them again.

Thunder and the others head to Fourtrees where they meet up with Clear Sky and his cats. River Ripple arrives with Gray Wing, much to Thunder's joy. But Gray Wing isn't as happy and he tells Thunder that for now he is staying with River Ripple while he thinks on things. Thunder is upset and confused with Gray Wing's decision to remove himself from the group. The leaders start the meeting. Talk is largely of the sickness and what to do about it. Gray Wing speaks up and says the cats should separate - he also points out that they have too many leaders for their groups. Thunder is shocked at Gray Wing's words, but he is even more surprised when Tall Shadow speaks up and says she likes the marshy area across the Thunderpath. It is decided that for now nothing will change and the cats break up. Thunder cannot believe that both Gray Wing and Tall Shadow want to break the groups up even more. The strange cat from before approaches Thunder again. She introduces herself as Star Flower, and after briefly flirting she leaves again. Thunder and Tall Shadow lead their group home. Thunder confronts his partner about her desire to leave, but Tall Shadow dismisses Thunder's feelings pointing out that for now she is staying.

So, yeah. One Eye. Bad news. Majorly bad news. Clearly insane bad news. I cannot believe he attacked Sparrow Fur like that - or killed Tom for no reason. There is no way we heard the last of him.

As for poor Gray Wing, his life is clearly falling apart. He was never my favorite cat, he was too prone to making mistakes and regretting them but refusing to apologize for them. A bit too much like Clear Sky, in a way. But it must be hard, realizing your children want to see their *real* father, realizing that in protecting your younger brother you were holding him back (which, yay on Jagged Peak finding a mate and having kits!), realizing what stepping down as leader really means, etc. It is a bit childish not going back home, but I understand the need to clear ones head. 

Lastly, when is Tall Shadow going to leave and start ShadowClan? And when will Wind Runner take over WindClan? And when will Thunder move to the trees? 

Also, Star Flower is clearly evil.

the blazing star: part two

Clear Sky is out wandering his territory when he runs into Tom. Tom argues to Clear Sky why he should join his group. Clear Sky accepts him, but then Tom brings out another cat, One Eye, and assumes he is welcome too. Clear Sky realizes he has been had and is upset. One Eye attacks Tom for introducing him, saying he can speak for himself. He then catches a bird to show Clear Sky that he is worthy of joining the group. Clear Sky is unsure about Tom and One Eye, and One Eye's behavior is violent and upsetting, but he feels it is better to have the cats in his group then wandering around.

Clear Sky, Acorn Fur, Tom, and One Eye are out in the woods when they hear someone approaching. Tom takes off to confront them and Clear Sky races after, since they are no longer guarding borders.  It is Gray Wing, Thunder, and Mouse Ears. Gray Wing is furious to find Tom, since he had stolen Turtle Tail's kits. Clear Sky is shocked that those were the kits who Tom was with. Mouse Ear is angry that One Eye is in Clear Sky's group, and he warns Clear Sky that the rogue is dangerous. Tom taunts the moor cats over Turtle Tail's death, much to Clear Sky's shock. There is also upset over Clear Sky's admission that he is training his cats to fight, but he points out that there are dogs and foxes to consider. Everyone calms down and parts ways, but it was not a pleasant meeting.

Thunder ponders over his father's words and actions as they head back to their group. Tall Shadow and Gray Wing call a meeting. Mouse Ear's friends are upset that One Eye is a part of Clear Sky's group. Likewise, the moor cats are upset that Tom is living with Clear Sky. Gray Wing speaks of the wisdom of training their cats to fight. Jagged Peak wants to learn as well. Thunder goes to dissuade him but Holly tells Jagged Peak that every cat can train. Turtle Tail's kits are confused why everyone is upset that Tom is in the forest. Gray Wing tells them it doesn't matter what their father did in the past. Sparrow Fur is determined to find out what that is. Thunder, Lightning Tail, and Holly train the cats in fighting moves. Mouse Ear trains with Pebble Heart, but the young cat becomes upset. Thunder realizes it is not Mouse Ear who has upset him, but rather a dead mouse that Mud Paws has found. The mouse died from a sickness, and Pebble Heart is worried. Gray Wing and Thunder dispose of the body.

Back at the camp, Gray Wing reports on the sick mouse. The discussion leads to the spirit cats and Tall Shadow asks Gray Wing if they should tell their new rogues about them. Gray Wing feels they should or they will just hear it from someone else. The rogues are shocked to find out about spirit cats, and just as confused over their claw message. Mouse Ear, however, wonders if the blazing star might be a flower with five petals that he has seen growing across the Thunderpath. Excited speculation immediately breaks out and everyone starts talking over each other. Tall Shadow thinks it means returning to the mountains, Owl Eyes thinks it means following a shooting star, and Wind Runner another fire. Jagged Peak starts to say something about the number of petals when Gray Wing cuts him - and everyone else - off. Jagged Peak looks hurt, which makes Gray Wing feel guilty, but Holly immediately cheers him up. Tall Shadow decides to lead an expedition to the flower.

Thunder, Tall Shadow, and the new rogues go to look for the flower when Tall Shadow realizes most of the moor cats are following them. In the end it is decided that Mouse Ear alone of the rogues will accompany Thunder and Tall Shadow. Pebble Heart also goes with them. Gray Wing is upset to be let behind in charge of the camp. As they make their way to the area where the blazing star grows One Eye attacks Thunder, mistakenly thinking Thunder is trying to steal his prey. Thunder is annoyed with One Eye since they are supposed to be at peace. Pebble Heart realizes the prey carries the sickness and tries to stop everyone from touching it. One Eye doesn't listen and Thunder has to wrestle him away from the prey. Clear Sky shows up and asks what is going on. One Eye says nothing, but Thunder explains. Clear Sky is upset the moor cats were investigating the flower without him and he also questions One Eye about the sickness - but One Eye is evasive in his answers. They quickly invite Clear Sky to come with them and he sends his cats - including One Eye - back to their camp. One Eye is unhappy about taking Clear Sky's orders, but he obeys. Mouse Ear tells Clear Sky that he made a mistake in allowing One Eye into his group but Clear Sky bristles under the accusation. The cats cross the Thunderpath and find the flower. Everyone muses as to what it could mean. Thunder notices that the five petals are pointing away from each other. He asks Pebble Heart if he has any ideas. The young kit says no but Thunder suspects he isn't telling the truth. The cats head home with the flower, Clear Sky bringing some for River Ripple as well. Tall Shadow feels that the swamp area is beautiful, much to Thunder's confusion.

First, One Eye is clearly bad news. I wonder if he will be the obstacle to overcome in this book? I feel like the story is floundering a bit, but maybe that is just me and my impatience. Also, all the signs point to the five petals and five clans. Thunder notices the five petals pointing away from each other and even Jagged Peak even seemed to sense the answer lay in the petals.

the blazing star: part one

Gray Wing finds himself in the mountains. He follows Stoneteller into her room, where she tells him that in order to survive he must be flexible. She also tells him that a great future awaits him and the other cats, but that it will not wait for forever.

Tall Shadow announces that it is time to bury the dead. Thunder and the other cats move to action, first digging a hole then filling it. Some words are spoken with the resolve of this never happening again. Clear Sky looks to the future, and the hope that the spirit cats will tell them what to do. Thunder and Gray Wing realize that this was Clear Sky's problem all along - he was drowing under the responsibility of leadership. Gray Wing steps down as co-leader of the moor cats and appoints Thunder in his place, making Clear Sky, River Ripple, and Tall Shadow with Thunder the new leaders. Tall Shadow wants a promise that there will be no more fighting and that any cat who needs help will receive it. Thunder and the others agree.

Tall Shadow announces that it is time for everyone to go home. River Ripple offers to open his home to whoever wishes. Everyone breaks into two groups, and Thunder is shocked to see Acorn Fur join Clear Sky. She tells Lighting Tail and Thunder that she cannot return to the moor when their parents are not there. Both Thunder and Lightning Tail are upset with her choice, but Thunder convinces his best friend that they need to respect it. Thunder wishes to go to the forest too, but he knows Tall Shadow, Gray Wing, and Lightning Tail need him. As they head back to camp Thunder scents some rogues and calls out to them. Three cats (Holly, Mouse Ears, and Mud Paws) step from the trees. They admit to witnessing the battle but give to hint to seeing the spirit cats. They ask to join the moor cats group.

Almost a moon has passed since the fight, and Gray Wing is at Fourtrees. River Ripple finds him there and tells him he needs to move forward. They agree to meet again at the next full moon and Gray Wing heads home. Gray Wing finds life continuing on as normal at the camp, where training sessions are going on. He is upset to hear Holly teasing Jagged Peak, but Cloud Spots intervenes, telling Gray Wing it is not what he thinks. Gray Wing then asks Pebble Heart if he has had any new dreams. The young kit says no, but Gray Wing suspects he is lying. However he doesn't push him, feeling that Pebble Heart will speak when he is ready.

Gray Wing and the moor cats head to Fourtrees on the full moon. Everyone waits for the spirit cats to arrive and they do. Rainswept Flower congratulates them for their peace then warns them that there is still a problem, which she refers to as a "claw" that "blights the forest." The moor cats fear this means secret battles have been going on. Turtle Tail speaks up, explaining that they will understand in time. Everyone ponders their words. River Ripple points out that what will happen will happen so there is no point in fretting on it. Before the spirit cats go they tell everyone to look towards the Blazing Star. Everyone fears another battle might be coming. They had hoped the spirit cats would give them direction, but now they feel as lost as ever. A random female shows appears, interested in what is going on. She refuses to answer Thunder's questions but flirts with him before leaving, much to Gray Wing's amusement.

Nothing much happened here. I am curious what the blazing star and claw are. I am also wondering when the borders will be re-erected. Plus the Moonstone, plus five groups instead of two...