thunderstar's echo: part two

Thunderstar and Lightning Tail run from the dogs, but the four of them herd them together and trap them between them. Thunderstar tells Lightning Tail to run towards the trees while he runs in the opposite direction. It works and Lightning Tail breaks free and the dogs chase Thunderstar. He doubles back and races to the trees, but the dogs catch him. They bite into him as he struggles to break free. Then Lightning Tail is there, fighting the dogs. They break free and race into the woods, leaving the dogs behind. Exhausted, they lie down to rest. Thunderstar wonders if they are dying but Lightning Tail reminds him that he has received nine lives from StarClan. Thunderstar remembers that Moth Flight brought Windstar to the Moonstone so Windstar could be given nine lives. After that the other leaders went. Thunderstar knows that Windstar died and came back, but he didn't see it and isn't sure it is true. Blackness claims him. He wakes up to find himself and Lightning Tail fine in a safe clearing. Thunderstar feels they need to get back to their clan immediately. Gray Wing arrives and Lightning Tail realizes they are dead. After talking for a bit, Thunderstar says good bye to his friend and wakes up. He sits vigil by Lightning Tail's body.

The next morning, Thunderstar hides Lightning Tail's body then goes back to the fence. Deciding that stone and brambles don't work he looks around. He sees a large boulder and is able to dislodge it by digging away the dirt in the front. It rolls down the hill but hits something and goes off course, getting stuck. Unable to move it again, Thunderstar needs a new plan. He hopes that if the twolegs realize the fence is broken there they will fix it. Gathering his courage, he sneaks into the camp. Making sure the twolegs are paying attention he yowls to rouse the dogs and then races through the hole. The dogs give chase and he runs away. Eventually he realizes the dogs are not following him and he looks back. The twolegs have a hold on the dogs are a fixing the fence. Happy that his plan worked he goes back to Lighting Tail and buries him, sad that his friend is dead but relieved that the dogs will not bother them again.

Thunderstar quietly enters the camp. He nods a greeting to Leaf but says nothing. Everyone is asleep so he goes to his den. Violet Dawn is there sleeping, and he curls up with her but he is unable to sleep. He disturbs her and she wakes up. He tells her of Lighting Tail's death, and his own. Her cries of grief wake up the clan. Thunderstar goes out to address everyone. He is worried they will blame him for Lightning Tail's death, but instead they speak of their fond memories of him. Days later everyone is still grieving. Violet Dawn tells Thunderstar he needs to put a stop to it by naming a new deputy. She suggests Owl Eyes since he was acting deputy while they were away and he did such a good job. Thunderstar isn't ready to name a new deputy yet, but he understands he needs one. Before he can speak the words, however, Violet Dawn realizes the kits are coming.

Cloud Spots and Shivering Rose herd Violet Dawn into the nursery. Thunderstar sits outside and finds himself confessing his fears of being an awful father to Owl Eyes. Owl Eyes is amused, and tells Thunderstar that compared to loving and taking care of an entire clan, loving and taking care of kits should be easy. Violet Dawn has four kits, and as Thunderstar looks at them he realizes how silly all of his fears were. Loving them is the easiest thing.

The clans meet at Fourtrees. Thunderstar asks to go first and everyone starts talking about his kits. He tells everyone that he and Violet Dawn had four, and everyone expresses happiness. Skystar speaks warmly, saying how happy he is to have more kin. Thunderstar is surprised at his father's words and feels happy - he also acknowledges privately that he still seeks his father's approval. He then speaks of Lighting Tail's death, and everyone mourns him. He speaks of sitting vigil by Lightning Tail's body. Riverstar says it is a good idea to honor the dead and Shadowstar puts forward the suggestion that maybe this should be a practice they all adopt. The leaders ask if he has chosen a new deputy. He looks out over the other deputies and then at his own clan. He knows he needs to pick a new deputy but he misses Lightning Tail. He names Owl Eyes his new deputy. His clan cheers and Owl Eyes looks on in shock. Later he apologizes to Owl Eyes for springing it on him and asks him to be his deputy. Owl Eyes agrees and tells Thunderstar he would be happy to serve his clan. Thunderstar goes to lie down with Violet Dawn and their kits. He tells her he named Owl Eyes, which makes her happy. She tells him he needs to name the remaining two kits since she has already named two. He does so. As a thunder and lightning storm breaks out he reflects on how he misses Lightning Tail, but he is happy and one day he will see his friend again.

So Lightning Tail dying was sad, and I am glad Thunderstar solved the dog problem as well as his fatherly fears, but I really don't understand the point of this story. I feel like I am missing something - probably something obvious. But I don't know what I am supposed to be looking for or what meaning I am supposed to be taking away. In the end Thunderstar found peace with his best friend's death and was able to name a new deputy - and learn that life goes on - but I still feel I must be missing something. It is a nice, but sad, message and meaning, but is that all? Or is there something more?

Like... the birth of traditions? Apparently no one has ever sat vigil by a fallen comrade before. I was wondering why Thunderstar didn't bring Lightning Tail's body back to camp so everyone could sit vigil. Now I know why - because that was never done before. Or receiving nine lives. Thunderstar knew that Windstar supposedly died and came back - but he didn't actually KNOW because it had never been done before. He wasn't sure that he actually believed he would come back, but he did. This story seems to be a succession of firsts. Sitting vigil, receiving nine lives, calling those who can catch their own prey - all of these things are a given in clan life but they had to start somewhere and they seemed to have started with Thunderstar's story. I wonder if there will ever be a book series that falls between this story line and Firestar's. One that explains why medicine cats no longer have kits and introduces the new way to name everyone. I got a glimpse into the beginning of the clans, but I would like a deeper peek. But first, I have to read Thunderstar's story.

thunderstar's echo: part one

Thunderstar is out with his deputy Lighting Tail and warrior Owl Eyes and their apprentices Apple Blossom and Snail Shell, respectively. The apprentices are showing off their hunting moves and doing very well. Apple Blossom spots a RiverClan cat across the border and calls out a friendly greeting. Thunderstar is happy. It wasn't that long ago that the clans were fighting, but then they united against the rogue Slash and now peace has been in the forest for many moons. The apprentices want to take a break and rest, so the older warriors tease them with stories of their own heroics when they were their age. As they talk Thunderstar feels grateful to have Lightning Tail for his deputy. Back at camp petty disputes are breaking out. Thunderstar wishes that just because there is no need to fight outside the camp, the cats didn't feel the need to fight inside the camp. Without something to focus on every small thing seems to blow up into a big fight. His adopted daughter, Blue Whisker, does not help. Blue Whisker was given to him by Moth Flight, the WindClan medicine cat. She had kits and gave one to each clan to tie them further together. He loves Blue Whisker as his daughter, but sometimes she seems to enjoy stirring up trouble. He puts an end to the argument between Shivering Rose, Thistle, and Clover as well as another argument between Leaf and Pink Eyes. He goes to his den, wishing to curl up with his mate Violet Dawn, but she isn't there. He finds her in the medicine den with Cloud Spots, the medicine cat, and feels like he is interrupting. Cloud Spots leaves and Violet Dawn tells him she is expecting kits. Thunderstar is overjoyed. That night he cannot sleep so he leaves his den. Lightning Tail is on guard so they talk. Thunderstar admits to being scared that he won't be able to protect his kits. Lightning Tail tells him he cannot protect them from everything and assures him that the whole clan will be there to protect them as well. Then Thunderstar confesses his fear that he won't be a good father. His own father, Skystar, wanted nothing to do with him. Lightning Tail tells him that while Skystar was his father, Gray Wing raised him and cared for him - and he is nothing like Skystar. Lightning Tail's words comfort Thunderstar.

Thunderstar is with Violet Dawn and Milkweed. He is worried the queens - as well as the rest of the clan - are not getting enough to eat. It has been raining for days so all the prey are hiding and the scent trails are washed away. A hunting patrol comes back but they have only caught one mouse and one vole. Milkweed's kits share one while she and Violet Dawn share the other. Feeling frustrated, Thunderstar declares he is taking out another hunting patrol and picks his cats. His clan objects, feeling there is no prey so there is no point in going out. Upset, Thunderstar starts to respond but Lightning Tail cuts in. He talks about what wonderful hunters they are and how the clan cares for each other. His speech rouses the cats and his patrol, along with Lightning Tail, head out into the woods. They have good luck since Apple Blossom accidentally disturbed a mouse nest and Thunderstar finds a large bird. They head back to camp with all their prey. It is not enough for everyone to eat until they are full, but it is enough for everyone to have some. As Violet Dawn heads towards the prey Milkweed stops her, scenting dog. As Thunderstar goes to sniff he hears them barking.

The cats scramble up the trees. Thunderstar looks around to make sure everyone is safe. He sees Violet Dawn, Owl Eyes, and Snail Shell trying to help Clover, who has a sprained ankle. Knowing the dogs will be here any moment Thunderstar decides he has to act quickly. He races at the dogs, hoping to distract them. Two of them chase off after him and he climbs up a tree to escape them. He looks back and sees the three cats standing between Clover and the remaining dog. Violet Dawn goes for the dog's eyes, giving all four of them a chance to escape up a tree. Rain comes, drenching everyone, but the dogs don't leave until nightfall. Thunderstar determines it is safe and tells his clan to come down. The next day the rain has finally stopped and everyone has recovered from the dog attack, but Thunderstar still worries. He decides that peace between the clans has made his clan too complacent, and he is worried the dogs might return. Speaking with Lightning Tail and Violet Dawn, he decides they need to look for the dogs to make sure they are safe. It is also decided that patrols will be stepped up and that the other clans must be warned. Lightning Tail will pick cats to warn the clans but Thunderstar wishes to warn SkyClan himself.

Thunderstar goes to SkyClan territory and runs into Dew Petal and Honey Pelt. Dew Petal is Skystar's daughter and greets him as her brother, asking if she can visit Violet Dawn's kits since they are kin. Honey Pelt is Blue Whisker's brother, and adopted son of Skystar, and eagerly asks after his sister. Thunderstar feels both happy and sad seeing his kin. He is glad that Skystar has finally learned how to he a father but he is upset that he never got that experience. They take him to Skystar and the two leaders talk. Thunderstar tells him of the dogs and realizes that Skystar already knew about them. Skystar tells Thunderstar that they only caught whiffs and he never thought the neighboring clan was in any danger but Thunderstar doesn't believe him. Skystar talks about the odd scent the dogs had and offers to help track them. He disagrees with Thunderstar's idea of attacking them but wants to help in any other way he can. They track the scent through ThunderClan land and across the thunderpath. They follow it to a place where a bunch of twoleg monsters are broken and dead, and realize this is the scent the dogs carried and that this must be their home.

Thunderstar decides he wants a better look at the dogs and their home. He, Lightning Tail, and Violet Dawn discuss plans between themselves. Lightning Tail and Violet Dawn both want hin to join Thunderstar, Thunderstar wants him to stay home. In the end Violet Dawn and Lightning Tail win. Thunderstar calls a clan meeting, but as the sleepy kits try to join he amends it to a meeting for anyone old enough to catch their own prey. He tells of the plan for him and Lightning Tail to go away for a few days to see about the dog problem. He places Violet Dawn in charge with Owl Eyes as her deputy. The next day the two cats leave. Following the trail they come across a rogue nest that was attacked by the dogs. They find a dead cat, which makes Lightning Tail furious because she was abandoned to the dogs. Thunderstar says they should bury her so they do. Eventually they reach the Twoleg place and watch the dogs. There are four now and they are badly mistreated by their twolegs, which makes Thunderstar feel bad for them. The twolegs take them in and the cats look for how the dogs escaped the strong fence. They find a part of the fence that is pulled away from the ground, big enough for the dogs to escape through. Thunderstar wants to try blocking the hole with rocks but as they work it becomes apparent that it won't work. Then he decides to weave brambles into the fence. Lightning Tail likes the idea since the brambles are strong and will poke the dogs and the two cats get to it. But as they work the dogs are let out again. The biggest one sees them and makes eye contact with Thunderstar, causing him to yell at Lightning Tail to run.

So I wasn't quite sure what to expect coming into this. I don't know these characters and have no clue of the story line since I haven't read the prequel books yet. I thought about saving the story until I do but then decided against it since I don't know when I will be buying (and reading) those books. It could be a year from now, after all.

So far this is a good story, though nothing is really happening. Clan life seems to be a bit different. The clans are more friendly. And, Moth Flight, a medicine cat, had kits! And this is okay! And she gave one to each clan to tie them further together! And this is okay! And Thunderstar is actually from SkyClan! And this is okay! This is very different from the Warriors world I am used to. Yellowfang had to hide her kit. Leafpool lost her position as medicine cat because she had kits. Jayfeather and Lionblaze are scorned for being half clan. Yet, it appears, everyone probably has some half clan blood in them. (Leaving aside ShadowClan is half rogue, which everyone conveniently forgets when they are mad at ThunderClan.) And, I get the impression, that the clans are newly formed. Also, the names are different. The leaders have the word "star" added, but there is no "paw" or "kit." And Lightning Tail is not Lightningtail. There seems to be no naming ceremonies. And from the feel of it, when Thunderstar called his clan this was the first time he added the part about everyone who could catch their own prey. And, they have no elder's den. No one is actually an elder, even though they are old. They are still considered warriors. I know I am ignoring the story line itself, but that is because I really don't understand what is happening (beyond there are dogs terrorizing them) and am more focused on the discrepancies.

pinestar's choice: part two

Pinestar has led a raid on WindClan's medicine stores, but it is going horribly wrong. Goosefeather told him that StarClan wanted him to lead this raid, assuring him of their success, but they are being horribly defeated. He sees two cats sneak into the stores, and feels relief, but they are followed by two WindClan cats and the medicine cat, who blocks the door, and Pinestar's relief turns to fear. The fight inside the den spills out, and Morningflower is killed. Bluepaw sees her mothers death, and cries out in agony. Pinestar calls the retreat. Heatherstar tells him the attack was unjust and StarClan would never have granted them victory. Bluepaw keeps begging Morningflower to get up, but she does not. Pinestar goes back to collect the young apprentice. Later on he tells Jake all about the fight. Jake points out to him that at least the cats blame Goosefeather for the defeat. Pinestar counters that he is the leader and is responsible for the cats. He confesses to Jake that he worries about Goosefeather and his prophecies. He also admits he thinks Goosefeather has had a prophecy about him that he isn't sharing. As he visits with Jake another cat named Shanty comes along. Pinestar dozes off listening to Jake and Shanty talk, feeling happy to have no responsibilities right now.

Pinestar and Smallear are dozing in the sun when Smallear tells Pinestar he made the right choice to mate with Leopardfoot. Pinestar doesn't want this conversation with his warrior and is glad when Smallear leaves. But he does wonder if he will have kits with Leopardfoot - and if he could bear to train them to have them fight and possibly die in the service of the clan. Pinestar sneaks off and finds Shanty. Shanty's human comes out to pet her and Shanty convinces Pinestar to let her pet him too. Pinestar does and realizes it is not quite so bad. He and Shanty get into a fight over honor and the warrior code - Shanty arguing that she might not be part of a warrior clan, but she and her twolegs make a clan of their own. Pinestar understands what they mean and they make up. Then they doze off together. As he sleeps he sees Doestar. She speaks to him of the fight with RiverClan over Sunningrocks. His response - a sarcastic reply over how he can't wait for more cats to lose their lives over stones to warm themselves on - shocks Doestar. She reminds him of his loyalty and duty to his clan. She then tells Pinestar that Leopardfoot is expecting his kits. She also warns him that the tom has a shadow over his destiny, and will have the power to destroy ThunderClan. Pinestar doesn't know what to do and Doestar responds that he must teach the tom about loyalty, honor, and compassion to try and avert his dark destiny. Pinestar wakes up and leaves Shanty, feeling ashamed for being with her and also feeling that no matter what he does he cannot escape his duties.

Pinestar sneaks carefully back to the camp. Lionpaw caught him the other day talking to Jake's twoleg, and he lied to the apprentice, saying he only pretended to befriend the twoleg to learn more about kittypets. He doesn't want Lionpaw or anyone else catching him again. In the camp he feels like Bluefur is watching him carefully, looking for hints that he has been spending his time with twolegs. Featherwhisker appears, telling Pinestar that Leopardfoot's kits are coming. Swiftbreeze, her mother, is worried since it is a month early. Featherwhisker asks Pinestar to sit with Leopardfoot, but Pinestar declines, saying he doesn't want to get in the medicine cats way. Bluefur and Swiftbreeze are shocked at Pinestar's response. As the day goes on Pinestar still refuses to visit her. He can feel his clan judging him, but he cannot make himself go into the nursery. When Bluefur announces it is two queens and a tom, all he can think of is Doestar's prophecy. Pinestar races through the trees, unable to face Leopardfoot. He runs to Shanty, unable to keep the prophecy to himself any longer. He finds her and tells her that Leopardfoot had her kits. Shanty is confused, feeling this should be good news. Pinestar starts to tell her the truth but a monster suddenly heads towards them. Pinestar tries to knock Shanty out of the way, getting hit himself. As he loses his second to last life Thunderstar comes to him and tells him the time to make a choice is near. Pinestar wakes up and finds Shanty dead. Her twolegs come out of their den and find her and start to mourn her. Pinestar returns home and seeks out Leopardfoot. She is upset with him for not coming sooner. All three kits are very sick and weak, the tom weakest of all. Pinestar finds himself hoping that StarClan will take the tom before he grows up. Leopardfoot tells him she named the kits. As he looks at them Tigerkit, the tom, opens his eyes and looks and Pinestar, causing him to jump back in shock. When he tells Leopardfoot what happened she doesn't believe him since it will be days before he opens his eyes.

Pinestar dreams of the nursery, of Tigerkit's cold amber eyes, and of blood everywhere. Silvery cats hold him down, telling him his son is evil and the downfall of his clan. When he asks them what to do they tell him to murder Tigerkit. Pinestar yells out no and pushes them away. He wakes to find Goosefeather in his den. Goosefeather asks after Pinestar's dream, but Pinestar tells him it doesn't matter. But Goosefeather tells him it does matter and that Sweetpaw is dead. Pinestar speaks of his hope that everything was better but Goosefeather tells him not to be a fool, and that StarClan has told Pinestar exactly what is going on. Pinestar leaves his den. Tigerkit wants to play with him but Pinestar brushes him off and leaves. He finds himself in twoleg place, at Jake's den. He eats the pellets the twolegs give him and decides it doesn't taste that bad. Lionpaw catches him, asking what he is doing, and tells him RiverClan is invading. Pinestar makes his choice, and tells Lionpaw he will not join the fight and asks the young apprentice to tell the clan he is dead. Lionpaw is angry and refuses to lie for Pinestar because he wants to become a kittypet, and tells Pinestar he should be brave enough to tell the clan himself. Lionpaw races away and Pinestar follows. At the camp he announces his decision to leave them and become a kittypet. Everyone is upset and angry, but Lionpaw speaks up asking if they really want a leader who does not wish to lead. Pinestar tells Sunfall that he knows he is leaving the clan in good hands. Some of the cats wish Pinestar well, while others ignore him. As he leaves he tells Lionpaw that he was right, he needed to tell the clan himself. He tells Lionpaw that he hopes Sunfall names him Lionheart. Leopardfoot tries to stop him, reminding him of their kits. Unable to tell anyone about the prophecy in the hope that Tigerkit will be treated fairly, Pinestar responds that he will be proud of his kits and forces himself to tell Tigerpaw especially of him.

Pinestar goes to Shanty's house folk. At first the male doesn't want him there but the female convinces him it is okay. Pinestar seeks out Jake to tell him that he left the clan to become a kittypet. Jake is impressed and offers to show Pinestar around. Pinestar tells him that he must go home now, his house folk will be looking for him. As he leaves he tells Jake that his new name is just Pine now.

This was a sad story. Pinestar clearly never really wanted to be leader - not because he wasn't capable or didn't care enough for his clan, but because he cared too much. Every death weighed heavily on him and he just wanted his clan to live in peace and safety. But that isn't their way of life. Their way of life is a struggle for survival and it was too much for him.

Then add the prophecy about Tigerkit! And I think Tigerkit did open his eyes, since Pinestar knew his eyes were amber colored. I don't know if StarClan really did send him the dream to kill Tigerkit or if it was just an ordinary nightmare, but I think it is possible. Especially since Goosefeather clearly knew some of what was going on. But either way it showed that the truth of Tigerkit was too much for Pinestar to handle. He couldn't kill an innocent kit, but he also couldn't bring himself to spend time with that kit and try to raise him right knowing the truth that he did know.

I don't know that he made the right decision to leave. I understand why he made it, I'm just not sure it was the right one. With Pinestar gone in theory Tigerkit would grow, judged by his own actions and not a prophecy. But the problem with that is Pinestar knew the truth and no one else did. He knew that Tigerkit could be evil and he wasn't there - and didn't trust anyone else with the knowledge - to make sure Tigerkit made the right choices. And Tigerkit didn't.

I heard a rumor - years ago - that Firestar might be descended from Pinestar. I remember talking to my ex about it when we first started reading these books. The theory was Pinestar had kits with a kittypet and one of those kits was Rusty, which is why he heard the call of the forest and became such a great warrior - he had the blood of a clan cat in him. I was hoping the story would end with a confirmation of that but it didn't. But if Firestar is Pinestar's son, then that would make Tigerstar hate him all the more. Can you image your father having another son, who was half kittypet, and who was better at everything then you are? That would burn Tigerstar all the more.

This was a good story, but it was sad. But it was good to see the why behind some things happening. And for a final thought, what was up with Goosefeather? And that raid on WindClan? Pinestar almost felt as if he couldn't trust Goosefeather. Was it just that Goosefeather also knew the truth? About Pinestar and Tigerkit? Or was it something more? He seemed fine in Spottedleaf's story, but in Pinestar's story he seemed off. I don't know, and my question might never be answered. It could simply be that Pinestar was under so much pressure he was imagining things about Goosefeather. But that raid was still odd.

pinestar's choice: part one

Pinepaw has just been made an apprentice and is out with his mentor, Mistpelt, for the first time. She shows him twoleg place, where a kittypet startles him. They pass some twolegs by the thunderpath. Mistpelt tells him they are building a tunnel. She is worried about ShadowClan invading. They head back to camp where Mistpelt reports to Oakstar. Oakstar is proud of his son, and tells him to listen well to Mistpelt and train hard. A month later Pinepaw is out on a hunting patrol when he hears ShadowClan cats. He calls out an alarm and the hunting patrol faces the intruders. Mistpelt tells him to run back to camp and get help but he ignores her order and chooses instead to fight. They drive the ShadowClan cats off and Mistpelt compliments him for fighting good.

Nettlebreeze tells the assembled apprentices a story about the evil Mapleshade, and how she murdered cats she held responsible for her kits deaths. Fallowsong breaks up the gathering, insisting she doesn't want the apprentices getting nightmares. Pinepaw is sent on a hunting patrol and accidentally comes between a fox and her kits. He debates between running and fighting, knowing that either way he is probably doomed, when another cat jumps over the fence and saves him. They leap up onto the fence where Pinepaw finds out his rescuer is a kittypet, much to his shock. They part ways with Pinepaw wondering if he will ever see her again.

Pinepaw is getting ticks off of the elders when the patrol comes racing in, speaking of kittypets in their territory. Oakstar consents to an attack on the cats. Doefeather, the deputy, picks the cats she wishes to take with her and Pinepaw is one of them. She tells them to rest because they leave at nightfall. The cats quietly invade twoleg place. Doefeather breaks them up into three smaller groups and tells them to attack any kittypet they find. Pinepaw is in a group with Squirrelwhisker and Mistpelt. Hearing a noise, Mistpelt sends Pinepaw to investigate. Pinepaw is nervous to go off on his own but he obeys his mentor. He finds the kittypet who saved him before. She is nursing her kits and ready to defend them. Pinepaw tells her she has nothing to worry about, that he won't attack her. They talk about why the clan cats are there invading. A light comes on and he gets a good look at one of her kits - and his eyes. Mistpelt calls him back and he leaves. Back at the camp Oakstar is pleased with the news of the attack. He is especially pleased with Mistpelt's report that Pinepaw bravely went off on his own, not knowing what dangers may be ahead. Pinepaw is not exactly happy with the praise, since he knows he found a kittypet and refused to attack her. Oakstar names his son Pineheart and his clan cheers his new name.

Leaf bare is ending and Pineheart is relieved. This has been a harsh one, with many cats dying, and as deputy Pineheart was frustrated with his inability to help his clanmates. The clan is happy to see Pineheart and his hunting party return with quite a bit of fresh kill. As the clan divides it amongst themselves, he brings a squirrel to Doestar. Doestar refuses to eat, but Pineheart insists there is enough for everyone. Goosefeather is with her, since she is so weak. Pineheart leaves the den and seeks out Cloudberry. The old medicine cat looks weak, but Pineheart asks her anyway about Doestar. Cloudberry admits that Doestar is on her last life. Pineheart is upset, feeling he is not ready to become clan leader. Cloudberry assures him he will be fine and then leaves him. Pineheart goes back to Doestar, who tells him that her sister Deerpaw was just there visiting her. Upset because Deerpaw has been dead for years, Pineheart asks what she wanted. Doestar admits that Deerpaw wanted her to go with her, but that she didn't feel like leaving her nest just now. Pineheart talks of making the apprentices into warriors and Doestar's mind returns to the present.  Doestar speaks to him of becoming leader soon. Pineheart tries to tell her his time is still far away but she won't hear it. As they talk she collapses. Pineheart is worried for her but Cloudberry shows up and assures Pineheart that Doestar is just tired.

Doestar has died, and Cloudberry alone sits vigil with her in case whatever sickness took her from the clan is contagious. Goosefeather takes him to the Moonstone, where he immediately sees Doestar and receives his nine lives. Thunderstar gives Pinestar one of his lives, and while doing so tells Pinestar that he has a choice to make, and so lo g as he can live with the outcome then he has made the correct one. Pinestar wants to ask Goosefeather all about what happened but Goosefeather is already leaving and Pinestar is forced to follow. Pinestar settles into his life as leader. Feeling bored one day he decides to go for a walk. He finds himself by twoleg place where he runs into a cat who feels he knows him. Pinestar is shocked to realize the cat is right, they do know each other. Pinestar recognizes him from back when he was an apprentice participating in the attack on twoleg place. The young cat is one of the kits he found that night. The cat's name is Jake and they talk. As Pinestar returns to his clan he is happy to have met Jake and hopes to see him again one day.

So, knowing that Pinestar will eventually leave his clan, I assume the choice he will be faced with is staying or going - and he will choose going. Though, I guess the question is why is he going to feel the need to make this choice? Meanwhile, kittypets seem to hold a certain allure to him, unlike the rest of his clanmates. Bluestar (when she is eventually born) has the same allure, but not as bad as he seems to. He didn't participate in the attacks. I understand not attacking the queen who saved him before, but he didn't try to attack anyone else. I'm not sure Pinestar is ready to be a leader... Or even wants to be one...

spottedleaf's heart: part two

Spottedpaw wakes up covered in gross smelling mud. She is supposed to go on a border patrol but Thrushpelt takes her place, telling her to go clean up instead. She sees Thistleclaw and tries to hide from him, but he spots her. He is happy to find out she is not going on patrol and offers to train her with Tigerpaw and Whitepaw instead. They go to the training hollow and Tigerpaw and Whitepaw fight. Whitepaw wins so Spottedpaw gets to fight him next. As they practice, Thistleclaw sees an opening for Spottedpaw to take, one that will insure she wins. He urges her to take it, but it involves attacking Whitepaw on his eyes. Upset, Spottedpaw runs away. She cleans herself off then heads back to camp, telling Thistleclaw that she needs to talk to him. They speak about his training in the Dark Forest and how it makes Spottedpaw uncomfortable. Thistleclaw assures her that he just wants to be the best warrior ever and protect his clan. Spottedpaw wants to believe him since she loves him, but she is unsure.

Spottedpaw dreams of Thistleclaw and a hidden danger. She wakes up out of sorts. Featherwhisker sees her and asks her what is wrong. She feels she cannot confide in him about Thistleclaw and the Dark Forest because then Thistleclaw will get in trouble and she feels he isn't doing anything actually wrong. Instead she confides in him her concerns that some cats seem to enjoy fighting. Featherwhisker tells her that fighting is only a small part of their life, and that love is more important. Across the camp, Spottedpaw sees Stormtail getting ready to go on patrol. He looks sick. Worried, Spottedpaw asks him if he is okay. He insists he is and Bluefur tells her that Stormtail knows if he is sick or not. The cats leave but Spottedpaw is worried. She goes to Featherwhisker and tells him her fears. Featherwhisker agrees and goes to get Stormtail, but Whiteeye arrives with a thorn in her eye. Featherwhisker sends Spottedpaw after Stormtail instead. She finds the patrol and asks them where he is, but the patrol does not know. Spottedpaw finds Stormtail, who has collapsed, and the cats escort him back to camp. Spottedpaw angrily blames Bluefur for not listening to her, but Bluefur retorts that Spottedpaw is not a medicine cat. Thrushpelt pulls Spottedpaw aside to ask her if she truly wants to be a warrior. Thinking of Thistleclaw, Spottedpaw insists she does but Thrushpelt tells her to think on his words.

Spottedpaw dreams herself to the Dark Forest. She finds Thistleclaw fighting with another cat. He is attacking her so ferociously that he is killing her. Much to Mapleshade and Thistleclaw's anger, Spottedpaw interrupts the fight to try and save the dying cat. The cat disappears and Spottedpaw is upset. She asks Thistleclaw how he could do that to a helpless cat, but he insists the cat was not helpless. Spottedpaw tells Thistleclaw that she was asked to be a medicine cat but said no for him. But she also tells him that she cannot be with him if he won't stop coming to the Dark Forest. Thistleclaw insists this is his destiny and he cannot stop. Spottedpaw asks him to choose her instead but he refuses. He tells her nothing is more important then ripping the flesh if his enemies and spilling their blood, showing her just how far Thistleclaw is gone. When Spottedpaw wakes up she wonders what to do. She thinks of going to Sunstar but she knows that no one can guard Thistleclaw from his dreams. She sees Bluefur and Stormtail. Stormtail thanks jer for saving his life and leaves the other two. Bluefur apologizes for her harsh words to Spottedpaw. Bluefur, too, is worried for the future and Spottedpaw wonders if Bluefur dreams of the evil in the Dark Forest. They leave each other and Spottedpaw seeks out Featherwhisker, telling him she wishes to be his apprentice.

Spottedpaw watches on as Tigerpaw is made a warrior. Bluefur is heavy now with her kits. And speculation runs through the camp on who the father might be. Most suspect Thrushpelt is the father. She looks over to Thrushpelt and feels bad that he did not get to see her made a warrior. She can feel Thistleclaw watching her but she ignores him. She fears what will happen if he is made deputy since Sunstar does not have many lives left. Days later Bluefur finally has her kits - two girls and a boy that she names Mistykit, Mosskit, and Stonekit, respectively. Thrushpelt sits with her and comforts her during the birth. Seeing this, Spottedpaw decides that everyone must be right and Thrushpelt must be the father. Featherwhisker teases Bluefur for not letting Thrushpelt name any of their kits and Spottedpaw notices a look in his eyes which makes her suspect that Featherwhisker does not believe Thrushpelt to be the father. As she looks on at Bluefur with her kits, Spottedpaw feels that being a medicine cat is the best thing ever.

Spottedpaw is collecting water for the elders when Thrushpelt returns with fresh kill. Bluefur's kits ask if they can have it and he tells them yes, but Bluefur tells him no, that she just fed the kits. Spottedpaw waits for Thrushpelt to object as their father but he does not, and instead takes his fresh kill to the pile. Thistleclaw and Tigerclaw return from a patrol, speaking of fighting kittypets who invaded their territory. Sunstar is shocked since they just renewed the scent markers. Spottedpaw sees Fuzzypelt limping and sees to his paw. He got a splinter in the fight and Spottedpaw pulls it out. She realizes the splinter was not from a branch, but instead from a fence, and confronts Fuzzypelt about it. Fuzzypelt insists that what they did was okay but he acts guilty and evasive. He leaves and Bluefur asks Spottedpaw if Thistleclaw deliberately attacked the kittypets. She tells Spottedpaw that she is worried. She admits that she loves her kits and does not wish that they were not born, but she is upset that they were born now. Spottedpaw can see that Bluefur is upset and tries to comfort her. She reminds her that she is not alone, and she has Thrushpelt to help her raise the kits. Bluefur says she cannot ask Thrushpelt for more then she already has and Spottedpaw suspects that Thrushpelt is not the father. Bluefur walks away, telling Spottedpaw that she has a decision to make. Later, Bluefur asks Spottedpaw to watch her kits for her. It is the night of the Gathering and Bluefur wishes to go. Spottedpaw is surprised since nursing queens usually do not go. She agrees to watch the kits. When Bluefur returns she tells Spottedpaw that she has made her decision. Later on something wakes Spottedpaw and she leaves the den to see what it is. She sees Bluefur and her kits and follows them. Stormtail, who is guarding the entrance, had been dozing off but he wakes up at Spottedpaw's approach. Someone steps on a branch and Spottedpaw distracts Stormtail by telling him she thinks she sees something in the opposite direction. They part ways and Spottedpaw follows Bluefur and her kits. She realizes Bluefur is taking them away so she can become deputy in place of Thistleclaw. She feels upset with how Thistleclaw's ambition has changed both their lives so drastically. She silently calls out to StarClan, asking them to watch over Bluefur's kits. Snowfur, Bluefur's sister, answers her telling her that they will.

This was so upsetting. Even though I knew the end result was going to be Thistleclaw picking the Dark Forest over Spottedpaw, it was still devastating to read it happening. Especially when he talked about how nothing was more important than ripping other cats apart. And then Spottedpaw watching as Bluefur gave her kits away, knowing that she did it to put the clan first and protect them from Thistleclaw's ambition was just as bad. I wonder if she ever confessed to Bluestar that she knew the truth? Or did she take Bluestar's secret to her grave? Either way, I understand now just how deep the bond truly was between Bluestar and Spottedleaf. Stopping Thistleclaw destroyed and then reshaped both of their lives in ways they never imagined.

All around this story was so sad, but I'm also so glad to have read it. Even though Thistleclaw is a bad guy, I feel he is more relatable then Tigerstar. Thistleclaw, at least, loved. He might have chosen his ambition in the end, but I really do feel he loved Spottedpaw. Tigerstar, even when he was with Sasha, always gave the impression of loving himself and himself alone. Even his kits he only wanted to use to further his own ambitions. And I am glad to get this peek into Tigerstar. I understand his hatred for kittypets so much more now. And I do feel as if he never really had a choice in his path. But perhaps, like attracts like? Perhaps Thistleclaw and the Dark Forest were only able to influence Tigerstar as much as they did because Tigerstar wanted that influence.

While I am still a novel fan (and, in all honesty, a series fan) at heart, I am glad to have read this story. It only gave a glimpse into ThunderClan before Firestar's time, but it had so much packed into it. And it rounded out side characters that never really recieved a voice before. I wonder what happened to Thistleclaw, since he died before Firepaw's time? I am sure he is trapped in the Dark Forest. I hope he is happy there, since he threw away everything for it...

spottedleaf's heart: part one

Spottedkit and her den mates play. She wants to be clan leader, having them fight against pretend rogues, but everyone feels she is too bossy and leaves. Spottedkit complains to her mother, Swiftbreeze. Swiftbreeze points out that a clan has to work together - including the clan leader. Spottedkit declares how things will be when she is clan leader, and she already had her deputy picked out in Whitepaw. Tall turns to Tigerpaw and his mentor Thistleclaw, and how Thistleclaw is teaching him advanced moves. Swiftbreeze resolves to speak to Leopardfoot, Tigerpaw's mother, but Spottedkit feels it will do no good. Ever since Pinestar, Tigerpaw's father, left the clan to become a kittypet Tigerpaw feels he has to be the best. Seeing the hunting party return, Spottedkit heads over the the fresh kill pile. Thistleclaw let's her and Whitepaw take some feathers, but when Spottedkit tries to play with them Bluefur yells at her. Thistleclaw intervenes, saying it was his fault but this leads to him and Bluefur exchanging words over his apprentice, Tigerpaw. Bluefur leaves and all the kits playfully rush Thistleclaw  knocking him down and winding him. Spottedkit tells them to stop and sends Whitepaw to get Featherwhisker, their medicine cat. Thistleclaw is fine and tells Spottedkit that she would make a good medicine cat but she declares she is going to be a warrior.

Spottedkit is made an apprentice. She is given the name Spottedpaw and Thrushpelt is named her mentor. As she trains she and Thistleclaw grow closer. One day while they are all out on a hunting patrol Thistleclaw asks her why she hasn't been on any hunting patrols in a while. She tells him that Thrushpelt felt she wasn't ready. Thistleclaw clearly disagrees with Thrushpelt and Spottedpaw feels pride in Thistleclaw's faith in her. Thrushpelt leaves to stalk some prey and Thistleclaw encourages Spottedpaw to climb a tree after a squirrel. Against her better judgement, she does but Thrushpelt catches her and yells at her to come down, causing her to fall. The hunting party brings her to Featherwhisker's den.

Spottedpaw spends time in the medicine den resting and recovering. Out of boredom she starts to help Featherwhisker with his chores. She worries about returning to her training, fearing Thrushpelt might receive another apprentice if she takes too long to heal. A couple days later Featherwhisker goes out to collect herbs and Goosefeather, the head medicine cat, goes off to rest with the elders. Seeing her chance, Spottedpaw leaves the den. Everyone is happy to see her and she is eager to return to her duties - but Sunstar tells her she cannot yet. Thistleclaw asks Spottedpaw to go for a walk with him and they head off into the woods together, sneaking off before Featherwhisker spots them. As they walk Spottespaw tells Thistleclaw of her ambition to one day become clan leader. Thistleclaw tells her that there is nothing wrong with her ambition and that everyone should serve the clan the best they can. Realizing Thistleclaw's ear is hurt she offers to take care of it, feeling that her knowledge of herbs will impress him. But it has the opposite effect as he tells her only the weak get hurt and need help. Spottedpaw is confused by Thistleclaw's attitude but it changes to determination not to get hurt again. As Spottedpaw stands there with Thistleclaw she feels happy.

Spottedpaw is all better and Featherwhisker clears her to return to duty. Thrushpelt takes her out to see how well her shoulder is. She favors her injured leg, but Thrushpelt is happy with what he sees. The split up to go hunting and Spottedpaw overhears Thistleclaw and Bluefur arguing. She creeps towards them to see what is going on. She watches as Thistleclaw, Bluefur, and Tigerpaw confront a young kit who has strayed into their territory. Thistleclaw is egging Tigerpaw on to attack the kit while Bluefur is insisting enough is enough. Spottedpaw watches on, horrified, as Tigerpaw draws blood. Bluefur finally puts a stop to it, and Spottedpaw is relieved but disturbed. Bluefur tells Thistleclaw that if she ever witnesses something like that again then she will report him to Sunstar. Thrushpelt finds her and the two go off to hunt by snakerocks. Back at camp Spottedpaw is tired. Thrushpelt tells her to eat something and rest. Thistleclaw joins her in her meal and talk turns to the kittypet whose attack she witnessed. Spottedpaw is upset but Thistleclaw insist he and Tigerpaw did nothing wrong. They get into a fight and, upset, Spottedpaw runs off. Thistleclaw finds her and apologizes. He admits his feelings for her and she says she feels the same. He asks her to prove it by meeting him that night. Spottedpaw doesn't know where he will take her but she resolves to trust him.

Back at camp Spottedpaw watches as the kits play near the elders, disturbing them. She goes other to comfort the elders and Goosefeather tells her he knows who she is, she is the one whose heart is blind and that she will never learn that lesson. Upset, Spottedleaf tries to ask him more but he has fallen asleep and does not answer. The other elders tell her not to mind him but she is disturbed. Thistleclaw comes over to hint to her to go to sleep. She heads to her den wondering how she can ever settle down. Spottedpaw awakens and finds herself in a damp, dark wood that smells wrong. Thistleclaw appears, happy that she made it, and leads her off into the distance. They reach a clearing with a group of cats led by Mapleshade. Mapleshade has the cats fight each other, staring with Thistleclawand Houndleap. Spottedpaw looks around, disturbed by what she sees. She also notices that the cats are from many different clans. When Mapleshade makes a comment about how one of the cats used to be in WindClan, Spottedpaw realizes that some of the cats are dead. She wonders, aloud, if she is dead and if this is StarClan, feeling that StarClan would have looked different. Another cat overhears her and laughs, telling her she is not dead, that Mapleshade brings cats here to fight but that a mistake seems to have been made with her. Thistleclaw finishes his fight with Houndleap and starts with another. Spottedpaw goes to look for herbs for Houndleap but she cannot find any. She approaches him, and tells him she is sorry she could not find any herbs, that she thought StarClan would have all the herbs. Houndleap looks at her oddly and tells her this is not StarClan, but the Place of No Stars. Spottedpaw realizes she is in the Dark Forest, the place where evil cats who are not welcome in StarClan go. She is horrified and wants to know what they are doing there. His fight done, Thistleclaw overhears her and tells her he is there to learn how to be a better warrior. He insists the cats are not evil, just different, and that training with them is a good thing. Upset, Spottedpaw runs away.

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about these novellas. Novellas and short stories are not really my thing, and with the end in sight for the warrior books I wasn't sure how much more deeply I wanted to get involved. I knew my kids had bought me a couple for Christmas so I picked one up for myself last month, figuring it would give me something to read before the new series. But I didn't really expect to like the book. Like I said, short stories and novellas are not really my thing. But holy cow, I LOVE this story so far!

Perhaps it is because I already know the ending - after all, Spottedpaw becomes Spottedleaf, medicine cat - but I am so invested in these characters and her story. Reading as she falls in love with Thistleclaw and Thistleclaw with her, knowing that Thistleclaw is not a good cat, knowing that her heart is going to get broken - all of this is so gut wrenching to read! And reading about her accidentally seeing the fight with Tiny/Scourge! That was a nice throw in - and, that was also my only view ever of Thistleclaw. It is nice to see his side of the story and his desire to be the best warrior ever. And he clearly does love Spottedpaw, but I have to read this story with the knowledge that their love for each other will not be enough to save him. Bluestar always painted him as evil, and seeing him I can see why. But there is another side to him, a side that is good and loves his clan and it is hard to read this story knowing that the evil side will win, because if the good side were going to then Spottedleaf would have never become a medicine cat.

And this glimpse into Tigerpaw! His father, who was clan leader, running off to be a kittypet! No wonder he hates Firestar so much! And no wonder that he always felt he had so much to prove! And for Thistleclaw to be visiting the Dark Forest, no doubt he introduces Tigerpaw to it. Poor Tigerpaw, his destiny was decided for him between his father abandoning his clan and Thistleclaw being his mentor.

My only complaint so far is that Spottedpaw knows of the Dark Forest and that the cats in it are evil. Brambleclaw and Lionblaze had to discover this for themselves, yet Spottedpaw was clearly raised on this belief. I feel like this is an inconsistency. Even Jayfeather, when he came across the Dark Forest, did not know what it was. And Spottedleaf led him away from it, giving him no information on it other then to see if he could "read" the cats there - which he could not. Plus, when Darkstripe found Tigerstar he spoke of being alone and Tigerstar tells him that everyone is alone in the Dark Forest. Yet Mapleshade is clearly arranging fights there and it is hinted that some of the cats at the fight are dead. I hope this gets cleared up as the story moves forward - with a logical explanation.