warriors: power of three

I enjoyed this book series but it felt a bit like it was lacking direction. However, this is because it was setting up the next series, which is a bit odd but it worked out good. I don't mean to say that this book series was bad, it certainly wasn't. Rather, we sit around for six books waiting for Jawfeather, Lionblaze, and Hollyleaf to come into their powers and fulfill their prophecy only to find out that Hollyleaf isn't a part of the prophecy and her brothers have no clue who is. While this was the main story line, it really served to set the next series up where they seek out the third cat and fulfill the prophecy. In the end this series focused on the second story line, which was the mystery of these three cats birth, the betrayal and secrets surrounding it, and, ultimately, Ashfur's insanity and murder. This was a good series. Not quite as solid as "The Prophecies Begin" but certainly far more solid then "The New Prophecy" (though, if we look at "The New Prophecy" as a part one and part two deal, I would have to place part two above this series). Usually, if a book or (movie) can't stand on its own and only serves to set up the next one it is a bit of a failure, but they did manage to avoid that problem by tying up Ashfur's story arc.

On a side note, this series was also a bit different in that it had no real villain. The first series focused on Tigerstar with the minor villains of Brokenstar, Darkstripe, and Scourge. The second series had Hawkfrost as the villain with a return of Tigerstar's spirit. This series had Sol, who was clearly a villain, but who never actually did anything beyond minor manipulation that kept backfiring. It also had Ashfur and Hollyleaf but neither were a true villain. Ashfur was consumed by his grief and went insane. Hollyleaf's entire world crumbled around her and she retaliated against the cat who tried to murder her and threatened to expose her secrets - secrets that to most cats would have been upsetting but not world ending. But to Hollyleaf they were. Neither cat was actually a villain, just two good people who made the worst possible choices, leaving death and destruction in their wake. This is not to say that Hollyleaf murdering Ashfur was okay - it certainly was not - or that Ashfur trying to murder Hollyleaf and her brothers was okay - again, certainly not. But both of these cats had their hopes, their dreams, their worlds destroyed and let their grief consume them to the point that murder was the only acceptable option. In both of these cases it was the fall of a hero - but the fall didn't lead to the birth of a villain, rather to the birth of a broken, desperate cat.

Warriors: Power of Three

1. The Sight
2. Dark River
3. Outcast
4. Eclipse
5. Long Shadows
6. Sunrise

the sight: part six

Jaypaw tells Lionpaw and Hollypaw that he is going to bed early, but really he is tired of hearing Lionpaw talk about the fight. Jaypaw wants to help his clan too, but he doesn't see healing their wounds as real enough - only fighting is. At the den Leafpool speaks of gathering herbs by the next full moon. Jaypaw thinks they should gather them earlier because he can smell a frost coming, but he doesn't say this to Leafpool, feeling that she will just blow him off like Firestar did with the news of the dog attack. In the morning frost covers everything and Leafpool worries about their herb supply. Jaypaw's anxiety disappears to be replaced with irritation when Longtail shows up, speaking of Mousefur wheezing. Jaypaw is annoyed that he has to keep treating Mousefur - and she is using up their supplies. He brings some herbs to her and  notices that she is shivering yet feels hot. As he leaves he realizes Mousefur accepted his help too easily. He races to Leafpool to tell her that Mousefur has greencough. They have no catmint so Leafpool asks Cloudtail to take Jaypaw to get some. Cinderpaw goes too and the cats race off, Jaypaw feeling guilty that he hadn't been listening all the times Longtail tried to tell him there was something wrong with Mousefur. They find the catmint but it is dead, so Jaypaw digs down deeper to find some. He is lucky but isn't sure it is enough and they head back. Leafpool gives the catmint to Mousefur, but Daisy arrives to say Ferncloud is sick. Mousefur admits she went to visit the kits. She refuses the catmint, saying Ferncloud's kits needs it more then she, but the kits are fine. Mousefur and Ferncloud are moved to the medicine den and more sick cats follow. Jaypaw is upset that StarClan has no problem interfering in his dreams, but they didn't warn him about the greencough. The dawn patrol returns and Jaypaw asks after fresh-kill, hoping to feed the clan well so they don't all get sick, but Hollypaw tells him it is too cold and all the prey are deep underground.

Poppypaw is incredibly sick and Jaypaw is worried for her. Leafpool sends him outside for some fresh air and he hears Firestar and Brambleclaw dividing up chores for the cats. He senses dread coming from Firestar and realizes his leader is terrified for his clan. When the hunting party comes back they have almost no food. Jaypaw goes to bring some to the medicine den but stops when he smells WindClan. Weaselfur has brought Kestrelpaw to ask Leafpool for catmint. Leafpool admits she has none, but says Mothwing might be able to spare some. She doesn't seem to want to ask Mothwing but Jaypaw convinces her by pointing out cats might die and how would Mothwing feel knowing she could have helped. He feels a memory in Leafpool that causes her to recoil and she agrees to go. Jaypaw, knowing that Leafpool can travel faster without him, offers to stay behind. Leafpool tells him if he needs help to ask Brightheart and then she leaves with the WindClan cats and some of their own warriors. Jaypaw goes back to their den to help the cats and Brightheart shows up to help him. He can sense no anger from her and she helps as he tries to get Poppypaw's fever down. Jaypaw wakes up, realizing dozed off. He checks on the cats to find that Poppypaw has almost stopped breathing. Desperate, he closes his eyes and slows his breathing to hers. He finds himself next to Poppypaw in StarClan's hunting grounds. He tries to get her to leave but as Poppypaw explores she suddenly realizes where she is. Spottedleaf shows up and tells Jaypaw that he was brave to follow Poppypaw, and she tells Poppypaw it is not her time yet. Jaypaw wakes up to Brightheart who was worried that he too had fallen ill. Poppypaw wakes up, and asks Jaypaw about what happened but he insists to her it was just a dream. Leafpool returns with catmint and news that all the clans are sick - and some cats feel that this is more then just bad luck. Jaypaw reaches out and can feel all the cats of the clans panicking, wondering if this is where StarClan actually wants them and wondering what they will do if the sickness spreads.

Hollypaw wakes up to Newleaf. Now that prey will be coming out she wishes to go hunting but she is forced to stay in camp to conserve her strength since she is going to the Gathering that night. Jaypaw has to stay behind because Mousefur and Poppypaw are still sick, but Hollypaw and Lionpaw head out with the other cats. They excitedly head for the island but when they get there everyone is very quiet and subdued. When the leaders speak they talk of the sickness sweeping through their camps. An argument breaks out between the clans. Some cats feel that maybe they should leave and find a new home, that the sickness was a sign from StarClan and Leopardstar voices these thoughts. The medicine cats insist they have received no sign stating that. Blackstar hints that the sicknesses were brought on by taking in too many cats from outside the clans. Firestar argues back that life us full of ups and downs and that StarClan would never give them an easy life because a life with hardships is what makes them warriors. Onestar sides with Firestar, accusing Blackstar of only wanting blessings and the spoiled life of a kittypet from StarClan. During these arguments both Squirrelflight and Ashfur speak up in defense of their clan, their choices, and their way of life. Squirrelflight puts forward the idea to hold a Gathering during the day where the apprentices from the clans can compete against each other. As she speaks the clouds that had started to cover the moon sweep away, making cats believe that StarClan supports her words. Firestar offers ThunderClan land for this gathering, so long as everyone brings their own prey. Everyone gets swept up in the excitement of the idea, but Hollypaw is worried. She knows that this has only smoothed things over for now, but the next time something bad happens ThunderClan could very well get the blame again. Lionpaw is excited about the gathering and cannot wait to tell Jaypaw, but Hollypaw worries how their blind brother can compete and points out that maybe medicine cats will not be able to join in.

All the cats are getting ready for the daytime Gathering and Jaypaw is upset. Leafpool tries to tell Jaypaw that she needs his help but he counters that Firestar doesn't want a blind cat embarrassing the clan. Leafpool insists that is not true and that it is because Jaypaw hasn't had enough training yet thanks to the outbreak of greencough. Jaypaw doesn't believe her since Hollypaw received battle training from Leafpool and he suspects Leafpool feels it would be a waste of time to train him. The clans arrive and ThunderClan goes off to join them. Leafpool invites Jaypaw to join her but he turns her down, choosing to stay in camp. She does not push him. Suddenly he feels like he is choking on dirt and he knows that Lionpaw is in danger. He leaves the camp and tries to find his brother. He scents him and Breezepaw and races towards them. He hears them cry out for help and desperately tries to find them. He finds the ground they sank into and cries for help while he digs them out. Crowfeather arrives and helps and soon other cats come. Leafpool arrives and helps him care for the cats. Crowfeather thanks Leafpool and she tells him she would give anything to save his son's life, much to Nightcloud's annoyance. Nightcloud stays with the two apprentices in Leafpool's den. Hollypaw praises Jaypaw, much to his embarrassment. Crowfeather had acted the same way, telling Jaypaw that he acted like a warrior - but Jaypaw does not feel that way. He feels that if it wasn't for his blindness he could have warned his brother and prevented it from happening. He admits to Hollypaw that he had a vision and saw Lionpaw. She realizes he means he actually saw Jaypaw and he regrets confiding in her. She keeps his secret and tells him that he will be a great medicine cat. The cats head back to the Gathering and Leafpool offers to stay with the apprentices, making Jaypaw go. As the leaders name who won each contest Firestar names Jaypaw for saving Lionpaw and Breezepaw. As everyone cheers for him he begins to wonder if he could be a hero after all, but when Firestar speaks of how they are all true warriors Jaypaw despairs, feeling that it doesn't matter if he is a hero because he will never be a warrior. Jaypaw goes back to the den and Leafpool brings him dinner. She smells wary of him and Jaypaw feels he must be mistaken. He dreams of Firestar talking to an old cat. He listens in as the cat tells Firestar of a prophecy, of kin of his kin who will hold the power of the stars in their hands. He feels dread as he realizes the prophecy is about himself, Hollypaw, and Lionpaw. But as he thinks on it he realizes Leafpool is right to be wary of him because he and his siblings will be powerful enough to command StarClan.

So I am not going to speak of Blackstar and his prejudice again. Instead, Jaypaw being able to find Poppypaw and bring her back from the brink of death was freaky. I don't blame him for wanting to hide this information from everyone. I also wonder how he wound up in Firestar's dream since he wasn't trying to go there. Was this StarClan's way of trying to tell him the prophecy? His response to the information was disappointing but not unexpected. In his desperation to see he would think of power first.

All in all I really enjoyed this book. I do feel that it is more of Jaypaw's story then anyone else's - but that is also because so far his character is the most complex. And I do agree with Hollypaw - ShadowClan is not going to drop the mixed blood debate anytime soon.

the sight: part five

Hollypaw is shocked at Jaypaw's declaration. Firestar asks Leafpool if she is ready to take on a new apprentice so soon. Leafpool responds that she would be honored to train Jaypaw and Hollypaw feels as if Leafpool is hiding something. Jaypaw is upset at hurting Brightheart but insists he must become a medicine cat. Hollypaw feels as though this is not Jaypaw's choice. But something that is being forced upon him. Hollypaw realizes the other cats want her gone so she offers to get Brightheart. She tells Brightheart that Firestar wants her then rushes off before Brightheart can ask why. Everyone leaves Firestar's den and he tells Brackenfur that he is to be Hollypaw's new mentor. Brackenfur warns her she has some catching up to do and they head out to hunt. At first she misses her prey and is upset but the next time she catches it and is proud with herself.

Jaypaw is in the elder's den listening to Longtail and Mousefur argue. Longtail is trying to hint to Jaypaw that he is worried for Mousefur since she went stop coughing and isn't eating but Jaypaw can find nothing wrong with her. He leaves her with some herbs. Even though it has been a week he feels like nothing has changed from when he was Brightheart's apprentice and he is tired of handing out herbs. Leafpool arrives to find out how things are going. Jaypaw has a bad attitude about helping Mousefur so Leafpool sends him back to her den where they get into a fight over how he acts. He tells Leafpool she should be happy since he is a medicine cat just like she wanted but she responds she isn't happy and Jaypaw can feel this. That night all the medicine cats travel to the Moonpool. As Jaypaw waits for Leafpool by the camp entrance he senses Brightheart. He is upset he let her down and he knows how upset she is to lose him as an apprentice - so upset she wouldn't even let him explain. Leafpool catches him unaware and tells him that Brightheart needs time and that some cats have a harder time seeing past their weaknesses to see their strength. Jaypaw suspects she is also talking about him but refuses to acknowledge it. They meet up with the RiverClan and ShadowClan medicine cats and Jaypaw is shocked by how friendly Leafpool is with them. Willowpaw asks him where Hollypaw is and Jaypaw is rude to her. Littlecloud asks him how he likes being a medicine cat apprentice. He feels anxiety coming from Leafpool. Knowing she is worried he will say he hates it he lies and says he likes it. When Leafpool tells Littlecloud that Jaypaw has already memorized all the herbs Littlecloud is impressed. Barkface reaches them and the cats head to the Moonpool. Mothwing has Willowpaw go with Jaypaw to give him help and answer any questions. Jaypaw resents this since he already knows the way. As they walk she tries to talk to him. Before he can answer she grabs him and pulls him away. Jaypaw attacks her in return. Willowpaw says she was trying to save him from a rabbit hole. Jaypaw responds that he knew the rabbit hole was there and didn't need any help. Much to his anger, Leafpool makes him apologize. Willowpaw is upset and says she hopes Jaypaw falls in the next hole. Jaypaw listens in on the cats conversation and is paying so much attention to it he forgets to pay attention to his surroundings. He slips on the ice. Willowpaw lunges forward to help him but stops herself. As they reach the slope to go to the Moonpool Jaypaw can feel her anxiety for him but she never offers to help and Jaypaw's respect for her grows. As the cats sleep Jaypaw wonders if Willowpaw's dreams look the same as his. Suddenly he find himself in her dreams. She is speaking to Mudfur and Jaypaw wonders why Mudfur does not speak to Mothwing himself. He tries to find Mothwing's dream but struggles. Finally he does find it only to realize she is not with StarClan but instead is having a normal dream.

Jaypaw goes back to StarClan and finds Yellowfang waiting for him. She tells Jaypaw that while he does have a great gift he must use it wisely. He wants to know who dictates when and where he can use his gift. Yellowfang responds that he does, but not every gift is intended for every situation. Jaypaw is annoyed with her interference and Yellowfang decides to leave. Before she can go, Jaypaw asks her about Mothwing's dreams. Yellowfang tells him to figure it out for himself and leaves. He finds Barkface talking to Tallstar. Tallstar is warning him about an upcoming dog attack. Spottedleaf arrives and tells him this is not his dream and he was not given his gift so he could spy on other clans. Jaypaw asks why he was given his gift then but Leafpool wakes him before the other cat can answer. He asks Leafpool what she dreamed of but she tells him medicine cats do not discuss their dreams unless their is a reason to. Jaypaw decides that must mean he has to tell Firestar about the dog attack. As they leave Mothwing talks to him. He tries to sneakily ask her about sharing with StarClan but she changes the subject. She gives him advice on how to heal Stormfur's shoulder. After the other cats leave he tries to sneakily get information about Mothwing out of Leafpool, but she too evades his questions. He realizes she knows more then she is saying. Back at camp he excitedly tells Firestar about the dog attack, declaring that they can take some of WindClan's territory and become powerful. Firestar is wary and Sandstorm tries to ask him if maybe he misunderstood StarClan's message. He angrily tells them that they were not there and leaves, wondering what the point is of being a medicine cat if no one will listen to you.

Lionpaw wakes up to Whitewing crying out about a dog attack. At first everyone thinks they are coming to the ThunderClan camp, but Whitewing quickly explains it is WindClan who is under attack and that Thornclaw and Cloudtail have gone to investigate. Jaypaw triumphantly asks Firestar if he believes him now and Firestar retorts that this isn't about being right - cats could die. The clan debates back and forth but ultimately decide to help WindClan. Brambleclaw assembles some cats and Whitewing leads him to the fight. They arrive and Brambleclaw wants Ashfur and Lionpaw to lead the dogs into an ambush but Ashfur refuses. The two warriors stare at each other but Ashfur explains his reasoning and Brambleclaw accepts it. They join the fight with WindClan and drive the dogs off. Brambleclaw asks Crowfeather if they can come back to the camo with him to make sure things are okay and Crowfeather allows it. Back at the camp Onestar thanks ThunderClan for their help but not everyone is happy that ThunderClan came along. The cats head home and Lionpaw finds himself thinking of Heatherpaw.

I don't think I really have anything to say other then Jaypaw really is an unhappy cat. I understand him not wanting Willowpaw's help but he really does not seem to understand respecting other cats personal mental spaces and he is so bitter towards everyone.

As for Ashfur, his refusal to follow Brambleclaw's order did make sense, but Brambleclaw was clearly questioning just why Ashfur really refused.

the sight: part four

Lionpaw is in the apprentice's den when Firestar calls a meeting. Everyone comes out to find out who the new deputy will be. Hollypaw says that Firestar will name Graystripe but Jaypaw tells her to wait. Firestar names Brambleclaw, much to some cats shock. Squirrelflight starts the cheer for him and Ashfur immediately jumps in, causing Squirrelflight to look at him in surprise. The choice upsets Hollypaw, who feels that the warrior code must be followed and she and Lionpaw argue back and forth. Brambleclaw, Berrypaw, Brightheart, and Jaypaw are going hunting. Ashfur invites himself and Lionpaw along. A decision is made for Berrypaw and Lionpaw to have a competition. Hollypaw is sent to Leafpool's den, much to her disappointment. But she comes right back saying Leafpool wishes her to collect herbs and wants her to join the patrol. Graystripe asks to join too and the cats head off. Lionpaw overhears Jaypaw giving Hollypaw hints as to which herbs she is looking for and is confused, since Hollypaw should know this. As they are out they notice that ShadowClan has marked some of their territory. Jaypaw warns them that ShadowClan is close when suddenly it seems as if all of ShadowClan is there. ShadowClan claims that ThunderClan is no longer a real clan, so they are entitled to the territory.

Graystripe sends Lionpaw to get help as a fight breaks out. He almost gets caught by a ShadowClan warrior but Squirrelflight saves him. He reports to Firestar and a large group sets off to help their cats. During the fight Lionpaw finds Jaypaw being toyed with by Owlpaw. He wants to help but knows his brother would be upset so instead he helps his brother by telling him where to expect Owlpaw's attacks. Jaypaw beats Owlpaw. Owlpaw goes back to attack again but Lionpaw stops him. They defeat the ShadowClan cats and head back to camp, leaving Brambleclaw, Ashfur, and Birchfall to remark the border. Hollypaw is elated from the battle. Leafpool reaches their group and asks Hollypaw if anyone is injured but Hollypaw does not know. When Leafpool asks her for the herbs Hollypaw is forced to admit she never picked them. Leafpool asks her to look out for herbs on the way back to camp and Jaypaw had to tell her which are the best ones to collect. Jaypaw is upset, thinking that maybe he really cannot be a warrior. Lionpaw and Hollypaw try to cheer him up. Leafpool calls Hollypaw away. Lionpaw doesn't know how to help Jaypaw and as he watches Hollypaw reluctantly help the injured cats he finds himself wondering if Hollypaw really wants to be a medicine cat.

Jaypaw listens as Firestar gives his orders. He worries that maybe he really isn't cut out to be a warrior and that StarClan has a different destiny in mind for him. He listens as Brambleclaw gives his report and can feel Brambleclaw's unease during it. ShadowClan feels they ThunderClan is too tainted by taking in so many outsiders. Many cats are quick to point out that loyalty is what matters, not birth. While most everyone agrees with them a few are worried that ShadowClan has a point. That night Jaypaw decides he needs to speak with StarClan. He worries Brackenfur, who is guarding the entrance, will not let him leave but he does. At the Moonpool Jaypaw senses the invisible cats again. They welcome him. He dreams but no one comes to him. Feeling frustrated he decides to run and explore. As he goes on the trees start to change and he senses an emptiness. Feeling uneasy he slows down. A voice calls out to him and he follows it to Tigerstar and Hawkfrost. Tigerstar and Hawkfrost offer to train him to be a better warrior. He admits that he is having second thoughts about being one but Tigerstar insists that his path is correct. He bemoans Mothwing's refusal to be a warrior and expresses relief that Hollypaw is starting to change her mind. Jaypaw is unsure about their advice. He wishes to be a warrior but when he tries to get a sense of them he feels only darkness. Spottedleaf arrives to take Jaypaw away, saying he does not belong there. Tigerstar responds by telling her that she does not belong there. As Spottedleaf leaves Jaypaw realizes he must pick between a cat he trusts and two that he does not. Even though he wants what they offer he follows Spottedleaf. Once they are safely away Spottedleaf tells him he must never go there again. Jaypaw tries to get answers about himself out of Spottedleaf but she is evasive. When he calls her out on it she admits it is because StarClan fears for him. Feeling that even StarClan is treating him like a kit he responds that Tigerstar and Hawkfrost are different. But when Spottedleaf asks him if he trusts them he admits he does not. He tries to read Spottedleaf and as he digs he realizes she is in love with Firestar. Spottedleaf tells him he has an incredible gift, that he can go where even StarClan cannot, and that he must become a medicine cat and use his gift for the good of his clan. Spottedleaf leaves him and he realizes he cannot escape his destiny.

Hollypaw wakes up and finds herself speaking with Brook, who is pacing the entrance as she guards it. As they talk Hollypaw admits she doesn't think she is cut out to be a medicine cat and Brook tells her she must speak with Leafpool. Resolving herself, she heads for Leafpool's den. Leafpool listens as Hollypaw explains her feelings. Leafpool worries she has let Hollypaw down but Hollypaw insists that is not so. Together they go to Firestar to ask him to release Hollypaw and give her another mentor. Hollypaw goes to leave and sees Brook looking relived at Jaypaw's return. She tells Jaypaw to get some sleep but he insists he must speak to Firestar and Leafpool at once. She helps Jaypaw into Firestar's den where he announces that he must train to be a medicine cat.

I know I am probably beating a dead horse here, but I am glad Firestar has chosen Brambleclaw to remain his deputy. Graystripe has no idea what is going on with the clans settling in and the current politics, and Brambleclaw took the cats on their journey to their new home and has been protecting them ever since. Plus, I just don't like Graystripe as a deputy, even though I do like him as a loyal friend. But he doesn't scream "clan leader" to me. I find it interesting, though, that Hollypaw and Lionpaw are divided on this. I understand loyalty to the warrior code and the desire to follow it, but rules should also be applied logically. There will be times when the warrior code has no answer, because it cannot possibly anticipate everything, and in those times you have to do what you feel is best in that moment.

I still feel like there is something going on with Ashfur. His support of Brambleclaw shocked Squirrelflight - and me. I cannot let go of the fact that I suspect he is the traitor, despite how loyal he appears to be.

I am also glad that the clan is treating Jaypaw better - whether he sees it or not. Brackenfur trusted him to leave the camp and while Brook was clearly worried for Jaypaw she let him return on his own instead of sending out a search party. 

On a different note, I would like to take a moment to point out that I like the mythology of these books. I actually meant to say something on this when Brambleclaw was meeting with Tigerstar in his dreams, and even more so when Darkstripe was given a prologue and scented Brokentail in it. Everything has always focused on StarClan. It is interesting that there are other versions of StarClan - like The Tribe Of Endless Hunting - and that there is even a version of purgatory or hell in the form of a cold, lifeless, shadowy world for the Tigerstar's of the clans to wander around alone, forbidden from speaking to another cat. What is interesting is that Spottedleaf needed StarClan's permission to enter that world to save Jaypaw. It is also interesting that Tigerstar and Hawkfrost are able to be there together. Tigerstar said to Darkstripe it was a world where you have to exist alone, and he left Darkstripe to it. But clearly he has found a way to Hawkfrost (or Hawkfrost found a way to him) and I would imagine that they have to almost actively stay together now that they have found each other. On a final note on this, Hawkfrost's threat that this wasn't over now has two meanings. There is the traitor within ThunderClan, and they are trying to sway Jaypaw. I imagine the young cat, bursting with StarClan power, and also very bitter over his blindness, would be a wonderful prize to snatch away from Brambleclaw. It is interesting to note that Jaypaw's powers do not work on the two cats. I wonder if that is because there is only darkness inside or because StarClan has no power in that world.

I am glad that Hollypaw and Jaypaw are on their correct paths now, but I worry for both of them. Hollypaw clearly struggles with the warrior code - both with who is the correct deputy and with whether or not she could become a warrior after picking medicine cat. Strict adherence to any set of rules does not bode well. And Jaypaw because he is so clearly full of anger and bitterness which will make him very susceptible to Tigerstar.

On a final note, Blackstar's sudden purist ideals do amuse me since half his clan is former rogues. Yes, no one would dispute now that they are not pure ShadowClan cats, but I find it amusing that he will not give another clan what he himself has. He took the remnants of ShadowClan and the rogues and built a powerful clan from it - and now he criticizes ThunderClan from doing the same. Granted, they are cats with kittypet roots, but Firestar was a kittypet and is now a very powerful leader - which Blackstar knows and fears.

the sight: part three

Lionpaw impatiently waits with his sister and some of the other apprentices. They are on their way to the Gathering but Firestar is waiting for Leafpool, who is sorting herbs. Jaypaw is being left behind as punishment for wandering off and almost drowning. Lionpaw goes over to Jaypaw to try and comfort him and Jaypaw hints the real reason he is staying behind is because Firestar doesn't want a blind apprentice at the Gathering. Lionpaw doesn't get to respond because it is time to go. Brambleclaw asks Firestar if he is going to mention how ShadowClan and WindClan keep excessively marking their borders. Firestar says no, for now they won't say anything. Ashfur backs him up. Lionpaw is both nervous and excited to go to his first Gathering. He is in awe of all the cats and comments that he will have to train twice as hard. Hollypaw tells him he should focus on how the other cats think. He thinks to himself that she sounds like a clan leader. He watches as Hollypaw and Willowpaw go off together and feels envious for his sister's connection to all the clans. Lionpaw sticks to Mousepaw and meets some apprentices, including Heatherpaw. Heatherpaw helped save Jaypaw and Lionpaw can't help but think she is beautiful. Onestar calls the meeting to start and the apprentices head towards the Great Oak. Firestar and Blackstar exchange words over the piece if land that Firestar granted him but before the meeting can go on strange cats are scented. WindClan attacks the cats but Firestar realizes one of the cats is Graystripe.

Hollypaw watches as Firestar greets his old friend. Graystripe has a cat named Millie with him. Someone voices the question of what about Brambleclaw now, and Hollypaw can't help thinking about it. Suddenly all the cats rush forward to greet Graystripe. Blackstar is openly hostile towards Millie. Leopardstar speaks of the truce but Blackstar responds the truce is for warriors. Firestar asks if the other leaders have anything to share. When they say no he calls his warriors to him so they can take Graystripe and Millie back to the camp. Breezepaw calls out, asking if ThunderClan has two deputies now. Hollypaw notices Ashfur paying attention. As they leave she wonders who is supposed to be the true deputy.

Hollypaw and her clan reach home. Cinderpaw stayed up to wait for everyone and at Graystripe's return she wakes Cloudtail. Soon everyone is awake and greeting Graystripe. He introduces Millie to the clan as his mate and Mousefur comments that she sees he is still breaking rules. He is surprised that Stormfur lives with ThunderClan now but no one comments on it. Jaypaw asks what is going on. Lionpaw tells him of Graystripe's return and Jaypaw comments that Millie had an infected wound. More questions are asked about who is deputy and Firestar says nothing is changing for now. Brambleclaw reports that there is no room in the warrior's den for Graystripe and Millie so a spot is made for them off to the side. Everyone gets to work settling in the new cats. Hollypaw tells Leafpool about Millie's infection. Leafpool is surprised that Jaypaw knew about it and says for now they should let the cats rest. The next morning Leafpool tells an excited Hollypaw that they will tend the cats at sun high. She sends Hollypaw off to fetch herbs. Before she goes Hollypaw tries to ask about the deputy problem but Leafpool tells her that is Firestar's problem, not theirs. Hollypaw gathers so herbs and excitedly heads back, but when she reaches Leafpool's den she finds out she gathered the wrong herbs. Hollypaw feels awful because she has such a hard time keeping the herbs straight. Leafpool tells her not to worry and they go to treat the cats. Millie's paw is infected and Leafpool tells Hollypaw to pull out the thorn. There is blood and pus coming from the wound and Hollypaw stalls. Leafpool does it herself while Hollypaw chews up the herbs for the wound. When they are done Graystripe comments that Cinderpelt would be proud of them but Hollypaw is fighting bile from rising in her throat. Leafpool takes Hollypaw for warrior training. Cloudtail and Cinderpaw are there. As they train Hollypaw shows herself to be a natural warrior. Leafpool gets distracted by Cinderpaw who is doing some of Cinderpelt's mannerisms. But she recovers from her shock and praises Hollypaw. At first Hollypaw is happy until she realizes Leafpool has never praised her like that for being a medicine cat.

Jaypaw hangs around the camp upset. He can feel Brightheart's frustration with him but doesn't care. He is tired of always doing chores and not learning how to hunt or fight. When he finally asks Brightheart when will he get to do those things she responds when he learns to take care of his clan without complaining. A patrol returns and Ashfur is angry that ShadowClan has been marking the border again. Graystripe wants to make a point but Brambleclaw points out that Firestar doesn't want to do anything about it yet. Ashfur makes a comment about how some cats will always try to take what another has and Jaypaw is feels his mother flinch. Firestar arrives and sides with Graystripe. Jaypaw can feel that his father is upset with Firestar's sudden change of mind. Firestar decides they should start making the border tree for tree. Brambleclaw asks Stormfur and Brook to, but Dustpelt embarrassedly points out that maybe someone else should do it. Stormfur looks about to object but Brook sides with Dustpelt. Firestar sends other cats. Jaypaw goes about his chores and overhears Brightheart admitting to Leafpool that she isn't making Jaypaw happy and does not know how to get through to him. While Jaypaw is in Leafpool's den getting moss Firestar comes to ask Leafpool to speak with StarClan about who their deputy should be. Leafpool agrees. Hollypaw arrives, finally getting the needed herbs correct. Leafpool tells Hollypaw that she needs to go to the Moonpool. She tells Hollypaw that Brightheart will help her while she is away. Jaypaw resolves to follow Leafpool. After quickly dropping off the moss at Graystripe's den he sneaks out of the camp, following Leafpool close enough to smell her but far enough that she won't see or hear him. He reaches the Moonpool and goes down. He hears other cats speaking and feels them pressing against him but he cannot scent them. He lays down near Leafpool and dreams. He can see all the cats milling around by the pool and realizes they are StarClan. He watches from above as Leafpool speaks to Bluestar, Lionheart, and Tallstar about the deputy problem. They tell Leafpool that the choice is Firestar's but hint that Brambleclaw is who they want. Leafpool calls out to Cinderpelt but she doesn't respond. Jaypaw finds an old battle scarred she cat staring at him. He wakes up to an angry Leafpool. As they talk Jaypaw tells Leafpool about actually being in her dream, even telling her what she dreamed of. She is shocked, telling him that he shouldn't have been able to do that. She is also surprised to find out he can actually see in his dreams. She presses him to tell her more about his dreams and he confesses to one where he is a kit walking through the snow. He asks if it is the Great Journey even though he knows he is too young. She tells him it is not, but that Squirrelflight gave birth to her litter outside of the camp and had to wait for the kits to be strong enough before going home. She tries to talk to him about becoming a medicine cat but he insists he is going to be a warrior and Hollypaw will be a medicine cat.

So, I actually feel like there really isn't much to talk about here. I kind of feel like everything is self explanatory.

Hollypaw's revulsion at Millie's paw, inability to memorize herbs, logic when discussing battles with Lionpaw, and her fighting skills all point at how she should be a warrior and not a medicine cat. As for Jaypaw, I feel his frustration, I really do - but Brightheart is also correct that he should be more willing to serve his clan. And he clearly should be a medicine cat, especially with his ability to enter people's dreams.

I feel like Brambleclaw is the deputy, no question about it. StarClan even sent the sign of brambles made of claws. And I never agreed with Graystripe being the deputy. The deputy needs to be a leader, not a best friend. Graystripe is not a leader.

And I keep going back and forth on Ashfur. One minute I think maybe I'm over-analyzing his behavior, the next I am seeing a hidden enemy. Is he just a loyal clan cat or is he seeking to undermine Brambleclaw? That comment about some cats always taking things that don't belong to them? Squirrelflight clearly felt like it was directed towards Brambleclaw and I agree with her. His standing with Firestar on not doing anything about ShadowClan when Brambleclaw wanted to act - then to turn around and want to act and have Brambleclaw tell him no. That seemed odd to me. Ashfur was completely fine with letting ShadowClan be but then two days later suddenly had an issue? Which led to him publicly disagreeing with Brambleclaw twice. Is he really just a loyal cat who suddenly got fed up? Or is he out to get Brambleclaw? I don't know but I do know the answer probably won't come this book. But I am dying to know who the traitor is.

the sight: part two

Lionkit wakes up missing Jaykit. He wants to go outside for some fresh air but Ferncloud and Daisy are asleep. He decides to sneak out and check on Jaykit. When some warriors come by he hides so they don't see him. But they stay there and talk and he winds up stuck. Dustpelt and Spiderleg meet the returning patrol of Stormfur and Brackenfur. They discuss Firestar's recent decision to give some barren land to ShadowClan that they had been fighting over. The cats feel divided on whether or not it was a good decision. Talk turns to Hawkfrost and none of the warriors know what happened. All everyone was told was that his body was found while Firestar, Brambleclaw, and Ashfur were out on patrol. Mousepaw catches Lionkit hiding. Dustpelt hears Mousepaw and asks him what he is doing. Mousepaw lies to cover for Lionkit but warns him to get back to the nursery. When Lionpaw tells him that a comment was made about Stormfur not being a real ThunderClan warrior Mousepaw is upset.

Hollykit wakes up to find out that Lionkit snuck out and now has thorns all over him. She is worried they might get into more trouble but Lionkit assures her no one knows. She goes to Leafpool's den and asks Jaykit for help. He tells her what herbs she needs to make sure Lionkit's scratches don't get infected. Leafpool shows up before Hollykit leaves. She asks Hollykit what she is doing. Hollykit tells her that Lionkit has a thorn. When Leafpool is surprised that Hollykit knew what herbs to use Jaykit tells her that Holkykit remembered what he was treated with. Leafpool is impressed and tells her how to use the herbs. After helping Lionkit Ferncloud lets them go out and play. Mothwing and Willowpaw arrive. Willowpaw needs Leafpool's help understanding her dream. Hollykit decides she wants to be a medicine cat too and tells Lionkit this.

Lionkit is confused as to why Hollykit would want to be a medicine cat.  When Willowpaw leaves Leafpool's den she goes to talk to her. Willowpaw tells her about her dream and how Leafpool helped her to figure out what it meant. Hollykit goes to Leafpool's den to talk to her. Sensing that Hollykit wishes to speak to her in private, Leafpool tells Jaykit he can return to the nursery. Once they are alone Hollykit asks to be Leafpool's apprentice. Leafpool is surprised. Hollykit notices Leapool looks sad as she tries to warn Hollykit just what being a medicine cat means but all Hollykit can think of is healing her clan and speaking to StarClan. Leafpool tells her she must first speak to Firestar. Hollykit heads back to the nursery and excitedly tells her brothers the news. Jaykit is surprised that Hollykit wants to do this. He still feels being a warrior is the most important thing and Hollykit thinks Firestar has to make him a warrior. Later, Hollykit leaves the nursery for the last time. Her naming ceremony is that day. Brambleclaw is talking to Cloudtail, who has returned from a patrol. ShadowClan and WindClan have been extra diligent in marking their territory and Cloudtail is worried. As they talk Ashfur comes over. Brambleclaw says they will do nothing for now and Ashfur asks isn't that for Firestar to decide. Brambleclaw looks closely at Ashfur but sees no hostility. Brambleclaw says of course he will report this to Firestar but unless Firestar gives an order they are to do nothing. Lionkit joins her and soon it is time for the ceremony. Firestar gives the three kits their mentors. He names Ashfur for Lionpaw and Leafpool for Hollypaw. Hollypaw is excited but doesn't understand why both her mother and Leafpool look so sad. It is Jaykit's turn and the cats start whispering about how he can't be a warrior and Firestar can't possibly be about to give him a mentor. Jaykit demands a mentor too and Firestar tells him of course he is recieving one and names Brightheart as Jawpaw's mentor.

Jaypaw is upset to receive the only disabled warrior as his mentor. He is even more upset when Brightheart tells him she has asked Longtail to help with his training. He feels like no one is taking his desire to be a warrior seriously. Lionpaw and Ashfur go to see the territory. Hollypaw wishes to go too but Leafpool tells her that she needs to stay in camp and learn the herbs. Brightheart starts talking to Jaypaw about his training, but he lets his mind wander. He listens to every one in the camp and senses Brambleclaw - he feels that Brambleclaw is suspicious of someone and Jaypaw is shocked. Brightheart brings him back to the present and has Jaypaw take care of the elders, making him even more upset that his first duty as an apprentice is just chores. Jaypaw has an attitude with the elders as he helps them, but they seem amused by his spirit. Brightheart takes him to explore the land and Jaypaw's attitude does not change. They scent a fox and Brightheart tells him to go find Thornclaw's patrol but he refuses to leave her. As they attack the fox Jaypaw gets his tail caught in a bramble bush and cannot get free, leaving a scared Brightheart to face the fox alone. Thornclaw and his patrol arrive and chase off the fox. Back at camo Jaypaw is upset with how his first day went. When Hollypaw and Lionpaw try to talk to him and comfort him by pointing out any cat can have a rough day he gloomily walks away to go to sleep.

Jaypaw dreams of mountains and a stream, and when he wakes up the next day all the apprentices excitedly go about their duties of patrols and hunting while Jawpaw is left behind. He knows he cannot do those things and figures he will probably be stuck caring for the elders again, feeling like that is all the clan thinks he is good for. Jaypaw cannot scent Brightheart in the camp and decides to sneak out and explore the land on his own. He decides to go to the lake, but the wind is not in his favor and he gets lost. He finds himself on WindClan land and tries to back away but accidentally falls off of a cliff into the water below. He struggles in the water and a cat saves him. He finds out they are WindClan warriors and they find out he is blind. Crowfeather is one of the cats and he takes Jaypaw back to his camp. Jaypaw tries to go on his own but Crowfeather refuses to let him. The land changes to land he recognizes and he realizes they are almost home. He knows he is going to be in huge trouble. They meet a patrol with Squirrelflight, Stormfur, and Brook. The cats bring him back to camp and Crowfeather walks with him to Leafpool's den. Jaypaw does not understand why and when they reach her den he listens as Leafpool and Crowfeather have a tense conversation. Leafpool has Hollypaw treat Jaypaw but first she brings the wrong herbs, and then when she brings the correct ones she does not know what they are for. Jaypaw eats the herbs and falls asleep.

Firstly, Jaypaw is a bit of a jerk. But, I do understand part of his attitude problem. He does not like being treated differently and no one can seem to stop themselves from doing it. I did think that maybe he could be a warrior, but as his story goes on it is quite clear that is not the duty for him. And while I do understand a large part of his attitude problem he doesn't seem to be willing to meet anyone part way. I actually do think Brightheart being his mentor makes perfect sense. Training with a cat who is also disabled will help to show him how to overcome his ow  shortcomings - but he isn't willing to acknowledge any bonus to working with her.

As for Hollypaw, I do not think being a medicine cat is really what she wants - especially since Jaypaw seems more suited for it. I have a feeling we will see a lot more blunders in her future.

Lionpaw overhearing the cats talking was interesting, but I really do not see Dustpelt being unloyal to Firestar. Yes, they fought all the time when they were apprentices - and even at first as warriors - but Dustpelt is very loyal to Firestar and his clan. But I am glad to see that Brambleclaw knowing there is a traitor in their midst is not going to be ignored. As for Ashfur, maybe I was wrong about him. I really thought he could be the cat that helped Hawkfrost. I know it was all circumstantial evidence but he was really the only cat with motive. Now, however, he seems to be loyal and have no issues with taking orders from Brambleclaw.

the sight: part one

Firestar awakes from a dream in which he was remembering something from long ago, when he met an ancient cat who gave him a prophecy about three descendants of his. He feels afraid and and realizes the three have come and the prophecy is about to reveal itself.

Jaykit dreams of walking through the snow, unable to find his mother but able to hear her. He wakes up to find Hollykit and Lionkit (his sister and brother) playing in the nursery. He joins his siblings and they play, tossing a mouse around. He accidentally lands on Ferncloud's two kits and worries he has hurt them. Ferncloud tells him he is too small to do that and sends the kits to go play in the clearing. Jaykit is upset over Ferncloud's comment about his size. He is even more upset when Ferncloud says that Firestar needs to make them apprentices and he knows she is looking at him with pity. They leave the den and continue playing with the mouse. Stormfur catches them and tells them to show more respect for their food, but his words are not harsh. Lionkit points out that they are practicing their hunting skills and Jaykit points out that soon they will be apprentices. Stormfur pauses for a moment then licks Jaykit telling him he forgot. Jaykit feels even more frustrated that no one will treat him his age. Lionkit gives the mouse to Hollykit and Jaykit and goes to the fresh kill pile but Jaykit stops him before he can take anything. Jaykit smells something wrong and pulls out a wren full of maggots. Leafpool comes by and congratulates Jaykit for spotting it. Jaykit asks Leafpool if she needs help gathering herbs. He is eager to leave the camp and explore. Leafpool understands his wants but tells him he must wait until he is old enough. Jaykit is frustrated. Being Firestar's grandson and Brambleclaw's son means every cat is careful not to give him special treatment. As they eat Spiderleg anx Thornclaw come rushing in. There is a dead fox.

Brambleclaw and Firestar start giving out orders. The fox had kits and they need to find them and deal with them. The kits decide they want to find the fox cubs to prove they are ready to be apprentices. Sneaking out of the camp they follow the scent trails and find the den, but Thirnclaw and his patrol are close. Lionkit goes ahead to check it out and Jaykit is worried they will attack without him. Hollykit assures him they won't. Lionkit comes back and they decide to go through the back entrance. They go in but Jaykit realizes the fox cubs are much bigger then they thought. The terrified kits run back out they way they came in. Jaykit calls for Thornclaw and gets separated from his siblings. As he races away with a fox on his tail he falls over the cliff at the edge of camp.

Jaykit feels pain everywhere. A ThunderClan medicine cat he has never seen before cleans him up and gives him water to drink. Tired, he falls back asleep. When he wakes up he asks Leafpool where the other cat went. He talks about how she checked his wounds and give him water to drink. He describes her to Leafpool and she finally tells him it was Spottedleaf. As they talk she tells him he will be fine and he should have never left the camp. Jaykit gets angry and insists he should be allowed to do things like other cats. He asks Leafpool if Firestar will delay him becoming an apprentice because of this. Leafpool tells him she thought he understood he can never become an ordinary apprentice like Hollykit or Lionkit. She tries to tell him there are other ways to serve his clan but this just makes Jaykit more angry. She asks him more about his dreams and asks him what herbs she used to treat him. Happy with his answers she suggests he could become a medicine cat. Jaykit becomes furious, saying he doesn't want a half life like she has. He wants to be a warrior and hates being blind.

Hollykit and Lionkit sit in the clearing waiting for their parents and Firestar - and to find out just how much trouble they are in. Overhearing Sorreltail and Brackenfur talking about Jaykit, Hollykit gets upset. She and Lionkit have to wait for punishment while Jaykit gets to stay in Leafpool's den. Lionkit asks her what is wrong and she voices her frustrations. He counters with they never should have taken him with them and she argues that Jaykit would have been furious if he was left behind. But then she thinks about how he kept up with them and how she would have felt if he had died and she acknowledges that none of them should have gone. Firestar, Brambleclaw, and Squirrelflight approach the kits, upset with them. Hollykit insists they were just trying to help the clan but Firestar tells her Jaykit's death would not have helped them and they almost led the foxes straight to the camp. Firestar says for now they must stay with Ferncloud or Daisy at all times and get their permission to leave the nursery. He will discuss their apprenticeships later. After Firestar leaves, Lionkit asks if Jaykit is returning to the nursery too. His parents tell him that for now he must stay with Leafpool. Hollykit asks if Jaykit will recover in time for the naming ceremony. Squirrelflight tries to tell her kits that Jaykit can never become a warrior. Hollykit angrily insists her brother can become one. Lionkit is sent back to the nursery and Holkykit gets to visit Jaykit. While there she starts thinking maybe she isn't meant to be a warrior but a medicine cat instead. When she asks Leafpool about taking an apprentice Leafpool refers to her potential one as a he. Hollykit worries that Leafpool already had someone in mind but Leafpool assures her that she has made no choices yet. Ferncloud calls for Hollykit. Frustrated she can't stay, Hollykit returns to the nursery.

So, first of all, very good writing. I did not see Jaykit being blind coming at all. I went back and reread some areas but the only place where it was actually stated that he could see was in his dreams. The rest of the time the writing just gave the illusion that he could - plus, his siblings acting like he is no different then them helped. As everyone else fussed over him I thought it was just because he was so small.

I think, very clearly, StarClan intends Jaykit to be a medicine cat. Just as clearly, Jaykit intends to be a warrior. And Hollykit clearly has her sights on being a medicine cat while Leafpool clearly expects her apprentice to be Jaykit. And I completely understand Jaykit wanting to be a warrior - it is everyone's destiny so of course he wants it - any yes he can "see" very well, but it would be very hard to learn every single patch of land and even harder to race though the trees. I was always sad Longtail went blind and had to retire - especially since his other senses were heightened - but looking at Jaykit I think I understand why it had to happen. And Longtail knew the land... At least Lionkit seems to have a clear future ahead of him, unlike his siblings. Still, stories thrive on conflict.

So I just realized now that there are three stars in Leafpool's dream and there are three kits. I feel a bit silly for not noticing that before. Also, what is up with Brambleclaw knowing (okay, suspecting) there is a traitor in their midst. Am I just supposed to forget that story line? Because I can't. And still nothing about Graystripe... I was hoping that would finally be resolved. I am glad that Stormfur and Brook are officially ThunderClan cats now but, again, is that too going to be explained or ignored?