I debated over whether or not to include the manga but then decided to go ahead and do it - especially since the only one I have ever read is Ravenpaw's. I will try to cover them more or less in order, however right now I am not covering Tigerstar and Sasha's story for the simple reason of we only own books one and two. After we get book three I will cover them. I also figure each manga book will get it's own standalone post.
In the forward, the authors admit that this book was an afterthought - it was not part of the original plan. But they decided that Scourge's character needed to be explored more. I am glad they did - this story not only fleshes out his character more, it provides a better understanding for his actions and just generally makes him a better villain. The only way this story could have been better is if it was a prequel to "The Darkest Hour" - but then it would have given away the ending to that book.
The story follows Tiny, a young kittypet kit who is unusually small for his age. Hated by Socks and Ruby (his brother and sister, respectively) as well as overlooked by the humans in his life, Tiny longs to belong. The only one who seems to care about him is his mother, but even she is almost dismissive of him and treats him younger then he is because he is so small.
Tiny yearns for the forest. Even though he is warned that it is dangerous to go there - his mother warns him against the forest cats that she calls a scourge to catkind - he likes to walk around in it. One day Socks and Ruby are being adopted and they maliciously tell Tiny that cats who are not adopted are thrown into the river. Fearing that is now his fate, Tiny runs away to the forest. He wanders around and runs into Bluefur, Thistleclaw, and Thistleclaw's young apprentice Tigerpaw. Bluefur objects, but Thistleclaw orders Tigerpaw to attack the small kit. Tiny stands up to him but is easily overpowered. Tigerpaw is about to deliver a killing blow when Bluefur stops him.
The defeated Tiny runs away. Unable to return to home he instead heads into town. There the cats are not very nice and mock him for his kittypet collar. He tries to take it off but cannot. An old dog lying nearby has lost a tooth so Tiny takes and tries to cut the collar off but instead the tooth gets stuck. When the other stray cats notice it they ask him why it is there. He tells them that he fought a dog, killed it, and ripped the tooth from its head. The other strays start treating him with respect.
One day Bone and Brick come to him in the hopes that he can help them with a dog problem. Backed into a corner, Tiny agrees. The dog mistakes Tiny's shadow for a giant cat and becomes terrified. Tiny easily defeats the dog and suddenly all the stray cats adore him. They ask for his name and he gives it - Scourge.
Suddenly he is the leader of the strays. They bring him offerings and come to him for help and advice. Scourge is ruthless in his advice - and also in his law. He has no problem killing cats who cross him and since most underestimate him because of his size he finds it easy. He has a run in with Brokenstar, forcing Brokenstar to return to the forest with his rogue ShadowClan cats. He also has a run in with Socks and Ruby - their owners having abandoned them. He allows them one meal but then bans them from BloodClan territory.
Through all of this he dreams of revenge against Tigerpaw and one day he gets his wish. Boulder brings Tigerstar to see Scourge and strike a deal. Scourge recognizes Tigerstar, but Tigerstar does not recognize him. Scourge agrees to help Tigerstar and in the forest finally has his revenge.
This was an incredibly depressing story. None of this had to happen. If anyone had shown Tiny any amount of kindness his life would have been incredibly different. Instead he was hated, belittled, and attacked constantly. causing him to turn into a ruthless murderer.
I liked the shout out to Brokenstar in the story, as well as the glimpse of Bluefur and Thistleclaw. And Thistleclaw being Tigerstar's mentor really spoke volumes. Oftentimes the apprentice becomes very much like their mentor. Firestar is very much like Bluestar. Dustpelt was very much like Darkstripe. And In Tigerstar we now see just what Thistleclaw was like - and why Bluestar was so desperate to prevent him from becoming deputy.
Suddenly, with this story, Scourge becoming the villain is not so bad. Because while a face off between Firestar and Tigerstar was inevitable, so too was a face off between Scourge and Tigerstar. And really, it makes Tigerstar's story come full circle. The very kit he tried to murder when he was an apprentice grew up to be the very cat who took him down when he was leader. You reap what you sow, and Tigerstar got what he deserved. His death is still horrible, but so too is Tiny's story. And Tigerstar's bloodthirsty ways had a very large influence on the very cat that would take him down one day.
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Friday, August 17, 2018
100 books: july 2018
This was a mad dash to reach the goal of 200, and we barely did it. As a matter of fact, we thought we had failed - until I remembered my kid's summer book projects for school. Thankfully those two books brought us right up to 200 and not a single book more! Since we are on such a roll I hope we make it to 300 by the end of the year!!!
July's books:
July's books:
- Batman Battles the Penguin - Vampire Kitten
- Olympians: Hermes Tales of the Trickster - Vampire Kitten
- Olympians: Athena Grey-Eyed Goddess - Vampire Kitten
- Olympians: Hades Lord of the Dead - Vampire Kitten
- Olympians: Ares Bringer of War - Vampire Kitten
- Olympians: Aphrodite Goddess of Love - Vampire Kitten
- Olympians: Hermes Tales of the Trickster - Lone Wolf
- Olympians: Ares Bringer of War - Lone Wolf
- Olympians: Hades Lord of the Dead - Lone Wolf
- Olympians: Aphrodite Goddess of Love - Lone Wolf
- Olympians: Ares Bringer of War - Wandering Falcon
- Olympians: Hermes Tales of the Trickster - Wandering Falcon
- Crossroads of Twilight - Wandering Falcon
- A Hole New World - Vampire Kitten
- Dragons Beware - Vampire Kitten
- Newsprints - Vampire Kitten
- A Hole New World - Lone Wolf
- Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy - Lone Wolf
- Knife of Dreams - Wandering Falcon
- Everyday Witch A to Z - Wandering Falcon
- Darkness Walks: The Shadow People Among Us - Wandering Falcon
- Newsprints - Wandering Falcon
- The A.B.C. Murders - Wandering Falcon
- The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - Wandering Falcon
- Appointment with Death - Wandering Falcon
- Death in the Clouds - Wandering Falcon
- Warriors: Into the Wild - Wandering Falcon
- Warriors: Fire and Ice - Wandering Falcon
- Warriors: Forest of Secrets - Wandering Falcon
- Warriors: Rising Storm - Wandering Falcon*
- Supernatural: Rising Son - Lone Wolf
- The Lost Boys: Reign of Frogs - Lone Wolf
- Tragic Almanack - Wandering Falcon
- Remembered Death - Wandering Falcon
- One, Two Buckle My Shoe - Wandering Falcon
- Danger on Midnight River - Lone Wolf
- James and the Giant Peach - Vampire Kitten
The breakdown:
Little Legs: 0
Lone Wolf: 9
Vampire Kitten: 10
Wandering Falcon: 18
Total stats:
Total books read: 200
Little Legs: 7.50
Wandering Falcon: 48.50
Lone Wolf: 61.50
Vampire Kitten: 82.50
* How can this book be up here when according to my blog posts I didn't finish it until August? There is about a week layover between me reading a book and my posts going up. Usually I read on my lunch break at work, on top of the bus ride to work, plus we have family reading time every night. So it is not uncommon for me to read an entire book in a day or two or three, taking breaks here and there to write up a quick post on the chapters I just finished. The first post goes up, then I spend the next couple of days both putting up the next posts and polishing up the future posts. By the time the last post for a book goes up I am already halfway through the next book.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
the darkest hour: part seven
As ready as they will ever be, the cats prepare to head out. Firestar leaves Speckletail in charge of the camp. He tells Brightheart that if they survive the battle she can move back into the warrior's den. He speaks with Whitestorm, who says he cannot imagine a better leader and speaks as if he will die in the fight.
The four clans, along with Barley and Ravenpaw, meet up and face BloodClan. Firestar refuses Scourge's offer to leave and instead offers him a chance to go. The two clans - BloodClan and LionClan - attack.
During the fight Firestar faces off against Darkstripe who had joined BloodClan. Firestar asks him if he has any honor left and Darkstripe responds that the only thing that matters is Firestar's death. Darkstripe has Firestar pinned but suddenly Graystripe is there saving him and killing Darkstripe. Graystripe sees something across the way and it takes Firestar a moment to realize it is Bone, the BloodClan deputy, killing Whitestorm. They race over and Bramblepaw and Ashpaw attack Bone. Firestar tries to save his deputy but Whitestorm tells him it is time for him to go and hunt with StarClan now and names Graystripe as his successor. Firestar speaks the words to name a new deputy and is surprised when nearby cats hear him and give their support.
Firestar knows the only way to end this fight is to find Scourge. He seeks him out and they fight. Scourge wins, and Firestar loses his first life. Bluestar is there and Firestar begs her to return him to the fight. She tells him he must wait and speaks to him, telling him how the path he chose is what lead him to be a great leader. Firestar returns to his body and seeks out Scourge again. The ruthless leader is shocked to see Firestar alive when he knows he just killed him. Firestar tells Scourge that he has been gifted nine lives from StarClan and suddenly understands what Barley was trying to tell him - that when Scourge dies it will be for good. This time Firestar defeats the small cat and once the BloodClan cats realize what has happened they flee.
After the fight Leopardstar gathers her cats to go home. ShadowClan is not coming with them, TigerClan is no more. She has offered Mistyfoot the position of deputy and she accepted. Next Blackfoot leaves, saying he needs to rebuild his clan. Firestar tells him he saw him murder Stonefur and warns him to learn from the mistakes of the leaders before him. Finally WindClan leaves with the acknowledgment that one clan has turned back into four. All the cats look forward to life returning to normal in the forest.
To me, Darkstripe's ending will always sad. He could have offered so much to his clan and instead he turned his back on everything he believed in. I suppose it is all the sadder because Dustpelt and Longtail made the right choice.
Whitestorm's death was sad, but I have to say that I don't know Graystripe is the right choice. Yes, he is Firestar's best friend and he is loyal to him, but that does not make a good deputy. Putting the clan first does, and that is something that both Firestar and Whitestorm are good at. Of course, from his choices, I don't know who would have been a better pick.
All that I had remembered from these books was that Tigerclaw was evil, Firepaw would eventually become clan leader, and, as time went by, that Whitestorm would both be his deputy and die. I am glad to have reread these books and revisit characters I had long sense forgotten. And I look forward to seeing what their next adventure is now that clan life has returned to normal - though, I imagine, not for long. Otherwise there would not be more stories to tell.
The four clans, along with Barley and Ravenpaw, meet up and face BloodClan. Firestar refuses Scourge's offer to leave and instead offers him a chance to go. The two clans - BloodClan and LionClan - attack.
During the fight Firestar faces off against Darkstripe who had joined BloodClan. Firestar asks him if he has any honor left and Darkstripe responds that the only thing that matters is Firestar's death. Darkstripe has Firestar pinned but suddenly Graystripe is there saving him and killing Darkstripe. Graystripe sees something across the way and it takes Firestar a moment to realize it is Bone, the BloodClan deputy, killing Whitestorm. They race over and Bramblepaw and Ashpaw attack Bone. Firestar tries to save his deputy but Whitestorm tells him it is time for him to go and hunt with StarClan now and names Graystripe as his successor. Firestar speaks the words to name a new deputy and is surprised when nearby cats hear him and give their support.
Firestar knows the only way to end this fight is to find Scourge. He seeks him out and they fight. Scourge wins, and Firestar loses his first life. Bluestar is there and Firestar begs her to return him to the fight. She tells him he must wait and speaks to him, telling him how the path he chose is what lead him to be a great leader. Firestar returns to his body and seeks out Scourge again. The ruthless leader is shocked to see Firestar alive when he knows he just killed him. Firestar tells Scourge that he has been gifted nine lives from StarClan and suddenly understands what Barley was trying to tell him - that when Scourge dies it will be for good. This time Firestar defeats the small cat and once the BloodClan cats realize what has happened they flee.
After the fight Leopardstar gathers her cats to go home. ShadowClan is not coming with them, TigerClan is no more. She has offered Mistyfoot the position of deputy and she accepted. Next Blackfoot leaves, saying he needs to rebuild his clan. Firestar tells him he saw him murder Stonefur and warns him to learn from the mistakes of the leaders before him. Finally WindClan leaves with the acknowledgment that one clan has turned back into four. All the cats look forward to life returning to normal in the forest.
To me, Darkstripe's ending will always sad. He could have offered so much to his clan and instead he turned his back on everything he believed in. I suppose it is all the sadder because Dustpelt and Longtail made the right choice.
Whitestorm's death was sad, but I have to say that I don't know Graystripe is the right choice. Yes, he is Firestar's best friend and he is loyal to him, but that does not make a good deputy. Putting the clan first does, and that is something that both Firestar and Whitestorm are good at. Of course, from his choices, I don't know who would have been a better pick.
All that I had remembered from these books was that Tigerclaw was evil, Firepaw would eventually become clan leader, and, as time went by, that Whitestorm would both be his deputy and die. I am glad to have reread these books and revisit characters I had long sense forgotten. And I look forward to seeing what their next adventure is now that clan life has returned to normal - though, I imagine, not for long. Otherwise there would not be more stories to tell.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
the darkest hour: part six
All of the cats are horrified over what just happened, but Firestar and Tallstar resolve to meet BloodClan in battle. Bramblepaw confesses to Firestar that he never wanted that fate for his father and Firestar agrees. Bramblepaw asks how Tawnypaw could follow him and Firestar has no answers. He begs for his sister to be allowed to come back to the clan, but Firestar cannot promise that and instead promises a fair hearing for her.
Back at the camp everyone reels from the news that the returning warriors bring. Whitestorm asks where ShadowClan and RiverClan stand in the upcoming confrontation with BloodClan and Firestar says he does not know. Firestar tells the cats that they must prepare for the upcoming battle. All cats are to train - even kits and elders.
The next day Ravenpaw and Barley arrive wanting to help after having heard about the upcoming fight with BloodClan. Barley admits he was once part of BloodClan and gives Firestar all the information he can. He tells Firestar that having StarClan is what makes the clan cats different. Firestar feels that Barley has told him something important, but he is not sure what.
Longtail reports to Firestar that BloodClan is living in ShadowClan territory. Firestar watches Brightheart's training and is impressed - so is Dustpelt who she keeps defeating. He takes Cloudtail with him and they warn Princess to stay out of the forest until this new threat is dealt with.
Back at camp Whitestorm talks to Firestar, asking him if they are doing the right thing by staying. Firestar insists they are, that losing the forest cannot be StarClan's will. As they talk, Firestar is struck suddenly by just how old Whitestorm is and how most cats his age would have joined with the elders. Uneasy, Firestar dreams. He is at Fourtrees with StarClan and demands answers from them. Bluestar answers him and tells him that while StarClan cares for all cats, they do not rule their lives - the cats are free to make their own choices.
Firestar awakens and resolves to speak to Leopardstar. Taking a few cats with him he enters RiverClan territory and finds Leopardstar trying to rule both clans at the hill of bones. She acknowledges that they will probably run away - and that some cats will he left behind. Firestar urges her to join forces and then allow the clans to go back to their normal lives after BloodClan is defeated. She agrees to think on his request and, much to his shock, asks him to lead them. Darkstripe overhears and is furious, blaming Firestar for Tigerstar's death. But other cats speak up for Firestar, including Boulder who says he warned Tigerstar against his plan, which was to use BloodClan to force the other clans to join TigerClan and then turn against BloodClan.
Bramblepaw finds Tawnypaw and asks Firestar to speak with her. She tells Firestar that she cannot be in a clan that does not want her. Firestar insists that while he only saw Tigerstar when he looked on them in the past he no longer does. She acknowledges that but says other cats do, and she wants to prove her worth to a clan that does want her. Bramblepaw is upset but accepts her decision - and Firestar's blessing. Leopardstar and Blackfoot agree to fight with Firestar and Darkstripe angrily objects, threatening to leave. Leopardstar tells him to go then since he is worthless anyway. The angry cat stalks off. Leopardstar and her warriors pull down the hill of bones while Blackfoot watches her with unreadable eyes.
So, it is good that the clans will go back to normal life after this. TigerClan is over, Leopardstar even pulled down the hill of bones. I still feel she is a complete fool. And while I understand Tawnypaw wanting to prove her worth, going to a clan that is murdering cats is not it.
I'm not sure what Barley was trying to say to Firestar but I am glad that Bluestar clarified StarClan's position in all of this - mainly that the cats have free will. Everything has always been about the will of StarClan so it is nice to see that change of perspective.
Lastly, as for Whitestorm, I feel his fate is plainly written and sad.
Back at the camp everyone reels from the news that the returning warriors bring. Whitestorm asks where ShadowClan and RiverClan stand in the upcoming confrontation with BloodClan and Firestar says he does not know. Firestar tells the cats that they must prepare for the upcoming battle. All cats are to train - even kits and elders.
The next day Ravenpaw and Barley arrive wanting to help after having heard about the upcoming fight with BloodClan. Barley admits he was once part of BloodClan and gives Firestar all the information he can. He tells Firestar that having StarClan is what makes the clan cats different. Firestar feels that Barley has told him something important, but he is not sure what.
Longtail reports to Firestar that BloodClan is living in ShadowClan territory. Firestar watches Brightheart's training and is impressed - so is Dustpelt who she keeps defeating. He takes Cloudtail with him and they warn Princess to stay out of the forest until this new threat is dealt with.
Back at camp Whitestorm talks to Firestar, asking him if they are doing the right thing by staying. Firestar insists they are, that losing the forest cannot be StarClan's will. As they talk, Firestar is struck suddenly by just how old Whitestorm is and how most cats his age would have joined with the elders. Uneasy, Firestar dreams. He is at Fourtrees with StarClan and demands answers from them. Bluestar answers him and tells him that while StarClan cares for all cats, they do not rule their lives - the cats are free to make their own choices.
Firestar awakens and resolves to speak to Leopardstar. Taking a few cats with him he enters RiverClan territory and finds Leopardstar trying to rule both clans at the hill of bones. She acknowledges that they will probably run away - and that some cats will he left behind. Firestar urges her to join forces and then allow the clans to go back to their normal lives after BloodClan is defeated. She agrees to think on his request and, much to his shock, asks him to lead them. Darkstripe overhears and is furious, blaming Firestar for Tigerstar's death. But other cats speak up for Firestar, including Boulder who says he warned Tigerstar against his plan, which was to use BloodClan to force the other clans to join TigerClan and then turn against BloodClan.
Bramblepaw finds Tawnypaw and asks Firestar to speak with her. She tells Firestar that she cannot be in a clan that does not want her. Firestar insists that while he only saw Tigerstar when he looked on them in the past he no longer does. She acknowledges that but says other cats do, and she wants to prove her worth to a clan that does want her. Bramblepaw is upset but accepts her decision - and Firestar's blessing. Leopardstar and Blackfoot agree to fight with Firestar and Darkstripe angrily objects, threatening to leave. Leopardstar tells him to go then since he is worthless anyway. The angry cat stalks off. Leopardstar and her warriors pull down the hill of bones while Blackfoot watches her with unreadable eyes.
So, it is good that the clans will go back to normal life after this. TigerClan is over, Leopardstar even pulled down the hill of bones. I still feel she is a complete fool. And while I understand Tawnypaw wanting to prove her worth, going to a clan that is murdering cats is not it.
I'm not sure what Barley was trying to say to Firestar but I am glad that Bluestar clarified StarClan's position in all of this - mainly that the cats have free will. Everything has always been about the will of StarClan so it is nice to see that change of perspective.
Lastly, as for Whitestorm, I feel his fate is plainly written and sad.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
the darkest hour: part five
The cats rush to WindClan but they are too late. They see wounded cats everywhere and Firestar realizes that this was a scare tactic. Gorsepaw, an apprentice, lies dead in the clearing. Onewhisker tells Firestar that Tigerstar pinned the young cat down and murdered him, telling them that all who refused to join would have the same fate. Tallstar pulls Firestar aside and tells him that he has a message from Tigerstar. Tigerstar wants an answer tomorrow at Fourtrees because he is tired of waiting - and if they refuse this is their fate. Firestar says he would rather die then join TigerClan. Tallstar agrees to stand by Firestar and says they will be a lion to Tigerstar's tiger.
Firestar leaves some cats behind with Whitestorm and takes the rest with him. They meet with with Tallstar and Firestar feels hopeful at the force they have gathered up. Tigerstar and his cats arrive and they refuse his offer. Tawnypaw is spotted amongst the TigerClan cats and Tigerstar throws it into their faces that she went to him willingly. He asks Bramblepaw to join him as well but Bramblepaw refuses, saying he would rather die. Angry, Tigerstar informs him that he will die if he does not accept the offer. Bramblepaw retorts that he will die a loyal ThunderClan cat then. The bushes part and row after row after row of cats come out and Firestar realizes just how outnumbered they are.
Tigerstar again makes an offer for the two clans to join him and Firestar again refuses. Tigerstar orders the BloodClan cats to attack but no one moves. Scourge reminds an angry Tigerstar that his cats are loyal to him and will only attack when he orders it. Firestar takes this moment to speak to Scourge and all the clan cats. He speaks of Tigerstar's murder or Redtail, wounding of Cinderpelt, attempted murder of Bluestar, and attempted destruction of ThunderClan. He finishes his speech by saying Tigerstar does not share power. Leopardstar looks horrified but stands by Tigerstar. Scourge admits that he knew of the plan involving the dogs, but did not know it failed. Scourge says he will think on Firestar's words and there will be no battle today. Tigerstar leaps at the small cat and Firestar is afraid Scourge will be destroyed. But Scourge wins because his claws are reinforced with sharpened dog claws, and Firestar watches in horror as Tigerstar dies nine deaths, choking to death on his blood over and over and over again. Scourge announces that he is now taking over the forest - and that the cats have three days to leave or meet him in battle.
I hope that Bramblepaw's loyalty is now laid to rest, just like Dustpelt's was when he publicly refused Tigerclaw. It really did seem almost an echo, with both cats declaring they would never betray their clan and would rather die then follow a murderer.
As for Leopardstar and Tawnypaw, the two of them are idiots. I understand Leopardstar might find it uncomfortable to switch sides in the middle of a fight - especially with the introduction of the BloodClan cats - but really, there is doing what is easy and there is doing what is right. And she is choosing what is easy. I hope with Tigerstar's death some sense has been knocked into her but since she allowed her own deputy to be murdered I doubt it. And for Tawnypaw I don't even have the words to describe how stupid she is acting. But, maybe with Tigerstar's death she can escape his shadow - but she betrayed her clan before that. And I wonder if Bramblepaw's speech about dying before following their father had any effect on her.
I have mixed feelings about Tigerstar's death. It was certainly shocking and upsetting - especially as he went through all nine of his lives one after the other, choking on his own blood. But more then that it was out of nowhere.
Sometimes, this is well played. A series goes on and a storyline is clearly established. Firestar vs Tigerstar - that is the clearly established story. Firestar has been the hero since the beginning and likewise Tigerstar has been the villain. But now, all the sudden pages from the end Tigerstar is dead and Scourge is the villain.
They did this in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Season 6 The Trio was the villain until all the sudden The Trio was destroyed and Willow was the villain. The first time I watched season 6 I was like "what the hell just happened?" But, as time went by, and I went back, I saw all the signs were there. Willow's struggle with magic was there from day one - always messing with stronger powers then she should have been. And then, suddenly, things escalated out of control and she was the main villain. It was subtle but it was well done.
Here, rogues have been mentioned here and there but they were never seriously mentioned. They were just the stray followers of Brokenstar then Tigerstar. They were, in defense of this massive plot twist, always a means to an end. A stepping stone for revenge and clan power. But they were almost written in as an afterthought. There was never any subtle struggle, any subtle threat. They were the stragglers of once powerful cats and now, suddenly, there is an entire clan of them loyal to the death to Scourge.
I mean, this is the way the book was written so it is what it is. But it almost feels a bit cheap. An afterthought. A tidy way of ending Tigerstar's story without any real work. And now, suddenly, the fight between Firestar and Tigerstar that has been building up for years will instead be between Firestar and Scourge - who is a nobody to the reader. I feel like there is a word for this plot device - other then sloppy - but it is currently eluding me.
I will say, however, that the writers gave Tigerstar a very interesting death. And I would have approved of it if the rogues had played a bigger part in the series.
Firestar leaves some cats behind with Whitestorm and takes the rest with him. They meet with with Tallstar and Firestar feels hopeful at the force they have gathered up. Tigerstar and his cats arrive and they refuse his offer. Tawnypaw is spotted amongst the TigerClan cats and Tigerstar throws it into their faces that she went to him willingly. He asks Bramblepaw to join him as well but Bramblepaw refuses, saying he would rather die. Angry, Tigerstar informs him that he will die if he does not accept the offer. Bramblepaw retorts that he will die a loyal ThunderClan cat then. The bushes part and row after row after row of cats come out and Firestar realizes just how outnumbered they are.
Tigerstar again makes an offer for the two clans to join him and Firestar again refuses. Tigerstar orders the BloodClan cats to attack but no one moves. Scourge reminds an angry Tigerstar that his cats are loyal to him and will only attack when he orders it. Firestar takes this moment to speak to Scourge and all the clan cats. He speaks of Tigerstar's murder or Redtail, wounding of Cinderpelt, attempted murder of Bluestar, and attempted destruction of ThunderClan. He finishes his speech by saying Tigerstar does not share power. Leopardstar looks horrified but stands by Tigerstar. Scourge admits that he knew of the plan involving the dogs, but did not know it failed. Scourge says he will think on Firestar's words and there will be no battle today. Tigerstar leaps at the small cat and Firestar is afraid Scourge will be destroyed. But Scourge wins because his claws are reinforced with sharpened dog claws, and Firestar watches in horror as Tigerstar dies nine deaths, choking to death on his blood over and over and over again. Scourge announces that he is now taking over the forest - and that the cats have three days to leave or meet him in battle.
I hope that Bramblepaw's loyalty is now laid to rest, just like Dustpelt's was when he publicly refused Tigerclaw. It really did seem almost an echo, with both cats declaring they would never betray their clan and would rather die then follow a murderer.
As for Leopardstar and Tawnypaw, the two of them are idiots. I understand Leopardstar might find it uncomfortable to switch sides in the middle of a fight - especially with the introduction of the BloodClan cats - but really, there is doing what is easy and there is doing what is right. And she is choosing what is easy. I hope with Tigerstar's death some sense has been knocked into her but since she allowed her own deputy to be murdered I doubt it. And for Tawnypaw I don't even have the words to describe how stupid she is acting. But, maybe with Tigerstar's death she can escape his shadow - but she betrayed her clan before that. And I wonder if Bramblepaw's speech about dying before following their father had any effect on her.
I have mixed feelings about Tigerstar's death. It was certainly shocking and upsetting - especially as he went through all nine of his lives one after the other, choking on his own blood. But more then that it was out of nowhere.
Sometimes, this is well played. A series goes on and a storyline is clearly established. Firestar vs Tigerstar - that is the clearly established story. Firestar has been the hero since the beginning and likewise Tigerstar has been the villain. But now, all the sudden pages from the end Tigerstar is dead and Scourge is the villain.
They did this in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Season 6 The Trio was the villain until all the sudden The Trio was destroyed and Willow was the villain. The first time I watched season 6 I was like "what the hell just happened?" But, as time went by, and I went back, I saw all the signs were there. Willow's struggle with magic was there from day one - always messing with stronger powers then she should have been. And then, suddenly, things escalated out of control and she was the main villain. It was subtle but it was well done.
Here, rogues have been mentioned here and there but they were never seriously mentioned. They were just the stray followers of Brokenstar then Tigerstar. They were, in defense of this massive plot twist, always a means to an end. A stepping stone for revenge and clan power. But they were almost written in as an afterthought. There was never any subtle struggle, any subtle threat. They were the stragglers of once powerful cats and now, suddenly, there is an entire clan of them loyal to the death to Scourge.
I mean, this is the way the book was written so it is what it is. But it almost feels a bit cheap. An afterthought. A tidy way of ending Tigerstar's story without any real work. And now, suddenly, the fight between Firestar and Tigerstar that has been building up for years will instead be between Firestar and Scourge - who is a nobody to the reader. I feel like there is a word for this plot device - other then sloppy - but it is currently eluding me.
I will say, however, that the writers gave Tigerstar a very interesting death. And I would have approved of it if the rogues had played a bigger part in the series.
Monday, August 13, 2018
the darkest hour: part four
Tigerstar makes a speech, arguing that there is no room for cats with divided loyalities - or cats who are an abomination because they are from mixed clans. Leopardstar does not stop Tigerstar as he orders Stonefur to kill the two apprentices to prove his loyality. Stonefur refuses, saying only Leopardstar can give him orders. Leopardstar backs Tigerstar and Stonefur refuses to kill the kits. Tigerstar orders Darkstripe to kill him and the two cats fight. Stonefur gets the upper hand and Tigerstar orders Blackfoot to finish him off. Firestar and his friends watch as Blackfoot murders Stonefur.
Darkstripe asks for permission to kill the two apprentices but Tigerstar mocks him for being unable to defeat Stonefur. Tigerstar allows the kits to live for now and sends them back to their prison. The gathering breaks up and the cats try to figure out how to save Graystripe's kits. They roll in the crow food so they will smell like TigerClan and follow the path. They find Jaggedtooth guarding the prison and Ravenpaw distracts him by insisting that Tigerstar is asking for him. They find Mistyfoot with the young apprentices and they all start back to ThunderClan territory. They pass back through the clearing with the hill of bones and Mistyfoot says goodbye to her brother.
Suddenly an alarm is given that the prisoners have escaped and they make for the river. As they are crossing some ShadowClan cats attack but suddenly a ThunderClan patrol is there to help. They get away safely but once back at the camp Firestar finds out that Tawnypaw is missing. They look everywhere for Tawnypaw but are unable to find her. Goldenflower accuses Firestar of never trusting her kits and storms off. Bramblepaw tells him it is not his fault
Not all the cats are happy that three RiverClan cats are in their camp, but Firestar insists it is the right thing to do and Whitestorm stands by him reminding all the cats that they are half ThunderClan. After everyone has calmed down a badly wounded Mudclaw suddenly appears looking for help because his clan is under attack from TigerClan.
As if things couldn't get more disturbing. Leopardstar's refusal to stand up for her deputy speaks volumes - especially when he is murdered right in front of her. And she won't speak up for the apprentices. These cats are in her care and she is silent - harkening back to Firestar warning Mistyfoot that Tigerstar has no equals, only followers.
The sudden attack on WindClan when they were given a month to respond is interesting. It could be retaliation against Firestar for taking the prisoners or it could just be a scare tactic to make WindClan surrender sooner so ThunderClan stands alone.
And the persecution of the half RiverClan half ThunderClan cats seems far more personal. If the four clans are supposed to join as one then it is illogical to execute half breed cats. It is far more likely that the four clans would start building stronger bonds with each other which would naturally move to mixed kits being born. I really cannot see the logic in this and instead just see Tigerstar looking to hurt RiverClan by dividing them against themselves and hurting Firestar by taking kits that belong to cats who are important to him.
Then there is Tawnypaw's disappearance. I am sure she has gone to TigerClan, tired of cats questioning her loyalty. While I can understand this in theory, in reality I cannot. While she does not know of the current crimes her father just committed she does know all about the past ones - including the dog pack that almost destroyed them all. I understand her frustration but joining the side of someone who has no regard for anyone's life but his own is not the answer. I feel especially bad for Bramblepaw because he is on the receiving end of that distrust far more then his sister is.
Darkstripe asks for permission to kill the two apprentices but Tigerstar mocks him for being unable to defeat Stonefur. Tigerstar allows the kits to live for now and sends them back to their prison. The gathering breaks up and the cats try to figure out how to save Graystripe's kits. They roll in the crow food so they will smell like TigerClan and follow the path. They find Jaggedtooth guarding the prison and Ravenpaw distracts him by insisting that Tigerstar is asking for him. They find Mistyfoot with the young apprentices and they all start back to ThunderClan territory. They pass back through the clearing with the hill of bones and Mistyfoot says goodbye to her brother.
Suddenly an alarm is given that the prisoners have escaped and they make for the river. As they are crossing some ShadowClan cats attack but suddenly a ThunderClan patrol is there to help. They get away safely but once back at the camp Firestar finds out that Tawnypaw is missing. They look everywhere for Tawnypaw but are unable to find her. Goldenflower accuses Firestar of never trusting her kits and storms off. Bramblepaw tells him it is not his fault
Not all the cats are happy that three RiverClan cats are in their camp, but Firestar insists it is the right thing to do and Whitestorm stands by him reminding all the cats that they are half ThunderClan. After everyone has calmed down a badly wounded Mudclaw suddenly appears looking for help because his clan is under attack from TigerClan.
As if things couldn't get more disturbing. Leopardstar's refusal to stand up for her deputy speaks volumes - especially when he is murdered right in front of her. And she won't speak up for the apprentices. These cats are in her care and she is silent - harkening back to Firestar warning Mistyfoot that Tigerstar has no equals, only followers.
The sudden attack on WindClan when they were given a month to respond is interesting. It could be retaliation against Firestar for taking the prisoners or it could just be a scare tactic to make WindClan surrender sooner so ThunderClan stands alone.
And the persecution of the half RiverClan half ThunderClan cats seems far more personal. If the four clans are supposed to join as one then it is illogical to execute half breed cats. It is far more likely that the four clans would start building stronger bonds with each other which would naturally move to mixed kits being born. I really cannot see the logic in this and instead just see Tigerstar looking to hurt RiverClan by dividing them against themselves and hurting Firestar by taking kits that belong to cats who are important to him.
Then there is Tawnypaw's disappearance. I am sure she has gone to TigerClan, tired of cats questioning her loyalty. While I can understand this in theory, in reality I cannot. While she does not know of the current crimes her father just committed she does know all about the past ones - including the dog pack that almost destroyed them all. I understand her frustration but joining the side of someone who has no regard for anyone's life but his own is not the answer. I feel especially bad for Bramblepaw because he is on the receiving end of that distrust far more then his sister is.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
the darkest hour: part three
Sorrelkit tells Firestar that she saw Darkstripe out alone and knew he shouldn't be, so she followed him. She saw him meeting with Blackfoot from ShadowClan. She tried to sneak back to the camp unseen but Darkstripe found her, told her how clever she was, and gave her the berries as a treat. Firestar takes this news to the clan. Darkstripe insists that Sorrelkit was either lying or misunderstood what he was trying to do. Firestar asks him how he can betray his own clan like this and Darkstripe responds that this isn't his clan and the only cat worth following is Tigerstar. Firestar banishes him, and is uneasy when Tawnypaw asks if Darkstripe will go to Tigerstar, though not because Darkstripe probably will but because of the look on Tawnypaw's face. Firestar gives the apprenticeship of Fernpaw to Longtail - much to the other cat's shock and gratitude - and then goes to tell Cinderpelt about the prophecy Bluestar gave him but she cannot shed any light on it.
Days pass and Firestar is out with Graystripe and Thornclaw when they see Mistyfoot. She tells them how Stonefur confessed their roots to their clan. She says some cats won't speak to them, others are uneasy, and Leopardstar is clearly unhappy but publicly supporting them. She also confesses that Tigerstar is always over with Leopardstar, planning something, and even Stonefur does not know what - and that ShadowClan warriors are always posted in their camp. Firestar is shocked, and warns Mistyfoot that Tigerstar has no equals, only followers. The Gathering approaches and Firestar leaves Whitestorm behind with enough warriors to guard the camp in case Tigerstar attacks - along with Tigerstar's two kits in case he demands them again. Firestar decides to reveal Tigerstar's treachery at this gathering, but Whitestorm is unsure his plans will work.
They arrive at the Gathering but only WindClan is there. Tallstar tells Firestar that he is sorry for Bluestar's death, but that ThunderClan has a worthy successor. Firestar is surprised at the older cat's praise. He decides to confide in him about his fears over Tigerstar but suddenly the ShadowClan and RiverClan cats are there. They arrive together and start the meeting without Tallstar and Firestar. Tigerstar speaks of joining the four clans into one great clan, named TigerClan, and ruling it together. He says Leopardstar had already joined them and asks the other clans for their answer. Tallstar is furious and flatly refuses. Firestar too refuses and tries to warn the other cats about why Tigerstar was kicked out of their clan but suddenly a storm breaks out. Tigerstar declares it a favorable sign from StarClan and leaves, giving the other two clans a month to decide. Firestar also saw Darkstripe with the ShadowClan cats, a look of open admiration on his face as he watched Tigerstar speak. As the cats escape the storm Firestar is reminded of Bluestar's prophesy.
Back at camp Firestar breaks the news of the Gathering to everyone and Tigerstar's claim that he has StarClan's favor. Whitestorm counters that the storm could easily be seen as a sign of StarClan's anger. The next day Firestar takes Bramblepaw training and is upset when Bramblepaw asks why it would be so bad to all be one clan. But then Firestar remembers his own questioning on this same topic when he first joined the clan and tries to answer Bramblepaw fairly. Firestar finds himself worrying once again about his apprentice's loyalty. Cloudtail also has him assess Brightheart's training and Firestar is surprised to see it going well. He goes to get a drink from the stream and sees his reflection as a lion and recalls Bluestar's prophesy once again.
Days pass and Firestar is out with Graystripe and Thornclaw when they see Mistyfoot. She tells them how Stonefur confessed their roots to their clan. She says some cats won't speak to them, others are uneasy, and Leopardstar is clearly unhappy but publicly supporting them. She also confesses that Tigerstar is always over with Leopardstar, planning something, and even Stonefur does not know what - and that ShadowClan warriors are always posted in their camp. Firestar is shocked, and warns Mistyfoot that Tigerstar has no equals, only followers. The Gathering approaches and Firestar leaves Whitestorm behind with enough warriors to guard the camp in case Tigerstar attacks - along with Tigerstar's two kits in case he demands them again. Firestar decides to reveal Tigerstar's treachery at this gathering, but Whitestorm is unsure his plans will work.
They arrive at the Gathering but only WindClan is there. Tallstar tells Firestar that he is sorry for Bluestar's death, but that ThunderClan has a worthy successor. Firestar is surprised at the older cat's praise. He decides to confide in him about his fears over Tigerstar but suddenly the ShadowClan and RiverClan cats are there. They arrive together and start the meeting without Tallstar and Firestar. Tigerstar speaks of joining the four clans into one great clan, named TigerClan, and ruling it together. He says Leopardstar had already joined them and asks the other clans for their answer. Tallstar is furious and flatly refuses. Firestar too refuses and tries to warn the other cats about why Tigerstar was kicked out of their clan but suddenly a storm breaks out. Tigerstar declares it a favorable sign from StarClan and leaves, giving the other two clans a month to decide. Firestar also saw Darkstripe with the ShadowClan cats, a look of open admiration on his face as he watched Tigerstar speak. As the cats escape the storm Firestar is reminded of Bluestar's prophesy.
Back at camp Firestar breaks the news of the Gathering to everyone and Tigerstar's claim that he has StarClan's favor. Whitestorm counters that the storm could easily be seen as a sign of StarClan's anger. The next day Firestar takes Bramblepaw training and is upset when Bramblepaw asks why it would be so bad to all be one clan. But then Firestar remembers his own questioning on this same topic when he first joined the clan and tries to answer Bramblepaw fairly. Firestar finds himself worrying once again about his apprentice's loyalty. Cloudtail also has him assess Brightheart's training and Firestar is surprised to see it going well. He goes to get a drink from the stream and sees his reflection as a lion and recalls Bluestar's prophesy once again.
Back at camp Graystripe tries to talk to Firestar but a sudden commotion with Tawnypaw distracts him. Tawnypaw complains that some of the cats treat her unfairly because of her father. Bramblepaw tells her that they must prove themselves and Firestar promises to speak to the cats on her behalf. Tawnypaw soothed Firestar asks Graystripe what is wrong. Graystripe confesses he is afraid for his kits now that Tigerstar is in charge of RiverClan. He wants to go over and bring them back to ThunderClan camp. Firestar tells him no, but seeing how upset his friend is agrees for them to go over and check on the kits. On their way out they see Ravenpaw, who has come to pay his respects to Bluestar, and he goes along with them. They sneak into RiverClan land and find an odd scent and follow it. They see a new camp with a hill of bones with Tigerstar on top. They see Leopardstar looking like she is regretting her choice but now has no way out. They see prey wasted and water polluted. They see Darkstripe, proud to be part of this new clan. And they see prisoners in the form of Stonefur, Featherpaw, and Stormpaw.
Okay, there is quite a bit here. Clearly the tiger and lion are Tigerstar and Firestar, respectively. And the four becoming two means WindClan and ThunderClan will join together against ShadowClan and RiverClan. The blood is clearly tied in with Scourge since he is the leader of BloodClan (though, Firestar does not know this yet).
Also, that entire scene in RiverClan territory disturbs me. The disregard for prey, the prisoners (who are of course half ThunderClan but, more importantly, include the deputy and two young apprentices), and Leopardstar's refusal to do anything. The whole scene is very disturbing. Mostly Leopardstar's inaction.
I am curious where Mistyfoot is. Is she a prisoner too? If so, why was she not there? Was it a control issue with Tigerstar not wanting both cats there to strengthen his own position? After all, if he orders attacks on both Stonefur and Mistyfoot then maybe Leopardstar would waiver. Or, it could be she has escaped. But if so why has she not run to ThunderClan? She has to know that Firestar would take her in. Unless she is already dead? But I imagine Stonefur would be the bigger threat to Tigerstar since he is deputy.
And here we have the loyalities of three cats drawn clearly. Dustpelt and Longtail have both buried the hatchet with Firestar - they might not like him fully but they have completely accepted him. And Longtail knows just how precarious his position was, yet, despite that unfortunate incident in the previous book, Firestar has continuously shown him trust. And Darkstripe cares only for Tigerstar. His ambition is just as bad. He knows that everything Tigerstar is doing goes against everything the clans believe in but he does not care.
As for Tawnypaw and Bramblepaw - I see things not ending well for Tawnypaw.
Okay, there is quite a bit here. Clearly the tiger and lion are Tigerstar and Firestar, respectively. And the four becoming two means WindClan and ThunderClan will join together against ShadowClan and RiverClan. The blood is clearly tied in with Scourge since he is the leader of BloodClan (though, Firestar does not know this yet).
Also, that entire scene in RiverClan territory disturbs me. The disregard for prey, the prisoners (who are of course half ThunderClan but, more importantly, include the deputy and two young apprentices), and Leopardstar's refusal to do anything. The whole scene is very disturbing. Mostly Leopardstar's inaction.
I am curious where Mistyfoot is. Is she a prisoner too? If so, why was she not there? Was it a control issue with Tigerstar not wanting both cats there to strengthen his own position? After all, if he orders attacks on both Stonefur and Mistyfoot then maybe Leopardstar would waiver. Or, it could be she has escaped. But if so why has she not run to ThunderClan? She has to know that Firestar would take her in. Unless she is already dead? But I imagine Stonefur would be the bigger threat to Tigerstar since he is deputy.
And here we have the loyalities of three cats drawn clearly. Dustpelt and Longtail have both buried the hatchet with Firestar - they might not like him fully but they have completely accepted him. And Longtail knows just how precarious his position was, yet, despite that unfortunate incident in the previous book, Firestar has continuously shown him trust. And Darkstripe cares only for Tigerstar. His ambition is just as bad. He knows that everything Tigerstar is doing goes against everything the clans believe in but he does not care.
As for Tawnypaw and Bramblepaw - I see things not ending well for Tawnypaw.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)