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Warriors: A Starless Clan #4
Thunder
TO SAVE HER CLAN'S FUTURE, SHE MUST LOOK TO ITS DISTANT PAST
Frostpaw was told to trust no cat, but a brutal attack has left her gravely injured, and she'll need to depend on someone. When help arrives in the form of a young warrior, she convinces him to protect her as she follows StarClan's cryptic directions toward the roots of RiverClan, where Riverstar has promised she'll find the answers she's been so desperately seeking.
Back at the lake, the tension between ShadowClan and RiverClan might be easing, but the peace is fragile. Until StarClan's chosen leader is found, the slightest push could lead the Clans back into outright war.
Frostpaw was told to trust no cat, but a brutal attack has left her gravely injured, and she'll need to depend on someone. When help arrives in the form of a young warrior, she convinces him to protect her as she follows StarClan's cryptic directions toward the roots of RiverClan, where Riverstar has promised she'll find the answers she's been so desperately seeking.
Back at the lake, the tension between ShadowClan and RiverClan might be easing, but the peace is fragile. Until StarClan's chosen leader is found, the slightest push could lead the Clans back into outright war.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2023
296 people are currently reading
3576 people want to read
About the author
Erin Hunter
277 books10.8k followersErin Hunter is the pseudonym of five people: Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, Tui T. Sutherland, Gillian Philip, and Inbali Iserles, as well as editor Victoria Holmes. Together, they write the Warriors series as well as the Seekers and Survivors series. Erin Hunter is working on a new series now called Bravelands.
Erin Hunter is inspired by a love of cats and a fascination with the ferocity of the natural world. As well as having a great respect for nature in all its forms, Erin enjoys creating rich mythical explanations for animal behavior, shaped by her interest in astronomy and standing stones.
Erin Hunter is inspired by a love of cats and a fascination with the ferocity of the natural world. As well as having a great respect for nature in all its forms, Erin enjoys creating rich mythical explanations for animal behavior, shaped by her interest in astronomy and standing stones.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
November 10, 2023
Rating: 9 out of 10
I'm genuinely impressed? After the disappointment that was Riverstar's Home, I wasn't expecting anything spectacular. Plus, its a traveling book, and we all know they have a reputation (and not a good one). And yet here I am, giving this book a full five stars. (By the way, spoilers ahead!)
The thing is, this book was good. Like, really, really good, in every possible sense. The slower pacing and uneventful nature of this installment, rather than causing the book to drag was used as an opportunity to develop the characters further. Although one or two of the traveling chapters were a little dull, the focus on character relationships made them a lot more bearable and even fun to read. The scene where Frostpaw and Nightheart climb the tree (if you've read the book, you know which one I'm talking about) is a great example of how character-driven journeys can be engaging and useful to the narrative.
Something that sets this book apart from the likes of Riverstar's Home is how it feels like it was written with actual care, which may sound like a weird thing to say, but I really think it's true about this particular one. There are lots of cute little details thrown in and the writing is as crisp and fresh as it gets in a Warriors book. The ThunderClan background cast hasn't felt this alive since the first arcs!
Now, the Frostpaw chapters were the highlight of this book for me, no doubts about it. Topics of mental health and trauma recovery were surprisingly well approached, and her character development is one of my favorites in the entire series (and that's a lot to say for one that has over a hundred books!). She's quickly becoming one of my favorite Warriors characters, and I'm so excited to see what awaits her in future books (I'm personally a supporter of the theory that she'll end up leading RiverClan herself, her speeches about a new, peaceful era for the clan are perfect leader material).
As for Sunbeam, this book really did wonders for her character. I was worried that all of her chapters were going to be her thinking about Nightheart and missing him, and I was pleasantly surprised with a delightfully written storyline in which she finds her place in ThunderClan regardless of Nightheart's presence and learns to stand up for herself. I honestly didn't care all that much about her at the beginning of the book, but by the end I was cheering for her as she spoke against Berryheart's hurtful comments.
I felt like in this book Nightheart was more of a supporting character in Frostpaw's storyline than anything else, but is it bad that I think that it was a good thing? I still think he's by far the weakest protagonist in this arc, but I didn't find him annoying at all here and I greatly enjoyed the slow development of his friendship with Frostpaw.
I can't end this review without talking about the plot twists! I loved how this time the Erins seemed more conscious of the fact that most readers, including me, had already figured out who was behind the RiverClan murders, so they focused less on the (mostly nonexistent) shock value itself and more on Frostpaw's reaction to these reveals. The twist that she had actually seen Splashtail attack her and was just repressing the memory was so good, I can't stop thinking about it. And the Curlfeather twist was even better; I loved the way it was written and I actually wasn't expecting her to be the real mastermind of the operation (though I did guess she was involved in it in some way).
I still have a lot more things to say (the park cats' support was so heartwarming, Berryheart continues to be such a great and complex antagonist, we got Squirrelstar!) but to wrap things up, I couldn't be more pleased with this book. It's definitely my favorite in this arc so far, and if the following installments are even half as good as this one was, then I can't wait to read them.
I'm genuinely impressed? After the disappointment that was Riverstar's Home, I wasn't expecting anything spectacular. Plus, its a traveling book, and we all know they have a reputation (and not a good one). And yet here I am, giving this book a full five stars. (By the way, spoilers ahead!)
The thing is, this book was good. Like, really, really good, in every possible sense. The slower pacing and uneventful nature of this installment, rather than causing the book to drag was used as an opportunity to develop the characters further. Although one or two of the traveling chapters were a little dull, the focus on character relationships made them a lot more bearable and even fun to read. The scene where Frostpaw and Nightheart climb the tree (if you've read the book, you know which one I'm talking about) is a great example of how character-driven journeys can be engaging and useful to the narrative.
Something that sets this book apart from the likes of Riverstar's Home is how it feels like it was written with actual care, which may sound like a weird thing to say, but I really think it's true about this particular one. There are lots of cute little details thrown in and the writing is as crisp and fresh as it gets in a Warriors book. The ThunderClan background cast hasn't felt this alive since the first arcs!
Now, the Frostpaw chapters were the highlight of this book for me, no doubts about it. Topics of mental health and trauma recovery were surprisingly well approached, and her character development is one of my favorites in the entire series (and that's a lot to say for one that has over a hundred books!). She's quickly becoming one of my favorite Warriors characters, and I'm so excited to see what awaits her in future books (I'm personally a supporter of the theory that she'll end up leading RiverClan herself, her speeches about a new, peaceful era for the clan are perfect leader material).
As for Sunbeam, this book really did wonders for her character. I was worried that all of her chapters were going to be her thinking about Nightheart and missing him, and I was pleasantly surprised with a delightfully written storyline in which she finds her place in ThunderClan regardless of Nightheart's presence and learns to stand up for herself. I honestly didn't care all that much about her at the beginning of the book, but by the end I was cheering for her as she spoke against Berryheart's hurtful comments.
I felt like in this book Nightheart was more of a supporting character in Frostpaw's storyline than anything else, but is it bad that I think that it was a good thing? I still think he's by far the weakest protagonist in this arc, but I didn't find him annoying at all here and I greatly enjoyed the slow development of his friendship with Frostpaw.
I can't end this review without talking about the plot twists! I loved how this time the Erins seemed more conscious of the fact that most readers, including me, had already figured out who was behind the RiverClan murders, so they focused less on the (mostly nonexistent) shock value itself and more on Frostpaw's reaction to these reveals. The twist that she had actually seen Splashtail attack her and was just repressing the memory was so good, I can't stop thinking about it. And the Curlfeather twist was even better; I loved the way it was written and I actually wasn't expecting her to be the real mastermind of the operation (though I did guess she was involved in it in some way).
I still have a lot more things to say (the park cats' support was so heartwarming, Berryheart continues to be such a great and complex antagonist, we got Squirrelstar!) but to wrap things up, I couldn't be more pleased with this book. It's definitely my favorite in this arc so far, and if the following installments are even half as good as this one was, then I can't wait to read them.
February 15, 2024
It was a bit repetitive and slow at the beginning, but was better near the middle. My favorite character is Sunbeam because she doesn’t give in to what Berryheart says even when she says it over and over, and that she sticks to her beliefs. I didn’t expect Curlfeather to be plotting to be leader, but I partially thought Splashtail was. My favorite part is when Sunbeam completes her last trial, and I want to know what happens next. Overall, it was good, although I do feel like whenever Erin Hunter runs out of ideas, she just puts one of the cats on a journey which is kind of getting old to read . . . because there’s one in almost every Warriors book.
Summary (this is mostly for me to remember what happens): Sunbeam worries when Nightheart leaves her by herself in ThinderClan, since she doesn’t really know anyone. As Nightheart accompanies Bramblestar and Squirrelflight to the Moonpool to exchange leadership, StarClan doesn’t appear the first time they try. Ivypool, the future deputy, gives Sunbeam her first task: to instruct three of Spotfur’s kits to hunt prey for the elders without actually catching any herself.
Meanwhile, Whistlepaw finds Frostpaw injured on the moor and brings her to horseplace since Frostpaw doesn’t want anyone to know that she’s alive in case her attacker comes after her again. When the herbs Whistlepaw tries don’t work, Smoky (the horseplace cat) brings a Twoleg to Frostpaw who then takes her to the vet and back to heal. She recieves a vision from StarClan that they will teach her to restore balance in her clan, so she decides to go to the Moonpool by herself to find out more. StarClan tells her that she needs to make a journey with another cat to get stronger in order to save her Clan.
As Nightheart guards the Moonpool while Squirrelflight and Bramblestar try to change leadership again, he notices something rustle and finds out that it is Frostpaw. Frostpaw convinces him to come with her through StarClan’s guide, and he agrees.
When Squirrelflight and Bramblestar return to the camp without Nightheart, Sunbeam worries. Squirrelflight tells the Clan that they successfully transferred leadership and that she is now Squirrelstar and that Bramblestar will be treated as an elder as Brambleclaw. Squirrelstar also privately tells Sunbeam that StarClan told her that Nightheart will be doing something important for StarClan. Later, Squirrelstar calls a meeting to announce her leadership, and during it she calls out Tigerstar again about having his warriors in the RiverClan camp, and he still believes it is the right thing to do.
Meanwhile, Frostpaw sees another vision from Riverstar and he tells her to trust her instincts and that StarClan will guide her. When she and Nightheart go to catch fish in a river, multiple otters arrive and injure both of them, but they manage to escape.
In the Thunderclan camp, Sunbeam thought that Nightheart would be there to watch her second trial that takes place, which is moving a large boulder away from the edge of their camp where it could fall and hurt someone. She successfully does this with the help of other warriors.
Later, Riverstar sends her another vision telling her that she will meet cats that will help near a certain tree, so she and Nightheart cross the river and find the cats. When they talk to the cats they find out that they are park cats and that Riverstar visited them long ago. They also find out that Riverstar led Frostpaw there to meditate, which is a thing the park cats do to reveal things. Frostpaw does this and realizes that she was keeping back the true murderer of RiverClan—Splashtail, a cat that Frostpaw had grown fond of.
Soon after, Sunbeam prepares to take her third trial, and wonders if Nightheart will ever return. She takes the third trial and passes, but Cherryfall was trying to stop her. Sunbeam meets with her mother, Berryheart, who is planning something in ShadowClan.
Meanwhile, Frostpaw figures out that Curlfeather, her mother, and Splashtail were working together to become leader and deputy before Curlfeather died, and that they were both manipulating her the entire time. Now that they know the truth, Frostpaw, Nightheart, and two park cats that want to be warriors journey back to the Clans. Frostpaw knows she needs to tell a group of cats the truth so that they will listen, and figure out that a Gathering is happening. They sneak into the Gathering and hear that Berryheart is trying to get cats to turn against Tigerstar, which doesn’t work. She then leaves the Clans and tries to get other cats to join her, including Sunbeam, but it doesn’t work. RiverClan reveals the news that they want Splashtail for leader, and Frostpaw and Nightheart are about to reveal the truth, but don’t know if anyone will listen . . .
Summary (this is mostly for me to remember what happens): Sunbeam worries when Nightheart leaves her by herself in ThinderClan, since she doesn’t really know anyone. As Nightheart accompanies Bramblestar and Squirrelflight to the Moonpool to exchange leadership, StarClan doesn’t appear the first time they try. Ivypool, the future deputy, gives Sunbeam her first task: to instruct three of Spotfur’s kits to hunt prey for the elders without actually catching any herself.
Meanwhile, Whistlepaw finds Frostpaw injured on the moor and brings her to horseplace since Frostpaw doesn’t want anyone to know that she’s alive in case her attacker comes after her again. When the herbs Whistlepaw tries don’t work, Smoky (the horseplace cat) brings a Twoleg to Frostpaw who then takes her to the vet and back to heal. She recieves a vision from StarClan that they will teach her to restore balance in her clan, so she decides to go to the Moonpool by herself to find out more. StarClan tells her that she needs to make a journey with another cat to get stronger in order to save her Clan.
As Nightheart guards the Moonpool while Squirrelflight and Bramblestar try to change leadership again, he notices something rustle and finds out that it is Frostpaw. Frostpaw convinces him to come with her through StarClan’s guide, and he agrees.
When Squirrelflight and Bramblestar return to the camp without Nightheart, Sunbeam worries. Squirrelflight tells the Clan that they successfully transferred leadership and that she is now Squirrelstar and that Bramblestar will be treated as an elder as Brambleclaw. Squirrelstar also privately tells Sunbeam that StarClan told her that Nightheart will be doing something important for StarClan. Later, Squirrelstar calls a meeting to announce her leadership, and during it she calls out Tigerstar again about having his warriors in the RiverClan camp, and he still believes it is the right thing to do.
Meanwhile, Frostpaw sees another vision from Riverstar and he tells her to trust her instincts and that StarClan will guide her. When she and Nightheart go to catch fish in a river, multiple otters arrive and injure both of them, but they manage to escape.
In the Thunderclan camp, Sunbeam thought that Nightheart would be there to watch her second trial that takes place, which is moving a large boulder away from the edge of their camp where it could fall and hurt someone. She successfully does this with the help of other warriors.
Later, Riverstar sends her another vision telling her that she will meet cats that will help near a certain tree, so she and Nightheart cross the river and find the cats. When they talk to the cats they find out that they are park cats and that Riverstar visited them long ago. They also find out that Riverstar led Frostpaw there to meditate, which is a thing the park cats do to reveal things. Frostpaw does this and realizes that she was keeping back the true murderer of RiverClan—Splashtail, a cat that Frostpaw had grown fond of.
Soon after, Sunbeam prepares to take her third trial, and wonders if Nightheart will ever return. She takes the third trial and passes, but Cherryfall was trying to stop her. Sunbeam meets with her mother, Berryheart, who is planning something in ShadowClan.
Meanwhile, Frostpaw figures out that Curlfeather, her mother, and Splashtail were working together to become leader and deputy before Curlfeather died, and that they were both manipulating her the entire time. Now that they know the truth, Frostpaw, Nightheart, and two park cats that want to be warriors journey back to the Clans. Frostpaw knows she needs to tell a group of cats the truth so that they will listen, and figure out that a Gathering is happening. They sneak into the Gathering and hear that Berryheart is trying to get cats to turn against Tigerstar, which doesn’t work. She then leaves the Clans and tries to get other cats to join her, including Sunbeam, but it doesn’t work. RiverClan reveals the news that they want Splashtail for leader, and Frostpaw and Nightheart are about to reveal the truth, but don’t know if anyone will listen . . .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2023
godam that was good
November 8, 2023
An actually pretty great installment. Good on them.
The positives:
-Great character interactions between Frostpaw and
-Fantastic character arcs for both Frostpaw and Sunbeam
-
-RiverClan conflict is still very well-written and engaging, we also finally get some resolutions
The negatives:
-Yet another admittedly pretty boring journey
-Berryheart is still...Berryheart. I just don't find it smart from the author to write a villain who is this pathetic and annoying to both the characters and the reader. You'll want your antagonists to be intimidating, an actual threat the reader can fear or hate. But Berryheart I just hate because she's obnoxious as hell. Even her plan in this book .
Full review at: https://skybookcorner.blogspot.com/20...
The positives:
-Great character interactions between Frostpaw and
-Fantastic character arcs for both Frostpaw and Sunbeam
-
-RiverClan conflict is still very well-written and engaging, we also finally get some resolutions
The negatives:
-Yet another admittedly pretty boring journey
-Berryheart is still...Berryheart. I just don't find it smart from the author to write a villain who is this pathetic and annoying to both the characters and the reader. You'll want your antagonists to be intimidating, an actual threat the reader can fear or hate. But Berryheart I just hate because she's obnoxious as hell. Even her plan in this book .
Full review at: https://skybookcorner.blogspot.com/20...
March 20, 2024
Fav character: Splashtail
I'm a sucker for evil guys (note: not girls, GUYS)
It would be 5 stars without the journey included
4 ✨
I'm a sucker for evil guys (note: not girls, GUYS)
It would be 5 stars without the journey included
4 ✨
November 9, 2023
SQUIRRELSTAR SQUIRRELSTAR WE WON
Oh my I have so many mixed feelings on this book. I mean first of all I'm so excited for Squirrelstar but I digress.
Frostpaw and Whistlepaw's friendship was so cute, Whistlepaw cares so much for her :) and I loved the bonding between Frostpaw and Nightheart, they're such good friends. It's nice to see Nightheart with someone with problems a lot worse than his, gives him some perspective.
The fact that Frostpaw was spayed is... interesting. I hope the story team doesn't make her be a medicine cat because "hey i can't have kits what's even the point of being a warrior :(" in real life TNR is great but from the perspective of humanized cats it feels so awful :(. Im not entirely against the plotline, I just hope it's handled well.
I hate Riverstar in this book he's so annoying and OOC. I did like the fact that they essentially sent Frostpaw to therapy to work through some of her trauma though lmao. Waffle is so cute, and I love Rook and Bee. I felt Wasp was a bit of an odd choice to come back to the Clans but whatever.
CURLFEATHER COMFIRMED EVIL YES our first main series female villain and she's complex?? She's awful and she used her kid, but she still loves her enough to sacrifice her life?? That's so cool. Splashtail is fine ig
Nightheart really did not need a POV this book lmao he just spent it worrying about Sunbeam. I do like that he's learning he's not the main character though lol, and again his friendship with Frostpaw is so sweet.
Sunbeam was sooo good this book I loved how they showed her learning to want to be in ThunderClan for ThunderClan, not just Nightheart. And she girlbossed when she stood up to her mom and Cherryfall, she's no longer a pushover! Character development.
I will say that argument at the start of the book between Bramble and Squirrel was stupid like ah yes the perfectly mentally capable woman somehow walked STRAIGHT INTO ANOTHER CLANS TERRITORY without realizing but somehow Bramble with his deteriorating mental state is right. Not misogynistic at all
OTTER CAMEO WHOOHOO
The ending with Berryheart was so anticlimactic and awful like she gets exiled for?? Expressing that she doesn't agree with her leader?? What the actual fuck??? I know she's xenophobic but she's not being exiled for that, she's being exiled for exercising her rights. Thanks I hate it! I wanted her to get kicked for like. Getting someone killed, or starting a fight, not this bullshit. Also Puddleshine miss me with that shit about how "one grudge can exploit this new code" like yeah ok but he's fucking invading and controlling another Clan, even if he has good intentions that's still a fair thing to be mad about?? (To be fair though Berryheart was being more xenophobic than on the side of RiverClan's freedom so I guess I can see where Puddleshine's coming from. I guess)
Speaking of why are all the protagonists so forgiving of Tigerheartstar like "he invaded, beat up, threatened to kill, and forcefully took control of this Clan and gets mad when people question him but he just has good intentions UwU" like no.
Splashstar real? That's going to be interesting. And I'm excited to see more of Podlight as a character
Overall an ok book, probably my least favourite of the arc so far but I still enjoyed most of it
Oh my I have so many mixed feelings on this book. I mean first of all I'm so excited for Squirrelstar but I digress.
Frostpaw and Whistlepaw's friendship was so cute, Whistlepaw cares so much for her :) and I loved the bonding between Frostpaw and Nightheart, they're such good friends. It's nice to see Nightheart with someone with problems a lot worse than his, gives him some perspective.
The fact that Frostpaw was spayed is... interesting. I hope the story team doesn't make her be a medicine cat because "hey i can't have kits what's even the point of being a warrior :(" in real life TNR is great but from the perspective of humanized cats it feels so awful :(. Im not entirely against the plotline, I just hope it's handled well.
I hate Riverstar in this book he's so annoying and OOC. I did like the fact that they essentially sent Frostpaw to therapy to work through some of her trauma though lmao. Waffle is so cute, and I love Rook and Bee. I felt Wasp was a bit of an odd choice to come back to the Clans but whatever.
CURLFEATHER COMFIRMED EVIL YES our first main series female villain and she's complex?? She's awful and she used her kid, but she still loves her enough to sacrifice her life?? That's so cool. Splashtail is fine ig
Nightheart really did not need a POV this book lmao he just spent it worrying about Sunbeam. I do like that he's learning he's not the main character though lol, and again his friendship with Frostpaw is so sweet.
Sunbeam was sooo good this book I loved how they showed her learning to want to be in ThunderClan for ThunderClan, not just Nightheart. And she girlbossed when she stood up to her mom and Cherryfall, she's no longer a pushover! Character development.
I will say that argument at the start of the book between Bramble and Squirrel was stupid like ah yes the perfectly mentally capable woman somehow walked STRAIGHT INTO ANOTHER CLANS TERRITORY without realizing but somehow Bramble with his deteriorating mental state is right. Not misogynistic at all
OTTER CAMEO WHOOHOO
The ending with Berryheart was so anticlimactic and awful like she gets exiled for?? Expressing that she doesn't agree with her leader?? What the actual fuck??? I know she's xenophobic but she's not being exiled for that, she's being exiled for exercising her rights. Thanks I hate it! I wanted her to get kicked for like. Getting someone killed, or starting a fight, not this bullshit. Also Puddleshine miss me with that shit about how "one grudge can exploit this new code" like yeah ok but he's fucking invading and controlling another Clan, even if he has good intentions that's still a fair thing to be mad about?? (To be fair though Berryheart was being more xenophobic than on the side of RiverClan's freedom so I guess I can see where Puddleshine's coming from. I guess)
Speaking of why are all the protagonists so forgiving of Tigerheartstar like "he invaded, beat up, threatened to kill, and forcefully took control of this Clan and gets mad when people question him but he just has good intentions UwU" like no.
Splashstar real? That's going to be interesting. And I'm excited to see more of Podlight as a character
Overall an ok book, probably my least favourite of the arc so far but I still enjoyed most of it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
Well, I'm not entirely done yet, but yikes this was a slog. Now, is it better than the rest of the arc? YES. By a wide margin. I was interested and engaged in Frostpaw and Nightheart's journey and POV. Sunbeam is still annoying, and the romance between her and Nightheart is eh.
Squirrelstar is a terrible choice and if war breaks out we must collectively overthrow her.
Previous review:
I know this book was barely announced, but if the first two in this arc are anything to go off of, it'll be anything but good.
Also, I called it: Thunder was the name. Next book is gonna be Wind.
Squirrelstar is a terrible choice and if war breaks out we must collectively overthrow her.
Previous review:
I know this book was barely announced, but if the first two in this arc are anything to go off of, it'll be anything but good.
Also, I called it: Thunder was the name. Next book is gonna be Wind.
November 23, 2023
This book was so good!!! The ending was such a cliff hanger and I’m annoyed I have to wait until April for Wind
March 20, 2024
SO good!!! also can’t believe i finally am all caught up on this series (until the next release next month hehe)
November 8, 2023
Not as juicy as previous installments in this arc but still pretty entertaining stuff for Warriors.
If you’ve not read the book yet, there are big spoilers ahead! You’ve been warned.
I was pretty thrilled when Frostpaw was treated by a Twoleg since it’s never really happened in Warriors history before (at least, not to my memory), and thought it would be pretty wild but unlikely if she also got spayed (since it’s common practice for vets if they’re treated a sick/injured female cat). You can imagine my surprise when it was heavily implied she got spayed! This wasn’t addressed further in this book, but I have a bad feeling it’ll come up again in a later book and be handled poorly as an excuse to force Frostpaw to be a medicine cat anyway. The whole idea left me a bit soured on the future of the arc, but we’ll see how things go.
I kinda liked the unique perspective Sunbeam brought in this book. With Nightheart gone to help Frostpaw on her journey, she had to basically find a motive to be in ThunderClan that didn’t involve Nightheart, since she had no idea if he’d ever return. I didn’t think Nightheart’s role on Frostpaw’s journey was so essential it had to be him—him being away was totally used as a device specifically to further Sunbeam’s development, and that was a nice change of pace!
When it comes to journeys in these books, there’s never really a good way to do them, but there’s definitely a wrong way to do them (*stares at Outcast*). My chief complaint with this journey is that it felt pointless to me. There was very little about what Frostpaw gained from the park cats that she couldn’t have gotten through dreams or other experiences on the lake territories/near them. I thought it was a bit funny she was basically in cat therapy though.
I also thought it was extremely funny that Tree became relevant again and how cats literally said, “That guy hasn’t lifted a paw while we’ve all been quarreling for the past several moons!” It felt very meta, since you just know some editor was like “What about Tree?” and the Erins were like “Oh yeah I forgot he existed”.
The ending was very underwhelming and predictable, and I was pretty disappointed with it. It seems like they want Splashtail to have a full book where he gets to be an evil leader, which is fair, but at least have a juicy ending to this book to lead into that! I was hoping they’d return to find Splashtail had already come back from the Moonpool having received his “nine lives”. Instead Frostpaw just hears more of Splashtail’s lies at the Gathering and decides to give up on the spot??? Make it make sense. 😭
If you’ve not read the book yet, there are big spoilers ahead! You’ve been warned.
I was pretty thrilled when Frostpaw was treated by a Twoleg since it’s never really happened in Warriors history before (at least, not to my memory), and thought it would be pretty wild but unlikely if she also got spayed (since it’s common practice for vets if they’re treated a sick/injured female cat). You can imagine my surprise when it was heavily implied she got spayed! This wasn’t addressed further in this book, but I have a bad feeling it’ll come up again in a later book and be handled poorly as an excuse to force Frostpaw to be a medicine cat anyway. The whole idea left me a bit soured on the future of the arc, but we’ll see how things go.
I kinda liked the unique perspective Sunbeam brought in this book. With Nightheart gone to help Frostpaw on her journey, she had to basically find a motive to be in ThunderClan that didn’t involve Nightheart, since she had no idea if he’d ever return. I didn’t think Nightheart’s role on Frostpaw’s journey was so essential it had to be him—him being away was totally used as a device specifically to further Sunbeam’s development, and that was a nice change of pace!
When it comes to journeys in these books, there’s never really a good way to do them, but there’s definitely a wrong way to do them (*stares at Outcast*). My chief complaint with this journey is that it felt pointless to me. There was very little about what Frostpaw gained from the park cats that she couldn’t have gotten through dreams or other experiences on the lake territories/near them. I thought it was a bit funny she was basically in cat therapy though.
I also thought it was extremely funny that Tree became relevant again and how cats literally said, “That guy hasn’t lifted a paw while we’ve all been quarreling for the past several moons!” It felt very meta, since you just know some editor was like “What about Tree?” and the Erins were like “Oh yeah I forgot he existed”.
The ending was very underwhelming and predictable, and I was pretty disappointed with it. It seems like they want Splashtail to have a full book where he gets to be an evil leader, which is fair, but at least have a juicy ending to this book to lead into that! I was hoping they’d return to find Splashtail had already come back from the Moonpool having received his “nine lives”. Instead Frostpaw just hears more of Splashtail’s lies at the Gathering and decides to give up on the spot??? Make it make sense. 😭
November 21, 2023
Another amazing work by Erin Hunter. This book was exactly what any warrior cats fan needs.
After the massive cliffhanger of the previous book, this book was much anticipated and it didn’t fall short of my expectations.
In this book we get to see Sunbeam go through the same challenges as Nightheart in the book before, this time issued from Thunderclan. I absolutely adore how differently Erin Hunter made them. They were just as creative as the previous ones, but you could truly feel the fairness of the challenges. They weren’t easy, but they truly tested Sunbeams skill, without setting her up for failure, as Berryheart did. It truly reflected the different mindset of the two clans and especially the mindset of the cats responsible for issue the task. I also like how differently Sunbeam is treated by thunderclan in general, compared to how Nightheart was treated in Shadowclan. It allowed brilliant insight in the differences between the clans.
I loved how we got to see Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw being cute together, it was nostalgic and squeezed the heart just right.
Nightheart and Sunbeam continued being cute together, but this book tested their relationship in a whole new way. With how uncertain their relationship started, where you seconded guess if Nightheart truly loved her or just wanted to get away from Thunderclan, this book more than sold us on the fact, that they love each other and that nothing would tear them apart.
I liked how Nighthearts kin finally start growing together and acting like family, though I did think the change was a little bit too sudden.
My favorite part was how we got a few pages focused on interacting with kits. Those pages were just the absolute cutest. I always find we are missing out on those kinds of scenes, when the mc isn’t currently a kit or is having kits.
I hadn’t expected the cross references to the previous release Riverstar’s home, but they fit the story really well and definitely added some depth.
Frostpaw especially grew in this book and I found her method of growth to be incredibly creative and the unique way she got the answers she sought was more than entertaining to read.
The end of the book was amazing. The twist so unexpected and the tension skyrocketed. I throughly enjoyed this read.
After the massive cliffhanger of the previous book, this book was much anticipated and it didn’t fall short of my expectations.
In this book we get to see Sunbeam go through the same challenges as Nightheart in the book before, this time issued from Thunderclan. I absolutely adore how differently Erin Hunter made them. They were just as creative as the previous ones, but you could truly feel the fairness of the challenges. They weren’t easy, but they truly tested Sunbeams skill, without setting her up for failure, as Berryheart did. It truly reflected the different mindset of the two clans and especially the mindset of the cats responsible for issue the task. I also like how differently Sunbeam is treated by thunderclan in general, compared to how Nightheart was treated in Shadowclan. It allowed brilliant insight in the differences between the clans.
I loved how we got to see Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw being cute together, it was nostalgic and squeezed the heart just right.
Nightheart and Sunbeam continued being cute together, but this book tested their relationship in a whole new way. With how uncertain their relationship started, where you seconded guess if Nightheart truly loved her or just wanted to get away from Thunderclan, this book more than sold us on the fact, that they love each other and that nothing would tear them apart.
I liked how Nighthearts kin finally start growing together and acting like family, though I did think the change was a little bit too sudden.
My favorite part was how we got a few pages focused on interacting with kits. Those pages were just the absolute cutest. I always find we are missing out on those kinds of scenes, when the mc isn’t currently a kit or is having kits.
I hadn’t expected the cross references to the previous release Riverstar’s home, but they fit the story really well and definitely added some depth.
Frostpaw especially grew in this book and I found her method of growth to be incredibly creative and the unique way she got the answers she sought was more than entertaining to read.
The end of the book was amazing. The twist so unexpected and the tension skyrocketed. I throughly enjoyed this read.
November 10, 2023
Why did the good, fun part of the book start 185 pages in? Why did they waste pagetime on a travel chapter and then synopsise the most interesting and heartfelt period a Warriors book has seen in thousands of pages?
January 28, 2024
Cursory 3 stars because I will continue reading these no matter how excruciating they get.
September 4, 2024
Frostpaw is slowly becoming my favourite <3. I'm a bit irritated that Nightheart and Sunbeam split up during this book, but it all worked out well!
July 13, 2025
Twist after twist!!
November 12, 2023
[SPOILER ALERT] [SPOILER ALERT] [SPOILER ALERT]
Well, we're getting close to the end of this arc. This is the fourth book, and honestly, I'm very satisfied with the result. Of course, like all recent warriors books, there's some things that I didn't like at all, but let's start the review.
I was getting worried at the start of the book, and I'm talking about Sunbeam. I didn't like that in the last book she joined thunderclan that easy. Like it or not, Nightheart DID betrayed her. He choose to leave her to return Thunderclan. I'm not saying they should have been enemies at all, but I'm saying that Sunbeam forgave him really fast. So, at the start of the book, I was getting worried about Nightheart leaving her alone. I know that the Moonpool thing wasn't his fault. But going with Frostpaw was kinda... selfish. I guess he didn't want to leave Frostpaw to fend for herself, but man, you're leaving your mate behind when she almost joined Thunderclan because of you.
Well, what I'm trying to say is that I was getting worried about how Berryheart tried to manipulate Sunbeam at the start of the book. I really thought the Erins were going to make her switch clans again and make her hate Nightheart. I was really worried that the Erins were going to write another Bristlefrost with her. What a good surprise was to find out that her character was getting such a great character development. Across her arc, she fend for herself, did her best to stand her ground, even when her mother was such a pain, and Nightheart wasn't with her. She found support with almost every Thunderclan cat, and it really makes me really happy that finally a main character gets this level of character development. Now she's a Thunderclan cat, and not only because she loves Nightheart, but because she loves Thunderclan and her new clanmates. I hope the Erins keep it up with her.
Now, talking about Nightheart, I think his plot wasn't that important. He went with Frostpaw to be her support, to let her know that she wasn't alone and that she could trust others again. He was very helpful to her of course, but talking about him, about his own arc, we don't see anything new. He's worried about Sunbeam, and he misses her. I guess that's fine, but that's not enough. I guess that bringing Wasp and Waffle was another part of his plot, but still, is not enough. Is not that I didn't like it, but that I wanted to see more about him.
And Frostpaw. I guess is very clear that she is the main character from the three main characters. We've seen her suffer, doubt, scared, and we're getting to finally see her relaxed, focused, happy. I wasn't so sure if traveling to the park cats territory was that necessary, but the meditation definitely was a good excuse. And of course, she needed to get away from clans problems for a while. Talking about meditation, it's interesting, but now is confusing everything related to Frostpaw being a medicine cat or not. That's still something bad in my opinion. However, she being able to heal every wound she got, physical and emotional, was a good turn. And also, it was very predictable that Splashtail was the murderer, come on. But what did took me by surprise was Curlfeather. I didn't know that we would get two awful mothers in the same arc. I thought that her obsession with Frostpaw being a medicine cat was because she really wanted her to be special. I guess some of you did saw it coming, but I'm glad I didn't. It was a nice (and nasty) surprise. Frostpaw is a really good character, I hope she keeps this good for the next books.
Squirrelstar. You don't know how happy makes me to finally say that. Squirrelstar has been one of my favorite characters in the whole series. She has been through so much bad things, and finally seeing her getting what she deserves, being the leader of Thunderclan, is very satisfying. And her interaction with Sunbeam was really good too. By the way, very happy for Ivypool too, she's an awesome character too.
Now, I guess we can see more of what the Erins wanted from Tigerstar getting involved in Riverclan. He's been an ass. Even if he didn't mean harm, his actions were really stupid, no matter how you see it. And GOD finally the Erins remember that Tree exist. He should have done something ages ago. I guess the Erins forgot he existed, or maybe they didn't want to use him until the problem was this big. I don't know, but this was kinda stupid if you ask me.
God, Berryheart. At first I did like a lot her character, and how awful she was. But now, in this book, she was just pathetic. Everything she does backfires her. And EVERY TIME, all she does, it's seeing everyone with an ugly mad face. Seeing her that stubborn and obnoxious frustrated me. What a waste of character. I guess we can't get everything with the Erins.
The pace of the book was fine, but traveling books are boring most of the time. And this one is no exception. Frostpaw and Nightheart traveling through towns, meadows, etc, etc... that's just boring now.
CONCLUSION
This is maybe the best book from the main series in a long time. Since Omen of the stars I didn't enjoy this much a Warriors book, and I'm glad the Erins are finally doing it better. Riverclan's conflict feels fresh, romance is balanced with main story, finally there's character development, I'm good with this arc for now. Let's see if the Erins can keep it up until the last book.
I give this book an 8.3 out of 10
PS:
Can someone clarify me if Frostpaw has been sterilized? For what Smoky said, it did sound like the twoleg did that, but I've never had cats, so I'm not sure.
Well, we're getting close to the end of this arc. This is the fourth book, and honestly, I'm very satisfied with the result. Of course, like all recent warriors books, there's some things that I didn't like at all, but let's start the review.
I was getting worried at the start of the book, and I'm talking about Sunbeam. I didn't like that in the last book she joined thunderclan that easy. Like it or not, Nightheart DID betrayed her. He choose to leave her to return Thunderclan. I'm not saying they should have been enemies at all, but I'm saying that Sunbeam forgave him really fast. So, at the start of the book, I was getting worried about Nightheart leaving her alone. I know that the Moonpool thing wasn't his fault. But going with Frostpaw was kinda... selfish. I guess he didn't want to leave Frostpaw to fend for herself, but man, you're leaving your mate behind when she almost joined Thunderclan because of you.
Well, what I'm trying to say is that I was getting worried about how Berryheart tried to manipulate Sunbeam at the start of the book. I really thought the Erins were going to make her switch clans again and make her hate Nightheart. I was really worried that the Erins were going to write another Bristlefrost with her. What a good surprise was to find out that her character was getting such a great character development. Across her arc, she fend for herself, did her best to stand her ground, even when her mother was such a pain, and Nightheart wasn't with her. She found support with almost every Thunderclan cat, and it really makes me really happy that finally a main character gets this level of character development. Now she's a Thunderclan cat, and not only because she loves Nightheart, but because she loves Thunderclan and her new clanmates. I hope the Erins keep it up with her.
Now, talking about Nightheart, I think his plot wasn't that important. He went with Frostpaw to be her support, to let her know that she wasn't alone and that she could trust others again. He was very helpful to her of course, but talking about him, about his own arc, we don't see anything new. He's worried about Sunbeam, and he misses her. I guess that's fine, but that's not enough. I guess that bringing Wasp and Waffle was another part of his plot, but still, is not enough. Is not that I didn't like it, but that I wanted to see more about him.
And Frostpaw. I guess is very clear that she is the main character from the three main characters. We've seen her suffer, doubt, scared, and we're getting to finally see her relaxed, focused, happy. I wasn't so sure if traveling to the park cats territory was that necessary, but the meditation definitely was a good excuse. And of course, she needed to get away from clans problems for a while. Talking about meditation, it's interesting, but now is confusing everything related to Frostpaw being a medicine cat or not. That's still something bad in my opinion. However, she being able to heal every wound she got, physical and emotional, was a good turn. And also, it was very predictable that Splashtail was the murderer, come on. But what did took me by surprise was Curlfeather. I didn't know that we would get two awful mothers in the same arc. I thought that her obsession with Frostpaw being a medicine cat was because she really wanted her to be special. I guess some of you did saw it coming, but I'm glad I didn't. It was a nice (and nasty) surprise. Frostpaw is a really good character, I hope she keeps this good for the next books.
Squirrelstar. You don't know how happy makes me to finally say that. Squirrelstar has been one of my favorite characters in the whole series. She has been through so much bad things, and finally seeing her getting what she deserves, being the leader of Thunderclan, is very satisfying. And her interaction with Sunbeam was really good too. By the way, very happy for Ivypool too, she's an awesome character too.
Now, I guess we can see more of what the Erins wanted from Tigerstar getting involved in Riverclan. He's been an ass. Even if he didn't mean harm, his actions were really stupid, no matter how you see it. And GOD finally the Erins remember that Tree exist. He should have done something ages ago. I guess the Erins forgot he existed, or maybe they didn't want to use him until the problem was this big. I don't know, but this was kinda stupid if you ask me.
God, Berryheart. At first I did like a lot her character, and how awful she was. But now, in this book, she was just pathetic. Everything she does backfires her. And EVERY TIME, all she does, it's seeing everyone with an ugly mad face. Seeing her that stubborn and obnoxious frustrated me. What a waste of character. I guess we can't get everything with the Erins.
The pace of the book was fine, but traveling books are boring most of the time. And this one is no exception. Frostpaw and Nightheart traveling through towns, meadows, etc, etc... that's just boring now.
CONCLUSION
This is maybe the best book from the main series in a long time. Since Omen of the stars I didn't enjoy this much a Warriors book, and I'm glad the Erins are finally doing it better. Riverclan's conflict feels fresh, romance is balanced with main story, finally there's character development, I'm good with this arc for now. Let's see if the Erins can keep it up until the last book.
I give this book an 8.3 out of 10
PS:
Can someone clarify me if Frostpaw has been sterilized? For what Smoky said, it did sound like the twoleg did that, but I've never had cats, so I'm not sure.
November 29, 2023
I am very impressed with this Warrior cats book! In the past, I've felt as though the sets of six decline after the third novel. "A Vision of Shadows" is a prime example of this, since the main antagonist is defeated in the third book, leaving books four through six to deal with (in my opinion) less interesting and disjointed conflicts. "Thunder" avoids this issue completely, by continuing with the same main conflict that began in "River," the first installment in this arc. I am just as hooked on this mystery as I was at the beginning, and I am hopeful that the final two books will remain just as engaging and entertaining, with Berryheart and Splashtail (both fun villains to me) still at large.
When I first learned that the cover for "Thunder" would feature Sunbeam, Sparkpelt, and Finchlight, I thought that it was too good to be true. Would we actually get to see Sunbeam interact with Nightheart's family in a positive and nuanced way, without the protagonists' romance getting in the way? The answer turned out to be a resounding yes! Sunbeam and Nightheart barely spend any time together in this novel, and I honestly love that for them. Sunbeam is confident staying in ThunderClan without him, which emphasizes that she's an independent woman/she-cat who won't do something that makes her unhappy just for the sake of a man/tom. Meanwhile, Nightheart gets to grow as a person/cat and showcase his personality through his care for Frostpaw. Not only does this cement a connection between two of our protagonists (including the protagonist Frostpaw, whose story has been the most disconnected from Sunbeam and Nightheart's plotlines), but it also does more to convince me that Nightheart and Sunbeam are good for each other than any of the other storylines have so far.
Interspersed throughout this satisfying story structure are memorable scenes and striking moments of character development. I was dubious about Frostpaw's travel arc at first, afraid that I would grow bored of the repetitive and unnecessary dangers that she and Nightheart were bound to face along the way. (I often feel as though these travel portions are interchangeable from one story to the next and do little to advance the plot for any specific set of characters.) But the travel chapters in "Thunder" do a good job of skipping over minute details and highlighting moments that trace Frostpaw's character arc from distrusting and rigid to hopeful and resilient. I enjoyed meeting the park cats, and I am desperately hoping that Waffle will keep his name or something similar in later books. I need a cat with a silly name like Waffleheart so bad, you don't even know.
"Thunder" never disappointed me in the drama department, either. Berryheart constantly making a scene was fantastic, and I especially loved the moment when Tigerstar suggested that Berryheart join Sunbean in ThunderClan, and one of the ThunderClan cats (I forget who) muttered, "No thanks..." That very nearly made me laugh out loud. And don't get me started on how I lost my mind when Frostpaw was spayed and it was heavily implied that her mom went to cat hell. My mind was reeling with so much juicy information, even though I highly suspect that Frostpaw will never understand what happened to her (either because she won't have kits as a medicine cat or because she won't associate her infertility with the scar on her belly).
Riverstar's role in this story was great, as well. I appreciate how gently he dealt with Frostpaw, and it was the perfect combination of twisted and bittersweet when he reminded her that Curlfeather's last act was saving her daughter. There is no clear cut answer on whether or not she truly loved Frostpaw. But the complex ambiguity fascinates me, and it creates another parallel between Frostpaw and my beloved Mothwing. Both medicine cats were manipulated by family members into believing that StarClan had chosen them, and they had to confront those same family members' greed for power, experiencing a crisis of faith in the process. I hope that RiverClan culture will develop into something more distinct in the books to come, as Frostpaw re-infuses the Clan with meditation and other aspects of Riverstar's philosophy.
I have a lot to say about this book, and practically everything is positive. I look forward to the final two books in "A Starless Clan," and I'm ready to have the time of my life watching PMVs and other fans' reactions to this latest installment. Perhaps my optimism will turn out to be ill-founded in the future, but... The Warrior cats team gave us Squirrelstar in this book, when many fans thought that wouldn't happen, and my faith in them has been marginally restored (in terms of treating their female characters well and not bullying them in place of a solid plot or sacrificing them for the sake of men/tom cats). Who knows, maybe Frostpaw will even suggest that Mothwing become the next leader of RiverClan, since she mentioned how the park cats look up to casts ho display serenity and seniority. I won't rate a Warrior cats book solely on how kindly it treats my favorite characters, but that would really make the title "A Starless Clan" come full circle, and I would never shut up about Mothstar if it happened. We finally have our second leader-deputy combo that consists of two women/she-cats (the first since Leopardstar and Mistyfoot), and I am already scheming about how to get more female characters in power.
When I first learned that the cover for "Thunder" would feature Sunbeam, Sparkpelt, and Finchlight, I thought that it was too good to be true. Would we actually get to see Sunbeam interact with Nightheart's family in a positive and nuanced way, without the protagonists' romance getting in the way? The answer turned out to be a resounding yes! Sunbeam and Nightheart barely spend any time together in this novel, and I honestly love that for them. Sunbeam is confident staying in ThunderClan without him, which emphasizes that she's an independent woman/she-cat who won't do something that makes her unhappy just for the sake of a man/tom. Meanwhile, Nightheart gets to grow as a person/cat and showcase his personality through his care for Frostpaw. Not only does this cement a connection between two of our protagonists (including the protagonist Frostpaw, whose story has been the most disconnected from Sunbeam and Nightheart's plotlines), but it also does more to convince me that Nightheart and Sunbeam are good for each other than any of the other storylines have so far.
Interspersed throughout this satisfying story structure are memorable scenes and striking moments of character development. I was dubious about Frostpaw's travel arc at first, afraid that I would grow bored of the repetitive and unnecessary dangers that she and Nightheart were bound to face along the way. (I often feel as though these travel portions are interchangeable from one story to the next and do little to advance the plot for any specific set of characters.) But the travel chapters in "Thunder" do a good job of skipping over minute details and highlighting moments that trace Frostpaw's character arc from distrusting and rigid to hopeful and resilient. I enjoyed meeting the park cats, and I am desperately hoping that Waffle will keep his name or something similar in later books. I need a cat with a silly name like Waffleheart so bad, you don't even know.
"Thunder" never disappointed me in the drama department, either. Berryheart constantly making a scene was fantastic, and I especially loved the moment when Tigerstar suggested that Berryheart join Sunbean in ThunderClan, and one of the ThunderClan cats (I forget who) muttered, "No thanks..." That very nearly made me laugh out loud. And don't get me started on how I lost my mind when Frostpaw was spayed and it was heavily implied that her mom went to cat hell. My mind was reeling with so much juicy information, even though I highly suspect that Frostpaw will never understand what happened to her (either because she won't have kits as a medicine cat or because she won't associate her infertility with the scar on her belly).
Riverstar's role in this story was great, as well. I appreciate how gently he dealt with Frostpaw, and it was the perfect combination of twisted and bittersweet when he reminded her that Curlfeather's last act was saving her daughter. There is no clear cut answer on whether or not she truly loved Frostpaw. But the complex ambiguity fascinates me, and it creates another parallel between Frostpaw and my beloved Mothwing. Both medicine cats were manipulated by family members into believing that StarClan had chosen them, and they had to confront those same family members' greed for power, experiencing a crisis of faith in the process. I hope that RiverClan culture will develop into something more distinct in the books to come, as Frostpaw re-infuses the Clan with meditation and other aspects of Riverstar's philosophy.
I have a lot to say about this book, and practically everything is positive. I look forward to the final two books in "A Starless Clan," and I'm ready to have the time of my life watching PMVs and other fans' reactions to this latest installment. Perhaps my optimism will turn out to be ill-founded in the future, but... The Warrior cats team gave us Squirrelstar in this book, when many fans thought that wouldn't happen, and my faith in them has been marginally restored (in terms of treating their female characters well and not bullying them in place of a solid plot or sacrificing them for the sake of men/tom cats). Who knows, maybe Frostpaw will even suggest that Mothwing become the next leader of RiverClan, since she mentioned how the park cats look up to casts ho display serenity and seniority. I won't rate a Warrior cats book solely on how kindly it treats my favorite characters, but that would really make the title "A Starless Clan" come full circle, and I would never shut up about Mothstar if it happened. We finally have our second leader-deputy combo that consists of two women/she-cats (the first since Leopardstar and Mistyfoot), and I am already scheming about how to get more female characters in power.
December 15, 2024
Eeeeeeeeeeeee I love these books
December 23, 2023
FINALLY some character development. I LOVE that I HATE the villain. It’s less fun when the villain is more “politics” based and less they are straight up insane but it’s just so nice to have A NEW VILLAIN, AND Splashtail is basically the Hawkfrost that never got to be truly evil until ADTER he died. I love Frostpaw, she felt dragged along throughout the first three books but she’s finally snapped out of her slow decline into the world is ending and she is going to DO something about it. I don’t understand why she didn’t leave to go on the journey until this book. She totally could’ve gone book 2 of this arc, and she could’ve even stayed there longer. I absolutely love the groups of cats outside the clans, because it’s so interesting to see the Clan cats go “wait a minute… maybe our way of living isn’t the absolute most superior”, but they still learn things from those cats and those cats learn from them. I wouldn’t be surprised if Splashtail is literally Hawkfrosts son. That cliff hanger was perfectly timed but so frustrated and I absolutely can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
November 9, 2023
Light spoilers!
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Some of the plot twists that happened was predictable but satisfying nether less. I am glad Squirrelstar has achieved her dream of being a leader- reading her book was very depressing and she deserves this- I was worried that the Erin Hunters would pummel her to the ground again. I really appreciate how they stressed that the trauma Frostpaw endured was not her fault and that she needed time to heal and process it all. I liked how Nightheart has matured as a warrior and Sunbeam’s trust in him. It felt slightly slow at some parts like the journeying and semi repetitive meditation but otherwise good pacing. I do like how they are trying to bring back the Riverclan meditation tradition from Riverstar’s book, it would really set them apart from the other clans (besides swimming and fishing). I hope Waffle keeps his name as a warrior, it would be funny.
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Some of the plot twists that happened was predictable but satisfying nether less. I am glad Squirrelstar has achieved her dream of being a leader- reading her book was very depressing and she deserves this- I was worried that the Erin Hunters would pummel her to the ground again. I really appreciate how they stressed that the trauma Frostpaw endured was not her fault and that she needed time to heal and process it all. I liked how Nightheart has matured as a warrior and Sunbeam’s trust in him. It felt slightly slow at some parts like the journeying and semi repetitive meditation but otherwise good pacing. I do like how they are trying to bring back the Riverclan meditation tradition from Riverstar’s book, it would really set them apart from the other clans (besides swimming and fishing). I hope Waffle keeps his name as a warrior, it would be funny.
December 26, 2023
yas queeennn slay, slayyy.........SLAY YOUR ENEMIES! RAISE UP YOUR ARMY! I'm sorry, that's how I feel after reading any Frostpaw pov because I love her. she's literally one of the best protagonists we've seen in a while. also, nightheart ❤️❤️❤️ ngl, though, sunbeam kind of annoyed me for the majority of this book but whatever. the cliffhanger should be illegal, and now I must suffer while waiting for the next book. even after reading this series since 3rd grade, I never get tired of it. the erins could put out the shittiest warriors' book, and I would still eat it up. this one was actually good, though. loved the adventure of frostpaw and the internal conflicts of the clans. I'm just super excited for the next one to come out!
November 19, 2023
Look, I will say Warriors has gone downhill and each book has been worse than the last…
HOWEVER this books shocked me. Unlike the other books of this series, it was riveting. The plot was incredible and the writing simple yet descriptive. Perfect for a young reader.
Personally, I read Warriors simply for the nostalgia, especially since the original series is what sparked my love for reading and writing. And I will say beyond the point when the owners of this series changed, I had little hope it would ever pick up again.
This book proved me wrong!
Would recommend and well done to the writers for creating a wonderful tale
HOWEVER this books shocked me. Unlike the other books of this series, it was riveting. The plot was incredible and the writing simple yet descriptive. Perfect for a young reader.
Personally, I read Warriors simply for the nostalgia, especially since the original series is what sparked my love for reading and writing. And I will say beyond the point when the owners of this series changed, I had little hope it would ever pick up again.
This book proved me wrong!
Would recommend and well done to the writers for creating a wonderful tale
November 10, 2023
this series never fails to wow me, even a decade after i started reading. this book was no different. especially because of the cliffhanger at the end! (also? did frostpaw get spayed????)
September 5, 2025
Wow really enjoying this Saga! I NEVER felt right about Splashtail. I knew something was off about him and was wondering if he was the one doing the dirty work. But I would have NEVER suspected Curlfeather.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2025
cats be meditating
August 15, 2024
Warrior Cats is so good at making their characters do a complete 180, and it's not in a good way. I feel like these are not the same characters we've been reading about since the first book River. I know characters grow and adapt, but there's something there, some sort of character flaw that's bugging me that feels different.
Frostpaw at least kept her personality. She's determined to sort out this drama with Riverclan as she was from the beginning. Her journey teaches her that Riverstar is counting on her as the only capable cat to save Riverclan, which solidifies her bond with Starclan. She ends up making the decision to remain a medicine cat when she gets back to the clan. Let's hope my girl sticks to that decision. This arc has been a mess of cats changing their minds willy-nilly and it's starting to get quite annoying, which adds to that character flaw problem I was talking about earlier. Frostpaw is also incredibly smart for her age by deciding not to tell any Riverclan cat that she is indeed alive and risking her safety. She meditates with the cats at the park and only makes the decision to leave once she has gained all the knowledge she needs in order to save Riverclan, no matter how painful it is. She's thoughtful and patient, like I said, these are qualities that most young cats in Warriors don't have. I appreciate her for her maturity. Also, when Smoky called the twoleg to help her after her injury they ended up SPAYING HER?! I think this is the first time since the first series that "The Cutter" was inadvertently mentioned. The behavior that a human would take if they had stray cats in their backyard that they were okay with being there was realistically portrayed. You better TNR the cats living in your yard that you feed, because there are way too many cats out there. I wonder if that's going to come back in the future with Frostpaw if she gets a mate and wants kits and realizes that it's Just Not Happening.
Nightheart felt like a completely new character. What happened to the whiny brat from the first few books? Oh, did he finally grow up? I guess so. I liked the compassion he felt towards Frostpaw as he helped her cope with the reality of her situation in Riverclan. He exercised patience as he waited for Frostpaw to complete her meditation, because he wanted to go back to Sunbeam so badly. Our boy really doesn't give himself much time to think about his actions does he? He really just met Frostpaw outside of the moonpool, listened to her as she said she had to go on a quest that involved a companion, and decided that he could be that companion because it was his one last shot at being great (like Firestar. See the comparisons?) What's even going on at this point? How many quick decisions will he make by the end of the series?
On to Sunbeam. I love her relationship with Finchlight and Sparkpelt (her sister and mother-in-law), and Bayshine and Myrtlebloom. Remember the complete 180 I mentioned earlier? I'm not saying that characters can't change, but Nightheart's family really turned around fast once he left the clan and then came back with a new mate. I'm glad for it though. This new family that Sunbeam found is better than Berryheart and her gaslighting. But what about Fernstripe? You know, the Windclan cat who joined Thunderclan to be with Shellfur, her new mate. Where was she? And since she was so new to the clan as well, she should have reached out to Sunbeam, right? They would have had a lot in common. What a great way to solidify the friendship of 2 cats that joined a new clan in the same time period. That would make sense, right? It's not like they forgot about her. Warrior Cats would never. Sunbeam's brother Spireclaw was mentioned multiple times with his mate from Skyclan, and they aren't even living in the same clan as Sunbeam. The least they could do is show Fernstripe and Sunbeam interact. Sunbeam has grown into a confident cat who is strong and independent and doesn't need no man (cat?)! They did a great job showing how she didn't need Nightheart to give her confidence, she only needed herself, which is a very healthy mindset for Warrior Cats to take on. They are strong alone, which means they will be only stronger together.
I'm appreciative of the attitude Squirrelstar is now displaying as leader. I'd like to attribute the bad attitude she had in the first few books of this arc to the stress she was dealing with alongside Brambleclaw. Both of them went through a lot the last arc and it showed in their behavior towards the clan. Let's go Squirrelstar, she deserves it. And Ivypool as deputy too, I really love that for her.
I see why the last super edition was written about Riverstar, and I'm glad for the extra backstory on the Park Cats. I really liked Bee, he was a calm thoughtful cat. Maybe he'll come to Riverclan in the future and be a mediator for them. We all know they need more of that.
Frostpaw at least kept her personality. She's determined to sort out this drama with Riverclan as she was from the beginning. Her journey teaches her that Riverstar is counting on her as the only capable cat to save Riverclan, which solidifies her bond with Starclan. She ends up making the decision to remain a medicine cat when she gets back to the clan. Let's hope my girl sticks to that decision. This arc has been a mess of cats changing their minds willy-nilly and it's starting to get quite annoying, which adds to that character flaw problem I was talking about earlier. Frostpaw is also incredibly smart for her age by deciding not to tell any Riverclan cat that she is indeed alive and risking her safety. She meditates with the cats at the park and only makes the decision to leave once she has gained all the knowledge she needs in order to save Riverclan, no matter how painful it is. She's thoughtful and patient, like I said, these are qualities that most young cats in Warriors don't have. I appreciate her for her maturity. Also, when Smoky called the twoleg to help her after her injury they ended up SPAYING HER?! I think this is the first time since the first series that "The Cutter" was inadvertently mentioned. The behavior that a human would take if they had stray cats in their backyard that they were okay with being there was realistically portrayed. You better TNR the cats living in your yard that you feed, because there are way too many cats out there. I wonder if that's going to come back in the future with Frostpaw if she gets a mate and wants kits and realizes that it's Just Not Happening.
Nightheart felt like a completely new character. What happened to the whiny brat from the first few books? Oh, did he finally grow up? I guess so. I liked the compassion he felt towards Frostpaw as he helped her cope with the reality of her situation in Riverclan. He exercised patience as he waited for Frostpaw to complete her meditation, because he wanted to go back to Sunbeam so badly. Our boy really doesn't give himself much time to think about his actions does he? He really just met Frostpaw outside of the moonpool, listened to her as she said she had to go on a quest that involved a companion, and decided that he could be that companion because it was his one last shot at being great (like Firestar. See the comparisons?) What's even going on at this point? How many quick decisions will he make by the end of the series?
On to Sunbeam. I love her relationship with Finchlight and Sparkpelt (her sister and mother-in-law), and Bayshine and Myrtlebloom. Remember the complete 180 I mentioned earlier? I'm not saying that characters can't change, but Nightheart's family really turned around fast once he left the clan and then came back with a new mate. I'm glad for it though. This new family that Sunbeam found is better than Berryheart and her gaslighting. But what about Fernstripe? You know, the Windclan cat who joined Thunderclan to be with Shellfur, her new mate. Where was she? And since she was so new to the clan as well, she should have reached out to Sunbeam, right? They would have had a lot in common. What a great way to solidify the friendship of 2 cats that joined a new clan in the same time period. That would make sense, right? It's not like they forgot about her. Warrior Cats would never. Sunbeam's brother Spireclaw was mentioned multiple times with his mate from Skyclan, and they aren't even living in the same clan as Sunbeam. The least they could do is show Fernstripe and Sunbeam interact. Sunbeam has grown into a confident cat who is strong and independent and doesn't need no man (cat?)! They did a great job showing how she didn't need Nightheart to give her confidence, she only needed herself, which is a very healthy mindset for Warrior Cats to take on. They are strong alone, which means they will be only stronger together.
I'm appreciative of the attitude Squirrelstar is now displaying as leader. I'd like to attribute the bad attitude she had in the first few books of this arc to the stress she was dealing with alongside Brambleclaw. Both of them went through a lot the last arc and it showed in their behavior towards the clan. Let's go Squirrelstar, she deserves it. And Ivypool as deputy too, I really love that for her.
I see why the last super edition was written about Riverstar, and I'm glad for the extra backstory on the Park Cats. I really liked Bee, he was a calm thoughtful cat. Maybe he'll come to Riverclan in the future and be a mediator for them. We all know they need more of that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2023
I LOVE THIS BOOK! My favorite in the arc so far.
I feel like the plot twist for Splashtail was a bit predictable, but amazing! But I didn’t expect CURLFEATHER to be evil. To be honest she is probably one of my favorite villains now, even if she has barely any screen time. She was ambitious and Manipulative, she used her daughter, but she also saved her from the dogs. She is a girl boss.
Frostpaw being spayed, random, and a bit unnecessary. Idk why the twoleg would put her back into the wild. The journey was a bit boring, but once they settled down with the park cats, it started getting more interesting by the page. I didn’t know she would spend over half of her day just meditating. I feel bad for her that she learned that her lover and her mother were evil.
Nightheart was a great friend to Frostpaw, he was worrying about Sunbeam for most of the time so his POV was a little unnecessary, but let’s admit, we would be worried about someone who we loved if we were in his shoes. I have barely anything else to say about him.
Sunbeam, I’m glad she wasn’t like Nightheart and worrying about him all the time, I wouldn’t want 2 POVS just to be like:
“I miss her.”
“I miss him.”
Her cleverness was at the peak during her trails. Her standing up to Berryheart, she is also a girl boss.
I wish I can read it again for the first time. I’m excited to see what will happen with Splashtail/star, Podlight, how Frostpaw will try to persuade her clan that Splashtail is evil.
I can’t wait for Wind, although it comes out in April (5 months as I’m writing this) I will read Dawn of the Clans and some Super Edition, thank you for reading my review! Bye!
I feel like the plot twist for Splashtail was a bit predictable, but amazing! But I didn’t expect CURLFEATHER to be evil. To be honest she is probably one of my favorite villains now, even if she has barely any screen time. She was ambitious and Manipulative, she used her daughter, but she also saved her from the dogs. She is a girl boss.
Frostpaw being spayed, random, and a bit unnecessary. Idk why the twoleg would put her back into the wild. The journey was a bit boring, but once they settled down with the park cats, it started getting more interesting by the page. I didn’t know she would spend over half of her day just meditating. I feel bad for her that she learned that her lover and her mother were evil.
Nightheart was a great friend to Frostpaw, he was worrying about Sunbeam for most of the time so his POV was a little unnecessary, but let’s admit, we would be worried about someone who we loved if we were in his shoes. I have barely anything else to say about him.
Sunbeam, I’m glad she wasn’t like Nightheart and worrying about him all the time, I wouldn’t want 2 POVS just to be like:
“I miss her.”
“I miss him.”
Her cleverness was at the peak during her trails. Her standing up to Berryheart, she is also a girl boss.
I wish I can read it again for the first time. I’m excited to see what will happen with Splashtail/star, Podlight, how Frostpaw will try to persuade her clan that Splashtail is evil.
I can’t wait for Wind, although it comes out in April (5 months as I’m writing this) I will read Dawn of the Clans and some Super Edition, thank you for reading my review! Bye!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2024
I forgot how much I love these books, the last few were a little less but this one was good, learning more about riverstar was fun
January 31, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Heat level: 0/5 (not the cats 😳)
SOOOO GOOD!! It kept me hooked the whole time and I loved it so much. The ending got me excited for the next book. I can’t wait for it! It’ll never be as good as the first few series, but it still lives up to the Warrior Cats name.
*Spoilers below*
THEYRE NEVER GONNA BELIEVE FROSTPAW!! She’s literally the girl that cried wolf like omg. And on top of that, the fact that she disappeared for like two moons or so- yeah. They’re not gonna believe her. She came back with a cat from another clan for crying out loud!! They probably think she was out there hanging out with him and didn’t care enough to come back. And the blurb for the next book has me scared. Poor Frostpaw honestly didn’t deserve any of this. She was literally used in her mother’s game and it has haunted her forever… :(
I’m excited for Sunbeam tho!! She found her clan finally and now that Nightheart is back they can be mates together. I really hope it goes well for them. For all of them, honestly. They really all deserve it :((
Heat level: 0/5 (not the cats 😳)
SOOOO GOOD!! It kept me hooked the whole time and I loved it so much. The ending got me excited for the next book. I can’t wait for it! It’ll never be as good as the first few series, but it still lives up to the Warrior Cats name.
*Spoilers below*
THEYRE NEVER GONNA BELIEVE FROSTPAW!! She’s literally the girl that cried wolf like omg. And on top of that, the fact that she disappeared for like two moons or so- yeah. They’re not gonna believe her. She came back with a cat from another clan for crying out loud!! They probably think she was out there hanging out with him and didn’t care enough to come back. And the blurb for the next book has me scared. Poor Frostpaw honestly didn’t deserve any of this. She was literally used in her mother’s game and it has haunted her forever… :(
I’m excited for Sunbeam tho!! She found her clan finally and now that Nightheart is back they can be mates together. I really hope it goes well for them. For all of them, honestly. They really all deserve it :((
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2024
Left me hungry for more! I thought this was a well written story and can't wait for the next books! Sad about the Splashtail thing. So, so sad. :( I feel bad for Frostpaw, and Sunbeam too, but you can't always avoid these things! Nightheart suffered a lot too, so I also feel bad for him. A lot of sadness, but it turned out okay. Left on a freakin' cliffhanger though! :)
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