Warriors Graphic Novel: The Prophecies Begin, Part Two of Three

Warriors Graphic Novel: The Prophecies Begin #2

by Erin Hunter, Natalie Riess (illustrator), Sara Goetter (illustrator)

The second full-color graphic novel adaptation of the blockbuster Warriors series, which has sold more than 66 million copies, covers the third and fourth novels of The Prophecies Begin (Forest of Secrets and Rising Storm).

Allegiances are shifting among the Clans of warrior cats that roam the forest. With tensions so delicately balanced, friends can become enemies overnight, and some cats are willing to kill to get what they want. Fireheart is determined to find out the truth about the mysterious death of the former ThunderClan deputy Redtail. But as he searches for answers, he uncovers secrets that might be better left hidden. In the heat of a blazing summer, Fireheart struggles to handle sinister omens, an apprentice with a shocking secret, and a devastated Clan leader who is a shell of her former self. And as the forest gets hotter and hotter, every cat braces for the coming storm....

Ever since the first Warriors book hit shelves, readers have devoured these epic adventures. This stunning new adaptation retells the original Warriors story arc as a full-color graphic novel.

More than 66 million copies of the Warriors books have been sold worldwide!This second graphic novel of the Prophecies Begin arc covers novels 3 and 4: Forest of Secrets and Rising Storm

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Cats, Fiction, Comics, Animals

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 8, 2025

About the author

Erin 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.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite still favoring the novels over the graphic novels, it's super exciting to get another one of these. Having blown through the first four series and now trekking through prequel territory, it's fun to revisit the OG clan cats (if only to boost my memory of the characters and plot, lol). Also, as much as I do not vibe with the artistic style, these covers are fantastic. There are a bunch of alternate covers included in the back of each volume, and the "half-cat profile" is by far the superior choice. And volume 2 features Yellowfang, my big girlie! What's not to love?!

Plunging back into The Prophecies Begin and seeing Yellowfang's arc through has got me excited to get to her Super Edition. She was never my favorite cat from the first series, but she is a Complex Female Character who kind of does what needs to be done with no frills, whether that's bringing up her successor or killing her own son. She continues to be a presence after her death, advising and scolding cats appropriately haha. Seeing her bonds with both Fireheart and Cinderpelt illustrated was impactful, as was her death.

Given that these volumes include two books in one, the pacing is sped up, highlighting even more how ridiculously fast Fireheart rises up the ranks. In the span of these two volumes, he's gone from an outsider kittypet to many of the clan cats' most trusted confidant. In volume two, he knows practically everyone's secrets, and while it feels wild how quickly he integrated into the group and gained that trust, it speaks to his stronger leadership qualities - he's a Steady Eddie, always doing solid work and making solid decisions. That, and his affability, make approaching and bonding with him easy for most of the cats, despite his starting position as an "other". He really proves himself in this volume, being a rock for his clan as they face some of their worst challenges.

I forgot I'd be forced back into the Graystripe/Silverstream storyline, and while my annoyance of him sneaking off was lessened in the graphic novel, I didn't want to relive that particular plot. Her death was minimized quite a bit - it's oddly more graphic and detailed in the novel, and I guess it makes sense you shouldn't illustrate a childbirth hemorrhage in a kids book. Graystripe's parting from Fireheart was well-illustrated and sad. Their bond was portrayed well in this volume.

We're introduced to Cinderpelt in this volume, and worth noting is the Erins' editing of her storyline. Disability has always been a hot button issue in the Warriors universe because cats with chronic illnesses or other disabilities are often marginalized into certain roles. The stigma that you can't be a warrior unless you're able-bodied permeates this whole series (it doesn't help that these cats are so heavily invested in their own military industrial complex that they value the warrior role over all others), and so when Cinderpelt sustains permanent damage to her leg, the derailment of her warrior training is at the forefront of her mind.

One thing I didn't consider is that the graphic novels present an opportunity to retroactively "correct" problematic plots in the series, and allowing Cinderpelt the choice to continue warrior training or become a medicine cat was an overall good move here. Fireheart's guidance is supportive of either choice (he points out other cats with disabilities who have become warriors), and Cinderpelt then talks through her own feelings. She aspires to be like Bluestar: noble, strong, and gives her whole self to the clan, and concludes she can achieve all those things as a medicine cat. Where the books did not present her with this choice, it's satisfying to see the graphic novel give her that.

We're also introduced to Cloudpaw, who became an easy favorite in this volume. I remember being much more irritated by him in the novels, but he is illustrated so fucking cute, you can't even think of him as that same little shit, lol. My favorite frames are of him playing dead when training with Fireheart and him sitting outside the twoleg place meowing for food. He is an adorable riot and I can't wait for his atheist era.

As mentioned, I'm not a huge fan of the art aesthetic, but I really liked the last few pages where Bluestar is starting to lose it after the fire. She is probably my favorite character from the first series, so I look forward to seeing how she's featured in volume three. Which we apparently only have to wait a handful of months for, wooooooo!

[hope h. · Rating 5 out of 5]

did i cry reading this? YOU BET YOUR ASS I DID. god yellowfang's death hit me just as hard as it did when i first read the books as a kid....my GIRL....and the fact that a lot of the filler is cut out so it's mostly the major plot points really makes you realize how much of the first series was just bloody catastrophes and terrible deaths one after another?? jesus christ i forgot how heartbreaking the cinderpelt arc was

[Katie]

I wish we could have had one graphic novel for each book because there’s so much tension that gets missed when they have to condense the story!! But Yellowfang got me all teary-eyed yet again 😢

[Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really think the graphic novel adaptations should have either adapted each book individually, or been longer to have a little more room to breathe. I don't expect every scene to be adapted, but it was jumping from major event to major event without giving us much time to process what happened or see how it effected the characters. It feels more like a summary of arc 1 for old fans than a standalone that new fans can get into.

Additionally, I don't love the art style. Some panels looked fantastic and I thought Cloudpaw's design was perfect, but some of the characters and angles felt extremely awkward and veer into uncanny at times.

That said, this adaptation does make changes from the original story that I enjoyed (such as Cinderpelt wanting to become a medicine cat, instead of being forced into it). It's fun to revisit the series in a way that's new and fresh and I'm looking forward to the 3rd installment!

[Rebecca Chisam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh that was quite good!!

I think Silverstream's death scene was a bit confusing and not as emotionally real as it could have been, but Yellowfang's death was just as heartbreaking as I recalled. :[

And that ending scene... wow. Incredible art. :0

And thANK you Warrior cats for fixing Cinderpelt's arc. I am so, so glad that it was her choice this time, instead of her being forced into it. (She and Yellowfang were amazing btw.)

So overall a little rushed but still good. I enjoyed!

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the artwork again, but this time there were a couple of mistakes and things changed from the original books, which I didn’t enjoy. Overall great and fun read.

[natalie scatorccio · Rating 4 out of 5]

in my opinion, this volume did a far better job at adapting the next two books of the series than the first volume!

[Katie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think it's come out yet. But the first book in the series was amazing so I have high expectations for this one.

[Cassandra Hamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the first installment, this graphic novel adaptation of the third and fourth books of the Warriors series might rush through its plot points (at least compared to the originals), but it’s still a nostalgic, fun glimpse of one of my favorite fictional universes. There are lots of twists and secrets in this one (especially in the aptly-titled Forest of Secrets), and it was so much fun to rediscover those twists. I will definitely be rereading the originals soon.

[Rachel Kristine Tuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, I think this is about 3.5 stars, and there's a main reason for that. The pacing is just so wack. Like, the drama is missing because they're trying to pack too much into such a short volume. Do I still love it? Absolutely, but I just want more.
Also, there's a mix up where Dustpaw is called Dustpelt before he gets his warrior name. I find those typos funny.
The map at the end is gorgeous. I love it, and wish it was at the beginning so everyone made sure to see it.
I genuinely enjoyed this, but the pacing is just not right. It's too quick, and everyone tells Fireheart everything too readily. He needs to be detective more. This book just doesn't have the time to show that, so instead, they just tell Fireheart everything.
Cloudpaw is darling. He's drawn to be so stinking cute and fluffy, but the scene where he goes into the Twoleg nest needs to be way more drama. That scene was scary in the books, and here it's solved so quickly. But again, that goes back to pacing. Everything is about pacing.
Also, the fire hits hard in this one. Like, those emotions were strong. Well done.

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5*
The artwork is 5/5 for sure. Absolutely stunning! But the story is rather rushed and messy. And there is some content I really didn't like, especially for this age group (will add details shortly). I got the first one for my nephew and was excited to give him this one, but I really dislike some of the story and character choices.


**Edit* here are the rest of my thoughts. Spoilers below.*

This next instalment is definitely not as good as the first. It's obviously trying to cram a lot of the novels in, so it's a bit confusing if you don't already know the stories, but you can definitely get by.

One aspect I was really uncomfortable with was that there's no kitty marriage, so there is talk about cats having kittens and sometimes even giving up those kittens, and having different mates or a mate for a time. The main character, at one point, even thinks his friend should give up his kittens after their mother dies because she was from a different clan. (But he thankfully doesn't do that and leaves his clan for the sake of his kittens, so that's good.) There was another storyline where the female head of the clan was mates with another cat for a bit and had kittens with him, and then she gave them up (well she actually faked their deaths...). One male cat is shown as having different sexual partners, unbeknownst to his current mate. He brings home kittens he 'found', who are actually his own kittens he had with a different cat, but doesn't disclose this, instead he lies to his current mate and says it's the right thing to do to give these kittens a home.
These cats are still like cats, but they're also a bit anthropomorphic at the same time, so it feels like they're sleeping around. Considering this is a kids' book, this all feels inappropriate.

The other thing is that [major SPOILER:]
...
..
.
the cat on the cover, Yellowfang, (who was my fave character from the first), is actually really unloving to her son. He is a naughty cat from a horrible clan, and she resents him surviving as a kitten, which she says, and wishes him dead. She later kills him with poison berries and is glad she has done so. I honestly can't believe that is her story arc. She herself has come from that same corrupt clan, escaped it and been shown mercy and kindness from her enemies. Her son is still in the grip of that clan, and she doesn't try to win him over to live in the light. She just murders him. It's absolutely horrendous!! There is no shame or guilt or consequence. She becomes the villain, in my opinion.
And [SPOILER]
...
..
.
her own death becomes completely eclipsed by her being a murderer of her own son. So what was supposed to be an emotional end wasn't at all. I just felt grief that a character I loved was so heartless, unmaternal, and had done something so evil. I do not understand that writing choice at all. I presume that's part of the novels as well. And even if it was fleshed out more, it wouldn't make it any better or understandable.

My 10 year old nephew loved the first one, but I won't be buying him this. I'll look out for a story that is more wholesome and with characters you can admire and who don't kill their children.

Some of the story choices are such a shame, because the world-building and characters are so interesting. And the artwork in this graphic novel is gorgeous. As I said, it would get 5/5 for the art.

N.b. At the back is illustrations of all the cats illustrated with their names which is great, but it could have done with being in colour and with a little description because I really get lost with them all and couldn't remember who was who from the last book.

CW:
-reference to a cat having lost her kittens
-cat fights
-illustration of a cat lying injured with blood streak on floor
-a cat says that it would have been better off if her kitten died with her other two because of how he's turned out. And that the god's punishment was that he lived.
-cats having kittens together, but no sign of any sort of marriage or commitment
-cats having kittens without disclosing who the father is
-one male cat has kittens with a cat and then tells his mate that he rescued the kittens, when actually they were his own
-a cat gives up her own kittens for 'the sake of the clan'
-male kitten made to look very feminine. The only cat to be given eyelashes and often rosy cheeks, except his mother.
-complications giving birth, mother dies in childbirth
-"I'll flay you!", "Kill him! Blind him!"
-suggestion of suicide, it actually turns out to be murder
-talk of the spirits of their ancestors
-the main character wanted his friend to stay even though that would mean abandoning his kittens and leaving them as orphans
-Starclan is their deity
-'I couldn't be prouder of you if you were my own son, instead of Brokentail.' I don't like this part of the storyline. I think Yellowfang should still feel love towards her son, even though he's a giant letdown. This sentence didn't need the last part.
-we find out that a mother killed her son with poison berries, the poison berries are even pictured on the cover.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The original series is just way too horny for kids. The graphic novel adaption is good though. But sheesh, I do not remember it being like this

[Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a disappointing adaptation. plot points were skipped or changed entirely. Without reading the novels, the reader would have very little tie or understanding of who the side characters are, which makes following plot--or why Fireheart reacts the way he does to certain things--difficult and confusing.

[Jay Semeniuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love warrior cats i love warrior cats

[debut (Brooke's Version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

CINDERPELT!!!!!! 😭

[amelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

another fantastic add to the graphic novel series!! some beautiful panelling in some spreads and fantastic composition too. especially yellowfang in the fire and the last spread of bluestar yelling. gorgeous.

the pacing of this book felt really off though. it’s a hard task compressing the series down from two books into one comic so it’s understandable but i think greater attention should have been given to some of the plot points. some of the deaths here didn’t hit as hard because it felt like the book was going from one big event to the next over and over again without much space to breathe and develop the relationships further. once again that’s just a con of having to compress two books with various plot lines and relationships into one 200 page comic. i think i was mostly disappointed by silverstreams death. it went by sooo quickly and confusingly. there’s more i can nitpick but honestly it’s not worth it just because sara and natalie do such a great job interpreting these books in their style, adding their own flair and character and balancing cuteness with intensity. i commend them so much for it

[Dandy ˙ᵕ˙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolute fucking cinema. the choice of hiring this artist was nothing short of genius. they do a wonderful job translating the story into art and so many of the panels had me ecstatic. im so pumped for vol 3!

[Anna Quilter · Rating 3 out of 5]

the graphic novels certainly do justice to the novels....and the (approx) 134 cats involved.

[Pineapplw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art. I can't. It's so good, and the original story of the two books is really well translated into this form.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warriors Graphic Novel: The Prophecies Begin #2 by Erin Hunter is the 2nd volume of Hunter's Warriors series. It's the story of groups of wild cats living in Clans in the forest. There are 4 clans, the featured Thunder Clan and 3 others, Wind Clan, River Clan and Shadow Clan. Volume 2 focuses more on Thunder Clan and River Clan.

The 4 clans live in uneasy peace but there are ongoing threats from rogue cats and an ex-leader, who try to destroy Thunder Clan. Also there is a threat within Thunder Clan itself, where the deputy chief, Thunder Claw, wants to take over the Clan from Blue Star. The main character, Fire Heart, a cat who came to Thunder Clan from being a house cat, knows about Thunder Claw but isn't trusted enough yet to be believed.

The volume features a number of different stories. We have Blue Stars disagreements with the other clan leaders, especially when she protects Broken Star, a traitor to the clans. She has her reasons. There is Gray Stripe, Fire Heart's best friend, who is involved in a Romeo / Juliet type relationship with a River Clan cat, which is against Clan rules. Fire Star meets his sister Princess, who still lives with humans, and takes his nephew under his wing, to teach him to be a warrior in the Clan. There is the threat from Thunder Claw.. There is a forest fire to threaten Thunder Clan's home.

All in all, there is a lot going on. At times I do have difficulty telling one cat from another, but as you get into the story, they begin to come together and it doesn't affect the gist of the overall story. It's a great adventure, lots of intrigue, friendship, great artwork and just an entertaining story. Volume 3 is supposed to be out in the fall 2025. I look forward to reading it. (3.5 stars)

[jq :0 · Rating 4 out of 5]

yellowfang’s death made me cry :,(

[Maria Ayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

They have my whole heart for rewriting Cinderpelt. I love you Yellowfang

[Amy :D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot 2/5
Art 5/5
Heart and Love 5/5

This graphic novel was clearly drawn with love for the original series. The original series was a large part of my childhood as a socially awkward child who didn't yet realize that humans were actually maybe worth talking to. And that it was, in fact, possibly unhealthy to spend all my free time role-playing a feral cat as a way to rebel from the American public education system.

This graphic novel made me realize that the original plot of these books doesn't actually make much sense, and some elements of the "Warrior Code'(cat laws) were clearly written to create more plot for the story. What reason do these clans actually have for hating each other? Don't they all meet once a month? Why can't medicine cats(cat doctors) take mates and have kids(get knocked up)? The background and side characters have little to no depth or actual personality traits, which may not be concerning in a story about a single character's POV in their own journey. But Warriors, by design, is supposed to have a sprawling ensemble cast. Fireheart(the main character) must navigate complex political tensions while grappling with his status as an outsider seeking acceptance within his clan.

Despite all this, this graphic novel was extremely entertaining and filled my heart with much love and nostalgia. This graphic abbreviates novels and plot points that are, simply put, not actually very good, and replaces them with love and beautiful art.

Extremely entertaining and lovely, Riess and Goetter use color to masterfully to bring the environment alive. Each character design is unique while also remaining faithful to the original series. The character's body language and faces are extremely expressive, which is something artists frequently struggle with when depicting animal characters. The cats also look distinctively like cats, and haven't been awkwardly furry-fied(anthropomorphized).

Yellowfang is best cat
10/10

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The graphic novel adaptation still has some of the problems I had with the first one, quicker pace, missing events, events out of order, etc. But this one adapts books three and four excellently, and I was able to enjoy it a lot more. In fact, it was really, really good. The art is still impeccable, the story still there, and it hits each of the dramatic moments from the books perfectly.

[demi fiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so so so so nostalgic to read. I was obsessed with these book when I was around 12/13 years old, and it was utterly amazing to set foot in the warriors world again. I devoured this graphic novel!!

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic, and a lot of the adaptation choices made here read way more smoothly than the first volume (particularly with Cloudpaw).

[Koko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate that i finish these books so fast but i love how quick of a page turner they are. These books are so adorable i love the art of all the kitties 😭❤️

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I wish I didn’t have to wait to read book three!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nooooooo yeeeellow faaaaang 🥲🥲🥲

[hafna ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

my little cuties i love the graphic novels sm