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A graphic novel adventure from the world of Erin Hunter’s #1 nationally bestselling Warriors series!

In the first book of the Tigerstar & Sasha manga arc, a kittypet named Sasha searches for a new home—and wonders if she might find it with ShadowClan and its leader, Tigerstar, during the events of the Warriors: The Prophecies Begin series.

When Sasha is forced to leave her kittypet home, she must forge a solitary new life in the forest. Life on her own is exciting at first but quickly gets lonely. Then Sasha meets Tigerstar, leader of ShadowClan, and wonders whether she would be better off joining the ranks of his forest Clan. But Tigerstar has many secrets, and Sasha isn’t sure she can trust him….

85 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

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About the author

Erin Hunter

277 books10.7k followers
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.

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5 stars
3,171 (47%)
4 stars
1,619 (24%)
3 stars
1,379 (20%)
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1 star
136 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer.
696 reviews96 followers
April 18, 2021
DNF @ page 44. The drawings of cats were bad, the storyline, cheesy.
Profile Image for Raelyn Wolf.
97 reviews
August 9, 2024
I do like this “manga” and how Sasha’s story is also another contrast to how Rusty could’ve been in the first series!
Profile Image for Nelicja.
19 reviews
September 17, 2024
It's a really good book, but only if you like Warrior Cats!!!
Profile Image for Emma.
255 reviews9 followers
December 17, 2021
I wanted a nice quick read because I was bored. This turned out much better than I thought, she is portrayed as a very sassy, snappy character but showing her beginning really helped her character. She was left behind, and sometimes stayed behind and I really liked this book a lot.
Profile Image for Steff Fox.
1,565 reviews167 followers
January 19, 2021
| Read on Reader Fox |


The only other place I've ever been happy.

It's incredibly obvious that Erin Hunter's Into the Woods, the first in the Tigerstar and Sasha manga series was written well after the original novels. It's also worth noting that this book has an entirely different writer, Dan Jolley. And he doesn't exactly fit in with the seven authors who write under the penname Erin Hunter. As exciting as it was to delve into the world of the Warriors manga, there are some serious continuity issues with this first book.

Sasha's Journey

Into the Woods follows a housecat, Sasha, who escapes into the wood when one of her elderly housefolk dies and the other is sent to live in a nursing home where Sasha would not be allowed. She soon happens upon Tigerstar, who leads Shadowclan. He teaches her the ways of the forest and the clan cats who live there. And it isn't long until Sasha finds herself falling for the powerful cat.

But she doesn't know everything about Tigerstar and his past. Unfortunately, Sasha's entirely unprepared for the truth of his treachery and thirst for power.

A Catmance and Continuity issues

Honestly, Sasha's story with Tigerstar is cute. It's a wonderful story to follow and I loved seeing cats I'd already read about illustrated for me. However, the story runs into a lot of problems when you consider what you know of the series as a whole. And that's not even considering how confusing it is for new readers unfamiliar with the rest of the series.

You see, Tigerstar doesn't show a lot of his power-hungry feelings to Sasha. In fact, without prior knowledge of his villainy, he's just a bland cat who protects Sasha and freaks out once he finds out she's originally from a "twoleg" home. Sure, he saves her when the foxes attack. But does that really justify his utter hatred of where she comes from? Unfortunately, new readers can chock this up a character flaw that he could grow from. Thus, Sasha later finding out the truth definitely would feel like it comes out of left field.

I also find it thoroughly unlikely that he'd stay attached to a cat he supposedly fell for after learning she's a "kittypet." Knowing Tigerstar from the prior books, it's very difficult to accept that he'd look past her kittypet heritage. Thus, it seems rather uncharacteristic of him that he continues to spend time with her once he finds out. Frankly, I think he'd be much more likley to simply abandon her.

Continuity Continued

Unfortunately, this isn't the only continuity issue we run into. In addition, readers are also introduced to a vague understanding of who Firestar is in this novel. But, if we're operating on the true timeline of this graphic novel--namely, before Tigerstar sets a pack of dogs on Thunderclan--then Firestar would still be Fireheart. Bluestar was still leading Thunderclan prior to the dog attack.

As a result, the big reveal to Sasha regarding Tigerclaw comes off more irritating than emotional. I found it difficult to care about the moment because I was too annoyed that the timeline wasn't matching. And, in general, this is a pretty good book. But those continuity problems? Man, did they really bring it down.

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Profile Image for Kieran.
56 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2020
I LOVE this manga. I’ve always been curious about Sasha as she has such little screen time in the series. I didn’t have that high of hopes as I didn’t like the rise of scourge but it EXCEEDED my expectations. Tiger star and Sashas relationship was so well written. Sasha loves him and I think Tigerstar loves her back but he has some manipulative and abusive tendencies. The art style was questionable at times (ex page 50 center panel) but it was so cute. I love the part with Sasha in shadowclan and I love her relationship with Russetfur and I hope to see it again in the next chapter. I enjoyed it as it’s probably my favorite manga thus far I hope it holds up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bulk Reviews.
354 reviews
March 1, 2021
Sasha doesn’t really have the same personality in this book as she did in TNP. She’s just kind of cliche now, and I’m not too into her story.

This book wasn’t so bad, I guess, but it could’ve been a bit more interesting. I don’t really get why Tigerstar would waste so much time with Sasha, and even if he’s trying to recruit her for the Clan, he doesn’t really act like he is. Honestly, this whole backstory has so much potential and I feel like it was rather wasted. Still, I didn’t hate it.

The art. Uggghhhh.
Profile Image for Ness.
84 reviews
April 11, 2022
I've always been interested in reading the Tigerstar and Sasha series, and now I finally have! I don't have much to say about it - it was enjoyable, and made their brief relationship seem more believable. It also showed how much of a hypocrite Tigerstar is in relation to kittypets... bleh. My primary criticism is that I'm not a huge fan of the art style... it's not terrible, but I am a much bigger fan of the usual art style and Rise of Sourge's. I think the expressions are less... expressive in this style. Plus, Tigerstar's eyebrows are so creepy. But, overall, good read.
Profile Image for Nymphie (Cynthia).
215 reviews7 followers
November 16, 2023
An interesting glimpse into Tigerstar’s manipulation and tyranny through the eyes of a former kittypet. Once again, Tigerstar’s motivations seem a bit misaligned with that of the main series. I felt many of the character choices in this volume were confusing. Sasha is an interesting character though and I look forward to seeing more of her.
Profile Image for S.L. Sullivan.
178 reviews
November 4, 2025
I don't really care for the Tigerstar and Sasha mangas, to be honest. I don't really love the art and honestly, I don't like Sasha. I don't really care for how they try to portray Tigerstar in a handsome bad boy light. That is a serial killer.
I'm also staunchly team Goldenflower.
Profile Image for caroline!.
222 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2025
sasha warriorcats you are so important to me… story in this one is way better than the rise of scourge & i’m very attached to the character but the art is SOOO bad oh my god by far the worst of the manga. also continuity issues abound what the hell
Profile Image for Miles.
28 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2022
Is there Scourge? No

god idk Sasha's very annoying.
Profile Image for Oliwia.
52 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2024
Ocena: 5 ⭐

Domowa kotka, której historię poznajemy od tragicznego rozstania z ukochanymi wlascicielami, podczas próby ułożenia sobie życia na nowo, a przy tym poszukująca bliskości oraz wielki, krwiożerczy przywódca pałający nienawiścią do kotów domowych tworzący ciepłą relację - tak zaczyna się pierwsza część komiksu o Tygrysiej Gwieździe i Saszy.
Manga daje nam poczucie świeżości, czystej karty. Tygrysią Gwiazdę widzimy oczami Saszy, nieskalanej wiedzą tego, czego przywódca dokonywał zanim go poznała - początkowo czytelnik może zaskoczyć się, jak troskliwy potrafi być i zastanowić się, skąd ta zmiana, by szybko spaść na ziemię, gdy Sasza podsłuchuje jego plany dotyczące zawładnięcia lasem, co załamuje jej pogląd na kocura, którego traktowała dotąd jako idealnego partnera.
Tym samym "Ucieczka w las" powoli przeprowadza nas przez słodko gorzkie przygody domowej kotki, ukazując jej przemianę gdy w poruszający sposób szuka swojego miejsca - jako samotniczka, indywidualistka, wojowniczka w Klanie u boku kocura , którego szybko zdąży zarówno pokochać, jak i znienawidzić oraz ponownie, zdradzona, o nadszarpniętym zaufania włóczęga, łapiąca swoimi emocjami za serca i wzbudzająca swoim położeniem żal, który zmusza niejako do refleksji nad tą specyficzną relacją, z której (być może to tylko moja interpretacja) Sasza nigdy się nie uwolniła.
Profile Image for Dominic Sedillo.
449 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2024
Toxic relationships are bad. You toxic cat relationships might be worse.
130 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2020
Premise: Sasha was once a kittypet, with loving housefolk, a nice place to live, and even the freedom to explore the nearby woods at night. But one day, the pretty young she-cat was forced out of her home, and life in the wilderness quickly proved not only challenging but lonely. That is, until she meets Tigerstar – the great leader of ShadowClan. The powerful tom takes an unexpected interest in Sasha, and she in him. Yet even when Tigerstar invites her to join his Clan, Sasha can't banish her nagging inner doubt. Can the warrior leader truly be trusted?

Story/Writing: Like the first "Warriors" graphic novel I read, "The Rise of Scourge," this was a surprisingly quick read. I read it in an even shorter time than I usually do the novellas. But that in no way makes it bad! I really liked this look into Tigerstar's second mate. It's always interesting to read about kittypets and how they discover what the Clans are and what their way of life is like. It's even more interesting when a kittypet falls in love with a Clan cat. Again, like "The Rise of Scourge," this story may be in the graphic novel format, but the Erin Hunter team's writing style still shines all the way through! I really felt like I was getting into Sasha's head and truly reading from her point of view. And when I say that in situations like this, it's told from a first person perspective rather than a third person perspective, as is often the case with this series.

Artwork: The art style was different from "The Rise of Scourge," but I still really liked it! It's always interesting to see how different visual artists imagine different characters, and most of the designs were pretty spot-on from what I know. What's also cool is that "The Rise of Scourge" took place almost entirely in the Twolegplace, while this takes place almost entirely in the forest, which is a nice change of pace. The forest looked stylized yet at the same time natural. And in terms of characters, I liked Sasha's design the best. Really pretty!

Sasha – Sasha is one of two characters who get the most development out of the cast featured, but that's good, considering she's the main character. Pretty much from the get-go I was in to Sasha and her story. I felt so bad for her when Ken moved away to…live with relatives, I guess? I don't know. But that's irrelevant. I felt for her even more during her early days as a rogue. When she met Pine, I thought at first that he was once Pinestar, leader of ThunderClan and Tigerstar's father. Pine was the name he took when he became a kittypet. But then I learned they were two different cats. Still, I thought it provided a nice sense of foreboding. I thought her initial feelings for Tigerstar were believable, as was her lingering doubt about him. I also feared for her when she accidentally overheard ShadowClan's plans to attack ThunderClan. I wonder where she'll go from here!

Tigerstar – I gotta say, I was kind of surprised by Tigerstar's portrayal here. We're used to seeing him as the murderous warmongering villain he is, but here – and especially considering his previous track record with kittypets – he's surprisingly gentle toward Sasha. Yes, he did have Goldenflower as a mate before. But she's also back in ThunderClan. So maybe he was considering it was time to move on. I like though that seeds of doubt about him are planted in Sasha's mind not long after she first meets him. Yeah, I get it, she can't be a kittypet/rogue and be with him at the same time. But still, he kind of felt a bit too rude about it for my taste. Even so, that is what I'd expect from him. And I'm so nervous about whether or not he'll find out that she overheard his plans!

Overall: I really enjoyed this graphic novel outing from the Erin Hunter team. It left on a chilling cliffhanger, and I can't wait to find out where Tigerstar and Sasha's relationship goes from here. If you're looking for a decent graphic novel entry into the "Warriors" series, give this one a look! The characters are well developed and nicely drawn, along with the environments, and it won't take long to read if you're a fast reader. A definite recommend from yours truly!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cathy.
738 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2008
Carter Hasegawa has been raving about these Warriors books about cats, both wild and kittypets (cats with owners), but as my work gets more hectic, I've had less time to read, so I found these manga versions at my local book store and I read four while I waited for soccer practice to end. They're addictive and I wish I had more of them! This one is about Sasha, a former kittypet whose owners get too old (the wife dies and the husband is sent to a care home), so she ventures of and in the wild she hooks up with Tigerstar, the leader of the Shadowclan.

The best thing about this is that at the end of each book, there is an excerpt from the newest text version of one of the books in the series, so reluctant readers who like the manga can be encouraged to try the text versions of the series too. Smart!
Profile Image for Dolly.
Author 1 book671 followers
October 15, 2013
This is the first graphic novel we've read in the Warriors series of books. It's one of three books featuring Tigerstar & Sasha.

The graphic novel format is interesting and the book is a quick read. I noticed that Tigerstar refers to Firestar as the leader of Thunderclan before the episode where he lures the pack of dogs to Thunderclan's camp. Bluestar dies in the final effort to rid the camp of the threat of the dogs, so Fireheart would still have been her deputy, not the leader.

Still, despite the inaccuracy, it's a fun fast read and the illustrations are very good. Our youngest really enjoyed reading this book and we are both looking forward to reading the rest of the graphic novels.
Profile Image for Lanie.
1,055 reviews71 followers
March 17, 2015
Pretty good. The art is good and since I love the warrior cats series, I really enjoy the extra info. And the insight into the loners and kitty pets world. Sasha is right. Why can't they all just be cats instead of divided and racist towards each other? I like Sasha she's a good character. I feel bad for her too. That she fell in love and almost got to be happy again. But tiger star being tigerstar, it just couldn't be. Tigertar is an an ass, but I will say this, he gets credit for being so convincing and likeable. But then, that's what makes theses sorts of sociopaths extra super dangerous, no? It was well written too. Not to much writing in any one panel or too much going on in one picture. And the cats were all drawn distinctive enough that I could tell who was who. That's good, cause I've read manga were its hard to tell.
Profile Image for Aoife.
51 reviews
February 12, 2011
I enjoyed this manga editon to the warriors series. It's not necessary or vital that you read it as it doesn't tie in with the plot of the novel stories but it's a nice extra, showing the life of Sasha and how she meets Tigerstar - she falls for him at first (and you see a sort of loving side to him) but then she realises that maybe Tigerstar a bit too ambitiously evil..... It's good but I didn't make it sound to good, I'm not good at writing reviews! GREAT MANGA ARTWORK, NICELY PACED - Better if you have background knowledge (read the warriors books).
Profile Image for Julie.
904 reviews11 followers
January 29, 2014
I read this out loud (Firestar and Sasha's voices are fun), without having read anything Warriors except for "Into the Wild." I didn't remember if I knew any of the characters, but it didn't really matter. There was a surprising amount of romance in here, though the 8-year-old boy I was reading it to didn't seem to mind. The illustrations are fine, though humans look a little strange. Cliffhanger = we're reading #2 now.
Profile Image for Emy.
77 reviews
August 12, 2017
This is a graphic novel in the Warrior books, the first in the "Tigerstar and Sasha" series.
I really like Sasha and I feel sorry for her that her owner had to leave and she had to go to the forest as a rouge cat. Sasha made a den near the Shadowclan territory and she comes across Tigerstar. She falls in love with him and they spend time together, but Tigerstar is not telling Sasha the complete truth about him and his clan.
Profile Image for Caroline.
1,201 reviews165 followers
May 4, 2009
Another in the spin-off graphic novels of the Warriors series, again not very good but I read it anyway so I could get more of the story. There's some horribly, horribly corny lines in this at times, and the art really just is not appealing at all to look at. I thin part of the problem is the first person point of view this took on, it just felt awkward.
Profile Image for Cameron.
73 reviews36 followers
August 25, 2013
when reading The New Prophecy, I wondered, how could a rouge possibly fall in love with Tigerstar? The manga Tigerstar and Sasha series tells how Sasha saw past the evil in Tigerstar and fell for him. A story of love and betrayal, Into the Woods is an emotional and powerful story about how through love, evil is powerless.
Profile Image for Emma.
37 reviews
September 20, 2008
I know this isn't really a book but I had to read it or else I would miss part of the story. The pictures are really bad in this series. The ones on the Lost Warrior books were better. I mean manga=anime central and a cat is about the easiest thing you could draw in manga.
Profile Image for Katie Ruth.
633 reviews148 followers
June 6, 2016
My first exposure to Warriors is complete! Onto the next because that ended on a cliffhanger!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews

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