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Warriors Novellas #10
Spikkelblads Hart
Spikkelpoot wil niets liever dan krijger worden en samen met de andere DonderCanleerlingen traint ze hard om dat doel te bereiken.
Ondertussen valt ze voor de charmes van Distelklauw, die haar met zoete woorden en geschenken voor zich probeerd te winnen.
Maar dan laat de krijger haar iets zien wat haar wereld compleet op zijn kop zet en realiseert ze zich dat ze de medicijnkat moet worden om zichzelf en haar Clan te redden.
Ondertussen valt ze voor de charmes van Distelklauw, die haar met zoete woorden en geschenken voor zich probeerd te winnen.
Maar dan laat de krijger haar iets zien wat haar wereld compleet op zijn kop zet en realiseert ze zich dat ze de medicijnkat moet worden om zichzelf en haar Clan te redden.
143 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2017
44 people are currently reading
1636 people want to read
About the author
Erin Hunter
280 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 112 reviews
September 12, 2018
What was THAT?
January 1, 2018
This book is 'controversial' in the fandom. One reason it's 'controversial' is that there is a relationship between and adult and someone under-age, so it's not for little kids! However, it's always made clear that Thistleclaw is a Bad Cat, so I wouldn't hold this in itself against the book, and in terms of story-telling and writing quality it's okay. The main problem is the weird ret-con the book does on Spottedleaf's character. The book itself seems unnecessary.
THIS PART HAS SPOILERS FOR 1st and 4th series of Warriors:
So to further the general ret-con on Spottedleaf, here we are to re-enforce that Spottedleaf has some character flaw, her heart loving when she shouldn't or something. Whereas Firestar is still perfect. I don't like this because it's often the attitude that happens in real life, if a man cheats with another woman, it's usually the woman who has the most social consequences and blame.
THIS PART HAS SPOILERS FOR 1st and 4th series of Warriors:
So to further the general ret-con on Spottedleaf, here we are to re-enforce that Spottedleaf has some character flaw, her heart loving when she shouldn't or something. Whereas Firestar is still perfect. I don't like this because it's often the attitude that happens in real life, if a man cheats with another woman, it's usually the woman who has the most social consequences and blame.
January 16, 2018
I appreciated this peak into Spottedleaf's head and her past, even though she has never really been a favorite character of mine; she still isn't. I didn't like the romance with Thisteclaw at all, because it felt rushed, forced, and, quite frankly, ridiculous (very much, I might add, like her romance—or lack thereof, in my opinion—with Firestar). And while I know they're not people, I still felt like it was like a grown man taking advantage of a teenage girl.
I also felt like the majority of the story was rushed, taking place within the span of about a month, other than her time as a kit and the last two chapters, but then, most of these short stories are like that, so I suppose I can't complain too much. But then, I've never had a problem complaining about anything having to do with Spottedleaf.
I also felt like the majority of the story was rushed, taking place within the span of about a month, other than her time as a kit and the last two chapters, but then, most of these short stories are like that, so I suppose I can't complain too much. But then, I've never had a problem complaining about anything having to do with Spottedleaf.
December 13, 2017
It gives me the idea of a cute, enjoyable fanfiction. The love story was really strange, unnecessary and totally not satisfying.
September 2, 2020
Spikkelblad is altijd al één van mijn favoriete personages geweest. Ze heeft zo'n zachtaardig en leuk karakter. Ik was dan ook heel enthousiast dat ze haar eigen mini avontuur kreeg. Zodra het boek uit de brievenbus was gehaald, ben ik begonnen met erin te lezen en ik had het in één ruk uit!
Dit boek speelt zich af in de tijd dat Spikkelpoot zelf nog een leerling was en ik vond het zeer interessant om meer te weten te komen over haar verleden. Net zoals de andere leerlingen wil Spikkelpoot een krijgskat worden. Maar door een onverwachte en best gruwelijke wending is ze genoodzaakt een andere keuze te maken: leerling medicijnkat worden. Dit verhaal is duisterder dan alle voorgaande delen die ik al gelezen had, op sommige momenten was het echt hartverscheurend. Tijdens het lezen doorsta je samen met Spikkelpoot een rollercoaster aan emoties en leer je een aantal pijnlijke lessen. Ik kon me echt prima inleven! De schrijfstijl leest bovendien lekker vlot weg en ondanks dat het maar een dun boekje is, is het verhaal wederom prachtig uitgewerkt. Enkel vond ik het einde een beetje kort, het had gerust wat meer detail mogen hebben.
Voor fans van de serie is dit boek zeker een aanrader! Je komt als lezer niet enkel meer te weten over Spikkelpoot, maar ook over het verleden van andere DonderClankatten. Dit zorgt voor een boeiend verhaal boordevol interessante weetjes en informatie. Lezen is de boodschap!
Ik wil uitgeverij Baeckens Books bedanken voor het toesturen van een recensie exemplaar. Dit beïnvloedt mijn mening echter niet.
Dit boek speelt zich af in de tijd dat Spikkelpoot zelf nog een leerling was en ik vond het zeer interessant om meer te weten te komen over haar verleden. Net zoals de andere leerlingen wil Spikkelpoot een krijgskat worden. Maar door een onverwachte en best gruwelijke wending is ze genoodzaakt een andere keuze te maken: leerling medicijnkat worden. Dit verhaal is duisterder dan alle voorgaande delen die ik al gelezen had, op sommige momenten was het echt hartverscheurend. Tijdens het lezen doorsta je samen met Spikkelpoot een rollercoaster aan emoties en leer je een aantal pijnlijke lessen. Ik kon me echt prima inleven! De schrijfstijl leest bovendien lekker vlot weg en ondanks dat het maar een dun boekje is, is het verhaal wederom prachtig uitgewerkt. Enkel vond ik het einde een beetje kort, het had gerust wat meer detail mogen hebben.
Voor fans van de serie is dit boek zeker een aanrader! Je komt als lezer niet enkel meer te weten over Spikkelpoot, maar ook over het verleden van andere DonderClankatten. Dit zorgt voor een boeiend verhaal boordevol interessante weetjes en informatie. Lezen is de boodschap!
Ik wil uitgeverij Baeckens Books bedanken voor het toesturen van een recensie exemplaar. Dit beïnvloedt mijn mening echter niet.
November 13, 2022
April 2022 On rereading this, I get why basically everyone hates it. My opinion is: yes, Thistleclaw is a creep. I'm willing to believe that Spottedpaw made him think of Snowfur, hence his actions, but I don't believe he actually loved her and he was totally manipulating and grooming her. Creep.
That being said, I still feel like this story works if you make some allowances, like maybe Spottedpaw did want to be a warrior, or thought she did, and to other cats (like Bluefur in Bluestar's Prophecy) it just seemed like Spottedpaw had always wanted to be a medicine cat because of the way they saw her. It's a little off-beat, and like I said, I get why people don't like it, but I find it to be an interesting twist on Spottedleaf's origin.
June 2017 I really like the background that is shown, not only for Spottedleaf, but for Bluestar, Thistleclaw, and others. This book does a great job of bringing even more loose ends of Warriors together.
That being said, I still feel like this story works if you make some allowances, like maybe Spottedpaw did want to be a warrior, or thought she did, and to other cats (like Bluefur in Bluestar's Prophecy) it just seemed like Spottedpaw had always wanted to be a medicine cat because of the way they saw her. It's a little off-beat, and like I said, I get why people don't like it, but I find it to be an interesting twist on Spottedleaf's origin.
June 2017 I really like the background that is shown, not only for Spottedleaf, but for Bluestar, Thistleclaw, and others. This book does a great job of bringing even more loose ends of Warriors together.
May 2, 2018
I read this as one part of the three part book 'Legends of the Clans'. Spottedleaf is one of my many many favourite characters. Yet again this was a wonderful novella an absolutely delightful look into Spottedleaf's personality.
June 29, 2019
**this is very long**
As much as I very much hated this book, I wanted to point something out. Most of the reviews for this book is complaining about how it felt as if Thistelclaw was pressuring underaged Spottedleaf to love him. But Spottedleaf, even though she is not nearly as bad as Thistelclaw, no one brings up that she practically did the same thing Thistelclaw did, but differently, and with Firepaw. Even though it may not have been clear, what Spottedleaf was doing is grooming, it just wasn't as extreme as this. I hated Spottedleaf for that reason for as long as I can remember, and this book just made me laugh. Thistelclaw was also very out of character, in Bluestar's Prophecy, where we first got to know him. We knew he was proud and ambitious. He loved bragging about himself and everything was about fighting. Snowfur's death did very much hit him, even though many people refuse to admit it. It didn't hit him as hard as people say it did, but he was greatly affected by it, and there is evidence of him doing all those things out of grief, (including this mistake) and you can reread bluestar's prophecy to check. I disagree with his actions, but I do think a lot of it had to do with grief. From what we learned about Thistelclaw in the far superior book, Bluestar's prophecy, he had almost no affiliation with Spottedleaf at all, so turning him into this greedy and creepy guy really didn't work at all. This book also goes against what we've seen about him in his brief appearences in the Dark Forest. This book craps all over Bluestar's prophecy, and though this is most likely not the case, this book feels like it was only written in an attempt to make Spottedleaf more interesting. Ultimately, not only did it make Spottedleaf even worst, but it completely changed Thistelclaw and the other characters. I've never been a fan of Thistelclaw, but I want him written correctly. It was hard for me to be on Spottedleaf's or any of the characters' side because they took the villain Thistelclaw, and the other characters, and changed the them just to make a cheesy romance story for uninteresting Spottedleaf, but Spotted leaf ended up doing the same thing with Firepaw, just less extreme.
In conclusion, I love the Hunters and the series, but this takes a dark, mysterious and scary villain, and turns him into a creep only to make a sickening romance with Spottedleaf. No creativity whatsoever. However, if you do like Thistelclaw and or Spottedleaf, that's fine, but if you don't know a lot about their characters, this book isn't good as it changes them completely. Reading Bluestar's Prophecy and Crookedstar's Promise mentions Thistelclaw and it mentions Spottedleaf. They also pop up in the books. You can read the books to learn more about them, then form your own opinion, like I formed my oponion on reading the books. This book isn't accurate at all, don't read it. (You will not learn more from a different point of view, it's just not good or accurate.) I just hope the Erins don't make a mistake like this again. Instead, they should make a super edition for Thistelclaw, or Thistelclaw and Snowfur. That way we can learn more about what HE was actually thinking through all this, instead of people making theories.
As much as I very much hated this book, I wanted to point something out. Most of the reviews for this book is complaining about how it felt as if Thistelclaw was pressuring underaged Spottedleaf to love him. But Spottedleaf, even though she is not nearly as bad as Thistelclaw, no one brings up that she practically did the same thing Thistelclaw did, but differently, and with Firepaw. Even though it may not have been clear, what Spottedleaf was doing is grooming, it just wasn't as extreme as this. I hated Spottedleaf for that reason for as long as I can remember, and this book just made me laugh. Thistelclaw was also very out of character, in Bluestar's Prophecy, where we first got to know him. We knew he was proud and ambitious. He loved bragging about himself and everything was about fighting. Snowfur's death did very much hit him, even though many people refuse to admit it. It didn't hit him as hard as people say it did, but he was greatly affected by it, and there is evidence of him doing all those things out of grief, (including this mistake) and you can reread bluestar's prophecy to check. I disagree with his actions, but I do think a lot of it had to do with grief. From what we learned about Thistelclaw in the far superior book, Bluestar's prophecy, he had almost no affiliation with Spottedleaf at all, so turning him into this greedy and creepy guy really didn't work at all. This book also goes against what we've seen about him in his brief appearences in the Dark Forest. This book craps all over Bluestar's prophecy, and though this is most likely not the case, this book feels like it was only written in an attempt to make Spottedleaf more interesting. Ultimately, not only did it make Spottedleaf even worst, but it completely changed Thistelclaw and the other characters. I've never been a fan of Thistelclaw, but I want him written correctly. It was hard for me to be on Spottedleaf's or any of the characters' side because they took the villain Thistelclaw, and the other characters, and changed the them just to make a cheesy romance story for uninteresting Spottedleaf, but Spotted leaf ended up doing the same thing with Firepaw, just less extreme.
In conclusion, I love the Hunters and the series, but this takes a dark, mysterious and scary villain, and turns him into a creep only to make a sickening romance with Spottedleaf. No creativity whatsoever. However, if you do like Thistelclaw and or Spottedleaf, that's fine, but if you don't know a lot about their characters, this book isn't good as it changes them completely. Reading Bluestar's Prophecy and Crookedstar's Promise mentions Thistelclaw and it mentions Spottedleaf. They also pop up in the books. You can read the books to learn more about them, then form your own opinion, like I formed my oponion on reading the books. This book isn't accurate at all, don't read it. (You will not learn more from a different point of view, it's just not good or accurate.) I just hope the Erins don't make a mistake like this again. Instead, they should make a super edition for Thistelclaw, or Thistelclaw and Snowfur. That way we can learn more about what HE was actually thinking through all this, instead of people making theories.
October 16, 2017
I was actually surprised by how good this book was. After watching many reviews on Youtube I had to get it to see exactly how bad this book really was. I thought it was a really good read and I would recommend it to anyone. Though it did have its issues, it also had many high points that I found really likable. One of the flaws would include one sentence that Spottedpaw thinks to her self.... You will know what it is when you see it. One of the highest points in the book is when Spottedpaw is torn away from Thistleclaw by her own subconscious. Yea subconscious I guess. Anyways I can't say much more due to spoilers. You should read this, You will either Like it or Hate it. Whatever you think you will be thinking about in the shower.
April 10, 2018
3 stars for the story
0 stars for Thistleclaw and Spottedleaf’s relationship
The relationship was creepy and I cringed and wanted to vomit. It was all kinds of gross but I did like the overall story. The plot could use some work but the ending earned it the three stars as we get to see the Spottedleaf we know so much.
0 stars for Thistleclaw and Spottedleaf’s relationship
The relationship was creepy and I cringed and wanted to vomit. It was all kinds of gross but I did like the overall story. The plot could use some work but the ending earned it the three stars as we get to see the Spottedleaf we know so much.
November 2, 2019
***DO NOT LET A CHILD READ THIS ALONE. THIS IS THE ONLY WARRIORS NOVEL NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN.***
...
Link to my suggested way to read the Warrior novels. :)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
...
Link to my suggested way to read the Warrior novels. :)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 30, 2020
This book isn't as bad as everyone claims it is. I'm sorry, I like gross love, and therefore I liked this book and read it in 3 days.
I'M SORRY
Spotted x Thistle 4 life
I'M SORRY
Spotted x Thistle 4 life
July 9, 2025
interesting topics for a children’s book… thistleclaw i hate u
October 4, 2023
Never thought I’d need to write this before a Warriors review but trigger warning: grooming, pedophilia
I have so many questions.
1. Why was this written?
Genuinely. This added absolutely nothing to the Warriors canon. Spottedleaf, in my opinion, always has and always will be one of the most boring Warriors characters ever written. She was a throw away from the beginning that was written just to die, and then the Erins kept bringing her back to guide Firestar and now she got her own novella that is just as pointless as she is. I have always been a Spottedleaf hater and tbh this book has only solidified that. I don’t hate Spottedleaf but I hate the way the Erins use her. I hate that she doesn’t have a personality. I hate that she’s just meant to be a guide/love interest.
2. Why did they decide to make her novella about her being groomed by a senior warrior as an actual kit?
It serves no purpose. It added NOTHING to the narrative. Thistleclaw was the villain of Bluestar’s Prophecy. We know he’s a bad guy who almost had a child killed, having him be a groomer/predator.
Thistleclaw is only like one month younger than Bluefur. They became warriors around the same time. Thistleclaw is the father of Whitestone (Whitepaw at the beginning of this one). He was mates with Bluefur’s sister. He’s a full adult with the equivalent of a teenage son, and he’s flirting with Spottedpaw when she’s a kit, an actual child.
If they wanted her to be in love with an older figure why not make it Tigerpaw? He’s the main villain of the first series and main antagonist to Firestar. If Spottedleaf and Tigerclaw had a thing before Firestar came along, wouldn’t that be a better narrative? More drama? Add more fuel to the Fire v Tiger beef.
3. Why did the Erins/the editors/the publishers allow this?
I think it’s extremely important to bring attention to this topic. Especially in the modern world, children are at risk from predators online more than ever. A lot of young women unfortunately (myself included sad to say) can relate to Spottedpaw. However. I don’t think the Erin’s should be allowed to write about this topic because they RARELY handle touchy subjects well in my opinion and this was just another case of that.
Is Thistleclaw still the bad guy? Yes.
Is a point clearly made that he is bad and evil? Yes.
Do they state that his relationship with Spottedleaf was inappropriate from the beginning? No.
Do they say he groomed her or that his romantic advances were wrong? Also no.
This is where it’s extremely problematic. Thistleclaw, the equivalent of a middle-aged man with a teenage son, is going on walks, talking privately with, and leaning on a pre-teen, teen girl YOUNGER THAN HIS OWN SON. If they were humans, this book would have never been allowed to get published.
I think having this dynamic in a middle-grade series isn’t necessarily inappropriate. again I think it’s important that kids know this happens and know how to identify it and when to tell an adult, but this doesn’t get into any of that.
Spottedleaf doesn’t even think their relationship is wrong until she sees Thistleclaw kill another cat.
Yes, they’re cats, and yes in real life cats wouldn’t care and this would probably happen and be fine. But this is a middle grade book series
The main character and none of the other morally good characters in this novella see nothing wrong with the age difference. No comment is made about how he manipulated her, used her, groomed her. Not even when she looks bad on the relationship does she think about that aspect, she just thinks she’s foolish for not seeing how cruel he is sooner.
Ma’am that should not be your only take away, and that’s why this novella is harmful.
A creepy, uncomfortable, unnecessary, and unasked for addition to the Warriors saga that I think the majority of us wish never saw the light of day. By far the worst one so far and the biggest waste of time.
I’m just completely baffled by the choices. If you wanted to take this route and still have Thistleclaw groom her, at least try to do it justice. Make it a super edition or instead of going back and adding something pointless no one asked for to a character who’s been dead since literally book 1 of the series, take that plot line and give it to a new character where you can take the time to explore the topic and the effects it has.
This is probably a poorly written review that doesn’t really convey how uncomfortable I felt reading this. The following quote actually made my mouth fall open and I had to put the book down because I got triggered. They’re talking about the medicine cat, Featherwhisker.
—
“What do you mean? I think Featherwhisker has done an incredible thing, giving up his life to serve our Clan. He knows so much, yet he never acts as if he is better than the rest of us. I can’t imagine a better medicine cat!”
Thistleclaw bristled. “You sound as if you like him more than me! If he’s so precious, why don’t you go hang out in the medicine den for a few more moons?”
“Don’t be such a mouse-brain!” Spottedpaw forced her fur to lie flat and rested her tail on Thistleclaw’s flank. “I want to be with you.”
Thistleclaw’s amber eyes burned into hers. “Prove it,” he whispered.
Spottedpaw blinked. “What do you mean?”
“Prove how much I mean to you. Come with me tonight.”
Excerpt From
Warriors: Legends of the Clans
Erin Hunter
https://books.apple.com/us/book/warri...
This material may be protected by copyright.
—
I felt sick to my stomach the moment I read “prove it.” I don’t know how it passed sensitivity readers, how the publishers okayed it.
And, again, yes Thistleclaw is a bad guy. We know this. But this book NEVER makes it a point to clarify that he is ALSO a bad guy for being a predator, just for the murder part.
I have so many questions.
1. Why was this written?
Genuinely. This added absolutely nothing to the Warriors canon. Spottedleaf, in my opinion, always has and always will be one of the most boring Warriors characters ever written. She was a throw away from the beginning that was written just to die, and then the Erins kept bringing her back to guide Firestar and now she got her own novella that is just as pointless as she is. I have always been a Spottedleaf hater and tbh this book has only solidified that. I don’t hate Spottedleaf but I hate the way the Erins use her. I hate that she doesn’t have a personality. I hate that she’s just meant to be a guide/love interest.
2. Why did they decide to make her novella about her being groomed by a senior warrior as an actual kit?
It serves no purpose. It added NOTHING to the narrative. Thistleclaw was the villain of Bluestar’s Prophecy. We know he’s a bad guy who almost had a child killed, having him be a groomer/predator.
Thistleclaw is only like one month younger than Bluefur. They became warriors around the same time. Thistleclaw is the father of Whitestone (Whitepaw at the beginning of this one). He was mates with Bluefur’s sister. He’s a full adult with the equivalent of a teenage son, and he’s flirting with Spottedpaw when she’s a kit, an actual child.
If they wanted her to be in love with an older figure why not make it Tigerpaw? He’s the main villain of the first series and main antagonist to Firestar. If Spottedleaf and Tigerclaw had a thing before Firestar came along, wouldn’t that be a better narrative? More drama? Add more fuel to the Fire v Tiger beef.
3. Why did the Erins/the editors/the publishers allow this?
I think it’s extremely important to bring attention to this topic. Especially in the modern world, children are at risk from predators online more than ever. A lot of young women unfortunately (myself included sad to say) can relate to Spottedpaw. However. I don’t think the Erin’s should be allowed to write about this topic because they RARELY handle touchy subjects well in my opinion and this was just another case of that.
Is Thistleclaw still the bad guy? Yes.
Is a point clearly made that he is bad and evil? Yes.
Do they state that his relationship with Spottedleaf was inappropriate from the beginning? No.
Do they say he groomed her or that his romantic advances were wrong? Also no.
This is where it’s extremely problematic. Thistleclaw, the equivalent of a middle-aged man with a teenage son, is going on walks, talking privately with, and leaning on a pre-teen, teen girl YOUNGER THAN HIS OWN SON. If they were humans, this book would have never been allowed to get published.
I think having this dynamic in a middle-grade series isn’t necessarily inappropriate. again I think it’s important that kids know this happens and know how to identify it and when to tell an adult, but this doesn’t get into any of that.
Spottedleaf doesn’t even think their relationship is wrong until she sees Thistleclaw kill another cat.
Yes, they’re cats, and yes in real life cats wouldn’t care and this would probably happen and be fine. But this is a middle grade book series
The main character and none of the other morally good characters in this novella see nothing wrong with the age difference. No comment is made about how he manipulated her, used her, groomed her. Not even when she looks bad on the relationship does she think about that aspect, she just thinks she’s foolish for not seeing how cruel he is sooner.
Ma’am that should not be your only take away, and that’s why this novella is harmful.
A creepy, uncomfortable, unnecessary, and unasked for addition to the Warriors saga that I think the majority of us wish never saw the light of day. By far the worst one so far and the biggest waste of time.
I’m just completely baffled by the choices. If you wanted to take this route and still have Thistleclaw groom her, at least try to do it justice. Make it a super edition or instead of going back and adding something pointless no one asked for to a character who’s been dead since literally book 1 of the series, take that plot line and give it to a new character where you can take the time to explore the topic and the effects it has.
This is probably a poorly written review that doesn’t really convey how uncomfortable I felt reading this. The following quote actually made my mouth fall open and I had to put the book down because I got triggered. They’re talking about the medicine cat, Featherwhisker.
—
“What do you mean? I think Featherwhisker has done an incredible thing, giving up his life to serve our Clan. He knows so much, yet he never acts as if he is better than the rest of us. I can’t imagine a better medicine cat!”
Thistleclaw bristled. “You sound as if you like him more than me! If he’s so precious, why don’t you go hang out in the medicine den for a few more moons?”
“Don’t be such a mouse-brain!” Spottedpaw forced her fur to lie flat and rested her tail on Thistleclaw’s flank. “I want to be with you.”
Thistleclaw’s amber eyes burned into hers. “Prove it,” he whispered.
Spottedpaw blinked. “What do you mean?”
“Prove how much I mean to you. Come with me tonight.”
Excerpt From
Warriors: Legends of the Clans
Erin Hunter
https://books.apple.com/us/book/warri...
This material may be protected by copyright.
—
I felt sick to my stomach the moment I read “prove it.” I don’t know how it passed sensitivity readers, how the publishers okayed it.
And, again, yes Thistleclaw is a bad guy. We know this. But this book NEVER makes it a point to clarify that he is ALSO a bad guy for being a predator, just for the murder part.
December 8, 2024
parents, if you buy this book for your kids, it is crucial that there is some discussion about it. this book is about a young cat who is groomed almost from birth into a pedophilic relationship with an older cat. the way it is written implies that this cat, thistleclaw, was only a bad person when it is revealed that he is learning killing blows in the “dark forest” (the afterlife for evil cats)
this could have been a psa about grooming, but it was not handled in that way. instead of telling an adult, spottedpaw becomes a medicine cat apprentice, which means that she cannot take a mate. she does this so thistleclaw cannot pursue her romantically. no one in the story is made aware of thistleclaw’s actions.
if you choose to buy this for your children, i heavily encourage you to read it too so you can have a discussion about it. the book is split into three novellas and each are only about ten chapters. talk about how thistleclaw knowing spottedleaf as a kit made it easier for him to manipulate her. ask questions like what character should spottedpaw have told about thistleclaw pursuing her? why is it important for her to tell someone she trusts?
im giving this book one star because of the way it was handled, even though im a huge fan of the warriors series. however, i think it can be used as a good psa for a younger audience IF there is an adult present to discuss the story afterwards.
this could have been a psa about grooming, but it was not handled in that way. instead of telling an adult, spottedpaw becomes a medicine cat apprentice, which means that she cannot take a mate. she does this so thistleclaw cannot pursue her romantically. no one in the story is made aware of thistleclaw’s actions.
if you choose to buy this for your children, i heavily encourage you to read it too so you can have a discussion about it. the book is split into three novellas and each are only about ten chapters. talk about how thistleclaw knowing spottedleaf as a kit made it easier for him to manipulate her. ask questions like what character should spottedpaw have told about thistleclaw pursuing her? why is it important for her to tell someone she trusts?
im giving this book one star because of the way it was handled, even though im a huge fan of the warriors series. however, i think it can be used as a good psa for a younger audience IF there is an adult present to discuss the story afterwards.
February 3, 2025
I’m not sure who wrote this novella, but they have my FULL respect because the subtle descriptions throughout this story gave me such a vivid sense of what was happening/what cats looked like! For example, while reading Bluestar’s Prophecy I never found myself with a clear image of what Thistleclaw looked like, but in these short 10 chapters I felt as though I was really seeing these cats! The subtle descriptions throughout REALLY do it for me, and are a large part of the reason I found myself thoroughly enjoying this Novella! The story itself was not at all like I expected. With the title being “Spottedleaf’s Heart,” I fully expected it to be about her “feelings” for/about Firepaw since that has been alluded to (more like retconned) in the main series, so I was pleasantly surprised to see it about none other than… THISTLECLAW? My one minor gripe with this story was the characterization of Thistleclaw. At first, I struggled to believe that we were really talking about the same Thistleclaw from Bluestar’s Prophecy; and then I realized that my understanding of Thistleclaw had come from a character who was strongly biased against him, so OF COURSE he wouldn’t be looked at the same way by a character who was romantically interested in him. One final note: Spottedleaf remarking silently that her and Bluefur have both had their destinies changed because of one cat, and yet may never fully realize this together was *perfect*.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2022
I only read this because it’s almost Halloween and although I don’t celebrate it I guess I did by reading this book. Yeeeaaah, I’m not into the scary theme Erins chose for this one. (evil laughs)
But seriously, “Spottedleaf’s (freaking) Heart” is NOT an ok book. The only way you can call it a children’s book is in the case when you want children learn a lesson about real life problems that can happen to anyone, because these cats have to act like humans, not real life cats, because Warrior Cats isn’t a documentary, it’s a fantasy/ adventure book series. Not going to dive into spoilers, gonna leave Moonkitti for this dirty stuff: https://youtu.be/llxosPdKszI
Personally, at first I liked Spottedleaf when I first started the series: she was pretty, kind and her death was sad. But ugh… that was before I realised she loved FiReStAr like *that* , I honestly thought she was more of a mentor or a mother figure to him and I wish I could still headcanon it, I probably would have still liked Spottedleaf. Also, it feels like this is the book where Thistleclaw is actually being antagonistic, because we see him be a child predator AND genuinely train in the Dark Forest because he wants power.
Aka “How to butcher your character and story Tutorial 1” by Erin Hunter. 😜
But seriously, “Spottedleaf’s (freaking) Heart” is NOT an ok book. The only way you can call it a children’s book is in the case when you want children learn a lesson about real life problems that can happen to anyone, because these cats have to act like humans, not real life cats, because Warrior Cats isn’t a documentary, it’s a fantasy/ adventure book series. Not going to dive into spoilers, gonna leave Moonkitti for this dirty stuff: https://youtu.be/llxosPdKszI
Personally, at first I liked Spottedleaf when I first started the series: she was pretty, kind and her death was sad. But ugh… that was before I realised she loved FiReStAr like *that* , I honestly thought she was more of a mentor or a mother figure to him and I wish I could still headcanon it, I probably would have still liked Spottedleaf. Also, it feels like this is the book where Thistleclaw is actually being antagonistic, because we see him be a child predator AND genuinely train in the Dark Forest because he wants power.
Aka “How to butcher your character and story Tutorial 1” by Erin Hunter. 😜
March 21, 2019
I usually don't leave reviews or any kind of comments on Warriors books (and I know I've been on a Warriors spree lately), because I am generally quite biased/a poor choice for a Warriors reviewer, however it's important that I mention this for anyone who is unaware of this book's contents. Spoilers, I suppose, but there's nothing good in this book to be spoiled.
Spottedleaf's Heart deals with heavy, triggering topics (i.e. child grooming & related predatory behaviours) and depicts a relationship between what is the equivalent of a teenager and a man in his 30s. It does a poor job at condemning or exploring this topic. It is also supposed to be for 9-12 year old children.
If you are a Warriors fan and want to read it out of curiosity, I won't stop you. Just be aware of its contents (which it doesn't warn you for beforehand).
Spottedleaf's Heart deals with heavy, triggering topics (i.e. child grooming & related predatory behaviours) and depicts a relationship between what is the equivalent of a teenager and a man in his 30s. It does a poor job at condemning or exploring this topic. It is also supposed to be for 9-12 year old children.
If you are a Warriors fan and want to read it out of curiosity, I won't stop you. Just be aware of its contents (which it doesn't warn you for beforehand).
Read
February 13, 2025This is not how you write a story about a really disturbing groomer. Especially not for children, how was this approved? You don’t just leave this in a book without context or an explanation of how terrible and absolutely fucked up thistleclaws‘s manipulation was. Goddamnit lordhavemercy please don’t let kids or teens read this, it’s so creepy and disgusting. Ok write about i guess but DEAL WITH IT THE RIGHT WAY
October 1, 2025
Yeahhhh I still don't know why this was written when there was so many other options for a Spottedleaf novella. like... any other option. I don't care how the Erins try to justify it (I believe Victoria Holmes wrote this one, if I'm remembering correctly), this book is silly and doesn't really need to exist. What's the point in basically seeing Bluestar's Prophecy from Spottedleaf's POV? We already know they're friends.
April 23, 2018
I love that Spottedleaf has her own novella💞💞 I got to know her much better, as she is such a complex character...But she died on the first book so this novella is great 👍
January 1, 2019
I really liked seeing things from spottedleafs point of view. Overall, I really like this book.
February 24, 2019
Wonderful!
August 19, 2019
What the actual fuck? Spottedleaf deserved way better than this travesty.
February 9, 2025
2,4
Mam wrażenie, że ta książka wniosła prawie nic do uniwersum wojowników. Z jednej strony nie patrze już tak negatywnie na Nakrapianego Liścia, a z drugiej strony daleko mi do lubienia jej. Oczekiwałam, że ta nowelka wytłumaczy nam działania, które Nakrapiany Liść podejmie w przyszłości, a tu nic? Nadal nie mam pojęcia skąd się wzięła jej obsesja na punkcie Ognistego XD cała relacja z Ostowym Pazurem była dziwna, nie wspominając o pedofilii, nie rozumiem czemu Ostowy zabrał Nakrapianą na trening do Mrocznej Puszczy, to nie miało żadnego sensu, młoda z charakteru przypominała Śnieżne Futro, może dlatego ją polubił? Chociaż Śnieżna nie była w Mrocznej Puszczy więc to dziwne, ze Nakrapiana sobie tam wchodzila kiedy chciala. No i jeszcze czy to była nowelka o Nakrapianym Liściu czy Błękitnym Futrze, bo ostatnie 3 albo 4 rozdziały (całość to 10 rozdziałów) to dosłownie "Przepowiedna Błękitnej Gwiazdy" ale z innej perspektywy. Uważam, że Nakrapiana miała potencjał, ale został on bardzo zmarnowany, jej postać nie została rozwinięta, no poza tym, że kicia była kochliwa i naiwna, no ale pls widzieliśmy to już w "Ucieczce w dzicz". Wkurzam się, bo "Przekleństwo Gęsiego Pióra" kozacko wytłumaczyło nam, czemu Gąsek był wariatem i czemu miotało nim po całym lesie, a tutaj? Koło fortuny trochę XD do połowy było okej, chociaż ta relacja uczennica x wojownik była straszna, mówię można to było lepiej zrobić, bo ja wiem jakby Nakrapiana zakochała się w jakimś rudzielcu to przynajmniej łączyłoby się to z jej obsesja na punkcie Ognistego, a tak to co? Sorry, ale muszę to podkreślić Ostowy Pazur bajerował z kicią, która była młodsza od jego syna cooooo jest - to jest niby książka dla dzieci/młodzieży??? Mam tak dużo pytań...
Mam wrażenie, że ta książka wniosła prawie nic do uniwersum wojowników. Z jednej strony nie patrze już tak negatywnie na Nakrapianego Liścia, a z drugiej strony daleko mi do lubienia jej. Oczekiwałam, że ta nowelka wytłumaczy nam działania, które Nakrapiany Liść podejmie w przyszłości, a tu nic? Nadal nie mam pojęcia skąd się wzięła jej obsesja na punkcie Ognistego XD cała relacja z Ostowym Pazurem była dziwna, nie wspominając o pedofilii, nie rozumiem czemu Ostowy zabrał Nakrapianą na trening do Mrocznej Puszczy, to nie miało żadnego sensu, młoda z charakteru przypominała Śnieżne Futro, może dlatego ją polubił? Chociaż Śnieżna nie była w Mrocznej Puszczy więc to dziwne, ze Nakrapiana sobie tam wchodzila kiedy chciala. No i jeszcze czy to była nowelka o Nakrapianym Liściu czy Błękitnym Futrze, bo ostatnie 3 albo 4 rozdziały (całość to 10 rozdziałów) to dosłownie "Przepowiedna Błękitnej Gwiazdy" ale z innej perspektywy. Uważam, że Nakrapiana miała potencjał, ale został on bardzo zmarnowany, jej postać nie została rozwinięta, no poza tym, że kicia była kochliwa i naiwna, no ale pls widzieliśmy to już w "Ucieczce w dzicz". Wkurzam się, bo "Przekleństwo Gęsiego Pióra" kozacko wytłumaczyło nam, czemu Gąsek był wariatem i czemu miotało nim po całym lesie, a tutaj? Koło fortuny trochę XD do połowy było okej, chociaż ta relacja uczennica x wojownik była straszna, mówię można to było lepiej zrobić, bo ja wiem jakby Nakrapiana zakochała się w jakimś rudzielcu to przynajmniej łączyłoby się to z jej obsesja na punkcie Ognistego, a tak to co? Sorry, ale muszę to podkreślić Ostowy Pazur bajerował z kicią, która była młodsza od jego syna cooooo jest - to jest niby książka dla dzieci/młodzieży??? Mam tak dużo pytań...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2022
Ich versteh die ganzen schlechten Rezensionen zu dieser Short Story gar nicht. Also in meinen Augen hat die Geschichte ganz gut zu den restlichen Büchern gepasst und es war toll Tüpfelblatt als Schülerin zu verfolgen. Vor allem da sie schwere Entscheidungen zu treffen hatte. Die Sache mit Stachelkralle war zwar weird, da sie deutlich jünger war, aber das wäre nicht das erste Mal, dass das in einem WaCa Buch vorkommt und es sind schließlich Katzen... :') Außerdem konnte ich durch das Buch die Verbundenheit zwischen ihr und Blaustern besser nachvollziehen.
Die komplette Geschichte um Tüpfelpfote kam zwar aus heiterem Himmel, aber bei 70+ Büchern kann ich schon verstehen dass einige Dinge einfach viel später dazu erfunden werden ohne dass das in den ersten Hauptstaffeln reflektiert wurde. Aber es lohnt sich die Geschichte neben den Special Adventures zu Blaustern und Streifenstern zu lesen.
Die komplette Geschichte um Tüpfelpfote kam zwar aus heiterem Himmel, aber bei 70+ Büchern kann ich schon verstehen dass einige Dinge einfach viel später dazu erfunden werden ohne dass das in den ersten Hauptstaffeln reflektiert wurde. Aber es lohnt sich die Geschichte neben den Special Adventures zu Blaustern und Streifenstern zu lesen.
September 27, 2021
Nie wiem jak ją ocenić. Nakrapiana okazała się bardzo fajną bohaterką i da się ją polubić. Akcja naprawdę ciekawa i nie czułam znudzenia, a bałam się tego ponieważ nowelka dzieje się w tym samym czasie co książka Błękitnej Gwiazdy.
Jednak związek 12 letniej Nakrapianej z 36 letnim Ostowym Pazurem, no nie, no kurwa nie.
Gdyby to jeszcze zostało pokazane, że jest to złe, ale problem jest w tym, że nie jest, jest to pokazane jako zdrowy związek, dlatego nie mogę dać więcej niż ✨ 2✨
Jednak związek 12 letniej Nakrapianej z 36 letnim Ostowym Pazurem, no nie, no kurwa nie.
Gdyby to jeszcze zostało pokazane, że jest to złe, ale problem jest w tym, że nie jest, jest to pokazane jako zdrowy związek, dlatego nie mogę dać więcej niż ✨ 2✨
December 28, 2022
I gotta admit, i expected this one to be about the Spottedleaf we knew, when she knew Firestar. I wanted to get info as to what she felt for him, if it really was love, or just his misguided crush. With that being said, I did like this one. It added some interested drama, and helped explain the connection between Bluestar and Spottedleaf
May 9, 2017
THE GOOD
Spottedpaw/Spottedleaf: Okay, Spottedleaf, I will admit, was not a cat that ever interested me, and she died off so fast in the first book, that I never thought much about what her life must have been like... it was a tough one. I was unsure how I felt about the romance with Thistleclaw until I realized how well the two melded together. The feelings were there, and they were genuine... but they weren't enough to keep him from walking a dark path. It's a little heartbreaking in a way, because even though Spottedleaf had a good life, you're left feeling that she deserved so much more.
Thistleclaw: I will always hate Thistleclaw, but I must admit I did like seeing that he does have a softer side... which we didn't see much when he was with Snowfur. That could be because we were still seeing him through Bluefur's eyes, though, and she wasn't a big fan of him either.
Thrushpelt: I loved him Bluestar's Prophecy... and I feel like he was also given the short end of the stick. He loved Bluefur so much and nothing ever came of it.
Featherwhisker; He's such a sweet medicine cat, and he truly cares for his clan mates.
THE BAD
Tigerpaw/Tigerclaw; Ugh, young Tigerclaw was so unlikeable in a way that adult Tigerclaw isn't. By the time we meet him in book 1 he's charming and likeable... until you find out he's a murderous crazy car. But his apprentice self was cruel and bloodthirsty, and I don't understand how no one could see it. It makes no sense.
Spottedpaw/Spottedleaf: Okay, Spottedleaf, I will admit, was not a cat that ever interested me, and she died off so fast in the first book, that I never thought much about what her life must have been like... it was a tough one. I was unsure how I felt about the romance with Thistleclaw until I realized how well the two melded together. The feelings were there, and they were genuine... but they weren't enough to keep him from walking a dark path. It's a little heartbreaking in a way, because even though Spottedleaf had a good life, you're left feeling that she deserved so much more.
Thistleclaw: I will always hate Thistleclaw, but I must admit I did like seeing that he does have a softer side... which we didn't see much when he was with Snowfur. That could be because we were still seeing him through Bluefur's eyes, though, and she wasn't a big fan of him either.
Thrushpelt: I loved him Bluestar's Prophecy... and I feel like he was also given the short end of the stick. He loved Bluefur so much and nothing ever came of it.
Featherwhisker; He's such a sweet medicine cat, and he truly cares for his clan mates.
THE BAD
Tigerpaw/Tigerclaw; Ugh, young Tigerclaw was so unlikeable in a way that adult Tigerclaw isn't. By the time we meet him in book 1 he's charming and likeable... until you find out he's a murderous crazy car. But his apprentice self was cruel and bloodthirsty, and I don't understand how no one could see it. It makes no sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2021
I went into Spottedleaf's heart thinking there was going to be an amazing storyline with her becoming the medicine cat which infuenced our main character Firestar from the first series, I thought there was going to be something more to the prophecy, or maybe indulgence in her feelings for him (which were never, by the way, explained - at least not yet in all the books I've read), or at least I hoped there would be some insight to her whole life story and mission.
But no. None of that.
I'll keep this spoiler-free, but I want these readers to know what they at least shouldn't expect so they can't be disappointed.
I liked Spottedleaf. I really did. I was sad that she was killed off in the first book and I thought she had so much more to give to the story (and she did, with all the dreams and whatnot), and I was just hoping to see what kind of a character she was. Turns out she's barely even the same character I remember from the first book.
In conclusion, I am disappointed, really. If you're a fan of the Warrior Cats series I reccomend you don't read this book, I think you can do well without it.
But no. None of that.
I'll keep this spoiler-free, but I want these readers to know what they at least shouldn't expect so they can't be disappointed.
I liked Spottedleaf. I really did. I was sad that she was killed off in the first book and I thought she had so much more to give to the story (and she did, with all the dreams and whatnot), and I was just hoping to see what kind of a character she was. Turns out she's barely even the same character I remember from the first book.
In conclusion, I am disappointed, really. If you're a fan of the Warrior Cats series I reccomend you don't read this book, I think you can do well without it.
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