Warrior Cats 101

 For those of you that love a good young adult series and love animals, this may be the series for you. Written by Erin Hunter, who is, in fact, 3 to 4 people, depending on the book or series, Warriors tells the story of several feral cat clans of the forest.

In most of the books there are 4 clans of cats living in the forest: Thunderclan, Rivercland, Windclan and Shadowclan. In the last book of the series, there's also Bloodclan.

The clans of cats are almost like Indian Tribes, they have a leader, a deputy and a medicine cat...they go on patrols and hunt for food for the rest of the clan. They also fight.

These books say Grade 5 and up. My thought is, if you don't want your child reading a lot of violence, you may want to pass on these, even though they are pretty awesome books. They are violent. If they weren't they wouldn't be Warriors.

In just about every book, it is a given that at least two cats will die. As you get to the last few books in the series, that total goes up.

Warriors focuses primarily on Thunderclan and Firepaw...who starts his journey as a kit and moves his way up through the clan.

Some of the cats you'll encounter:

Tigerclaw: EVIL deputy of Thunderclan for most of the books
Bluestar: The leader of Thunderclan...I love this kitty.
Greypaw/Greystripe: Tigerpaw's best bud.
Yellowfang: The medicine cat from Shadowclan who becomes part of Thunderclan and takes over as medicine cat.

If you want to learn more about these books go to Warriors.

I will warn you. Once you start reading these books, you can't stop. They are very addicting and the kitties become part of you life. I've never read any children's books that kept me interested this long, and there are 2 other series to be read!

Book Review: The Darkest Hour

Author: Erin Hunter
Title: The Darkest Hour
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publish Date: Oct 1, 2005
Rating: 5 Stars
Book Blurb: ThunderClan's darkest hour is upon them, as Tigerstar's quest for power plunges all the Clans into the most terrible danger any cat has ever faced. In order to save his Clan and his friends, Fireheart must uncover the meaning of an ominous proclamation from StarClan:

"Four will become two. Lion and tiger will meet in battle, and blood will rule the forest."
The time has come for prophecies to unfold, and for heroes to rise ...

Review: This is the final book in the first series of Warriors books and it is a fitting end for the most part. Old enemies and new are vanquished, though ridding the forest of the old enemy seems a bit lacking.

There's a lot of undercurrents in this book, and as you read the series you start linking things together. StarClan is the heaven of the world of feral forest cats. In these book you see Cats lose faith and have their faith returned. It doesn't preach a catlike religion so much as it reminds the cats that those who have gone before them, watch over and help them.

Like the other 5 books, there's death. The Erin's love to kill of Cats and since there's a great battle coming, there's many cats going to StarClan.

There's also another Clan of Cats brought into the story, thanks to ShadowClan's leader, Tigerstar. These cats are horrific beasts. Not at all nice. If you think Tigerstar is nasty, wait til you meet Scourge and his crew. Pure EVIL!

There are some beautiful things in the book too. When Tigerheart goes to get his 9 lives and become Tigerstar, is one of them. It is also a tearjerking part of the story, as each cat that has gone before comes to him.

I don't think I've ever enjoyed a series of books as much as I have Warriors.

~ I plan to do a recap on all 6 books of the first series over the weekend.

Book Review: A Dangerous Path

Author: Erin Hunter
Title: A Dangerous Path
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publish Date: May 24, 2005
Rating: 5 Stars
Book Blurb: The saga continues in the fifth book in the Warriors series as the cat Fireheart, now deputy leader of Thunderclan, finds himself taking on even more responsibility because clan-leader Bluestar is both physically and mentally ill. Add to that the dangerous machinations of treacherous Tigarstar, the head of Shadowclan, and a pack of renegade dogs. Bluestar becomes certain that all the members of her clan, including Fireheart, have betrayed her; the ancestral Starclan cats have abandoned her; and Windclan is hunting in Thunderclan's territory. After Bluestar declares war, it's up to Fireheart to find a way to avoid the battle. Hunter maintains the established characterizations of his sentient cats, who still retain their feline natures. With compelling intrigue and fast-paced actions, this is one of the most exciting books in the series--and, happily, there's another volume to come.

Review: I'm writing this review from a fangirl point of view. This series is fantastic, but the Erins (Erin Hunter is 3-4 people depending on the series etc) are very sadistic. They really enjoy killing off cats in strange and unusal ways.  In this book there are at least 3 cats that die, and one will totally break your heart.

I haven't totally recovered from the death of Thunderclan's medicine cat, Yellowfang from a previous book, and now this! Ahhhhh!

It is really hard to believe these are kids books, but they are grades 6 and up so I guess the kidlets can deal with the violence of the feral cats lives. I only wish that she didn't kill off so many of the cats in each book, and its always one cat that the reader is truly attached to, or a just a senseless death. This book has so many that its ridiculous.

Does it stop me from reading?

NO!

It is like a soap opera. I have to keep reading to see what happens next in the lives of these cats and it is looking like Thunderclan is going to be going through some big changes in the last book of the first series.

I can't wait to see what happens next. These cats have truly become part of my life. The sad thing is..there are two series after this!! Tis crazy, but it is a good crazy!

Love live Fireheart!!!

Book Review: Rising Storm

Author: Erin Hunter
Title: Warriors: Rising Storm Book 4
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publish Date: Feb 15, 2005
Rating: 5 Stars
Book Blurb: The cat Fireheart and his fellow ThunderClan members are back in the fourth installment of the Warriors series. In this episode, Fireheart has been deputized to replace the ousted rogue cat Tigerclaw, but his new job is made harder by the lingering apathy of the clan's leader. Fireheart must overcome doubts about his ability, struggles with his apprentice, a deadly fire that threatens to finish off the clan, a potential new love, and an enemy that returns from his past. Hunter once again tells a good, suspenseful adventure story that urges readers onward, and teens may find their own journey toward adulthood echoed in the protagonist's struggles and self-doubts. Although background from earlier books may be useful, this can be read on its own; a handy list of characters at the beginning of the book will help readers keep track of Hunter's large cast.

Review:  Book four of the first Warriors series will have you crying more often than not, especially if you have fallen in love with the cats of ThunderClan. I know I have. I started the first book in series one last week and I'm starting book 5 today!

Book 4 is the most dramatic so far. There's a lot of action and a lot Clan Cats going to StarClan. So if you are a crybaby, and I am, you will be sniffling through this book.

There's also a blossoming love, which is nice. This book needed a bit more happy.

This story also sets the stage for what's to come. Readers already know Bluestar's secret, but after the betrayal she suffers at the end of Forest Of Secrets she's changed and not for the better. The actions in the last book have taken a lot out of her. It is a good thing that Fireheart is such a strong character, even though he still falters now and then.

The bright stop in this book? Cloudpaw, the kittypet, kitten, that is Fireheart's nephew. He's so silly and arrogant, that you have to adore him.

This series is addicting. I really can't wait to continue on with the books. They are fast and fun reads and they make you wonder if your cats are really thinking some of those things!

Book Review: Forest Of Secrets

Author: Erin Hunter
Title: Warriors: Forest Of Secrets Book 3
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publish Date: October 1, 2004
Rating: 5 Stars
Book Blurb: As this third book in this series begins, Fireheart, former house pet turned warrior cat, continues to be torn between his allegiance to his Thunderclan and his suspicions that Tigerclaw is planning to take over as its leader. When Fireheart gets proof of his deceit and presents his findings to the clan's wise and compassionate leader, she refuses to believe him. Tensions are already running high between the clans because the cats are getting sick from fish from the polluted rivers, flooding is widespread, and they must invade each other's territory for food. The tragic death of Graystripe's mate as she's giving birth and his betrayal of the clan by loving a cat from an enemy clan bring the simmering tensions to a boil as both groups claim rights to the kits. Other secrets come to light as Tigerclaw, exiled in disgrace, vows revenge and Fireheart becomes the new deputy. This exciting book is not for the faint of heart as it is often violent. It is reminiscent of Greek drama, with its huge cast of characters (a chart of allegiances is included), intrigues, divided loyalties, star-crossed lovers, and parents murdering their offspring. Fans of the series will lap it up while impatiently awaiting the next entry.

Review: Have I mentioned these books are addicting? I've read the first 3 in less than a week! Each picks up right where the last one left off, so as soon as you finish reading one, you are ready to jump into another.

So far, this is my favorite of the series. It had so much action and adventure and love. Yes, there's even romance among the cats!

There's a lot going on in these books too, from betrayal of one of the cats in the higher ranks of the clan, to romances between clans and then some. It is kind of a like a cat soap opera in print.

I love the personalities of the cats. Erin really makes these cats come alive. I don't think I could pick a favorite cat..I love Yellowfang and Cloudpaw and of course, Fireheart. After so many books, these cats are as real to me as my own kittypets...erm cats.

What I find the most appealing is that though these books are written for a young audience, Grades 5 and up, they really can be read by anyone. They aren't terribly childlike, and that's good for me, because I'm thirty six!

If you like cats and fantasy, these books are definitely something to look into. I can't wait to get into book 4!

Book Review: Fire and Ice

Author: Erin Hunter
Title: Warriors: Fire and Ice
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publish Date:  2004
Rating: 4 stars
Book Blurb: Fireheart could hear a roaring around him, like wind in tall trees. The acrid stench of the Thunderpath stung his nostrils, together with a new smell, sharper and more terrifying. Fire!



Book Two of WARRIORS continues Fireheart's quest to be a true warrior, when he finds new danger lurking in the woods as the chill of winter sets in.


WindClan is missing, and hostilities between the remaining three clans place all the cats in peril. Illness and tragic accidents weaken the camp, and ThunderClan needs all its warriors to defent itself - but Fireheart suspects that certain cats may not be as loyal as they appear.

Review: Fire and Ice picks up exactly where Into The Wild leaves off, with Fireheart and Greystripe becoming warriors for Thunderclan. These are not books that you can read out of order for that reason. There's too much that can be missed if you jump around.

This book sees the two friends growing emotionally as they take on their duties as mentors. Fireheart has much to deal with has he discovers a relative when he's sent out with his apprentice to the edge of their territory near Twoleg Place. He also helps to bring back Windclan, who were driven away by Shadow Clan in the last book. There's also betrayal brewing and you can see the distrust between some of the cats grow in this book.

It is very easy to fall in love with these cats and readers will do so more and more with each story, because they really appear to be human. In this book you see one cat falling in love and another getting just a touch homesick for his kittypet family, even though he doesn't want to return to Two Leg Place.

This is wonderful story, that will leave you thirsting for the next book. Thankfully my sister read them all so I can just jump from book to book.

Book Review: Into The Wild

Author: Erin Hunter
Title: Warriors: Into The Wild Book 1
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publish Date: January 2004
Rating: 5 Stars
Book Blurb: For generations, four clans of wild cats have shared the forest according to laws laid down by powerful ancestral clans. But now things are changing: ShadowClan has banished WindClan and is threatening RiverClan and ThunderClan by insisting on hunting rights within their territories. What's more, each year the TwoLegs encroach further into the forest, and prey is becoming scarce. A prophecy reveals, "Fire alone can save [the] Clan." Into this dangerous situation wanders a "kittypet," a young, bright orange tomcat whose courage earns him, despite objections by some, a place as an apprentice ThunderClan warrior and the new name of Firepaw. In this first spine-tingling episode in the planned Warriors series, Firepaw learns the ways of the wild life, facing many dangers and treachery both within and without his new clan. Intelligence notwithstanding, the cat characters are true to their feline nature, making this sure to appeal to fans of Clare Bell's long-popular Ratha's Creature (1983) and its sequels and also to followers of Brian Jacques' ongoing Redwall series.

Review:  Erin Hunter really does a nice job and bringing cats to life in her Warriors books. Into The Wild is the story of Rusty a kittypet who wanders into the forest to find an apprentice of the Thunderclan.  He leaves his life as a housecat (kittypet) behind and is allowed to join the clan.

This series of books really shows the reader a lot about human nature through the fantasy world of these cats.  Through Rusty (Firepaw) you see how bigotry can be more than a little hurtful. The Clanborn cats look down at Firepaw because he was a kittypet.

These cats' clans are like tiny countries and they wage war over territories. They hunt, they play and they survive through working together as a team.  Each of the cats has something unique that they do, be it a mother, a healer or a fighter, and if they all can't work together the clan falls apart.

In this book, Rusty turns into a regular Clan cat from housepet. We see his struggles and triumphs. We watch as he builds friendships.

There's so much that goes on in these 280ish pages, but one thing stands out above all other things. You will love these cats for the human traits Erin has given them. As soon as you finish the last page, you'll be reaching for the next book and the next after that.

The writing isn't all that fantastic, but the story is. These are definitely great books for cat lovers and tweens.