This article contains major spoilers for the recently released book, Thunder. Please proceed at your own discretion. |
"There is a darkness in RiverClan. Closer than you think." |
— Reedwhisker's warning to Frostpaw in Shadow, page 189 |
A Starless Clan is the eighth arc of the Warriors series.[2] The series follows Sunbeam of ShadowClan, Nightheart of ThunderClan, and Frostpaw of RiverClan as they find their destinies while their Clan leaders deliberate on changes to the warrior code[3] and a RiverClan leader succession crisis.[4]
Concept development[]
- "[...] RiverClan is demanding to be heard. We think that A Starless Clan will remind readers of RiverClan's strength and heart while revealing the weaknesses they have yet to overcome. No matter how they end up dealing with the troubles they will soon face, one thing is certain: This will not be the last we hear from RiverClan."
- ―"A Return to RiverClan" on the Warrior Cats website
- An article written by the Story Team on July 6th on the Warriors website detailed their inspiration for series protagonists, notably the first RiverClan point of view character. They noted a historical lack of a RiverClan point of view character in the previous arcs, suggesting it was due to RiverClan's isolation at the lake territories and Mistystar secluding her Clan following Darktail's reign and the impostor. However, the Story Team wanted to hear from a young RiverClan member during "a moment of serious upheaval" when "major decisions could fall into the paws of an apprentice, who isn't at all sure she is ready for that level of responsibility." The article hinted at troubles for RiverClan's experienced warriors and leaders that might coerce the Clan to uncharacteristically involve the others with their problems.[6] On December 17th, the second book's title, cover, and blurb were revealed on the Warriors website as Sky, and it hinted at a disaster for RiverClan.[7] As part of the website's Advent calendar, the fandom voted for the Story Team to write about one of the main protagonists, with Frostpaw being the winner. The article revealed Frostpaw's parentage, as well as a brief summary of Frostpaw's early chapters with her becoming Mothwing's apprentice, her heavy expectations as the Clan's only connection to StarClan with Mothwing's lack of beliefs, and her meeting the other medicine cats at the Moonpool.[8] River was officially released on April 5th, 2022.[9] Shorty after the release of River, the Story Team posted an article about Nightheart.[10]
- On May 5th, the third book's title, cover, and blurb were revealed on the Warriors website as Shadow, and it teased at tensions rising in ThunderClan and ShadowClan.[11] On July 16th, a new blurb was revealed on HarperCollins, and hinted at ShadowClan's newest arrival feeling unwelcome, which many fans speculated to be Nightheart due to his dissatisfaction in ThunderClan.[12] The excerpt for Sky was released on September 20th and contained the first three chapters and prologue of the book,[13] and it was officially released on November 1st.[14] Shortly after Sky's release, the Warriors website team published an article with updates on their upcoming books, including that Shadow was currently finished and sent to the publisher, Kate would begin writing A Starless Clan #4 after she finishes Riverstar's Home, and the Story Team is currently working on brainstorming the plot for A Starless Clan #5.[15]
- On January 30th, 2023, the Warriors website released the title, cover, and blurb for book four, Thunder. The blurb teased a spiritual journey for Frostpaw to RiverClan's beginning and guided by Riverstar, the first leader of RiverClan.[16] The preview for Shadow was released on March 7th, less than a month before its release date, and it contained the first three chapters and the prologue of the book.[17] On the same day, the Warriors Instagram requested readers to submit apprentice name suggestions from their own cats for a new character to be featured in Thunder.[18] The final choices were Bubblepaw, Basilpaw, Biscuitpaw, Jinxpaw, Pumpkinpaw, Luckypaw, Copperpaw, Picklepaw, Bagelpaw, Wafflepaw, Pepperpaw, Cricketpaw, Buddypaw, Scooterpaw, Sophiepaw, Beanspaw, Figpaw, Sproutpaw, Pixiepaw, and Mollypaw.[19] Basil Kat's cat, Wafflepaw, was the winner.[20][21] Shadow was officially released on April 4th.[22]
- On June 26th, the catalog company Edelweiss released HarperCollins US Winter 2024 Children's Compilation catalog, which revealed the title and blurb for book five, Wind. The blurb teased Splashtail's conquest of RiverClan and the arrival of two cats from the Cats of the Park.[23] The Warriors website revealed a slightly shorter blurb on June 29th.[24] On September 14th, the Warriors website published an article updating the status of upcoming books. They announced that Kate is still working on book six, and that Super Edition 17 will take place during it.[25] On October 3rd, the excerpt for Thunder was released on the Warriors website, containing the first three chapters and the prologue of the book.[26] On October 12th, an Amazon link revealed that Super Edition 17 would be called Ivypool's Heart.[27] Thunder was officially released on November 7th.[28]
- On January 30th, 2024, the excerpt for Wind was released on the Warriors website, containing the first three chapters and the prologue,[29] and the website added the following day that they were putting the finishing touches on the final book. "...we're determined to bring this overarching story to an exciting and satisfying conclusion. Although, this of course does mean that it will be the last time (for a while, at least) that we get to tell stories from the perspective of Frostpaw, Nightheart, and Sunbeam, which is bittersweet, as we've come to love all of them very much!"[30] On February 8th, the title and blurb for book six, Star was revealed.[31]
Summary[]
- Previously, two rules are added to the warrior code that allowed cats to switch Clans and remove leaders. Frostpaw, RiverClan’s young medicine cat apprentice, is saddled with enormous responsibility. After the death of the leader and deputy, Mistystar and Reedwhisker, she must find a new leader by herself because Mothwing, her mentor, has no connection to StarClan. In ThunderClan, Flamepaw deals with constant reminders he is Firestar’s kin. In ShadowClan, Sunbeam struggles with her relationships with Blazefire, Lightleap and Berryheart, her mother.
- Reedwhisker’s death becomes a subject of more and more suspicion. Curlfeather, Frostpaw's mother, is chosen as leader, but is killed by dogs. She tells Frostpaw to trust no cat just before she dies. After two failures, Flamepaw is named Flameheart, but he rejects the name due to its similarity to Firestar’s name. He is named Nightheart instead, and he and Sunbeam are part of a journey to find catmint. Owlnose is chosen next to be RiverClan’s leader, but he is hesitant about the responsibility and does not receive the nine lives of a leader.
- Tigerstar invades RiverClan and takes control. The other Clans are not pleased, but Leafstar is the only leader who seems willing to act; Bramblestar seems to be strangely distant and unwilling to fight. Nightheart tries to join ShadowClan to be with Sunbeam, but first he must pass three trials, set by Berryheart. They are difficult, and Nightheart pretends to fail the last one so he can return to ThunderClan; Sunbeam follows him. Tigerstar grants Frostpaw’s request to become a warrior apprentice, as she never had a true connection to StarClan. She gains a crush on Splashtail, asking to become his mate in the future.
- Bramblestar steps down and becomes Brambleclaw once again; Squirrelflight becomes Squirrelstar and appoints Ivypool as deputy. Frostpaw recieves a vision that she is sure is real, and Splashtail directs her to ask a medicine cat. He tries to kill her on the way to WindClan, leaving her scared and unsure of who to trust, only allowing Whistlepaw to know she is alive. Whistlepaw takes Frostpaw to Twolegs for treatment to save her life.
- Frostpaw is instructed by Riverstar to go on a journey and to take Nightheart with her. With him gone, Sunbeam struggles but completes her trials and finds her place in ThunderClan. Frostpaw and Nightheart find the Cats of the Park, and Frostpaw learns to mediate. Though meditation, she realizes that Splashtail tried to kill her; he killed Reedwhisker, and her mother planned the deputy’s death and manipulated her to suit their plans. They return home to learn that Podlight is RiverClan’s new medicine cat and Splashtail will become the new leader.
- More Coming Soon
Books[]
River[]
- The Clan leaders agree on changes to the warrior code: cats may leave their Clan to join another after accomplishing one task to prove their loyalty, and Clans may remove their leader if seventy-five percent agrees and with StarClan's approval. In RiverClan, Mistystar abruptly dies and Reedwhisker is found dead days later, plunging RiverClan into a leader succession crisis that they keep a secret from the other Clans. Frostpaw, RiverClan's young medicine cat apprentice, interprets a sign that she and Mothwing should co-lead, until she later finds a white curled feather by the Moonpool, which Frostpaw believes is a sign from StarClan that her mother Curlfeather should be leader. However, Curlfeather is maimed by dogs on the way to the Moonpool, and her last words to Frostpaw are to trust no cat. Sunbeam has a falling out with her close friends Blazefire and Lightleap after Blazefire develops feelings for Lightleap when Sunbeam had a crush on him. After failing his warrior assessment twice before finally succeeding, Flamepaw rejects his warrior name of Flameheart because of his connection with his ancestor Firestar, and Bramblestar names him Nightheart instead.
Sky[]
- During a catmint shortage, six cats journey to find more in a nearby Twolegplace. However, Tigerstar and Dovewing's son, Rowankit, dies of greencough before they can arrive. At the Moonpool, Frostpaw receives a cryptic message from Curlfeather to look beyond the obvious choices for their next leader. She chooses Owlnose, though the tom's indecisiveness causes problems for his Clanmates and deputy Splashtail. StarClan doesn't appear to grant him nine lives. However, the other Clans quickly discover their ruse, and Tigerstar suggests he should temporarily lead the Clan until they can find a proper leader. When Fidgetflake discovers a forgotten supply of catmint in RiverClan's herb storage, Tigerstar forcibly takes over the Clan and a battle ensues. Owlnose steps down from leadership, and Frostpaw begins to doubt her connection with StarClan. Nightheart decides to leave ThunderClan to be with Sunbeam in ShadowClan. Meanwhile, Sunbeam grows worried of her mother Berryheart's displeasure with the changes to the warrior code.
Shadow[]
- With Tigerstar now the supervising leader of RiverClan, he orders Icewing and his deputy Cloverfoot to take charge of the Clan while he's away in ShadowClan. ShadowClan's occupation of RiverClan is challenged by several RiverClan warriors and later SkyClan, though Leafstar fails to find support in Harestar and Bramblestar. Frostpaw decides to train as a warrior apprentice instead due to her lack of connection with StarClan. In ShadowClan, Berryheart orchestrates three difficult tasks for Nightheart to complete, though he purposefully fails his final task when he realizes his kin needs him in ThunderClan. Sunbeam, growing conflicted with her mother's increasing antagonistic behavior and Tigerstar's choice to take over RiverClan, decides to follow him to ThunderClan. Bramblestar announces he's stepping down from leadership and Squirrelflight plans to take his place. Frostpaw receives a vision from Reedwhisker of his murder and he warns her of a darkness in RiverClan. After Splashtail suggests she should speak with an experienced medicine cat, Frostpaw is attacked on her way to WindClan.
Thunder[]
- Whistlepaw takes Frostpaw to the horseplace, where Twolegs capture and treat her injuries. Frostpaw is instructed by Riverstar to go on a journey to RiverClan's roots and they will help her choose RiverClan's next leader. Nightheart accompanies her, and together they find the Cats of the Park, who teach Frostpaw how to meditate. Finally finding her peace, Frostpaw realizes that it was Splashtail who attempted to kill her, and her mother Curlfeather joined his plot to kill Reedwhisker. Back in ThunderClan, Squirrelstar becomes leader and appoints Ivypool her deputy. With Nightheart gone, Sunbeam initially struggles to find her place in ThunderClan, but she completes all three trials. Tree mediates peace between ShadowClan and RiverClan, with Duskfur originally taking up acting leading duties until Podlight, their new medicine cat with Frostpaw believed to be dead, claims to have received a sign from Riverstar that Splashtail should be their new leader. Nightheart, Frostpaw, and their two friends from the Cats of the Park, Waffle and Wasp, overhear this news at the Gathering when they return.
Wind[]
- Coming Soon
Star[]
- Coming Soon
Characters[]
Main characters[]
Major characters[]
- Spireclaw[35]
- Fringewhisker[35]
- Sparkpelt[32]
- Mothwing[33]
- Curlfeather[33]
- Duskfur[36]
- Lightleap[34]
- Mistystar[37]
- Brambleclaw[37]
- Tigerstar[37]
- Berryheart[38]
- Leafstar[39]
- Harestar[39]
- Splashtail[40]
- Reedwhisker[41]
- Owlnose[42]
- Finchlight[43]
- Squirrelstar[44]
- Fidgetflake[45]
- Icewing[4]
- Cloverfoot[4]
- Riverstar[46]
- Whistlepaw[47]
- Ivypool[47]
- Tree[47]
- Wafflepaw[47]
- Wasp[47]
- Podlight[47]
Supporting characters[]
- Bayshine[48]
- Blazefire[34]
- Shadowsight[49]
- Lilyheart[50]
- Sorrelstripe[50]
- Gullswoop[51]
- Lionblaze[52]
- Myrtlebloom[52]
- Jayfeather[53]
- Alderheart[53]
- Brightheart[53]
- Rootspring[45]
- Rowankit[54]
- Whorlpelt[55]
- Yarrowleaf[55]
- Snowbird[55]
- Harelight[56]
- Dovewing[57]
- Mallownose[58]
- Smoky[47]
- Cherryfall[47]
- Sparrowtail[47]
- Puddleshine[47]
- Hollowspring[47]
Important events[]
Book | Event |
---|---|
River | After changes to the warrior code are made, Mistystar and Reedwhisker abruptly die, sending RiverClan into a succession crisis that they desperately try to keep secret from the other Clans. Their new leader Curlfeather is killed by dogs on the way to the Moonpool, and she informs Frostpaw to trust no cat. |
Sky | Six cats journey beyond Clan territory to find more catmint, though Tigerstar's son Rowankit dies before they can return. Frostpaw chooses Owlnose to be RiverClan's next leader, but StarClan doesn't appear to grant him nine lives. When Fidgetflake learns that RiverClan had a forgotten supply of catmint the entire time, Tigerstar forcibly takes over RiverClan. |
Shadow | With Tigerstar in charge of RiverClan, he assigns Icewing and Cloverfoot as temporary leaders, though RiverClan and SkyClan are displeased. Frostpaw steps down to train as a warrior, but receives a vision from Reedwhisker of his murder. She is attacked on her way to WindClan. Bramblestar decides to step down from leadership. |
Thunder | Squirrelstar assumes leadership of ThunderClan, and appoints Ivypool as deputy. Frostpaw and Nightheart journey to the Cats of the Park. Frostpaw learns that Curlfeather was the mastermind behind the RiverClan conspiracy, with Splashtail by her side. Berryheart and her kin are exiled from ShadowClan. Splashtail become RiverClan's leader, and Podlight becomes RiverClan's medicine cat. |
Wind | TBA |
Star | TBA |
Publication history[]
- Coming Soon
Interactive map: Events timeline[]
Trivia[]
Interesting facts[]
- This series is the first to feature a RiverClan protagonist in the main series.[3]
- This arc's books follow a pattern of being named after the Clans: River for RiverClan, Sky for SkyClan, Shadow for ShadowClan, Thunder for ThunderClan, Wind for WindClan, and Star for StarClan.
Author statements[]
- When asked about the choices of protagonists for this arc, Kate stated the team "wanted voices that give a sense of continuity with the Warriors past, but also new voices which meant choosing unexpected cats. The cognation of traditional and fresh should give a beautifully wide perspective on the new storyline."[blog 4] They also need at least one male protagonist, referring to Nightheart.[blog 5]
See also[]
- Back cover gallery of A Starless Clan
External links[]
- Exclusive Title and Cover Reveal: A Starless Clan #1 on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- A Return to RiverClan on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Exclusive Title and Cover Reveal: A Starless Clan #2 on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Exclusive Title and Cover Reveal: A Starless Clan #3 on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Exclusive Title and Cover Reveal: A Starless Clan #4 on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Revealed: Official details from Wind, A Starless Clan #5 on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Revealed: Official details from Star, A Starless Clan #6 on the Warriors official website (backup link)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Revealed on edelweiss.plus (backup link)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Revealed on the official Warriors Instagram (screenshot)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Exclusive Title and Cover Reveal: A Starless Clan #1 on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Revealed in Shadow, chapter 1
- ↑ Revealed on the official Warriors Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on A Return to RiverClan on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Exclusive Title and Cover Reveal: A Starless Clan #2 on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Introducing… Frostpaw of RiverClan on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Revealed on harpercollins.com (backup link)
- ↑ Nightheart and the Burden of Legacy on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Exclusive Title and Cover Reveal: A Starless Clan #3 on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Harpercollins.com (backup link)
- ↑ Exclusive! Sky: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Revealed on HarperCollins.com (backup link)
- ↑ Warriors Hub Q&A on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Exclusive Title and Cover Reveal: A Starless Clan #4 on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Exclusive! Shadow: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Revealed on the Warriors Instagram (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on We asked you to nominate your pet to be featured in Thunder, and here is the shortlist of real names. Vote for your favorite! poll on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Revealed on the Warriors Instagram (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed in the results for We asked you to nominate your pet to be featured in Thunder, and here is the shortlist of real names. Vote for your favorite! poll on the Warriors official website (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on harpercollins.com (backup link)
- ↑ Revealed on edelweiss.plus (backup link)
- ↑ Revealed: Official details from Wind, A Starless Clan #5 on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Warrior Cats HQ answers your questions on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Exclusive! Thunder: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Revealed on Amazon.com (backup link)
- ↑ Revealed on harpercollins.com
- ↑ Exclusive: Wind chapters on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ New Year’s resolutions from the Story Team on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Revealed on a Kobo.com (backup link)
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 Revealed in River, chapter 1
- ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 Revealed in River, chapter 2
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 Revealed in River, chapter 3
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 Revealed in River, page prologue
- ↑ Revealed in River, page 62
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 Revealed in River, chapter 4
- ↑ Revealed in River, chapter 18
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 Revealed in Sky, chapter 13
- ↑ Revealed in Sky, page 199
- ↑ Revealed in River, chapter 8
- ↑ Revealed in Sky, page 141
- ↑ Revealed in River, chapter 10
- ↑ Revealed in River, chapter 13
- ↑ 45.0 45.1 Revealed in Sky, chapter 7
- ↑ Revealed in Thunder, page prologue
- ↑ 47.00 47.01 47.02 47.03 47.04 47.05 47.06 47.07 47.08 47.09 47.10 Revealed in Thunder
- ↑ Revealed in River, page 8
- ↑ Revealed in River, chapter 6
- ↑ 50.0 50.1 Revealed in River, chapter 7
- ↑ Revealed in Sky, chapter 1
- ↑ 52.0 52.1 Revealed in Sky, chapter 2
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 Revealed in Sky, chapter 5
- ↑ Revealed in Sky, page 160
- ↑ 55.0 55.1 55.2 Revealed in Sky, chapter 16
- ↑ Revealed in Shadow, chapter 7
- ↑ Revealed in Shadow, chapter 9
- ↑ Revealed in Shadow, chapter 12
Author references
- ↑ The Place of No Stars Spoiler Page on Kate's Blog (backup link) (screenshot)
- ↑ James Noble, January 27, 2021. James confirming that Cherith is writing the first book, revealed through email.
- ↑ A Light in the Mist Spoiler Page on Kate's Blog (backup link) (screenshot)
- ↑ River Spoiler Page on Kate's Blog (backup link) (screenshot)
- ↑ River Spoiler Page on Kate's Blog (backup link) (screenshot)
Arc navigation | |
---|---|
Main series | Dawn of the Clans • The Prophecies Begin • The New Prophecy • Power of Three • Omen of the Stars • A Vision of Shadows • The Broken Code • A Starless Clan • Series 9 |
Supplemental material | Super Editions • Novellas • Field Guides • Special Editions |
Graphic novels | Graystripe's Adventure • Tigerstar and Sasha • Ravenpaw's Path • SkyClan and the Stranger • The Prophecies Begin (graphic novel arc) |