A Starless Clan

"There is a darkness in RiverClan. Closer than you think."

— Reedwhisker's warning to Frostpaw in Shadow, page 189

A Starless Clan
Release date
5 April 2022
Authors
Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry
Books
River, Sky, Shadow, Thunder, Wind, Star
Resources
Artwork • Characters
Chronology
Navigate to Warriors books for all arcs.
Preceded by:	The Broken Code
Followed by:	Changing Skies

A Starless Clan is the eighth arc of the Warriors series. 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 and a RiverClan leader succession crisis.

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

The eighth arc was first publicly confirmed on Kate's Blog in late 2020, though no details were provided beyond an initial confirmation. In an email to James Noble, he confirmed that Cherith would be writing the untitled first book in the spring, and in April 2021, Kate revealed that she would be writing the untitled second book at the end of the summer of 2021. On May 11th, 2021, the official Warriors Facebook page hinted at the official reveal of the eighth arc's title with a fill-in-the-blank guessing game. On May 13th, the official title was revealed to be A Starless Clan with a release date of April 2022 on the official Warriors Instagram. On May 14th, the title, blurb, and cover of the first book, River, was revealed on the Warriors website. On June 28th, HarperCollins updated their 2022 catalog with a new blurb for River, hinting at a special power for Frostpaw and a tragedy striking RiverClan.

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. 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. 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 belief, and her meeting the other medicine cats at the Moonpool. River was officially released on April 5th, 2022. Shorty after the release of River, the Story Team posted an article about Nightheart.

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. On July 16th, a new blurb was revealed on HarperCollins, which hinted at ShadowClan's newest arrival feeling unwelcome, which many fans speculated to be Nightheart due to his dissatisfaction with ThunderClan. The excerpt for Sky was released on September 20th and contained the first three chapters and prologue of the book, and it was officially released on November 1st. 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 finished Riverstar's Home, and the Story Team was currently working on brainstorming the plot for A Starless Clan #5.

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, guided by Riverstar, the first leader of RiverClan. 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. 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. 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. Basil Kat's cat, Wafflepaw, was the winner. Shadow was officially released on April 4th.

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. The Warriors website revealed a slightly shorter blurb on June 29th. On September 14th, the Warriors website published an article updating the status of upcoming books. They announced that Kate was still working on book six, and that Super Edition 17 would take place during it. On October 3rd, the excerpt for Thunder was released on the Warriors website, containing the first three chapters and the prologue of the book. On October 12th, an Amazon link revealed that Super Edition 17 would be called Ivypool's Heart. Thunder was officially released on November 7th.

On January 30th, 2024, the excerpt for Wind was released on the Warriors website, containing the first three chapters and the prologue, 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!" On February 8th, the title and blurb for book six, Star was revealed. Wind was officially released on April 2nd.

Ivypool's Heart was released on September 3rd, and the first few chapters of the book overlapped with scenes that would be presented in the beginning of Star. On September 10th, the excerpt for Star was released on the Warriors website, containing the first three chapters and the prologue. These chapters presented a separate point of view while Ivypool and her patrol were readying for their journey. On September 17th, the Story Team revealed that the Super Edition was devised to provide time for Ivypool and Rootspring to properly grieve during the chaos of the eighth arc, and they had to find a reason significant enough to pull characters away from the events of the arc for their journey. Star was released on November 5th.

After the final book was release, Kate Cary announced on her Instagram that she was retiring from the series, with Star being her final book.

Summary

Two rules are added to the warrior code that allow cats to switch Clans and remove leaders. Frostpaw, RiverClan's young medicine cat apprentice, is saddled with an enormous responsibility. After the death of RiverClan's 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 that he is Firestar's kin. In ShadowClan, Sunbeam struggles with her relationships with Blazefire, Lightleap, and her mother, Berryheart. 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 failed assessments, 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 chosen to be part of a journey to find catmint during a catmint shortage. Owlnose is the next cat Frostpaw chooses 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. Nightheart pretends to fail the last one so he can return to ThunderClan, and 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, which he agrees to. Bramblestar steps down and becomes Brambleclaw once again, feeling like he can no longer properly lead his clan, and Squirrelflight becomes Squirrelstar and appoints Ivypool as her deputy. Frostpaw recieves a vision that she is sure is real, and Splashtail directs her to ask a medicine cat. However, a mysterious cat attempts to murder her on her 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 it was Splashtail who tried to kill her, and that he also killed Reedwhisker, and she learns that 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. Frostpaw tries to inform her clanmates and the rest of the clans about her discovery, However, the other Clans are hesitant to believe Frostpaw, as it seems that RiverClan has now found a true leader. With Puddleshine's help, Frostpaw finds proof that Splashtail and Podlight are impostors when they do not receive their nine lives at the Moonpool. Urged by a dream, Frostpaw attempts to warn WindClan about destruction to its nursery. During the storm, Frostpaw, Nightheart, and Sunbeam help rescue Featherpelt's kits from the collapsed nursery, earning Harestar's trust.

After witnessing Harelight's public execution by Splashtail, Nightheart, Sunbeam, and Frostpaw rescue Mothwing, Icewing, and Duskfur, who were sentenced to death for conspiring against Splashtail. During Harelight's public execution, Sunbeam's mother, Berryheart, is appointed as Splashtail's deputy. Riverclan's members, despite having witnessed Harelight's execution, do not speak up against Splashtail, most likely due to fear. With Tigerstar returns to camp with news of Whistlepaw's strange prophecy prompting a journey, Icewing volunteers for RiverClan. Splashtail's warriors trick Tigerstar and assault his camp. During the assault, Sunbeam's mother, Berryheart, sacrifices herself to save her daughter's life. Berryheart's death leaves Sunbeam and her siblings devastated. Frostpaw rallies the other Clans together to defeat Splashtail, who escapes with Floatkit, threatening to kill Floatkit. Frostpaw ultimately kills Splashtail in battle, though she is left severely injured. RiverClan, along with Frostpaw's friends, and Nightheart and Sunbeam, are frightened that Frostpaw will die. RiverClan is close to dissolving and Frostpaw is near death when Icewing returns. After about 2 weeks of being unconcious, Frostpaw wakes up. After recovering, Frostpaw chooses Icewing to be RiverClan's next leader, leading to Icewing earning the name Icestar. Frostpaw earns her full name Frostdawn, and Whistlepaw receives her full name Whistlebreeze. Nightheart and Sunbeam look forward to their future family and the possibility of having kits together.

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 three-quarters of the Clan agree 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 does not 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 is 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 is 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 as 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

Frostpaw's warnings about Splashtail are ignored, and she is exiled from RiverClan. Sunbeam worries for Berryheart, Sparrowtail, and Hollowspring after they are exiled from ShadowClan, especially when Berryheart's injuries become infected. However, Berryheart refuses treatment from the Clans. In ThunderClan, Nightheart is tasked with teaching Waffle and Wasp about the Clans. Wasp eventually decides to return back to the park cats while Waffle becomes Nightheart's apprentice. While seeking refuge in ShadowClan, Frostpaw and Puddleshine discover that Splashtail had been lying about receiving his nine lives from the Moonpool. However, Splashtail denies this, and the other Clans recognize him as RiverClan's true leader. When Frostpaw receives a vision of a tree destroying WindClan's nursery, her concerns are initially brushed off until she, Nightheart, and Sunbeam help to rescue Leafkit following the storm. Harestar agrees to help RiverClan, but only if RiverClan takes the initiative by moving to depose Splashtail. In RiverClan, Splashtail kills his deputy Harelight after he questions Splashtail's decisions. Splashtail then appoints Berryheart as his new deputy.

Star

Frostpaw, Nightheart, and Sunbeam rescue Mothwing, Duskfur, and Icewing from RiverClan after Splashtail demanded their deaths. They seek refuge in ShadowClan, where Tigerstar has learned of an urgent mission from StarClan. Icewing volunteers for RiverClan. ShadowClan falls for Splashtail's tricks, leaving their camp vulnerable while Tigerstar and his strongest warriors are trapped on the island. Splashtail imprisons ShadowClan, threatening to kill Cinnamontail's kits if they revolt. Frostpaw swims from the island to fetch help from WindClan. Nightheart volunteers as RiverClan's prisoner to save Duskkit and Ridgekit, and Sunbeam watches her mother's death when she revolts against Splashtail's orders. The other Clans unite to defeat Splashtail, who flees into the River with Floatkit. Frostpaw kills him, though she's gravely injured. RiverClan frets what they will do without Frostpaw's connection to StarClan; several warriors leave the Clan to join others. Over a half-moon later, Frostpaw is close to death, and Tree attempts to urge her ghost back to the living world. She returns after hearing her loved ones sing, with the loudest voice being Icewing. Frostpaw names her the true leader of RiverClan, becoming Icestar. Mothwing appoints Frostpaw her full name, Frostdawn. RiverClan is now united under Icestar, Owlnose, Mothwing, and Frostdawn, and Nightheart and Sunbeam are looking forward to their future kits.

Characters

Main characters

• Nightheart
• Frostpaw
• Sunbeam

Major characters

• Spireclaw
• Fringewhisker
• Sparkpelt
• Mothwing
• Curlfeather
• Duskfur
• Lightleap
• Blazefire
• Mistystar
• Brambleclaw
• Tigerstar
• Reedwhisker
• Finchlight
• Hollowspring
• Squirrelstar
• Berryheart
• Sparrowtail
• Splashtail
• Fidgetflake
• Owlnose
• Leafstar
• Harestar
• Icestar
• Cloverfoot
• Harelight
• Riverstar
• Whistlebreeze
• Ivypool
• Tree
• Wafflepaw
• Wasp
• Puddleshine
• Podlight
• Fognose

Supporting characters

• Bayshine
• Mistpool
• Graysky
• Shadowsight
• Lilyheart
• Sorrelstripe
• Crowfeather
• Gullswoop
• Rowankit
• Lionblaze
• Myrtlebloom
• Jayfeather
• Alderheart
• Brightheart
• Rootspring
• Whorlpelt
• Yarrowleaf
• Snowbird
• Dovewing
• Mallownose
• Smoky
• Bristlepaw
• Stempaw
• Graypaw
• Cherryfall
• Breezepelt
• Gorseclaw
• Lizardtail
• Minnowtail
• Brackenpelt
• Nightsky
• Floatkit
• Rapidkit
• Troutkit
• Breezeheart
• Ridgekit
• Duskkit
• Havenpelt
• Sneezecloud
• Mosspelt
• Hawkwing
• Fernstripe
• Jayclaw

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 does not 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 becomes RiverClan's leader, while Podlight becomes its medicine cat.
Wind	Frostpaw and Nightheart return to their Clans, but Splashtail manipulates the Clans into not believing Frotpaw's revelation. Splashtail fakes getting nine lives. A storm damages the WindClan nursery, being foretold by Frostpaw. Wafflepaw joins ThunderClan. Frostpaw convinces ThunderClan, ShadowClan and WindClan to side against Splashtail. After speaking out against Splashtail, Harelight is killed. Berryheart becomes RiverClan's deputy, while Sparrowtail and Hollowspring join as warriors.
Star	Splashtail and Berryheart launch an ambush on ShadowClan, keeping many cats prisoner. Five cats, one from each Clan, leave to fulfill a task given to Whistlepaw. Berryheart is killed by Owlnose while protecting Sunbeam. Splashtail kidnaps SkyClan kits, and is killed by Frostpaw, who becomes gravely injured. RiverClan attempts to rebuild while Frostpaw wanders as a ghost for half a moon. Upon waking up, Frostpaw earns her full name, Frostdawn. Icestar becomes RiverClan's leader with Owlnose as her deputy.

Publication history

• A Starless Clan (EN), HarperCollins (paperback box set), 25 November 2025

Trivia

Interesting facts

• This series is the first to feature a RiverClan protagonist in the main series.
• 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." They also need at least one male protagonist, referring to Nightheart.

See also

• Erin Hunter
• Warriors books
• Arcs
• A Starless Clan arc
• Mistakes

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)
• Who are the cats on A Starless Clan book covers? on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• The cats of A Starless Clan on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• A Starless Clan characters - a visual guide on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Winners of the ASC scenes fan challenge on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Notes and references

Author references