Warriors (novel series) facts for kids
Boxed sets of the Warriors: The Prophecies Begin and Warriors: The New Prophecy series
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| Language | English |
| Genre | Fantasy, young adult fiction |
| Publisher | HarperCollins |
| Published | 21 January 2003 – present |
The Warriors series, also known as Warrior Cats, tells exciting stories about groups of feral cats. These cats live in wild forests and have many adventures and dramatic moments. The books are published by HarperCollins. They are written by several authors, including Kate Cary and Cherith Baldry, who all use the special name Erin Hunter. The main idea for the first series came from the editor, Victoria Holmes.
There are currently nine main story groups, called "arcs," and each arc has six books. These include The Prophecies Begin, The New Prophecy, Power of Three, Omen of the Stars, Dawn of the Clans, A Vision of Shadows, The Broken Code, A Starless Clan, and Changing Skies. Besides these main books, there are also longer "Super Edition" novels, shorter "novellas," guide books, and graphic novels. The series has been translated into many different languages around the world.
Contents
- How the Warriors Series Began
- The World of Warriors
- Main Story Arcs
- Warriors: The Prophecies Begin (2003–2004)
- Warriors: The New Prophecy (2005–2006)
- Warriors: Power of Three (2007–2009)
- Warriors: Omen of the Stars (2009–2012)
- Warriors: Dawn of the Clans (2013–2015)
- Warriors: A Vision of Shadows (2016–2018)
- Warriors: The Broken Code (2019–2021)
- Warriors: A Starless Clan (2022–2024)
- Warriors: Changing Skies (2025–TBA)
- Other Warriors Books
- Important Themes in Warriors
- Publication Details
- Other Warriors Fun
- See also
How the Warriors Series Began
The Warriors series started when the publisher HarperCollins asked Victoria Holmes to create a fantasy story about wild cats. At first, Holmes wasn't sure, thinking it would be hard to come up with enough ideas. But she started working on the concept, adding exciting parts like war, politics, revenge, forbidden love, and even religious conflicts.
The original plan was just for one book. However, so many ideas came up that the publisher decided to make it a six-book series! The first book, Into the Wild, was written by Kate Cary. She wrote it in about three months under the name "Erin Hunter." Victoria Holmes then worked behind the scenes, checking and guiding the stories. Cherith Baldry joined to write the third book, Forest of Secrets. Later, Tui Sutherland became the fourth author to use the "Erin Hunter" name.
The authors have shared what inspired them. Cherith Baldry mentioned authors like Tolkien and Shakespeare. Victoria Holmes was inspired by writers like J. K. Rowling. Other inspirations include Enid Blyton and Meg Cabot. The real-life New Forest in southern England was the model for the cats' forest home. Other places like Loch Lomond and the Scottish Highlands also influenced the settings. The cats' use of herbs for medicine was inspired by Nicholas Culpeper, a doctor who used natural remedies. Even the Rambo movies were a source of ideas!
The World of Warriors
The Warriors stories are about many wild cats living in a forest, and later, near a lake. These cats are divided into five main groups called Clans: ThunderClan, WindClan, RiverClan, ShadowClan, and SkyClan. Each Clan has learned to live in its own type of land.
The Clans often have disagreements and sometimes fight. But they also care about each other. If one Clan is in danger, the others usually try to help. The cats have special names and ranks within their Clans.
The Clan cats believe in a group of spirits called StarClan. These are the spirits of their ancestors who have died. StarClan cats live in a beautiful forest, like a cat heaven. They often guide the living cats through dreams and special signs. There's also the Dark Forest, or "The Place of No Stars." This is like a cat hell, where spirits of cats who did bad things live as punishment.
Cats who don't belong to a Clan are called different names:
- Kittypets: These are housecats who live with humans. Clan cats often look down on them for their easy lives.
- Loners: Cats who live by themselves, outside of any Clan.
- Rogues: Cats who live alone and sometimes try to harm the Clans.
Sometimes, stray cats form their own large groups. It's rare for an outsider cat to join a Clan, as Clan cats usually don't trust them.
Main Story Arcs
Warriors: The Prophecies Begin (2003–2004)
This is the first series, with six books. It starts with a housecat named Rusty. He leaves his cozy home to join ThunderClan, one of the wild cat groups. As Rusty, now called Firepaw, grows up, he becomes a brave warrior. He uncovers a plot by a dangerous cat named Tigerclaw, who wants to take over all the Clans. Firepaw, who becomes Firestar, must stop him.
Warriors: The New Prophecy (2005–2006)
In this second series, the cats' forest home is being destroyed by humans and their machines. The Clans are in danger! A group of young cats, including Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight, go on a long journey to find a new home. The series follows their quest and the Clans' difficult journey to their new lakeside territories. They face many challenges to rebuild their lives.
Warriors: Power of Three (2007–2009)
This third series focuses on a prophecy about three cats with special powers. Three kittens are born: Lionblaze, Jayfeather, and Hollyleaf. Lionblaze and Jayfeather have amazing abilities, but Hollyleaf does not. The books explore their lives and their search for what the prophecy means.
Warriors: Omen of the Stars (2009–2012)
This series continues the story from Power of Three. It's revealed that Dovewing is the third cat with a special power, not Hollyleaf. The three cats learn that spirits from the Dark Forest (the cat hell) are planning to attack the living Clans. These evil spirits, led by Tigerstar, are training living cats in their dreams. The series ends with a huge battle involving all the Clans, StarClan, and the Dark Forest. Firestar defeats Tigerstar's spirit, saving the Clans, but he dies in the process.
Warriors: Dawn of the Clans (2013–2015)
This fifth series is a prequel, meaning it tells a story that happened before the main series. It shows how the Clans first began. Cats from a mountain tribe leave their home to find a better place. They discover the forest that later becomes the Clans' territory and form the first Clans.
Warriors: A Vision of Shadows (2016–2018)
This sixth series follows Alderheart, Violetshine, and Twigbranch. They try to help SkyClan, a lost fifth Clan, settle near the lake. They also face constant attacks from a group of rogue cats led by Darktail, who almost destroys ShadowClan.
Warriors: The Broken Code (2019–2021)
This seventh series is about Bristlefrost, Shadowsight, and Rootspring from different Clans. Bramblestar, the leader of ThunderClan, is possessed by an evil spirit named Ashfur. The three young cats must find a way to defeat Ashfur and the spirits he controls. They also need to reconnect with StarClan, as Ashfur has cut them off. The series ends with the Clans deciding to update some of their ancient rules, called the warrior code.
Warriors: A Starless Clan (2022–2024)
This eighth series focuses on Nightheart, Sunbeam, and Frostdawn. RiverClan's leader and deputy die, and StarClan doesn't show them who the next leader should be. Also, there's growing tension among the Clans because of changes made to the warrior code.
Warriors: Changing Skies (2025–TBA)
This ninth series is about Leafstar (SkyClan's leader), Tawnypelt (a senior ShadowClan warrior), and Moonpaw (a ThunderClan apprentice). In this series, the Clans struggle as humans ("Twolegs") start moving into their territory.
Other Warriors Books
Super Editions
Super Editions are longer, stand-alone books in the Warriors series, usually about twice the length of a regular book. The first one, Firestar's Quest, tells about Firestar's journey to help rebuild SkyClan, a Clan that was lost for a long time. There have been 17 Super Editions so far. Most of them include a special manga chapter at the end.
- Firestar's Quest (21 August 2007)
- Bluestar's Prophecy (28 July 2009)
- SkyClan's Destiny (8 August 2010)
- Crookedstar's Promise (5 July 2011)
- Yellowfang's Secret (9 December 2012)
- Tallstar's Revenge (2 July 2013)
- Bramblestar's Storm (26 August 2014)
- Moth Flight's Vision (3 November 2015)
- Hawkwing's Journey (1 November 2016)
- Tigerheart's Shadow (5 September 2017)
- Crowfeather's Trial (4 September 2018)
- Squirrelflight's Hope (3 September 2019)
- Graystripe's Vow (1 September 2020)
- Leopardstar's Honor (7 September 2021)
- Onestar's Confession (6 September 2022)
- Riverstar's Home (5 September 2023)
- Ivypool's Heart (3 September 2024)
- StormClan's Folly (8 August 2025)
Field Guides
The authors have also created "field guides." These books have short stories, lists, and art that give more details about the Warriors world. They are usually about 150 pages long.
- Secrets of the Clans (29 May 2007)
- Cats of the Clans (24 June 2008)
- Code of the Clans (9 June 2009)
- Battles of the Clans (1 June 2010)
- Enter the Clans (26 June 2012)
- The Warriors Guide (8 August 2012)
- Warriors: The Ultimate Guide (5 November 2013)
- The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded (31 October 2023)
Manga and Graphic Novels
Several series of original English-language manga were made by HarperCollins and Tokyopop. These include Graystripe's Adventure, Tigerstar and Sasha, Ravenpaw's Path, and SkyClan and the Stranger, each with three books. There's also a stand-alone book, The Rise of Scourge. Later books, starting with A Shadow in RiverClan, are called graphic novels and are single books.
- Graystripe's Adventure (colored release on 8 August 2017)
- The Lost Warrior (24 April 2007)
- Warrior's Refuge (26 December 2007)
- Warrior's Return (22 April 2008)
- The Rise of Scourge (24 June 2008) (colored release on 12 March 2024)
- Tigerstar and Sasha (colored release on 8 July 2025)
- Into the Woods (2 September 2008)
- Escape from the Forest (23 December 2008)
- Return to the Clans (9 June 2009)
- Ravenpaw's Path (colored release on 26 June 2018)
- Shattered Peace (24 November 2009)
- A Clan in Need (23 March 2010)
- The Heart of a Warrior (3 August 2010)
- SkyClan and the Stranger (colored release on 28 May 2019)
- The Rescue (5 July 2011)
- Beyond the Code (22 November 2011)
- After the Flood (3 April 2012)
- A Shadow in RiverClan (2 June 2020)
- Winds of Change (1 June 2021)
- Exile From ShadowClan (7 June 2022)
- A Thief in ThunderClan (6 June 2023)
It was also announced that the first main series, The Prophecies Begin, will be made into graphic novels.
- The Prophecies Begin
- Volume 1 (16 July 2024)
- Volume 2 (8 April 2025)
- Volume 3 (30 September 2025)
Novellas
Novellas are shorter stories written by Erin Hunter. They were first released as e-books. Later, they were published in collections of three novellas each, like Legends of the Clans.
- The Untold Stories (2 July 2013)
- "Hollyleaf's Story" (3 March 2012)
- "Mistystar's Omen" (11 September 2012)
- "Cloudstar's Journey" (29 January 2013)
- Tales from the Clans (4 November 2014)
- "Tigerclaw's Fury" (28 January 2014)
- "Leafpool's Wish" (22 April 2014)
- "Dovewing's Silence" (4 November 2014)
- Shadows of the Clans (26 January 2016)
- "Mapleshade's Vengeance" (24 March 2015)
- "Goosefeather's Curse" (1 September 2015)
- "Ravenpaw's Farewell" (26 January 2016)
- Legends of the Clans (11 April 2017)
- "Spottedleaf's Heart"
- "Pinestar's Choice"
- "Thunderstar's Echo"
- Path of a Warrior (9 April 2019)
- "Redtail's Debt"
- "Tawnypelt's Clan"
- "Shadowstar's Life"
- A Warrior's Spirit (7 April 2020)
- "Pebbleshine's Kits"
- "Tree's Roots"
- "Mothwing's Secret"
- A Warrior's Choice (6 April 2021)
- "Daisy's Kin"
- "Spotfur's Rebellion"
- "Blackfoot's Reckoning"
Important Themes in Warriors
Victoria Holmes has said that writing about cats allows them to explore difficult human topics without making them too heavy. These topics include death, not accepting others who are different, and religious differences.
A common theme in the series is forbidden love. These relationships are not allowed because of the warrior code, which is a set of rules the cats live by. Another big theme is "faith and spirituality" related to StarClan. StarClan's influence is in all the books, with prophecies coming true and scenes even taking place in StarClan's world. This shows that an afterlife and the spirits of ancestors are very important to the stories.
The books also explore how different beliefs interact. For example, the Tribe of Rushing Water, who have different spiritual ancestors than the Clans, are introduced. Holmes explained that the books don't say one belief is right or wrong; both are equally valid. This can lead to fear and suspicion between groups because they don't understand each other.
Another theme is that characters can be a mix of good and bad. Holmes finds these "shades of gray" in personalities interesting. For example, Bluestar, a noble cat, gave up her kits for her own ambitions. Tigerstar, a villain, was still brave and loyal. The books also explore whether a character is born a certain way or if their experiences shape them. For instance, Brambleclaw's father was the evil Tigerstar, but Brambleclaw shows he is not evil, despite others' initial suspicions.
Reviewers have noted that the books teach about friendship and responsibility. They also show that experiencing challenges in life is important. One reviewer said that Warriors teaches that "it doesn't matter where you come from, only who you are inside." In the book Dawn, the importance of working together is shown when the four Clans, who are usually enemies, must cooperate to find a new home. Other themes include family, loss, honor, bravery, death, and loyalty.
Publication Details
Most Warriors books have been released as hardcovers, paperbacks, audiobooks, and e-books. The audiobooks for The New Prophecy series are narrated by Nanette Savard, and many people have praised her performance. The Omen of the Stars audiobooks are read by Veronica Taylor.
Books Around the World
The Warriors series was first published in the United States and the United Kingdom. The covers for the first two series were slightly different in the UK. Warriors books are also sold in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. They have been translated into many languages, including Czech, Norwegian, Japanese, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. The first six books are available in Italy and Latin America, and the first five series in Germany and the Netherlands. Fans of the series can also be found in Trinidad and Singapore.
Other Warriors Fun
Website and App
The official Warriors website used to have screensavers, videos about how manga books are made, and quizzes. There were also online games like the New Prophecy Adventure. The website has been redesigned and is now available through browsers and a mobile app. The new version has new games, character profiles, and an updated family tree.
In 2011, an official iOS and Android app was released. It had lots of information about the books, characters, and settings, plus two exclusive short stories and a trivia game. This app was later removed. In 2019, a new Warriors app called Warrior Cats Hub was released. Through this app, you can read blogs, see fanart, join art challenges, and vote in polls that sometimes affect the story of the series!
Movies and Animations
On October 20, 2016, it was announced that Alibaba Pictures bought the rights to make a Warriors movie. David Heyman, who produced the Harry Potter films, is the producer. Later, STX Entertainment joined to help make the film, and screenwriters Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger were hired to write the script.
In January 2024, it was announced that Coolabi Group signed a deal with Tencent Video to create a Warriors animation.
Short Stories
The first short story published was "Spottedleaf's Honest Answer." Another short story, "The Clans Decide," was released online in 2009. Two other short stories, "After Sunset: The Right Choice?" and "The Elders' Concern," were once available on the old Warriors mobile app.
Plays
Victoria Holmes wrote a play called After Sunset: We Need to Talk, which premiered in Seattle in 2007. It's about a meeting between Leafpool of ThunderClan and Crowfeather of WindClan. The script was later shared online.
Another play, Brightspirit's Mercy, was performed by high school students. This play is about Jaypaw, Lionblaze, and Hollyleaf. In the play, three cats from StarClan appear to them: Brightspirit and her parents. These characters were created to remember a 10-year-old Warriors fan, Emmy Grace Cherry, and her parents, who died in a tornado. They tell the young cats that they must help feed the other Clans.
Collectibles
In the Chinese versions of the books, special "3-D trading cards" are included. These cards show pictures of characters, their names, and information about them. In 2019, when the Warrior Cats Hub app came out, many official Warriors products were released. These included posters, pins, bracelets, bookmarks, stationery, figurines, necklaces, bags, and shirts. Small plush heads and full-sized plush toys of different characters have also been made.
Games
An official Warriors roleplay game on Roblox called Warrior Cats: Ultimate Edition was released in May 2021. It has become one of the most popular branded games on the platform, played over 430 million times!
See also
In Spanish: Los gatos guerreros para niños
