Where do I start reading Warriors: Cats? - briefly
Begin with the "Warriors: The Prophecies Begin" series. This initial set of books introduces the core concepts and characters that form the foundation of the entire Warriors universe. It consists of three books: "Into the Wild," "Fire and Ice," and "Forest of Secrets." These books set the stage for the subsequent series and provide essential background information.
The Warriors universe is divided into several series, each focusing on different generations of cats and their adventures. After completing "The Prophecies Begin," you can proceed to "Warriors: The New Prophecy," which follows the same clans a generation later. This series includes "Midnight," "Moonrise," "Dawn," and "Starlight." It continues the storylines introduced in the first series and expands on the world-building.
For a more chronological reading experience, consider starting with "The Sunrise" which is a prequel series to the original series. This series provides a deeper understanding of the origins of the clans and their leaders. "The Sunrise" includes "The Sun Trail," "Thunder Rising," and "The First Battle." It offers insights into the early days of the clans and the events that shaped their histories.
If you prefer to dive into the modern era of the Warriors universe, start with "Warriors: Power of Three." This series introduces a new generation of cats and their prophecies. It includes "The Sight," "Dark River," "Outcast," and "Eclipse." This series is ideal for readers who want to explore the current dynamics of the clans and their ongoing struggles.
Additionally, there are several standalone novels and shorter series that can be read independently or alongside the main series. These include "Warriors: Omen of the Stars," "Warriors: Dawn of the Clans," and "Warriors: A Vision of Shadows." Each of these series offers unique perspectives and storylines within the Warriors universe.
For a comprehensive reading experience, consider reading the Field Guides and the Super Editions. These books provide in-depth information about the clans, their territories, and their customs. They also offer detailed character profiles and additional stories that enrich the overall narrative. The Field Guides include "Cats of the Clans," "Code of the Clans," "Battles of the Clans," "Secrets of the Clans," and "Enter the Clans." The Super Editions feature longer, standalone stories about specific characters and their journeys.
Where do I start reading Warriors: Cats? - in detail
The "Warriors" series, also known as "Warriors: Cats," is a popular collection of young adult fantasy novels written by Erin Hunter, a pseudonym used by several authors. The series is renowned for its intricate world-building and engaging storytelling, focusing on the lives of wild cats in various clans. For new readers, navigating the extensive series can be daunting. However, with a structured approach, one can easily immerse themselves in this captivating universe.
The "Warriors" series is divided into several sub-series, each comprising multiple books. The main sub-series are "The Prophecies Begin," "The New Prophecy," "Power of Three," "Omen of the Stars," and "Dawn of the Clans." Additionally, there are stand-alone novels, novellas, and short story collections that expand the lore. To start reading, it is advisable to begin with "The Prophecies Begin," as it introduces the foundational elements of the world and the main characters.
"The Prophecies Begin" consists of six books: "Into the Wild," "Fire and Ice," "Forest of Secrets," "Rising Storm," "A Dangerous Path," and "The Darkest Hour." These books chronicle the journey of Rusty, a house cat who joins ThunderClan, one of the four warrior clans. Rusty, later renamed Firepaw, becomes a central character in the series, and his adventures set the stage for the subsequent sub-series. Reading these books in order is crucial, as they establish the setting, introduce key characters, and lay the groundwork for future plot developments.
After completing "The Prophecies Begin," readers can proceed to "The New Prophecy," which continues the story with three new apprentice cats: Firestar's former apprentice Brambleclaw, his sister Tawnypaw, and Squirrelpaw, Firestar's new apprentice. This sub-series explores new threats and prophecies that challenge the warrior cats. The books in this sub-series are "Midnight," "Moonrise," "Dawn," "Starlight," and "Twilight."
"The New Prophecy" is followed by "Power of Three," which focuses on the lives of Firestar's grandchildren: Jaypaw, Hollypaw, and Lionpaw. This sub-series delves into the themes of destiny and the power of family. The books in this sub-series are "The Sight," "Dark River," "Outcast," "Eclipse," and "Long Shadows."
Next, readers can move on to "Omen of the Stars," which introduces a new set of characters and prophecies. This sub-series features the adventures of Jayfeather, Hollyleaf, and Lionblaze, the grandchildren of Firestar. The books in this sub-series are "The Fourth Apprentice," "Fading Echoes," "Night Whispers," "Sign of the Moon," "The Forgotten Warrior," and "The Last Hope."
Finally, "Dawn of the Clans" is a prequel sub-series that explores the origins of the warrior clans. This sub-series provides valuable background information and is a great way to deepen one's understanding of the world and its characters. The books in this sub-series are "The Sun Trail," "Thunder Rising," "The First Battle," "The Blazing Star," "A Forest Divided," and "Path of Stars."
In addition to the main sub-series, there are stand-alone novels, novellas, and short story collections that offer further insights into the world of the warrior cats. These include "Warriors: Field Guide," "Warriors: The Ultimate Guide," and various manga adaptations. While these supplementary materials are not essential for understanding the main storyline, they enrich the reading experience by providing additional details and perspectives.
For those who prefer a more immersive experience, the manga adaptations of the first three books in "The Prophecies Begin" sub-series—"Into the Wild," "Fire and Ice," and "Forest of Secrets"—offer a visual interpretation of the story. These manga adaptations can be a great way to engage with the series, especially for visual learners.
In summary, starting with "The Prophecies Begin" is the most logical approach for new readers. This sub-series introduces the foundational elements of the world and the main characters, setting the stage for the subsequent sub-series. Following the chronological order of the sub-series ensures a cohesive and enjoyable reading experience. The "Warriors" series is a rich and engaging world, and with a structured approach, readers can fully immerse themselves in the adventures of the warrior cats.