Cats of the Clans

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Cats of the Clans
Cats of the clans.jpg
Author Erin Hunter
Illustrator Wayne McLoughlin
Cover artist Wayne McLoughlin
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Series Warriors
Genre Children's literature
Fantasy
Publisher Avon
Publication date
June 24, 2008
Media typePrint (hardback)
Pages91 pp
ISBN 978-0-06-145856-9
OCLC 214322581
LC Class PZ7.H916625 Cat 2008
Preceded by Secrets of the Clans  
Followed by Code of the Clans  

Cats of the Clans is a field guide in the Warriors novel series. The novel itself consists of biographical details and paintings of the most notable cats. The information is given the form of stories told to three StarClan kittens. The narrator is Rock, a mysterious hairless blind cat.

Contents

The book has sold more than 150,000 copies. [1]

Plot

In the introductory chapter, "Three Lost Travelers", the kits Mosskit, Adderkit and Blossomkit have somehow walked from their home StarClan, the place where Clan cats go when they die, to Rock's home, in the far unknown. Rock tells the three that they did not live long enough to learn about their Clanmates, so he will answer their questions about the cats they left behind. Rock describes himself as "the keeper of the world beneath the one your former Clanmates walk."

The remainder of the book consists of Rock's stories about each Clan, and descriptions of various cats within the Clans. Rock describes major events in the cats' lives, and often comments on why the cat is special or acted as they did. There are also stories about a few cats from the Tribe of Rushing Water, SkyClan, and BloodClan in addition to some loners and kittypets.

Although Rock, as the narrator, claims neutrality, the book does not treat each Clan equally, devoting more space to ThunderClan cats. This is to be expected, as during the time when the book was published, ThunderClan was the only Clan to have been written as a main Clan.

Format and content

All text is written in first-person point of view with Rock as the narrator. He is talking to three kits, and often makes direct reference to them.

The introductory chapter is two pages long. Each Clan introductory chapter is also two pages long. These are followed by two-page spreads for each cat (or group of cats) discussed; text is on the left page and a full-color illustration is on the right page.

The Clans and cats described in the book are as follows:

ThunderClan: Firestar, Bluestar, Graystripe and Millie, Sandstorm, Yellowfang, Cinderpelt, Leafpool, Squirrelflight, Brambleclaw, Ashfur, Brightheart and Cloudtail (with an illustration of only Brightheart), Jaypaw, Hollypaw, and Lionpaw.
ShadowClan: Tigerstar, Brokenstar, Blackstar, Tawnypelt, Boulder, and Littlecloud and Runningnose.
WindClan: Tallstar, Onestar, Mudclaw, Crowfeather, Nightcloud and Breezepaw, and Heatherpaw.
RiverClan: Crookedstar, Leopardstar, Graypool, Mistyfoot and Stonefur, Silverstream, Feathertail, Stormfur, Hawkfrost, Mothwing and Willowpaw.
Cats outside the Clans: Ravenpaw and Barley, Princess, and Smudge
Tribe of Rushing Water: Brook Where Small Fish Swim and Talon of Swooping Eagle (with an illustration of only Talon) and Teller of the Pointed Stones
SkyClan: Cloudstar and Skywatcher, Leafstar, Echosong, and Sharpclaw.
BloodClan: Scourge and Bone.

The book also contains four maps (forest illustration, forest diagram, lake illustration, lake diagram) and an excerpt from Eclipse.

Errors

There are a few mistakes in the book. Scourge of BloodClan is shown with an orange collar, instead of purple. It additionally shows Scourge as a black-and-orange cat, despite the fact that he is a pure black cat (save for his one white paw). The book also erroneously states that Blackfoot was Nightstar’s deputy, but Cinderfur was Nightstar's deputy. Blackfoot served as Brokenstar and Tigerstar's deputy.

Critical reception

A review by School Library Journal praised how the pictures show ferocity of the cats and how "the full-color portraits of these cats are spectacular. They show these characters to be exciting, vibrant, and unique, and will interest new readers much more than the tone-heavy, mysterious musings of the narrator". [2]

Related Research Articles

<i>Warriors</i> (novel series) Series of juvenile fantasy novels

Warriors is a series of novels based on the adventures and drama of multiple Clans of feral cats. The series is primarily set in fictional forests. Published by HarperCollins, the series is written by authors Kate Cary and Cherith Baldry, as well as others, under the collective pseudonym Erin Hunter. The concept and plot of the pilot series was developed by series editor Victoria Holmes.

<i>Fire and Ice</i> (Hunter novel) 2003 novel by Erin Hunter

Fire and Ice is a children's fantasy novel, the second book in the Warriors series, written by Kate Cary under the pen name of Erin Hunter. The plot centers around Fireheart and Graystripe, newly promoted warriors of ThunderClan, which is one of the four groups of feral cats living in the wilderness. Fireheart learns that his best friend Graystripe has fallen in love with Silverstream, a warrior from RiverClan, even though it is against the cats' "warrior code".

<i>Forest of Secrets</i> 2003 novel by Erin Hunter

Forest of Secrets is a children's fantasy novel, the third book in the original Warriors series, written by Cherith Baldry under the pen name of Erin Hunter. The plot is about Fireheart, a ThunderClan warrior, attempting to prevent his best friend Graystripe from falling in love with Silverstream, whom Graystripe is not allowed to fall in love with. Silverstream later dies giving birth to Graystripe's kits. When RiverClan claims the kits, Graystripe makes the difficult decision to join RiverClan. Fireheart also becomes deputy after Tigerclaw, the deputy, attempts to kill the leader, Bluestar. The main theme of the book is forbidden love. Forest of Secrets takes place in a fictional forest based on many natural locations.

<i>Rising Storm</i> (novel) 2004 novel by Erin Hunter

Rising Storm is a fantasy novel, the fourth book in the Warriors series, written under the pen name of Erin Hunter. Rising Storm was written by Kate Cary. The series follows the adventures of four Clans of wild, anthropomorphic cats. The plot follows Fireheart, newest deputy of ThunderClan, struggling to complete his duties as deputy, while still knowing that the previous deputy, Tigerclaw, is lurking in the forest somewhere, seeking revenge against Fireheart and his Clan.

<i>A Dangerous Path</i> 2004 novel by Erin Hunter

A Dangerous Path is a fantasy novel, the fifth book in the Warriors series, written under the pseudonym of Erin Hunter. This individual book was written by Cherith Baldry. The story centers around Fireheart, deputy of ThunderClan, as he attempts to keep his Clan safe with the help of his ailing leader, while fighting off outside threats such as dogs and enemy Clans.

<i>The Darkest Hour</i> (novel) 2004 novel by Erin Hunter

The Darkest Hour is a children's fantasy novel, the sixth and last book in the original Warriors series by Erin Hunter, featuring the fictional character Firestar, a cat. The series revolves around a group of wild cats living in four Clans, ThunderClan, RiverClan, WindClan, and ShadowClan. It was published on 1 October 2004, by HarperCollins. The story chronicles the events directly after A Dangerous Path and leads to the final battle for the forest.

<i>Midnight</i> (Hunter novel) 2005 novel by Erin Hunter

Midnight is a fantasy novel, the first book in Erin Hunter's Warriors: The New Prophecy series. Following The Darkest Hour and Firestar's Quest, and preceding Moonrise, it was released 10 May 2005. The novel centers on a group of feral cats living in four Clans: ThunderClan, RiverClan, WindClan, and ShadowClan.

<i>Dawn</i> (Hunter novel) 2005 novel by Erin Hunter

Dawn is a children's fantasy novel, the third book in the Warriors: The New Prophecy series. Dawn was written by Kate Cary under the pen name of Erin Hunter. It was published on 27 December 2005 by HarperCollins. The book follows the adventures of the four warrior cat Clans after five questing cats return to the forest with a grave message to find a new home. Together, the Clans cross a mountain range and meet another group of cats, the Tribe of Rushing Water. At the end, a new territory is found beside a lake.

<i>Starlight</i> (novel) 2006 novel by Erin Hunter

Starlight is a children's fantasy novel, the fourth book in Erin Hunter's bestselling Warriors: The New Prophecy series. The hardback was released on 4 April 2006 and in paperback on 27 March 2007.

<i>Sunset</i> (novel) 2006 novel by Erin Hunter

Sunset is a fantasy novel, the sixth and final book in Erin Hunter's Warriors: The New Prophecy series. The book begins with the group of cats known as ThunderClan rebuilding its camp with the help of its old friends Stormfur and Brook following a badger attack in Twilight. As the book progresses, Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight overcome a previous conflict and fall in love again, but Brambleclaw continues to visit the spirit of his evil father Tigerstar in his dreams. Brambleclaw manages to convince ThunderClan leader Firestar to choose a new deputy to replace the long missing Graystripe and is surprised when he is chosen. Brambleclaw's half-brother Hawkfrost attempts to kill Firestar in order that Brambleclaw might become leader of ThunderClan, but Brambleclaw saves Firestar and kills Hawkfrost, fulfilling the prophecy "Before there is peace, blood will spill blood and the lake will run red".

<i>Warriors: Power of Three</i> Third arc in the Warriors series

Warriors: Power of Three is the third arc in the Warriors juvenile fantasy novel series about anthropomorphic feral cats. The arc comprises six novels which were published from 2007 to 2009: The Sight, Dark River, Outcast, Eclipse, Long Shadows, and Sunrise. The novels are published by HarperCollins under the pseudonym Erin Hunter, which refers to authors Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, Tui Sutherland and plot developer/editor Victoria Holmes. Power of Three details the experiences of protagonist of the first series Firestar's three grandchildren, initially known as Jaykit, Hollykit, and Lionkit, whom a prophecy foretells will have "the power of the stars in their paws". The arc's major themes deal with forbidden love, the concept of nature versus nurture, and characters being a mix of good and bad. Though the novels have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List and have been nominated for several awards, none of the novels in Warriors: Power of Three have won a significant literary award.

<i>Code of the Clans</i> 2009 book by Erin Hunter

Code of the Clans is a field guide in the Warriors novel series. Code of the Clans is about the warrior code that guides the Clans in their everyday behavior and decisions.

<i>The Rise of Scourge</i> 2008 OEL manga by Erin Hunter and Dan Jolley

The Rise of Scourge is an original English-language manga written by Erin Hunter and Dan Jolley, and illustrated by Bettina Kurkoski as part of the Warriors series. The Rise of Scourge is a stand-alone manga that details the rise to power of the BloodClan leader, Scourge.

<i>Bluestars Prophecy</i> 2009 novel by Erin Hunter

Bluestar's Prophecy is a children's fantasy novel in the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. This is the second Warriors Super Edition, the first being Firestar's Quest. The book follows Bluestar from birth until her eventual rise to leadership in ThunderClan. It was published by HarperCollins and released on 28 July 2009. It was released in China on 31 July 2010.

<i>A Clan in Need</i> 2010 OEL manga by Erin Hunter

A Clan in Need is one of three entries in a spin-off original English-language manga series based on the Warriors novel series. The book was published by Tokyopop on 23 March 2010 and drawn by James L. Barry under the pen name Erin Hunter.

<i>Yellowfangs Secret</i> 2012 novel by Erin Hunter

Yellowfang's Secret is a children's fantasy novel written by Cherith Baldry under the pseudonym Erin Hunter. It is the fifth "Super Edition" in the Warriors novel series. Yellowfang's Secret was first released in hardcover on 9 October 2012.

<i>Warriors: The New Prophecy</i>

Warriors: The New Prophecy is the second arc in the Warriors juvenile fantasy novel series about cats, who live in 4 established clans and follow a code to keep the peace between them from breaking apart completely. The arc comprises six novels which were published from 2005 to 2006: Midnight, Moonrise, Dawn, Starlight, Twilight, and Sunset. The novels are published by HarperCollins under the pseudonym Erin Hunter, which refers to authors Kate Cary and Cherith Baldry and plot developer/editor Victoria Holmes. The New Prophecy details the Clans' journey to a new home when humans destroy their original territories. The arc's major themes deal with forbidden love, the concept of nature versus nurture, and characters being a mix of good and bad. Though the novels have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List and have been nominated for several awards, none of the novels in Warriors: The New Prophecy has won a significant literary award.

<i>Warriors: Omen of the Stars</i>

Warriors: Omen of the Stars is the fourth arc in the Warriors juvenile fantasy novel series about feral cats who live in Clans. It is made up of six novels published by HarperCollins from 2009 to 2012: The Fourth Apprentice, Fading Echoes, Night Whispers, Sign of the Moon, The Forgotten Warrior, and The Last Hope. The novels were written by Erin Hunter, a pseudonym that refers to authors Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, and Tui Sutherland, as well as plot developer and editor Victoria Holmes. Omen of the Stars details the experiences of Jayfeather, Lionblaze, and Dovewing, who, as part of a prophecy, have special powers. The arc's themes deal with forbidden love and the effect that being different can have on relationships. Though the Warriors series has appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list, none of the novels in Warriors: Omen of the Stars have won a significant literary award.

Warriors: The Prophecies Begin is the first story arc in the Warriors juvenile fantasy novel series about feral cats. The arc comprises six novels which were published from 2003 to 2004: Into the Wild, Fire and Ice, Forest of Secrets, Rising Storm, A Dangerous Path, and The Darkest Hour. The novels are published by HarperCollins under the pseudonym Erin Hunter, which refers to authors Kate Cary and Cherith Baldry and plot developer/editor Victoria Holmes. The sub-series details the adventures of the housecat Rusty, who joins ThunderClan, one of four Clans of feral cats living in a forest which adjoins the human town in which he originally lives. The arc's major themes deal with forbidden love, the concept of nature versus nurture, and characters being a mix of good and evil. Though the novels have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List and have been nominated for several awards, none of the novels in the Warriors sub-series have won a significant literary award.

References

  1. Abbott, Charlotte (May 5, 2008). "On sale in June.(books)". AccessMyLibrary. Publishers Weekly . Retrieved 14 July 2010.
  2. Dean, Kara Schaff (February 1, 2009). "Hunter, Erin. Cats of the Clans.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Book review)". AccessMyLibrary. School Library Journal. Retrieved 14 July 2010.