The Warrior Cats series by Erin Hunter takes readers into a hidden world of wild, feral cats, each living in their own Clan with rules, territories, and traditions. These Clans often face fights and challenges, but two things always help keep them strong and united: their deep belief in StarClan and their loyalty to the Warrior Code.
The series explores the exciting world of warrior cats—strong, brave cats who protect and lead their Clans. The stories take place in a forest near a lake, where different clans of wild feral cats live. The books are packed with action, adventure, and powerful themes like battles, leadership, revenge, forbidden love, and belief systems.
The first video is a fan explanation of the chronological order of events in the Warrior Cats universe. The second video is a fan-suggested reading order guide.
- Fun Author Facts
The Warriors series is written by a team of authors—Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, and Tui Sutherland—with editor Victoria Holmes helping to shape the stories. Together, they use the name Erin Hunter, a pseudonym chosen by Victoria Holmes who liked "Erin" for its Celtic origin and "Hunter" to evoke the theme of feral cats and to ensure the series would be placed near Brian Jacques' Redwall series. This team effort helps keep the books’ style and themes the same across the entire series and makes it easier for readers to find them in libraries and stores.
- Victoria Holmes: She is the original editor and creator of the Warriors concept, developing the storyline and recruiting other writers.
- Kate Cary: She was the first author to write a Warriors book under the Erin Hunter pseudonym, specifically Into the Wild.
- Cherith Baldry: She joined the writing team shortly after Kate Cary and has contributed to many books in the series.
- Tui T. Sutherland: She has also written for the series and she writes the Wings of Fire series.
- Dan Jolley: He is the author of the Warriors graphic novels.
Over time, other writers like Clarissa Hutton, Inbali Iserles, Rosie Best, and Gillian Philip have also written under the Erin Hunter name.
- Series Synopsis
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Warriors
This is the first series that started it all. For generations, four clans of wild cats have lived in the forest, following a strict warrior code. But when mysterious deaths begin to happen, everything is in danger. A young house cat named Rusty leaves his home to join the wild cats and may become the hero they need.Image
Dawn of the Clans (this is the prequel series)
This series goes back in time to show how the four clans first began. Before the warrior code, cats lived alone or in small groups. But when battles and hunger grow worse, brave cats must come together to build a new way of life—and the first clans are born.Image
The New Prophecy
The forest is dying, and the clans are in danger. StarClan—the spirits of warrior ancestors—send a message to six young cats. These chosen cats must go on a long and dangerous journey to save their clans and find a new place to call home.Image
Power of Three
Three young cats are born into ThunderClan with a secret destiny. They have special powers that could change the future of the clans forever. But power can be dangerous, and one wrong choice could destroy everything.Image
A Vision of Shadows
A new generation of cats rises, but something isn’t right. A mysterious group of cats appears, and their arrival shakes the clans to the core. Old rules are tested, and young warriors must decide who to trust as shadows from the past return.Image
Omen of the Stars
The cats of the Clans face a new danger as dark spirits return from the dead to cause trouble. Three young cats with special powers must work together to stop them. They learn the truth about their powers and make big choices to save their home.Image
Broken Code
Strange things are happening in the Clans, and the warrior code is being broken. One cat begins to act like a leader without StarClan’s approval, and others notice StarClan has gone silent. A small group of cats must uncover the truth and bring balance back.Image
Starless Clan
The Clans are trying to rebuild after a time of darkness, but not everyone agrees on how things should change. A new generation of cats questions the old rules and traditions. Together, they must decide what kind of future the Clans should have.
The Warriors series is ultimately multi-generational. Readers witness these characters grow from kittens to respected elder cats with families of their own, to passing away due to age, battle, accident, or sickness. With multiple clans and family lines, there are a lot of characters—it can be difficult to keep track of them all!
In "Leading Roles," read about some of the series' fan-favorite characters. In "Other Factoids," learn interesting trivia about this feral series. Read at your own risk; these are not spoiler-free.
- Leading Roles
The most widely recognized characters in the Warrior Cats series are Firestar, Tigerstar, and Squirrelflight.
Firestar
Firestar is the main character in the first Warriors series. He starts out as a regular house cat named Rusty, but his life changes when he joins ThunderClan and gets the name Firepaw. Even though some cats don’t trust him at first because he wasn’t born in the wild, Firestar works hard, follows the warrior code, and proves himself again and again. He becomes a brave leader who always tries to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. Firestar’s story shows that anyone can become a hero, no matter where they come from.Tigerstar
Tigerstar is one of the most dangerous villains in the Warriors series. He begins as a ThunderClan warrior but breaks the rules and causes trouble because he wants power more than anything else. He lies, cheats, and even hurts other cats to get what he wants. Even after he dies, his evil plans continue through other cats. Tigerstar is scary and powerful, and his actions change the forest forever. He reminds readers that not all cats can be trusted—even those who seem loyal at first.Squirrelflight
Squirrelflight is a fiery and fearless she-cat from ThunderClan. She is the daughter of Firestar and often stands up for what she believes in, even when others disagree. At first, she’s bold and stubborn, but over time, she becomes wiser and more caring. She plays a big role in many parts of the story and has to make some really hard choices to protect her Clan and the cats she loves. Squirrelflight’s journey shows how important it is to stay true to yourself and fight for what’s right.Others that are regularly mentioned are Cinderpelt, Yellowfang, Leafpool, Ravenpaw, and Hollyleaf, as well as characters like Ivypool and Jayfeather.
Cinderpelt
Cinderpelt was a young cat full of energy and dreams, but her life changed after a serious injury. Even though she couldn’t become a warrior, she stayed strong and found a new path as a caring and wise medicine cat.Yellowfang
Yellowfang started out in ShadowClan and had a rough and grumpy personality, but deep down, she had a kind heart. Her tough past and bold attitude made her a cat others looked up to—even if she didn’t show her feelings easily.Leafpool
Leafpool is a gentle and thoughtful cat who becomes a medicine cat and plays a big role in many stories. Her journey is full of hard choices and deep emotions, which makes her easy for readers to connect with.Ravenpaw
Ravenpaw is a nervous and shy apprentice who struggles to fit in, especially with a scary mentor like Tigerclaw. But he shows true bravery by leaving ThunderClan and finding a peaceful life where he can be himself.Hollyleaf
Hollyleaf is strong-willed and deeply loyal to the warrior code, even when it causes her pain. Her story is full of mystery, tough choices, and personal growth that many readers find powerful.Ivypool
Ivypool is a brave and determined cat who secretly spies on dangerous cats in her dreams to help her Clan. Her feelings of being left out and wanting to prove herself make her story emotional and exciting.Jayfeather
Jayfeather is a blind medicine cat who doesn’t let his disability stop him from being smart, sarcastic, and powerful. He plays a big part in uncovering secrets and solving problems that affect all the Clans.- Other Factoids
In the Warriors world, Clan cats have names made up of two parts. The first part (like Blue, Bramble, or Tall) usually stays the same for their whole life. The second part of the name changes as the cat grows up and their role in the Clan changes.
- Kittens have names that end in “-kit” (like Bluekit or Bramblekit).
- Apprentices (cats in training) have names that end in “-paw” (like Bluepaw or Bramblepaw).
- Warriors and medicine cats get a new ending chosen by their leader or medicine cat, like Bluefur or Brambleclaw.
- Leaders get the special name ending “-star”, such as Bluestar or Bramblestar.
If a leader breaks the warrior code or does something very wrong, they might lose the “-star” part and go back to their warrior name.
You can find out your Warrior name on the official Warriors website.
In the following section, you will find listed the titles for every series. By clicking on a title, you will be taken to its entry in the card catalog where you can then place a hold.
- Many, Many Books
The Prophecy Begins
The series that started it all!Image
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Into the Wild Fire and Ice Forest of Secrets A Dangerous Path Rising Storm The Darkest Hour Dawn of the Clans - prequel
A prequel that explains how Warrior Cat Clans began!
The New Prophecy
The next generation of Warrior Cats!
The Power of Three
ThunderClan kits become apprentices!
Omen of the Stars
A prophecy from StarClan!
Vision of Shadows
Adventures following Omen of the Stars!
Broken Code
Continuing adventures following a Vision of Shadows!
Starless Clan
An imposter reigns and falls!
Changing Skies
Recent publications, the cat clans continue!
- Graphic Novels
Here is our collection of Warrior Cats graphic novels. Most of the currently published graphic novels tell new stories not depicted in other Warriors books. However, sometimes there are spoilers in the graphic novels so be aware. Starting 2026, a new set of graphic novels will be released that retell the story of the first main series and more.
Warriors: The Rise of Scourge
Warriors: Tigerstar & Sasha.#1 :Into the woods
Warriors: Tigerstar & Sasha.#2 :Escape from the forest
Warriors: Tigerstar & Sasha.#2 :Return to the clans
Warriors: Exile from Shadowclan
A thief in ThunderClan
A shadow in RiverClan
Warriors: Skyclan & the stranger: 1 The Rescue
Warriors: Skyclan & the stranger: 2 Beyond the Code
Warriors: Skyclan & the stranger: 3 After the Flood
The prophecies begin: 1
The prophecies begin: 2
Shattered peace
A clan in need
The heart of a warrior
Winds of change
The lost warrior
Warrior's refuge
Warrior's return
Further Reading...
- The Official Warrior Cats Website
- Warriors Field Guides in our library
Read-Alikes
Wings of Fire
In a world full of dragons, different tribes fight over power and treasure. A group of young dragons called the Dragonets of Destiny are chosen to bring peace to the land. They go on adventures, make friends and enemies, and learn secrets that could change everything.
Swordbird
Birds from different flocks are at war, but they don’t know an evil hawk is behind the fighting. A brave bluebird and a cardinal team up to stop him and bring peace. They call on the magical Swordbird, a hero who can only be summoned with a special song.
Secret of Glendunny
A young beaver named Lachlan lives in a hidden forest where animals talk and keep their home secret from humans. When a strange event threatens their peaceful life, Lachlan must go on a journey to protect Glendunny. Along the way, he discovers bravery, friendship, and the truth about his past.
Find more author and title Read-Alikes using our NoveList K-8 Plus database with your library card...