Hellobee

Reading is such a big part of my kids’ daily lives, and being in the US is like being a candy store with so many options available to us. It’s hard to live on an island with no bookstores! Lately both my kids have really been into a series called Warriors, and talking to other parents of tweens, many of their kids name this as their favorite series!

Warriors
Reading Age: 8-12
Our Recommended Age: 9+

Warriors is a popular fantasy series about groups of feral anthropomorphic cats (clans) who often come into conflict with one another. The intricately designed cat world explores themes like war, prejudice, politics, religion, and forbidden love that have many parallels to modern society. Because there is a fair amount of violence and many characters to keep track of, I think this series is better suited to kids 9+. My cat-loving daughter and son both love it equally. Luckily there are many books in the Warriors Universe written by several authors under the pseudonym Erin Hunter (including Tui. T Sutherland of Wings of Fire fame). A box set would make a great Christmas gift as it’s $5 off right now!

There are 83 books in the Warriors Universe! The main series consists of 36 books divided into 7 arcs.

• Warriors: The Prophecy Begins (6 books)
• Warriors: The New Prophecy (5 books)
• Warriors: Power of Three (5 books)
• Warriors: Omen of the Stars (5 books)
• Warriors: Dawn of the Clans (5 books)
• Warriors: A Vision of Shadows (5 books)
• Warriors: The Broken Code (5 books)

There are also 14 standalone Super Editions that are twice as long as regular books in the series. The first one, Firestar’s Quest, takes place after the first 6 books in Warriors: The Prophecy Begins. The Super Editions flesh out individual characters, so they should be read after the corresponding books in the main series.

15 manga/graphic novels – These are standalone stories in the Warriors Universe.

13 novella anthologies – Like the Super Editions, the novellas should be read after the corresponding books in the main series.

5 field guides – The field guides have spoilers so make sure to get the corresponding ones after each series is finished.

It’s a lot to keep track of, so you can see all the books in chronological order here. I put together a chronological reading guide based on this Quora thread to avoid any spoilers!

Warriors: The Prophecy Begins
– Super Edition: Firestar’s Quest
– Super Edition: Bluestar’s Prophecy, Crookedstar’s Promise, Yellowfang’s Secret, Tallstar’s Revenge

Warriors: The New Prophecy
– Novella: Cloudstar’s Journey

Warriors: Power of Three
– Novella: Tigerclaw’s Fury, Redtail’s Debt
– Guidebooks 1, 2, 3
– Super Edition: Leafpool’s Wish

Warriors: Omen of the Stars
– Novella: Dovewing’s Silence
– Super Edition: Hollyleaf’s Story, Bramblestar’s Storm, Crowfeather’s Trial
– Novellas: Mistystar’s Omen, Mapleshade’s Vengeance, Goosefeather’s Curse, Ravenpaw’s Farewell, Spottedleaf’s Heart, Pinestar’s Choice

Warriors: Dawn of the Clans
– Super Editions: Moth Flight’s Vision, Thunderstar’s Echo, Shadowstar’s Life
– Field Guides: Ultimate Guide, Battles of the Clans

Warriors: A Vision of Shadows
– read the rest of the Super Editions and novellas

Warriors: The Broken Code
– Super Edition: Graystripe’s Vow

The books should be read in order and my kids are on the second series right now. Several Warrriors books are on my shortlist for Christmas. For me to buy the physical books means that my kids really love them, and I know that they’ll reread them. Warriors has turned many reluctant readers into readers, especially with so many books and such a well developed universe that gets kids hooked. Even teens and adults are fans!