So… I’m officially a fan. I mean, cats, clans, intrigue and the ugly side of ambition, what’s not to love? If you haven’t guessed by now which cat series I’ve finally dipped my toes into, it’s the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. Into the Wild is fast-paced with a plot that thickens with each page you turn, pulling you deeper and deeper into feline territory.
While our own coming of ages might not (have) resemble(d) Firepaw’s too much* in terms of fighting for our lives amongst kitty clans’ claims for land and power, Into the Wild is certainly a novel that finely balances some of the injustices of life and how to remain true to yourself in spite of these moments.
So please don’t be surprised if/when you see me writing and/or singing eulogies dedicated to beloved fallen cats (as I’m sure will happen throughout the series). Think of it as a kitty Game of Thrones: just because a character is dear to the audience and to other characters within the novel, doesn’t mean it’s immune to being killed off by the author.
*Though in many ways, perhaps they might have: moving out from under parental authority = leaving his twoleg home; racking up achievements/keeping self alive & well = learning how to fend for himself, hunt, and prove self to the clan; figuring out who we are as human beings, what we stand for, etc. = Firepaw standing by what he believes is right.
If you enjoy the Warriors series, you could also take a look at:
- Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel
- Guardians of Ga’Hoole series by Kathryn Lasky (Lasky has also written a number of other series with animals as protagonists)
- The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
- Redwall series by Brian Jacques
- Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies
- And of course, the other series that Erin Hunter has published: Survivors, Bravelands, and Seekers.